Classic Tarot Spreads

by Sandor Konraad

Classic Tarot Spreads presents one of the most comprehensive collections of card spreads available in one book. It includes 22 classic spreads that provide a key to the history, mythology and metaphysical meanings of the cards. The book not only covers the practice and ritual of card reading, it treats the Tarot deck as a magical tool and counseling medium that can be used to resolve basic life issues. Sandor Konraad includes spreads for opening a reading - answering questions about health, love, marriage and money - as well as spreads for ending a reading.

Genres: Tarot, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Occult

160 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1985

Reviews

[Tina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciated the author sharing his personal story of getting into Tarot, starting out skeptical and double-checking readings, which felt relatable. The three example readings at the end were also interesting. He layers multiple spreads for the same querent, which does give extra clarification.

some concerns:

1. the first half of the book is mostly card meanings, not spreads, which feels misleading for the title.

2. some spreads don’t come with enough explanation.

3. Published in 1985 so many meanings are different than my interpretations, Konraad doesn’t use reverses. he uses VIII Justice and XI Strength and uses cloth wraps to protect tarot cards against ”vibrations“. also assigns unconventional meanings (like Five of Cups as emotional fulfillment, Five of Wands as career fulfillment).

4. I’m not convinced that piling on spread after spread in one reading is necessary—sometimes it feels like it’s compensating for not going deep enough into / understanding the first spread.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have heard a lot about this book but never got a copy. Finally, I found one at the local library sale for $1.50 so I took it. What makes this one of the better books on the tarot, and I've read them all, is that he gives a full account of his readings and his spreads. Ms. Barbara Moore and Teresa Michelsen do not. Gail Fairfield does btw but her system is rather limited. Many books with tarot decks do not, but Mr. Konraad does as does Mrs. Doris Chase Doane and that puts both authors head over heels. He recommends using the Marseille or the Oswald Wirth Tarot for readings because he likes Justice as 8, as does Mrs Doane. The Thoth would work as well.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first useful book I used over thirty years ago. I am what you could call a tarot purist, and I stick to the Marseille deck. This book follows the Marseille method, but beware, a good bit of information given about tarot numerology is incorrect.

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

The tarot book I wish I would have had when I was first starting out. Great reference.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love this book! It makes tarot reading sooo much easier for beginners!

[Electric · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! It covers many different styles of spreads and how the author throws them. I've never seen some of the larger spreads contained herein. Easy to follow and unique.