Tarot Decoder: Interpret the Symbols of the Tarot and Increase Your Understanding of the Cards

by Kathleen McCormack

The essential handbook for everyone who is fascinated by the Tarot.

The origins of the Tarot are shrouded in mystery. Some believe that the cards originated in India, while other trace their beginnings back to the sacred books of the ancient Egyptians. Everything from Greek religions to Arabian philosophies to Jewish Kabbalah has been detected in Tarot symbols, which some believe to contain the secrets of the universe and hold the key to human nature.

The origins of the Tarot are shrouded in mystery. Some believe that the cards originated in India, while others trace their beginnings back to the sacred books of the ancient Egyptians. Everything from Greek religions to Arabian philosophies to Jewish Kabbalah has been detected in Tarot symbols, which some believe to contain the secrets of the universe and hold the key to human nature.

Tarot Decoder traces the meaning and imagery of the cards down through the centuries, starting with the best-known early decks and culminating with the present-day fascination with mysticism and the unexplained. Featured inside are illustrations of beautiful ancient Tarot decks as well as fine contemporary examples from all over the world.

Several methods of laying the cards are explained, ranging from a simple three-card reading to the more complicated forty-two-card method. Readers will develop their Tarot skills in a number of ways by learning how

Decode the symbols of each card and learn how to get deeper, more personalized readings
Find out how the Tarot can fulfill your psychic potential, and learn to forecast your luck, your love life, your career prospects, and your finances
Understand the roles of the readers and questioner, and discover how to interpret each of the twenty-two cards of the major arcana and the fifty-six cards of the minor arcana

Tarot Decoder is an enlightening and highly enjoyable guide to this mystical practice that will reveal the secrets behind the symbols and help you make accurate and meaningful interpretations.

Genres: Tarot

144 pages, Paperback

First published March 4, 2014

Reviews

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I asked for a book one Christmas that would explain what cards meant. I just wanted a quick reference guide for when tarot appears in movies/tv or other stories and characters make big ooh's and ahh's without actually explaining the interpretation of the card. This book accomplished all that. so 4 star just for meeting my needs.

[Rozonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good book, specially for beginners- the meanings of the cards, focused on Marseille and Thoth, are accurate and to the point. But what I probably liked best was the introduction, with a very complete and clear history of Tarot that sticks to facts. Very nice.

[Chinmayee Kulkarni · Rating 4 out of 5]

In-depth discussion of the cards, including the Minor Arcana (I was disappointed in Rachel Pollack's Tarot Wisdom: Spiritual Teachings and Deeper Meanings previously). Her explanation using the Celtic Spread as well as the deep breakdown of the card symbols was helpful. Would recommend this to beginners such as myself and pick up a few spreads while learning about the cards themselves.

However, the suggestions for the positions may not always be true but that's Tarot ultimately - your experience

[PinkPanthress · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting take on a book about tarot card spreads and meanings.
General meaning as well as (especially) the meanings in combination with the Celtic Cross.

[Alia Makki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simpler and easier than Mary K. Greer's "Reversals". Works very well with Celtic Spread, both upright and in reversal.