Tarot Psychology

by Robert Wang

Tarot Psychology is unique in that it describes a practical system of inner development, using Jungian methods of active imagination similar to those taught secretly by Hermetic-Qabalistic and other organizations. The goal of these inner journeys is, however, not an escape from mundane human contact, but an appreciation of the complex relationships between mother, father, daughter, son, and others encountered in daily life. The principal is that until one truly understands the nature of these interactions, it is not possible to deal comfortably with the difficult group constructs which are called the archetypes of the collective unconscious Mother, Father, Daughter, and Son much less with the complex and often psychologically-dangerous inner Paths of the mystery tradition. Tarot Psychology presents a basic, and safe, plan of personal psychoanalysis which may lead to self-understanding and to true inner contact with the unconscious psychic realities described by mystics. The trip can be an amazing one using modern psychological principles, and pictures from the tarot, as the tools rather than the complex symbolism of esoteric tradition. (Volume I of the Jungian Tarot Trilogy.)

Genres: Tarot, Spirituality, Psychology, Nonfiction, Magic, Divination

120 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[✨Bean's Books✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting. This book belongs to a certain tarot deck. It goes into the psychology of THAT deck, not the Tarot in general.

[Tony Lucas · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read tarot cards. Some of these definitions are flat out wrong. The eight, nine, and ten of swords are all negative yet here they are considered almost love cards. The royal arcana have their elemental natures all mixed about as well. Good intention but seems more about the author than the subject matter.

[Andrew Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good introduction to a Jungian approach to Tarot cards—each of the cards of the Jungian tarot deck are described succinctly and with clear language. Wang did well in making hard abstract concepts in each of these cards digestible to the novice. What I most took away from it Jungian wise is that beyond facing our own Shadow what’s even scarier is facing the opposite sex with in us and to not let repression of the unconscious lead it to becoming a monstrous force.

There is a lot of value in studying astrology though an understand why St Augustine (although Ironically, Protestantism was born out of elites transactional indulgences) hated it because many people used astrology transactional though I am of a confident view that if you come to it with the intention to better the spiritual trial of taming your mind to be able to help people to your highest capacity, the. it’s not a pretentious waste of time. It is also cool there’s a course outline at the end of the book to really study the cards in depth.

[Jennifer Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this as part of a 3 book set years ago....my only regret is waiting this long to get stuck in!

This is the first book in a trilogy based on the Jungian Tarot Deck. Jungian Psychology focuses on the archetypes (anima/animus), the collective unconscious, cell memory and the "shadow self". This book helps us to understand the principles and deeper meanings of each Tarot card and how the apply to the querent's situation. While it's definitely suited to (and created for) the Jungian Tarot Deck specifically, you could easily apply the knowledge and lessons to ANY deck!

This is a MUST read for all Tarot buffs! I can't wait to get started on book 2 :-)