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Holistic Tarot: An Integrative Approach to Using Tarot for Personal Growth
Designed for beginning as well as experienced tarot readers, Holistic Tarot offers a fresh and easy-to-follow approach to the use of the tarot deck for tapping into subconscious knowledge and creativity. The tarot deck has been used as a divination tool for more than two centuries; while the tarot is still most commonly thought of as "fortune telling," the true power of the tarot lies in its ability to channel a clear path for our deep intuition to shine through. Consulting the tarot can help clear creativity blockages, clarify ambitions, work through complex decisions, and make sense of emotions and relationships. Whether used for simple decision-making or an understanding of your life's purpose, learning tarot can be an indispensible tool for being more mindful of the factors that can assist or weaken your efforts toward success. In Holistic Tarot, author Benebell Wen provides a complete guide to using the tarot to foster personal development. Wen gives a comprehensive overview of the history of the tarot and a wide array of theories on its use (including its relationship to Jungian archetypal psychology and traditional Chinese divination practices) before digging deeply into one of the best-known tarot systems, the Rider-Waite-Smith. Beginners will find a complete guide to working with the tarot, including choosing and caring for a deck, how best to learn and remember the attributes of the major and minor arcana, the interpretation of cards and spreads, the role of meditation in a tarot practice, and how to use the tarot for improving relationships, professional development, and personal resilience. More advanced practitioners will appreciate nuanced theoretical discussions of the tarot as well as practical advice about reading others' tarot cards and setting up a practice. Containing over 500 illustrations and detailed information on each card as well as numerous spreads, Holistic Tarot is a complete compendium of tarot study that every practitioner should have in his or her library.From the Trade Paperback edition.
1343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2015
859 people are currently reading
3646 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
May 3, 2016
When I met Benebell she told me not to buy this book, she told me that as an experienced tarot reader I didn't really need her book. But after spending some time with her and knowing how she teaches I couldn't not buy the book.
Oh my... I'm so glad I didn't listen to her. This is hands down the best Tarot book I've ever read. You really don't need any other book besides this one whether you are a beginner or, like me, are an experienced reader. As I've been reading I've added a handful of ideas from the book to the readings I'm doing and just those few techniques have made a wild difference in my readings. I definitely didn't need the whole book, but what I did get from it was well worth the investment of both time and money to sit with it.
I've been reading the book by scanning through the table of contents and reading what I want to know more about at the time, eating slowly through the whole book in a random order. And this is actually how I'd recommend reading it. A brand new beginner with tarot could learn from this book on the proviso that they don't attempt to read the whole book through. Instead a beginner should begin with the first third or so of the book and work with that material first going back to the book over and over as they're ready to expand their readings. While an experienced reader will probably jump in later in the book picking the ideas that are calling to them. It's definitely not the kind of book I'd set out to read from cover to cover in a few sittings.
I believe this is the only five star review I have given so far and this has easily become The Tarot Book I'll be recommending (except for newbies who are easily overwhelmed).
Oh my... I'm so glad I didn't listen to her. This is hands down the best Tarot book I've ever read. You really don't need any other book besides this one whether you are a beginner or, like me, are an experienced reader. As I've been reading I've added a handful of ideas from the book to the readings I'm doing and just those few techniques have made a wild difference in my readings. I definitely didn't need the whole book, but what I did get from it was well worth the investment of both time and money to sit with it.
I've been reading the book by scanning through the table of contents and reading what I want to know more about at the time, eating slowly through the whole book in a random order. And this is actually how I'd recommend reading it. A brand new beginner with tarot could learn from this book on the proviso that they don't attempt to read the whole book through. Instead a beginner should begin with the first third or so of the book and work with that material first going back to the book over and over as they're ready to expand their readings. While an experienced reader will probably jump in later in the book picking the ideas that are calling to them. It's definitely not the kind of book I'd set out to read from cover to cover in a few sittings.
I believe this is the only five star review I have given so far and this has easily become The Tarot Book I'll be recommending (except for newbies who are easily overwhelmed).
December 23, 2016
Quotes from the first chapter:
" I do not support fortunetelling and I do not believe in fortunetelling. My approach to tarot is not predictive. It is analytic."
"The Christian Bible warns against seeking out soothsayers for divination.2 Divination here refers to fortune-telling, speaking with certainty about a person’s future, speaking with certainty about the will of the higher powers, and making the presumption that a human could know what the higher powers know. By that definition, I am against divination, too."
I just don't get this book. The writer (who calls herself a Independent Metaphysician) is very sure of her self and her opinions. I am not a fan.
The book itself is a mix of a manual for commercial fortunetelling and (based on) old public domain books on tarot. You can find all of these for free online, the books she used are even on her site. (to see what a manual for commercial fortunetellers looks like, google: tarot manual pdf switchboard. )
For learning to read tarot I would not recommend the analytical, intellectual approach you will find in this book.
I consider myself a fortuneteller. Have read cards for 25 years. I do not pretend to be a coach, therapist or adviser.
One star for the pretty cover.
" I do not support fortunetelling and I do not believe in fortunetelling. My approach to tarot is not predictive. It is analytic."
"The Christian Bible warns against seeking out soothsayers for divination.2 Divination here refers to fortune-telling, speaking with certainty about a person’s future, speaking with certainty about the will of the higher powers, and making the presumption that a human could know what the higher powers know. By that definition, I am against divination, too."
I just don't get this book. The writer (who calls herself a Independent Metaphysician) is very sure of her self and her opinions. I am not a fan.
The book itself is a mix of a manual for commercial fortunetelling and (based on) old public domain books on tarot. You can find all of these for free online, the books she used are even on her site. (to see what a manual for commercial fortunetellers looks like, google: tarot manual pdf switchboard. )
For learning to read tarot I would not recommend the analytical, intellectual approach you will find in this book.
I consider myself a fortuneteller. Have read cards for 25 years. I do not pretend to be a coach, therapist or adviser.
One star for the pretty cover.
April 23, 2015
[4.5 stars] This is a book intended for tarot readers at all levels of experience, beginner to advanced, and it meets that goal. As you'd expect, the bulk of the book covers beginner material, with meaty chapters on basic card meanings and layouts, The latter has good discussion of a variety of spreads, including standards like the Three-Card Spread and the Celtic Cross (of course!), but there is also good coverage of uncommon spreads.
So Wen's book covers the basics, but with almost 900 pages to play with, she gets to write about a lot of not-so-basic stuff as well. I was intrigued by her chapter on the Five Components of Circumstance: "the factors that determine what happens to you." Wen explains which cards correspond to which of the components, helping the practitioner (reader) identify the ones that are strongest in any given reading, which in turn can be used to help the Seeker (querent). There's also a chapter on the First Operation, a pre-reading technique dating back to the 1930's that a practitioner can use to identify the background issues in a reading. For those who want to really stretch their tarot muscles, the chapter on the Opening of the Key spread (or "spreads:" it's a five-stage process) presents a worthy challenge. Other chapters cover reading for yourself, helping Seekers handle downbeat readings, an overview of the business and legal aspects of professional tarot reading, ethics, how to handle inappropriate questions, and how to design your own readings. And more. Lots more. Like I said, it's almost 900 pages long. But I thought Wen's writing style was quite readable, a little formal in places, yes, but hey, she's also a lawyer. If you like getting to know an author before plunging into their book, skip to the last chapter, "A Personal Essay: How I Started," before tackling the rest of the book.
I don't usually comment on the physical aspects of a book, but I do have a few things to say about this one. This book is at the outer limits of what a standard paperback binding can handle, and if it bothers you to have the spine crack, you'll need to either read this very carefully or choose the e-book. (There are a lot of illustrations and tables, though, which are sometimes hard to read in e-format.) This is reasonably priced for a book this large, but I would've been willing to spend a bit more for a more durable binding. This is a book I'll want to refer to a lot in the future, and I just don't know how well it's going to hold up.
So Wen's book covers the basics, but with almost 900 pages to play with, she gets to write about a lot of not-so-basic stuff as well. I was intrigued by her chapter on the Five Components of Circumstance: "the factors that determine what happens to you." Wen explains which cards correspond to which of the components, helping the practitioner (reader) identify the ones that are strongest in any given reading, which in turn can be used to help the Seeker (querent). There's also a chapter on the First Operation, a pre-reading technique dating back to the 1930's that a practitioner can use to identify the background issues in a reading. For those who want to really stretch their tarot muscles, the chapter on the Opening of the Key spread (or "spreads:" it's a five-stage process) presents a worthy challenge. Other chapters cover reading for yourself, helping Seekers handle downbeat readings, an overview of the business and legal aspects of professional tarot reading, ethics, how to handle inappropriate questions, and how to design your own readings. And more. Lots more. Like I said, it's almost 900 pages long. But I thought Wen's writing style was quite readable, a little formal in places, yes, but hey, she's also a lawyer. If you like getting to know an author before plunging into their book, skip to the last chapter, "A Personal Essay: How I Started," before tackling the rest of the book.
I don't usually comment on the physical aspects of a book, but I do have a few things to say about this one. This book is at the outer limits of what a standard paperback binding can handle, and if it bothers you to have the spine crack, you'll need to either read this very carefully or choose the e-book. (There are a lot of illustrations and tables, though, which are sometimes hard to read in e-format.) This is reasonably priced for a book this large, but I would've been willing to spend a bit more for a more durable binding. This is a book I'll want to refer to a lot in the future, and I just don't know how well it's going to hold up.
August 15, 2021
Wow! There is a LOT of information in this book. However the information is written very well from a very well researched standpoint and I enjoyed learning new things from it.
October 2, 2017
i know this has stunningly great reviews, but my own personal opinion that given the amount of money and the thickness of the book it's lackluster. there's a lot of great information for someone just starting out or for someone restarting their tarot journey, but for those that have been reading for years...meh is the best i can say.
it will give you an interesting new take on a few things. most of it though is simply redundant to the point of boring in other places and yet some are completely pointless. her writing style is dry humor mixed with oversimplifying and writing as if the reader is below average intelligence that borders on patronizing in places. others things is well written, well explained....so truly hit and miss. personally, i would suggest getting a sample or borrow it before investing money to see if it's something that will work for you.
it will give you an interesting new take on a few things. most of it though is simply redundant to the point of boring in other places and yet some are completely pointless. her writing style is dry humor mixed with oversimplifying and writing as if the reader is below average intelligence that borders on patronizing in places. others things is well written, well explained....so truly hit and miss. personally, i would suggest getting a sample or borrow it before investing money to see if it's something that will work for you.
November 20, 2016
A Leviathan.
Approaches the tarot as I do: an elaborate psychological tool for those of imaginative minds.
Packed with information from everywhere and the author's own splendid suggestions.
This book has everything you will ever need.
Approaches the tarot as I do: an elaborate psychological tool for those of imaginative minds.
Packed with information from everywhere and the author's own splendid suggestions.
This book has everything you will ever need.
January 11, 2022
The book is a fantastic reference for the Rider Waite Smith tarot deck. It is academic in its approach and analyzes all 78 of the cards individually. There are tons of spreads, guidance on developing your own spreads, and correspondences of all sorts (astrological, elemental, qabbalistic, etc.) It is this book where I learned of elemental dignities and affinities, two concepts that influence my reading to this day. My only gripe is I wish the book were less binary in its understanding of gender and the court cards.
July 13, 2016
Have you ever read a book and just felt an instant kinship with the author? That was me while reading Holistic Tarot. With some nonfiction books, I am tempted to skip all the introductory content, but I was eating up every single word of this book. This is one of the few books that was just asking for me to break out a pencil and underline passage after passage.
What sold me on Holistic Tarot very early on was that Wen’s approach to tarot is analytical and not *woo-woo* in nature. I loved that she describes it as “tarot analytics” and compares a tarot reading to making a mind map. As I’ve been creating mind maps aplenty recently, and I am drawn to the analytical, this seemed like the perfect book for me!
Holistic Tarot is comprehensive and exceptionally thorough. Whether you’re completely new to tarot or a seasoned practitioner, there is something (many somethings) for you in this book. Everything is well laid out and the chapters follow a logical and smooth progression from one topic to another. You’ll encounter a plethora of reference charts, spreads, techniques, and things to consider from multiple perspectives.
Each chapter is illustrated with images, but also with example readings to help expand upon the ideas and suggestions. There are even chapters on devising your own spreads, in depth operations, and things to consider if you plan to practice tarot professionally. I found the breadth and depth of advice and reference information in this book impressive!
So far, I’ve tried out many of the techniques and spreads in this book, but there is still so much more that I plan to delve into for a long time to come! In fact, when it’s my turn to host my “tarot book club” meeting, I’ll be sharing some of what I learned in Holistic Tarot!
This is absolutely the BEST tarot resource I’ve found.
I’m seriously considering getting the ebook version as well, so I can have it with me everywhere I go! Highly recommended for anyone interested in the tarot.
[Many thanks to Benebell Wen and North Atlantic Books for the opportunity to read and review this fine tome!]
“Tarot is a mirror. It reflects back who you are. It shows you your strengths and weaknesses. It makes you confront the decisions you have made in the past, your attitude, both good and bad, and how these components have affected your life.”
What sold me on Holistic Tarot very early on was that Wen’s approach to tarot is analytical and not *woo-woo* in nature. I loved that she describes it as “tarot analytics” and compares a tarot reading to making a mind map. As I’ve been creating mind maps aplenty recently, and I am drawn to the analytical, this seemed like the perfect book for me!
Holistic Tarot is comprehensive and exceptionally thorough. Whether you’re completely new to tarot or a seasoned practitioner, there is something (many somethings) for you in this book. Everything is well laid out and the chapters follow a logical and smooth progression from one topic to another. You’ll encounter a plethora of reference charts, spreads, techniques, and things to consider from multiple perspectives.
“Don’t use the tarot only because you want to know what will happen next or you might lose sight of what is happening now. Instead, use the tarot to understand why and how. You influence your future through action and attitude, not through cards.”
Each chapter is illustrated with images, but also with example readings to help expand upon the ideas and suggestions. There are even chapters on devising your own spreads, in depth operations, and things to consider if you plan to practice tarot professionally. I found the breadth and depth of advice and reference information in this book impressive!
So far, I’ve tried out many of the techniques and spreads in this book, but there is still so much more that I plan to delve into for a long time to come! In fact, when it’s my turn to host my “tarot book club” meeting, I’ll be sharing some of what I learned in Holistic Tarot!
This is absolutely the BEST tarot resource I’ve found.
I’m seriously considering getting the ebook version as well, so I can have it with me everywhere I go! Highly recommended for anyone interested in the tarot.
[Many thanks to Benebell Wen and North Atlantic Books for the opportunity to read and review this fine tome!]
October 14, 2022
The Tarot for me is more of a private spiritual practice than a profession, having read only for myself, my family, and some strangers gratis for the last six years. While the Rider-Waite-Smith school is the one that I'm most familiar with and competent in, I must admit that I haven't really undertaken an in-depth study of the system itself.
Recently, I realized that I must not be content to coast by the know-how that I acquired through just mere practice. I still have blind spots regarding certain approaches and combination interpretations, and my grasp of some cards can be more solid. It is in this spirit that I aimed to partake of this magnificent slab of a book, and I must admit that it has more than fulfilled my expectations.
Oozing with information both theoretical and pragmatic and complemented by a wealth of supplementary learning guides and tutorial videos that the author uploaded on her blog, Holistic Tarot gives you unbelievable bang for your buck. I've handled literally dozens of books on the subject, and if I'm to curate a list of the literature's must-haves, this one has earned itself an impregnable spot in my top five.
Just about the only major topics that the book skipped are the Qabala and decanates. I would also have preferred a deeper exploration of astrology vis à vis their influence on the cards, too. That is not to say that the book is lacking though, as many readers have practised their craft successfully without dipping into cartomancy's more esoteric streams. Also, aside from the topics I mentioned, I believe that other pertinent subjects have been tackled satisfactorily.
Of course I disagree with some of the points in the book, but thankfully it doesn't come across as dogmatic or rigid. Wen has also clarified some of the more controversial concepts it espoused that caused quite a furor upon its release. In any case, just take what you will, and integrate only those ideas which fully make sense to you, and which you feel can either harmonize with or even improve your spiritual philosophies.
One is advised to first visit the author's website before delving into this book. Aside from the extremely helpful material that I previously mentioned, it also has useful stuff like a list of errata, checklists for readers depending on their current skill level, reading logs, journal templates, etc. I can't help but admire how methodical and organized it all is, something that left-brain ole me fully approves.
9/10; 5 stars.
Recently, I realized that I must not be content to coast by the know-how that I acquired through just mere practice. I still have blind spots regarding certain approaches and combination interpretations, and my grasp of some cards can be more solid. It is in this spirit that I aimed to partake of this magnificent slab of a book, and I must admit that it has more than fulfilled my expectations.
Oozing with information both theoretical and pragmatic and complemented by a wealth of supplementary learning guides and tutorial videos that the author uploaded on her blog, Holistic Tarot gives you unbelievable bang for your buck. I've handled literally dozens of books on the subject, and if I'm to curate a list of the literature's must-haves, this one has earned itself an impregnable spot in my top five.
Just about the only major topics that the book skipped are the Qabala and decanates. I would also have preferred a deeper exploration of astrology vis à vis their influence on the cards, too. That is not to say that the book is lacking though, as many readers have practised their craft successfully without dipping into cartomancy's more esoteric streams. Also, aside from the topics I mentioned, I believe that other pertinent subjects have been tackled satisfactorily.
Of course I disagree with some of the points in the book, but thankfully it doesn't come across as dogmatic or rigid. Wen has also clarified some of the more controversial concepts it espoused that caused quite a furor upon its release. In any case, just take what you will, and integrate only those ideas which fully make sense to you, and which you feel can either harmonize with or even improve your spiritual philosophies.
One is advised to first visit the author's website before delving into this book. Aside from the extremely helpful material that I previously mentioned, it also has useful stuff like a list of errata, checklists for readers depending on their current skill level, reading logs, journal templates, etc. I can't help but admire how methodical and organized it all is, something that left-brain ole me fully approves.
9/10; 5 stars.
January 11, 2021
Este libro es prácticamente una enciclopedia, por su longitud, densidad y erudición, pero es hasta ahora el libro más completo y profundo que he leído sobre el uso del Tarot como herramienta de autoconocimiento o como medio de espiritualidad. Ofrece interesantísimas reflexiones sobre el valor y uso del Tarot y proporciona utilísimas claves de interpretación a la hora de familiarizarse con los significados de cada carta y de leer las distintas cartas en relación entre sí.
No es un libro que pretender leer de seguido, puesto que tiene una aspiración de totalidad que resulta incluso abrumadora, pero los capítulos 1 y 3 son una verdadera joya para entender el uso no adivinatorio del Tarot y creo que vale la pena no saltárselos.
Para mí la lectura de este libro ha sido todo un viaje y percibo que de veras me ha ayudado a hacer interpretaciones más intuitivas, a conocer mejor la historia y el trasfondo filosófico-espiritual del Tarot, por lo que se lo recomendaría a cualquier persona que quiera ir más allá de la lectura de libros-glosario sobre cada carta.
No es un libro que pretender leer de seguido, puesto que tiene una aspiración de totalidad que resulta incluso abrumadora, pero los capítulos 1 y 3 son una verdadera joya para entender el uso no adivinatorio del Tarot y creo que vale la pena no saltárselos.
Para mí la lectura de este libro ha sido todo un viaje y percibo que de veras me ha ayudado a hacer interpretaciones más intuitivas, a conocer mejor la historia y el trasfondo filosófico-espiritual del Tarot, por lo que se lo recomendaría a cualquier persona que quiera ir más allá de la lectura de libros-glosario sobre cada carta.
January 25, 2020
Wow, what a twist of fate this was!! I went in to 78 Degrees of Wisdom expecting to love it and was disappointed by overly wordy and drawn out explanations. I went into Holistic Tarot expecting to hate it because of the author’s “Don’t use this for fortune telling” stance and actually ended up learning quite a bit! Over half of my tarot notebook exists now because of this book. I’d definitely recommend getting this book if you’re really serious about reading tarot, whether for yourself or professionally, because there’s so much to learn!
June 14, 2025
Originally, I picked up a tarot deck because it was cute and I felt like playing around with a bit of silliness. Blame The Artist's Way for sending me on a deep dive into synchronicity and Jung's theory of the collective unconscious. It's a bit like If You Give A Mouse A Cookie though: if you give a nerd a tarot deck, he's going to want more than the tiny book that comes with it.
The reviews on this were great, I liked Benebell Wen's website, and it seemed like it'd be comprehensive without being overly woo-woo or straight up Wiccan/Neo-Pagan (I had my Neo-Pagan phase like every other 13 year old in the 90s, it is not for me). From Wen's site, her ethos very much seems more academic, more self-aware, and far less credulous.
Yeah...this book is only one of those things and it's not either of the two I'd consider most important. It is basically an undergrad textbook of history, symbolism, and lack of accounting for (a) the law of large numbers or (b) innate cognitive biases. If you honest to god believe in tarot, are already reasonably familiar with the RWS deck, and want to study it at the same level you would advanced calculus, by all means, read this. Stop by Wen's website first and download her study guides because otherwise you will be hopelessly lost (the book is not actually intended to be read straight through), but grab your deck and jump in.
If you are a beginner, regardless of whether or not you're a tarot-believer, do yourself a favour and start somewhere else until you have a basic handle on RWS. Wen insists this is the book she would have wanted as a beginner, but I suspect she is falling prey to the expert blind spot/curse of knowledge. She is so well-versed in the esoteric subtleties of RWS tarot that she cannot begin to fathom how overwhelming the information she throws at you is when given all at once.
I personally, strongly prefer Barbara Moore's Your Tarot, Your Way, on both a philosophical and practical level. Moore offers exercises at the end of each chapter to experiment with concepts and styles, as well as build skills in a way that feels natural. She also makes clear right at the beginning of the book that there are multiple views of tarot (not all of them to do with mysticism or faith) and continues to write in a way that could apply to any of them throughout. There's none of Wen's "your deck becomes attuned to you", pull out the crystals and read about chakras spirituality. You certainly can do any of those things if that's what you, personally, believe, but Moore doesn't build it into her instructions the way Wen does.
One area where I do lean more toward Wen is in the idea that beginners shouldn't read for other people. Her ethical reasoning is sound and, honestly, do your friends really want to sit around for an hour while you try to sort out whether the King of Cups is meant to be literal or not? Take Wen's advice and read for your teddy bear. Moore suggests reading for a character before seeing a movie or reading the next chapter of your book/watching the latest episode of your favourite show, which is fun regardless of what you believe about tarot.
Solid ethics aside, though, I just could not gel with Wen's approach or writing style. Too dense, too woo-woo while trying to maintain a veneer of scientifically grounded rationality, too tedious for all but the most devoted tarot traditionalists.
*To give an example of the differences in perspective: Wen talks a lot about cosmic qi and how 'uncanny' it is that the "right" cards always come up. IMO, the "right" cards come up because each card is interpretable in dozens of different ways, all of them common enough to the human experience to trigger the Barnum-Forer effect. Even attempting to use them as a psychological tool has severe limits because you can't account for your own biases. If you're stubborn and in denial enough, that 10 of Swords when wondering about your terrible relationship will indicate that the rough patch is almost over and you'll ride off into the sunset together.
April 14, 2024
This is the most complete and best tarot reference I have ever come across. This is required reading for anyone serious about tarot. I will be referencing this over and over again.
August 18, 2016
Exceptionally researched, with an abundance of themes that are structured and layered, giving a large amount of information while at the same time teaching a compelling, entirely logical technique. This is the best, and the only necessary compendium to study Tarot.
Benebell Wen (it's a pen name) is a lawyer as well as a Tarot practicioner, and it shows. I've slogged through quite a few books on Tarot, and most of them failed to explain logically what this is all about. While the advanced practitioner no doubt puts a lot of weight on emotion and what-not, and already has a connection to the cards, that is not true for the beginner. So-called Tarot "masters" like Rachel Pollack waste people's time and money on esoteric ramblings, emotions and vague card descriptions (which can also be found on the internet thanks), without putting the cards into context, which is obviously the most important aspect of tarot. So what if the student could write a page about each card if they can't put two cards next to each other and write five pages about the combination, the mixing or diverging energies, the numbers, the meaning?
Wen does write about individual cards, but this isn't the largest part of the hefty tome. There is a mountain of additional (and vital!) information, like basic astrology, numerology, the history of the cards, the uses of significators, how to devise several part readings and so on. After reading this book, I felt cheated by the other authors I read because the additional info is really what makes a register of card meanigs into a sensible tarot guidebook.
At the same time, Wen writes so that every interested reader, even those with no background in cartomancy, could understand and follow her arguments. Her structure is crystal-clear, her arguments are thorough, organized and compelling, and her technique is so convincing you'd want to try it. While I haven't read the classics by Crowley and Waite yet, I must say that I doubt their books would be as easy to follow as this. Even if there is more understanding and insight to be gained at a later stage, this is the place to start. The highest of recommendation for anyone with an interest in the subject.
Benebell Wen (it's a pen name) is a lawyer as well as a Tarot practicioner, and it shows. I've slogged through quite a few books on Tarot, and most of them failed to explain logically what this is all about. While the advanced practitioner no doubt puts a lot of weight on emotion and what-not, and already has a connection to the cards, that is not true for the beginner. So-called Tarot "masters" like Rachel Pollack waste people's time and money on esoteric ramblings, emotions and vague card descriptions (which can also be found on the internet thanks), without putting the cards into context, which is obviously the most important aspect of tarot. So what if the student could write a page about each card if they can't put two cards next to each other and write five pages about the combination, the mixing or diverging energies, the numbers, the meaning?
Wen does write about individual cards, but this isn't the largest part of the hefty tome. There is a mountain of additional (and vital!) information, like basic astrology, numerology, the history of the cards, the uses of significators, how to devise several part readings and so on. After reading this book, I felt cheated by the other authors I read because the additional info is really what makes a register of card meanigs into a sensible tarot guidebook.
At the same time, Wen writes so that every interested reader, even those with no background in cartomancy, could understand and follow her arguments. Her structure is crystal-clear, her arguments are thorough, organized and compelling, and her technique is so convincing you'd want to try it. While I haven't read the classics by Crowley and Waite yet, I must say that I doubt their books would be as easy to follow as this. Even if there is more understanding and insight to be gained at a later stage, this is the place to start. The highest of recommendation for anyone with an interest in the subject.
September 18, 2022
A general introduction in the theory of tarot. Wen clearly shares the own vision and opinion on tarot (it's not fortune telling or predicting the future). Wen kept saying how it´s eventually all up to you what you do with the theory and practice. As long as you know why you do (or don't do) something, and you are consistent, it's good. Wen repeatedly says that there is no standard way to do tarot, and refers to the cosmic qi and long and international history of tarot, to show how practices change depending on the practitioner, time and own belief system. I enjoyed how Wen wrote in a non-judgemental way. The book has plenty of examples and illustrations, so it's not just dry theory.
The scope and diversity of topics handled in this book is great for an introduction to tarot. From symbolism to ethics and from psychology to laws in USA when starting your own company.
There are some suggested exercises / tips in the book, but these are general and just suggestions.
Sometimes there were some typos.
All chapters can be read independent of one another, as I noticed some repetition. The repetition was not bothersome to me, but rather helpful. I recommend the reader to read from beginning to end. There are appendices and a clear list of contents for a quick reference, if needed.
The scope and diversity of topics handled in this book is great for an introduction to tarot. From symbolism to ethics and from psychology to laws in USA when starting your own company.
There are some suggested exercises / tips in the book, but these are general and just suggestions.
Sometimes there were some typos.
All chapters can be read independent of one another, as I noticed some repetition. The repetition was not bothersome to me, but rather helpful. I recommend the reader to read from beginning to end. There are appendices and a clear list of contents for a quick reference, if needed.
June 22, 2021
Not what I expected. I thought the tone was a bit snobby. It was just not for me.
January 3, 2019
There are so many books out there on Tarot, but this is one every Tarot enthusiast truly needs as a reference. It's so comprehensive that I can honestly say if I had to narrow all of my Tarot books down to just one, this is the one I'd keep.
September 26, 2018
one of the first guides ive actually enjoyed
August 13, 2024
Benebell Wen doesn’t believe in the tarot. It’s not just that she doesn’t believe in it as a tool for divination: “Fortune-telling serves no benefit. Purporting to predict the future with certainty is detrimental to the Seeker…I am against divination…”
She also doesn’t believe in its spiritual dimension. She gives several explanations of how different people interact with tarot cards, including its connection to the divine but her conception of the divine extends only to witchcraft and the Ouija board, which she clearly doesn’t like.
What she does believe in are the personal unconscious and the collective unconscious, which she calls personal qi and cosmic qi respectively. I’m not sure I agree that qi and the collective unconscious are the same thing and nor is she because in the next paragraph she explains qi in a different way, comparing it to the tantric doctrine of Kundalini.
But even that is too metaphysical for her as in the next paragraph she becomes much more mundane. The tarot is a calculator that “calculates a most probable future based on the decisions we are making in the present and our current attitudes and outlook.”
This is a book for beginners because, with all that complex theory out of the way, she next tells you how to choose a deck. It had better be the Rider-Waite-Smith deck because her whole book is based on it and she explains why.
Then after a brief interlude on the structure of the tarot and how to use a journal, she tells you in Chapter 7 how to memorise the Waite-Smith deck: “tarot study requires the beginner step of rote learning.” While acknowledging that people learn in different ways, her system is based on keywords and Chapter 8 gives pages and pages of them.
I’ve nothing against keywords but if I’m going to learn 3-4 keywords for every card they need to be words I use and they shouldn’t be synonyms, otherwise I am multiplying my efforts to no purpose. There are a lot of synonyms in her keywords and there are a lot of words I have never or rarely used. Words like Jubilee, Felicity, Misreckoning, Cessation, Windup (meaning Cessation), Lacuna, Quiescence, Consummation.
While I’m not against keywords, I don’t like Benebell Wen’s keywords. An example is the Eight of Swords: “Imprisonment; Confinement; Captivity; Constraints.”
These four words mean the same thing. You only need to learn one of them. But none of them illustrates the concept. This is why tarot cards consist of pictures instead of text. Pamela Colman Smith’s illustration is brilliant because it conveys the concept in a theatrical, memorable way and still gives room for different interpretations. Waite’s concept for the Eight of Swords was “rather a card of temporary durance than of irretrievable bondage.”
If you look at the picture you see a woman in a long red robe loosely bound and blindfolded on what looks like a coastal plain where the tide has gone out. There are a few swords stuck in the sand around her and behind her is a castle on a hill.
She only looks like she is constrained. The swords do not confine her at all and she could easily throw off her bonds or even use a sword to slice through them. There is no-one guarding her. If she could only shake off the blindfold she would see that she is free to go … perhaps back to the castle. But she had better act quickly before the tide comes in and ruins those beautiful shoes.
I would advise any beginner not to learn the keywords but to learn the concepts. Memorise the images of this deck because they are brilliant. And if you can recall the images you can recall the concepts no matter what decks you go on to use in the future.
Another example is the Hierophant. Benebell Wen gives three keywords: “Tradition; Conventionalism; Institutionalism.”
She completely ignores the fact that we are looking at a man wearing the vestments and insignia of a high-ranking official in the church, giving an ecclesiastical sign to two priests who are kneeling at his feet. He is even wearing the now defunct papal tiara, the triple crown that symbolises the pope’s threefold power as Father of Kings, Rector of the World and Vicar of Christ. If you’re uncomfortable with the religious imagery, that’s fine. A lot of modern tarot decks remove it and even change the name of the card. But this is undeniably a religious leader. Waite was a Roman Catholic and Pamela Colman Smith converted to Catholicism but Waite tried to give this card a more universal application than just the Pope, as this card was called in earlier decks. Waite called him “the ruling power of external religion” and “the leader of salvation for the human race at large.”
If you don’t acknowledge that the Hierophant is mediating between a higher spiritual power and the manifestation of that power on earth, then you are not doing justice to this card.
Benebell Wen expands on the keywords in what she calls a “Cyclopedia of Card Meanings.” There is a lot of text here and a generous amount of explanation for every card. In the section on the High Priestess she acknowledges that “The Hierophant denotes ecclesiastical authority” but she can scarcely bring herself to speak of this again in the chapter on The Hierophant. She spends several paragraphs talking about deception, institutions and the pressure to conform. She only gives the religious theme two sentences before reverting back to “the card typically indicates a desire to follow conventions.”
It’s not that I’m religious. I’m not. I’ve only singled out this card as an example of how she can ignore the illustration and make the card mean whatever she wants it to mean.
There is a lot more information in the book after this. There are spreads, astrological associations, details of the decans, advice on how to shuffle the deck, do a reading and cheer up your client when it goes wrong.
It’s a very fat book and when you’ve finished it, no doubt you would want to use it as a reference. It’s a very interesting book and I’d like to say something more positive about it but I would rather read five different books by five different authors than spend all my time with this one, even though it is comprehensive and contains some ideas I haven’t seen elsewhere.
In my experience some of the best books are the ones that come with a deck, preferably written by the deck designer or someone in close touch with the deck designer. Such people not only believe in the tarot, they believe in their tarot. They are able to communicate their ideas well and can reference the images on the cards with complete accuracy and conviction. There are plenty of decks these days to suit every kind of individual no matter your spiritual beliefs or preferred form of therapy or meditation. I think the best path is to find one of these decks that is in tune with how you see the world and get to know that one really well.
But it is also a good idea to experience several decks because they are all coming at the tarot from different angles and can expand your appreciation of it.
The Waite-Smith tarot is definitely important and still very good for beginners even if you don’t like its religiosity and association with the qabalah and secret societies. But I’m not sure that Benebell Wen’s book is the best one for elucidating its many mysteries.
I’ll still give it 4 stars, though, for its ambition, honesty and breadth.
She also doesn’t believe in its spiritual dimension. She gives several explanations of how different people interact with tarot cards, including its connection to the divine but her conception of the divine extends only to witchcraft and the Ouija board, which she clearly doesn’t like.
What she does believe in are the personal unconscious and the collective unconscious, which she calls personal qi and cosmic qi respectively. I’m not sure I agree that qi and the collective unconscious are the same thing and nor is she because in the next paragraph she explains qi in a different way, comparing it to the tantric doctrine of Kundalini.
But even that is too metaphysical for her as in the next paragraph she becomes much more mundane. The tarot is a calculator that “calculates a most probable future based on the decisions we are making in the present and our current attitudes and outlook.”
This is a book for beginners because, with all that complex theory out of the way, she next tells you how to choose a deck. It had better be the Rider-Waite-Smith deck because her whole book is based on it and she explains why.
Then after a brief interlude on the structure of the tarot and how to use a journal, she tells you in Chapter 7 how to memorise the Waite-Smith deck: “tarot study requires the beginner step of rote learning.” While acknowledging that people learn in different ways, her system is based on keywords and Chapter 8 gives pages and pages of them.
I’ve nothing against keywords but if I’m going to learn 3-4 keywords for every card they need to be words I use and they shouldn’t be synonyms, otherwise I am multiplying my efforts to no purpose. There are a lot of synonyms in her keywords and there are a lot of words I have never or rarely used. Words like Jubilee, Felicity, Misreckoning, Cessation, Windup (meaning Cessation), Lacuna, Quiescence, Consummation.
While I’m not against keywords, I don’t like Benebell Wen’s keywords. An example is the Eight of Swords: “Imprisonment; Confinement; Captivity; Constraints.”
These four words mean the same thing. You only need to learn one of them. But none of them illustrates the concept. This is why tarot cards consist of pictures instead of text. Pamela Colman Smith’s illustration is brilliant because it conveys the concept in a theatrical, memorable way and still gives room for different interpretations. Waite’s concept for the Eight of Swords was “rather a card of temporary durance than of irretrievable bondage.”
If you look at the picture you see a woman in a long red robe loosely bound and blindfolded on what looks like a coastal plain where the tide has gone out. There are a few swords stuck in the sand around her and behind her is a castle on a hill.
She only looks like she is constrained. The swords do not confine her at all and she could easily throw off her bonds or even use a sword to slice through them. There is no-one guarding her. If she could only shake off the blindfold she would see that she is free to go … perhaps back to the castle. But she had better act quickly before the tide comes in and ruins those beautiful shoes.
I would advise any beginner not to learn the keywords but to learn the concepts. Memorise the images of this deck because they are brilliant. And if you can recall the images you can recall the concepts no matter what decks you go on to use in the future.
Another example is the Hierophant. Benebell Wen gives three keywords: “Tradition; Conventionalism; Institutionalism.”
She completely ignores the fact that we are looking at a man wearing the vestments and insignia of a high-ranking official in the church, giving an ecclesiastical sign to two priests who are kneeling at his feet. He is even wearing the now defunct papal tiara, the triple crown that symbolises the pope’s threefold power as Father of Kings, Rector of the World and Vicar of Christ. If you’re uncomfortable with the religious imagery, that’s fine. A lot of modern tarot decks remove it and even change the name of the card. But this is undeniably a religious leader. Waite was a Roman Catholic and Pamela Colman Smith converted to Catholicism but Waite tried to give this card a more universal application than just the Pope, as this card was called in earlier decks. Waite called him “the ruling power of external religion” and “the leader of salvation for the human race at large.”
If you don’t acknowledge that the Hierophant is mediating between a higher spiritual power and the manifestation of that power on earth, then you are not doing justice to this card.
Benebell Wen expands on the keywords in what she calls a “Cyclopedia of Card Meanings.” There is a lot of text here and a generous amount of explanation for every card. In the section on the High Priestess she acknowledges that “The Hierophant denotes ecclesiastical authority” but she can scarcely bring herself to speak of this again in the chapter on The Hierophant. She spends several paragraphs talking about deception, institutions and the pressure to conform. She only gives the religious theme two sentences before reverting back to “the card typically indicates a desire to follow conventions.”
It’s not that I’m religious. I’m not. I’ve only singled out this card as an example of how she can ignore the illustration and make the card mean whatever she wants it to mean.
There is a lot more information in the book after this. There are spreads, astrological associations, details of the decans, advice on how to shuffle the deck, do a reading and cheer up your client when it goes wrong.
It’s a very fat book and when you’ve finished it, no doubt you would want to use it as a reference. It’s a very interesting book and I’d like to say something more positive about it but I would rather read five different books by five different authors than spend all my time with this one, even though it is comprehensive and contains some ideas I haven’t seen elsewhere.
In my experience some of the best books are the ones that come with a deck, preferably written by the deck designer or someone in close touch with the deck designer. Such people not only believe in the tarot, they believe in their tarot. They are able to communicate their ideas well and can reference the images on the cards with complete accuracy and conviction. There are plenty of decks these days to suit every kind of individual no matter your spiritual beliefs or preferred form of therapy or meditation. I think the best path is to find one of these decks that is in tune with how you see the world and get to know that one really well.
But it is also a good idea to experience several decks because they are all coming at the tarot from different angles and can expand your appreciation of it.
The Waite-Smith tarot is definitely important and still very good for beginners even if you don’t like its religiosity and association with the qabalah and secret societies. But I’m not sure that Benebell Wen’s book is the best one for elucidating its many mysteries.
I’ll still give it 4 stars, though, for its ambition, honesty and breadth.
Read
October 22, 2020If nothing this is a very through book. It's close to 700 pages of actual text to read (plus another 150 of appendices and notes and index). The upside of this is that there is plenty to keep coming back to as you deepen your tarot studies. The downside is, it's intimidating and light on stuff for the true beginner. You'll have to be motivated to read through various chapters and be willing to skip more advanced and confusing things. Wen's basic suggestion for beginners is to slog through a couple hundred pages of the meanings of each of the 78 cards in the deck and essentially memorize them before starting to lay out spreads and read them. That's great if you have the patience and fortitude to do that, but that's not how I learn. I think it will be incredibly helpful to have this Cycolpedia of Meanings, but I can't imagine sitting down to memorize it before using the cards. I'll never get started.
I guess for me Wen also never dove into the stuff I was interested in. She gave a brief history, but didn't do much around the Golden Dawn (who exactly are they? what was their purpose? why exactly are they important to tarot?). I want to connect with the history and tradition and know about it. Moreover the subtitle is about using tarot for personal growth and there was virtually nothing about how tarot is applicable to delving into yourself. There's a very short chapter on reading for yourself which I wish had been much longer and more in depth about good spreads to use and any advice there. I get the impression she mostly reads for others, which I currently have no interest in doing.
This is a good book, though. I appreciate Wen's approach and her matter of fact style. She's a little spiritual, but she's mixed it in with a variety of ideas about spirituality from various traditions that make sense and offer a lot to the practice of tarot. And as I said, the book is through. If you want a one-stop-shop of a book about Tarot this is it. There's material here for years of tarot study.
I will also add, purchase a Rider-Smith-Waite deck of cards to go along with this as it's the one she walks you through using. I think it would have been better if I had one (I have three other different decks) to use. But also, I find the drawings kinda creepy so also feel free to find another deck you like better and make it work.
I guess for me Wen also never dove into the stuff I was interested in. She gave a brief history, but didn't do much around the Golden Dawn (who exactly are they? what was their purpose? why exactly are they important to tarot?). I want to connect with the history and tradition and know about it. Moreover the subtitle is about using tarot for personal growth and there was virtually nothing about how tarot is applicable to delving into yourself. There's a very short chapter on reading for yourself which I wish had been much longer and more in depth about good spreads to use and any advice there. I get the impression she mostly reads for others, which I currently have no interest in doing.
This is a good book, though. I appreciate Wen's approach and her matter of fact style. She's a little spiritual, but she's mixed it in with a variety of ideas about spirituality from various traditions that make sense and offer a lot to the practice of tarot. And as I said, the book is through. If you want a one-stop-shop of a book about Tarot this is it. There's material here for years of tarot study.
I will also add, purchase a Rider-Smith-Waite deck of cards to go along with this as it's the one she walks you through using. I think it would have been better if I had one (I have three other different decks) to use. But also, I find the drawings kinda creepy so also feel free to find another deck you like better and make it work.
September 24, 2021
The most well-researched and annotated book on Tarot I've seen.
I believe in divination. Benebell doesn't. We are, however, in complete agreement as to the sheer mass of complete nonsense tarot readers have published over the years.
Benebell is upfront about her references and influences, particularly Paul Foster Case. This gives the reader the option of looking up her sources and learning more about the traditions she's referencing.
Most tarot books do not do this. They asspull meanings and systems, which usually turn out to be corruptions of previous systems.
On a side note, I absolutely DARE anyone to point to a book that elucidates court cards as clearly as this one. It doesn't exist. Benebell is shockingly thorough in every aspect.
This is a very good book. I do not need to adopt a "scientific materialist" outlook in order to appreciate its qualities.
I believe in divination. Benebell doesn't. We are, however, in complete agreement as to the sheer mass of complete nonsense tarot readers have published over the years.
Benebell is upfront about her references and influences, particularly Paul Foster Case. This gives the reader the option of looking up her sources and learning more about the traditions she's referencing.
Most tarot books do not do this. They asspull meanings and systems, which usually turn out to be corruptions of previous systems.
On a side note, I absolutely DARE anyone to point to a book that elucidates court cards as clearly as this one. It doesn't exist. Benebell is shockingly thorough in every aspect.
This is a very good book. I do not need to adopt a "scientific materialist" outlook in order to appreciate its qualities.
December 2, 2019
This is the most comprehensive and versatile book on the tarot that I've come across. Benebell Wen deftly marries a rigorous and thorough scholarship with a unique and impressively intuitive “tarot analytics” approach. It's a great book for both a beginner who's ready to dive in and someone more experienced who's ready to go professional. As a marketer, I was pleased to see the mix of marketing exercises that you can use to bootstrap your business. My only criticisms for this book is that I really couldn't relate to the (dated) gendered interpretations of the court cards, and the case studies do get a bit tedious. Overall, I felt like reading this book and referencing it over the past 6 months have given a greater depth to my readings.
August 23, 2017
Does it have its longeurs? Yes? Have we all read the tarot meanings chapters before? Yes, probably several times. But the long, analytical, meticulously built and constructed chapter on reading the cards (long enough to be a book in itself) is one of the best things I've read on the mechanics of reading and interpreting Tarot layouts and is the kind of refresher course the most hardened pro could probably pick up or reinvent a few new tricks from. Don't judge by the first couple of hundred pages - Jussie by the succeeding (this book is a brick) 500...
July 26, 2018
Benebell's book is truly comprehensive! I find myself flipping to it before most of my extensive collection of tarot books for her take on a card or reading. She doesn't subscribe to the "reading your fortune" meaning of tarot. Instead, she looks at how to use the tarot for in depth comprehension of your actions and feelings! Really a perfect tarot book as it has a little of everything. I believe I will be flipping to this book for decades to come!
May 27, 2023
Absolutely an impressive scholarly work on the Rider Waite Tarot deck. If one book comes close to explaining the Tarot in all it´s facets, this is it. The scope of the book is impressive indeed, the history, symbolism, meaning, spreads, yes you name it it is there. This is a reference book to be sure, a must have, for any serious RWS Tarot reader.
This book can be purchased on Amazon; https://amzn.to/3ILB6R4
This book can be purchased on Amazon; https://amzn.to/3ILB6R4
March 10, 2017
A huge achievement regarding the study of Tarot. A nice review of most important issues, like meanings of Major and Minor Arcana, spreads, and so much more on a volume of almost a thousand pages. A great reference for every Tarot reader.
March 13, 2015
My review is here: tarotbyhilary.com/book-corner-holisti...
October 24, 2024
Benebell Wen's Holistic Tarot: An Integrative Approach to Using Tarot for Personal Growth emerges as a cornerstone in modern tarot literature, transcending traditional manuals by offering an integrative approach that is both scholarly and deeply practical. This comprehensive guide serves as a bridge between the mystical and the analytical, making the tarot accessible to readers at all levels of experience while delving into its rich historical and cultural contexts.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this work is its meticulous exploration of the Rider-Waite-Smith system. Wen doesn't just present the meanings of the cards; she provides an in-depth analysis that includes symbolism, numerology, and the influence of Jungian archetypes. Her holistic approach incorporates Eastern philosophies and traditional Chinese divination practices, adding a unique dimension that sets this book apart from others in the field.
The sheer breadth of content is impressive, covering everything from choosing and caring for a deck to advanced techniques for personal development and professional reading. Beginners will appreciate the clear explanations and step-by-step guidance on developing intuitive reading skills. The book is filled with practical exercises, detailed card interpretations, and numerous spreads that encourage readers to engage actively with the material.
Advanced practitioners will find value in the nuanced discussions of tarot theory and insightful perspectives on integrating tarot into daily life for mindfulness and personal growth. Wen addresses the psychological aspects of tarot, emphasizing how it can be used as a tool for unlocking subconscious knowledge and fostering creativity. Her sections on meditation, energy work, and the ethical considerations of reading for others demonstrate a deep respect for the craft and its impact on individuals.
The inclusion of over 500 illustrations enhances the learning experience, providing visual references that complement the detailed descriptions. Wen's writing style is articulate and engaging, conveying complex ideas in a manner that is both understandable and inspiring. She strikes a perfect balance between the esoteric and the practical, making the book a valuable resource for academic study as well as personal exploration.
What truly sets this guide apart is its integrative approach. By combining traditional tarot wisdom with modern psychological insights and Eastern philosophies, Wen creates a multifaceted framework that reflects the diverse ways in which tarot can enrich one's life. Her emphasis on personal growth and self-awareness transforms the act of reading tarot from mere fortune-telling into a profound journey of self-discovery.
Benebell Wen has crafted a masterpiece that honors the tradition of tarot while pushing its boundaries, offering readers a path to greater insight, creativity, and personal fulfillment. Between this book and Mat Auryn's The Psychic Art of Tarot, you pretty much have every base covered. Together, they offer an expansive and complementary exploration of tarot, blending deep spiritual insights with practical techniques to enrich both personal growth and professional practice.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this work is its meticulous exploration of the Rider-Waite-Smith system. Wen doesn't just present the meanings of the cards; she provides an in-depth analysis that includes symbolism, numerology, and the influence of Jungian archetypes. Her holistic approach incorporates Eastern philosophies and traditional Chinese divination practices, adding a unique dimension that sets this book apart from others in the field.
The sheer breadth of content is impressive, covering everything from choosing and caring for a deck to advanced techniques for personal development and professional reading. Beginners will appreciate the clear explanations and step-by-step guidance on developing intuitive reading skills. The book is filled with practical exercises, detailed card interpretations, and numerous spreads that encourage readers to engage actively with the material.
Advanced practitioners will find value in the nuanced discussions of tarot theory and insightful perspectives on integrating tarot into daily life for mindfulness and personal growth. Wen addresses the psychological aspects of tarot, emphasizing how it can be used as a tool for unlocking subconscious knowledge and fostering creativity. Her sections on meditation, energy work, and the ethical considerations of reading for others demonstrate a deep respect for the craft and its impact on individuals.
The inclusion of over 500 illustrations enhances the learning experience, providing visual references that complement the detailed descriptions. Wen's writing style is articulate and engaging, conveying complex ideas in a manner that is both understandable and inspiring. She strikes a perfect balance between the esoteric and the practical, making the book a valuable resource for academic study as well as personal exploration.
What truly sets this guide apart is its integrative approach. By combining traditional tarot wisdom with modern psychological insights and Eastern philosophies, Wen creates a multifaceted framework that reflects the diverse ways in which tarot can enrich one's life. Her emphasis on personal growth and self-awareness transforms the act of reading tarot from mere fortune-telling into a profound journey of self-discovery.
Benebell Wen has crafted a masterpiece that honors the tradition of tarot while pushing its boundaries, offering readers a path to greater insight, creativity, and personal fulfillment. Between this book and Mat Auryn's The Psychic Art of Tarot, you pretty much have every base covered. Together, they offer an expansive and complementary exploration of tarot, blending deep spiritual insights with practical techniques to enrich both personal growth and professional practice.
September 28, 2024
Benebell Wen’s Holistic Tarot is the kind of book that rewards patient study with layers of insight, but don’t expect to breeze through it—this is a masterwork designed for those serious about taking their practice to the next level. Wen approaches Tarot with a level of scholarship rarely seen in occult literature, blending historical research, psychological theory, and even traditional Chinese metaphysics into a single, cohesive framework. Yet despite its density, she manages to keep the tone clear and methodical, guiding readers through complex concepts without losing them along the way.
This book stands out for its sheer breadth. Wen’s treatment of the Rider-Waite-Smith system goes far beyond simple card definitions. She provides meticulous breakdowns of each card’s symbology, drawing connections to Jungian archetypes and presenting alternative interpretations for different contexts. Every spread and technique is explained with a level of care that makes Holistic Tarot feel like a personal course in Tarot mastery. I found her sections on integrating Tarot with meditation particularly compelling—Wen’s exercises challenge readers to use the cards as a mirror for introspection rather than a tool for mere prediction.
But what I found most unique was her incorporation of Eastern esoteric traditions. Wen weaves in the I Ching and other Chinese philosophical concepts, showing how Tarot can be an interdisciplinary practice that harmonizes various mystical approaches. This perspective is rare and positions Holistic Tarot as not just a guide, but a bridge between traditions, expanding the scope of what Tarot can be.
For beginners, this book might feel overwhelming at first, but Wen provides such a structured approach that if you’re willing to take your time, Holistic Tarot will pay off in profound ways. For advanced practitioners, the depth and nuance of her analysis will keep you coming back, finding new details each time you read. This is more than a Tarot book—it’s a cornerstone text, a reference you’ll turn to again and again as your understanding of the cards evolves.
This book stands out for its sheer breadth. Wen’s treatment of the Rider-Waite-Smith system goes far beyond simple card definitions. She provides meticulous breakdowns of each card’s symbology, drawing connections to Jungian archetypes and presenting alternative interpretations for different contexts. Every spread and technique is explained with a level of care that makes Holistic Tarot feel like a personal course in Tarot mastery. I found her sections on integrating Tarot with meditation particularly compelling—Wen’s exercises challenge readers to use the cards as a mirror for introspection rather than a tool for mere prediction.
But what I found most unique was her incorporation of Eastern esoteric traditions. Wen weaves in the I Ching and other Chinese philosophical concepts, showing how Tarot can be an interdisciplinary practice that harmonizes various mystical approaches. This perspective is rare and positions Holistic Tarot as not just a guide, but a bridge between traditions, expanding the scope of what Tarot can be.
For beginners, this book might feel overwhelming at first, but Wen provides such a structured approach that if you’re willing to take your time, Holistic Tarot will pay off in profound ways. For advanced practitioners, the depth and nuance of her analysis will keep you coming back, finding new details each time you read. This is more than a Tarot book—it’s a cornerstone text, a reference you’ll turn to again and again as your understanding of the cards evolves.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews