The Ultimate Guide to Tarot: A Beginner's Guide to the Cards, Spreads, and Revealing the Mystery of the Tarot

by Liz Dean

Hiểu Hết Về Tarot - Giải Nghĩa Chi Tiết Lá Bài - Sáng Tạo Trải Bài - Tiết Lộ Những Bí Mật Ít Người Biết

“Liz Dean là một trong những chuyên gia hàng đầu về Tarot trên thế giới. Trong bất kì giai đoạn nào trên hành trình Tarot của bạn, những trang sách mạch lạc và đầy tri thức của cô ấy cũng sẽ giúp bạn tiến bộ vượt bậc.” – Sue Ricketts, BTV tạp chí Take A Break's Fate Fortune.

“Một công cụ tâm linh đầy quyền năng về Tarot được viết bởi một trong những Tarot reader - tác giả giỏi nhất hiện nay.” – Sarah Bartlett, tác giả của loạt sách The Tarot Bible, The Afterlife Bible, The Mythology Bible and Working With the Tarot.

Chuyên gia Tarot Liz Dean cung cấp một cái nhìn tổng quan về các yếu tố quan trọng của mỗi lá bài, từ việc diễn giải các biểu tượng cho đến mối liên hệ của chúng với chiêm tinh học, kabbala và thần số học. Hiểu hết về Tarot bao gồm tất cả các trải bài tarot cổ điển như thập tự Celtic, trải bài móng ngựa, trải bài ngôi sao,… và cả những trải bài nhỏ chỉ dành cho 22 lá bài bộ ẩn chính.

Cuốn sách cũng giúp bạn khám phá cách kết hợp ba thành phần thiết yếu của một trải bài tarot tuyệt vời: hiểu ý nghĩa các lá bài, biết cách sắp xếp chúng, và tin tưởng vào những thông điệp trực quan thường khơi dậy trong chúng ta khi đọc. Sự kết hợp này là điều thực sự kỳ diệu của tarot.

Hiểu hết về Tarot là người bạn đồng hành không thể thiếu đối với những độc giả mới cũng như những người đam mê tarot.

Genres: Tarot, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Reference, Witchcraft, Occult, Ebooks

240 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2015

About the author

I'm an author and an intuitive, writing primarily about tarot, creativity and manifesting. My latest project, HBO's Game of Thrones Tarot, was published in March 2018, along with The Ultimate Guide to Divination in April. I practise and teach tarot at Psychic Sisters within Selfridges, London; Crystal Moon Emporium in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear; and privately, via Skype. This August, 3-5, I teach at The Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, New York.

My background is in illustrated book publishing, commissioning authors (so I know what it's iike to be on both sides of the industry); and I co-edited Kindred Spirit magazine for a year or two. I've also worked as a copy-writer for publishers and the BBC, and work as a ghostwriter.

I hope you enjoy my books and I look forward to hearing from you.

Reviews

[Constantine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Nonfiction

This was such a detailed instruction for anyone who is interested in learning about tarot reading and the interpretation of each card in a tarot deck. It is my opinion that tarot card readers of all experience levels, from novice to expert, will benefit from reading the information contained in this book.

What I appreciate about this guide is that the author has chosen language that is straightforward and easy to understand, as well as a method that makes it much simpler to comprehend by providing a great deal of practical examples that can be applied in real life. I have read the book in its Kindle edition. Still, I intend to buy the printed version as well since I would like to learn more about tarot reading, and having a book like this available to use as a reference would be a wonderful addition to my education.

[Sarah Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully presented book (despite the multiple typos -- for shame, editors) with touchable pages & full color illustrations. The mini-spreads for each major arcana are a nice touch, particularly if you're into the more introspective angle, since they're focused on a specific aspect of one card. Also included are plenty of tidbits about religious/mythological crossovers as relating to the tarot imagery.

Overall, this is a nice guide. Despite the subject matter, the author's approach is very low-key & doesn't bludgeon the reader with New Age garble. She also encourages a comfortable freedom of interpretation, emphasizing personal instinct over so-called traditional meanings.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty good introduction to reading tarot cards. The entire book is in full color, with large illustrations of each card, which is helpful. For every card, Dean covers the major symbols, the upright and reversed meanings, and the astrological association. For the Major Arcana, she also includes Kabbalistic correspondences, numerology, and the historical development of the images on the card. Unique to this book, Dean has created a spread for each of the Major Arcana. You probably don't need this book if you've already read other basic books—they pretty much all cover the same territory—but you may still enjoy it and/or learn something new from it. Unfortunately, it needed more proofreading: some of the errors, like mixed-up astrological associations, could confuse beginners.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

اوکی امروز تمومش کردم!

ولی کتاب رو نگه میدارم هر وقت کارت های تاروت خودم رو بالاخره کشیدم و ساختم (هزار ساله قراره بسازم فقط در حد ایده اولیه اند و نساختم‌) به عنوان مرجع بهش رجوع کنم برای خوندنشون.

اینکه به فال/تاروت / اعتقاد داریم یا نه، یا اصلن منطقیه علمی و ... به کنار و اصلن مهم نیست برام؛ باهاش تو به جمعی لحظات خوشی رو میشه ساخت.
قشنگ امروز هم قهقهه های بلندمون خیلی بیشتر از تعجب هامون و تلاش برای ریلیت کردنمون بود‌.

راجع به کتاب بگم، هم روش های تاروت گیری رو داره، هم دونه دونه کارت ها رو آورده یه خلاصه گفته بعد نقاشی روشو توصیف کرده چیا باید داشته باشه و ...(برا همین بخش برای ساخت تاروت هامم بهش رجوع میکنم.) یه سری فولکلور و داستان های مرتبط باهاشون اگه باشه رو آورده و...

[Maggie Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dean's Ultimate Guide to Tarot is a fantastic beginner's guide for those of us new to the cards. It gives a bit of history about tarot, but spends most of its time outlining the major meanings behind the Rider-Waite decks. Each entry comes with a full colour image of the card, and the book is beautifully produced. It is a great reference tool, and while it does not contain every scrap of info out there, it gives newbies enough to start, from interpretation tips to spread possibilities. I would definitely recommend!

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful book for anyone beginning their study of Tarot. The beginning of the book provides tips for learning to read the cards; reading Tarot is complex, but Dean’s suggestions enable beginners and experienced readers alike to connect the cards to their own intuition by focusing on certain aspects of the cards. This is really helpful at the beginning of your journey. As well, Dean explains how to read the Quintessence of a spread which can add lots of depth and insight to your reading. I love this technique!

Dean provides detailed upright and reversed meanings and interpretations for each card, including astrological, numerological, and kabbalistic associations, as well wisdom messages and historical backgrounds for the cards. She discusses the magical symbols on the cards as well as the cards’ reflections throughout the deck to give readers a better understanding of how cards can work together when they appear together in a spread. She also provides appendices of crystals, chakra associations, and Tree of Life pathways. For each major arcana card, you’ll also be able to practice a spread unique to that card designed to help you understand its influence within a reading. There’s a lot of information here - a bit too much for a beginner - but it’s a wonderful reference and can help you develop your own reading style.

I would’ve liked a more in depth analysis of the card positions in the spreads she presents at the beginning of the book and for each major arcana card, but this is easily supplemented with outside resources and study. Overall this is an invaluable reference for beginners and experienced readers alike.

[Sandra Vel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Je n’ai pas lu d’autres livres de tarot, mais -après ma recherche- je pense que ce guide est l’un des meilleurs pour les débutants.

Il explique en détail l’histoire et la signification des 22 arcanes majeurs ainsi que des 56 arcanes mineurs, tout en offrant des conseils sur les tirages et leur relation avec l’astrologie et la kabbale. Le livre est en couleurs, ce qui ajoute à sa richesse et lecture. C’est un guide à la fois complet et accessible, parfait pour ceux qui souhaitent débuter ou approfondir leurs connaissances sur le sujet.

(Je l’ai acheté il y a quelques années et je le regrette maintenant, car le sujet ne m’intéresse plus. Cependant, c’est un guide très complet, et l’auteure semble être une experte reconnue dans le domaine).

[Nadia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent learning tool for someone at the beginning of their Tarot journey! Well laid out & graphically enticing. With intriguing & inspiring information bringing the Rider-Waite deck alive. I highly recommend this book to anyone curious about the fundamentals & symbology of Tarot.

[Tabitha Chamberlain · Rating 3 out of 5]

first and foremost, this is for RWS readers or would be readers. it's solely based upon the Rider Waite Smith deck from the images to the symbolism throughout the book. it's a great beginner book, but not so good for advanced unless it's someone new to RWS styles. the book is created with a spread for each of the Majors which is awesome.

the major "fail" in my book is the fact that it gives reference to numerology, astrology, and kabbalah yet it only touches on it in the briefest of ways. IE: Mercury is associated with the Magician and you can see the symbols of this in the *i forgot what exactly*. explaining how Mercury relates to the Magician would be beneficial as it will help you understand the Magician's ability to communicate and make performances grander than anything we experience before.

[Suzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good resource to both read all the way through and to come back to for reference. It says "beginner's guide" in the title, but I think this could be useful for an intermediate reader as well. It's clear and easily accessible, but it also has depth to it. I enjoyed the mini history lessons about the major arcana cards as well. Well organized, interesting, and set up like a reference book you'll keep coming back to. There is a kindle version of this, but I wouldn't recommend it, it really shines as a physical book, I think the illustrations, layout, and usefulness as a flip-through reference would really be lost in a digital monochrome version.

[Nova Papasodora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great guide for anyone who is interested in the art of tarot reading. It gives you in depth descriptions of the card meanings and different scenarios and situations that can occur. It is very well done and beautifully illustrated. 10/10 would recommend!

[Lud Oliveira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eu gosto de ler sobre tarô porque por mais que eu já entenda bastante das cartas, a visão de cada autor, de cada tarólogo, sempre acaba acrescentando alguma informação nova pra mim, um jeito a mais de ver determinadas cartas. Então é sempre uma leitura interessante, porque reforça as informações que já sei, e completa com visões que eu ainda não tinha. Achei bem legal.

[Dinarte De De · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Colorful print and great insight!

[Diana Cervantes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super complete and useful, with background story of the illustrations and lots of knowledge and symbolisms. Also, really thankful that the author encourages to use Tarot your own way and what feels for you. Really liked it to begin my journey in Tarot!

[Leah M]

DNF at 7%.

I'm not offering a rating for this, since I don't feel that I read anywhere close to enough to be able to rate this, but I will explain why I DNFd, and why I chose to do it so soon.

I'm relatively new to tarot, and thought that this sounded like it would be a good book to learn from. It sounded great, and was full of information, until I got to the section on aspects that it pulls from. When it came to Kabbalah, an aspect of Jewish mysticism (which is a closed practice BTW), it became especially clear that the author was not knowledgable about this area at all. In my own personal opinion, if you don't know about something, you shouldn't be including that in a book, and spreading information that isn't correct. From the terms themselves, to some of the actual definitions, she was completely off the mark with them, and it made me wonder about what other things she was getting wrong.

If someone has studied something, I wouldn't have an issue with them incorporating that into a book, but in this case, it really turned me off from this book. I'll find my information elsewhere, using a more reliable and factually correct source.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my #1, go-to tarot book. I use it almost daily and it always has something new to teach me about my cards and readings. I tried several other books and I didn't feel that any of then compare to this one. I'd recommend this to all new readers, as well as any experienced readers looking to have a handy and thorough reference guide.

[Freddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is very detailed in how to read the tarot, the different meanings, and the cards themselves. It doesn't have a lot of spreads. But it really helped me understand the different cards and how to read them.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for beginners. Really beautiful!

[Candice Chetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tons of amazing, useful information.

[Arcuro Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is based on the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot (Universal Waite, specifically), and describes each card in detail. I'll admit that because I'm not planning on using that deck exclusively, I didn't pay much attention to those descriptions. However, I did read pretty much everything in the chapters regarding the cards themselves, and I found it helpful and informative without being condescending or the feeling that Ms. Dean was commanding, from on high, that the cards MUST be interpreted in the way she describes.

One thing I really liked about this book were the spreads based on the Major Arcana cards. Once I passed out of that section and discovered they did not continue through the Minor Arcana, I was disappointed. I do understand why she didn't create spreads for every single card, though. For one, that would have been time-consuming. It also would have been difficult to come up with a spread for every card. And the Minor Arcana cards don't really lend themselves to such spreads, while the Major Arcana, which represent the larger or signature events in the querent's life, were further illuminated by the spreads Ms. Dean provided.

I also liked the additional notes describing the cards' relations to Numerology and other esoteric systems. Though I'm not sure how much I'll use all that knowledge, it's good to know it's there.

At the end of the book, Ms. Dean offers various appendices regarding esoteric knowledge systems related to the tarot. I'll admit I just skimmed over most of this, but it seems comprehensive and informative. More than likely, I'll be going over it in more detail as I get to know tarot better, as I feel no knowledge offered should be ignored, even if I choose not to use it once I've acquired it.

Overall, I enjoyed Ms. Dean's book and plan on rereading it and using it as a good starting-point reference guide for tarot readings if I realize I have some question about a reading. I would recommend this book to any beginner, but would advise them to purchase, if possible, a Universal Waite Tarot deck so they may study the cards in comfort without having to hold a book.

[Sylvia Moore · Rating 1 out of 5]

Liz Dean’s The Ultimate Guide to Tarot sets itself up as a comprehensive guide for beginners, but what it delivers is more of a superficial introduction that barely scratches the surface. While the book tries to position itself as a definitive resource, it ends up feeling like a collection of overly simplistic definitions and generic explanations that lack any real depth. If you’re looking for a quick overview of card meanings, you might find it useful, but as an “ultimate guide,” it’s far from satisfying.

The biggest flaw is its formulaic approach. Each card is presented with the same cookie-cutter format—basic keywords and a brief description that don’t go beyond the most obvious interpretations. This might be helpful for someone completely unfamiliar with Tarot, but for anyone looking to build a deeper connection with the cards, Dean’s book doesn’t offer much to work with. There’s little discussion of context, nuance, or how to apply these meanings in a reading, making it feel more like a reference list than a teaching tool.

Even the inclusion of spreads feels lackluster. The explanations are rushed, and there’s minimal guidance on how to actually use the spreads to uncover more complex layers of meaning. The book seems more interested in looking comprehensive than actually being comprehensive, which leads to a lot of missed opportunities. If you’re serious about learning Tarot, I’d recommend looking elsewhere for a resource that respects the intricacies of the cards rather than glossing over them.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Description:
Discover the facts, myth, history, and mystery of the spiritual art of Tarot-reading. Whether you want to learn to read the cards or deepen your Tarot interpretation skills, The Ultimate Guide to Tarot honors the deep heritage of Tarot, while guiding you through practical techniques. Tarot expert Liz Dean offers an overview to all of the important elements of each card from symbols, to links with astrology, kabbala and numerology. The Ultimate Guide to Tarot also includes all the classic tarot spreads - Celtic Cross, Horseshoe, Star and Astrological Year Ahead - plus, a mini-layout to try for each of the 22 major cards. Learn how to combine the three essential ingredients of a great tarot reading: knowing the meaning of the cards, how to lay them out, and trusting the intuitive messages the images often spark within us during a reading. This synthesis is the true magic of tarot. With the authority and confidence this book offers, The Ultimate Guide to Tarot will be the must-have companion for beginner readers and tarot aficionados alike.


Contents:
Introducing the Tarot --
How to begin --
Card layouts --
Card interpretations: the major arcana --
Card interpretations: the minor arcana --
Afterword --
Appendices.

Subjects:
Tarot

Reactions:
This book follows "Universal Rider Waite" deck, a more colorful but very close to the original "Rider Waite" deck. This book helps you view the Tarot through the lens of numerology, astrology, kabbalah, the 7 chakras, and the classic elements: Fire, Earth, Air and Water. Useful for quick references. 4 stars!

[Laurie Theodorou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional resource for giving tarot readings

I found this book at my local library with ar armful of others that I took out to learn how to read tarot cards. This one was the best with intricate illustrations and insightful content. I was debating whether to buy the softcover because it was only 3 dollars more than the kindle edition for a nice large size manual for easy reading in bed but after thinking about it, I purchased the kindle addition which makes it so much more versatile to just put on my phone to refer back to as I am doing a reading for myself. Everything the soft cover has in a portable take anywhere format. And because I can set the font size on my kindle it's actually easier on my eyes. I would suggest lowering the price on the kindle edition to below $10 more like $5.99 to make it a financially feasible purchase for people who are struggling with inflation yet would like to learn tarot if it were more affordable.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided to put down my oracle cards and dive head first into understanding tarot, RWS in particular. Within a couple of months, I had a mountain of tarot books to cross reference and started my own journal where I meticulously went through each book and jotted down the things that resonated with me, things that made sense and seemed simple enough to remember as touchstones. After finding this gem of a book, I wish I started here. Its easy to read, clear with direction and enjoyable to flip through. There is a traditional history section to the major cards that I enjoy reading about and the author cuts through the explanations of cards by keeping it simple, direct and spot on. She also talks of reversals with each card. Now that I am much more comfortable with my practice, this book has become my go-to for reference (there's too much in that journal of mine!)

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Tarot Guide for beginners and experienced Tarot readers alike.

It has great information about getting started. What I love about this book, though, is that it's so colorful, it really draws you in. And the information is not lacking. Each card is thoroughly explained, the planet/zodiac/element/Chakra/Kabbalah/Tree of Life Path/astrological association given, explains what the cards look like (uses the Raider Waite Smith cards), the upright meaning, symbols used, and reversed meaning. It also give information if that card shows up with additional pages, knights, queens, kings what that means.

I always recommend this book to anyone wanting to know/learn more about Tarot. And, unlike other books that I've come across you don't have to start on page 1. You can look up what you want, read it from cover to cover, bounce around. Whatever works best for you.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my introduction to Tarot and Dean’s book offers a great starting guild for beginners, providing essential tips for card interpretation. With Dean’s insights, readers learn to connect the cards with their intuition, focusing on key elements to unlock their meanings. There are detailed upright and reversed meanings, alongside astrological, numerological, and kabbalistic associations, enriching the understanding of each card. Dean delves into magical symbols and card reflections, elucidating how cards interact within a spread. Appendices on crystals, chakras, and Tree of Life pathways further enhance comprehension. I was particularly intrigued by the historical sections, which offered more depth than books solely focused on interpreting the cards. Overall, Dean’s book is an indispensable companion for Tarot enthusiasts at all levels of expertise.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for anyone just starting out with tarot and and wants to get a better grasp of how to read the cards individually without that LWB and to learn how to do proper readings. This book delves into what the individual cards mean, connection to astrological signs and other cards in the deck, and the symbolism used throughout the tarot. This book also goes into astrological tie ins and spreads.

No book covers it all, but this is a good one to add to your collection.

If you’re into kindle books and like to save shelf space, the Kindle was inexpensive when I purchased it and it’s a well formatted and enjoyable edition to have wherever you are.

[Elli Pope · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third beginner tarot book I have read and so far it is my favorite. It has some interesting spread options that I hadn’t seen before, and the full color illustrations and explanations are excellent. Unlike other beginner tarot books there is less emphasis on literal interpretation of the cards and more guidance on what the cards symbolize, which is far more helpful to me as someone who is exploring tarot as a way of gaining insight into my own intuition.

I would probably call this 4.5 stars, leaving some room available for even better books that might be out there :)

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

The descriptions and information on the cards are very good.
The part about using the cards , ( silk scarfs, vibrations, energies, chrystals) is based on the writers personal believe system, I did not find that very useful.
I would recommend the book for the explanations of the cards. From basic, practical meanings to historical , astrological background and the kabalah. All well explained and well written.

[Dawn Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good reference book for Tarot. I use it daily to help me interpret my morning tarot card spread. As a student of tarot for a few years, I have noticed a few errors in descriptions of individual cards. I would have given a 5-star rating otherwise. They seem minor to me compared to the overall useful and comprehensive information. I highly recommend this book to those seeking a reference book to add to their tarot book library.