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The Tarot, Magic, Alchemy, Hermeticism, and Neoplatonism
An exploration of the Tarot’s mystical roots, with a guide to The Tarot of Marseilles, The Waite-Smith Tarot, The Alchemical Tarot, and The Tarot of the Sevenfold Mystery.
680 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 20, 2019
An outstanding resource
October 8, 2019
A clear and concise work to introduce and expand upon the history and design of Tarot, and how to work with the cards for spiritual inspiration and psychic healing. His historical research is a great overview of spiritual and philosophical evolution through the ages, and gives a great foundation for further study of his sources. This author is an inspiration to me, and his approach to esoteric material mirrors and validates what my own intuition always felt but was afraid to acknowledge for fear of persecution and reprisal from either fearful Bible thumpers or Steampunk Satanists. I have always sought to connect with the divine without having to join some Frat House Prayer meeting, Circus Sideshow Demon cult, or some Psychobabble infused Support group. Tarot is an effective tool to find and commune with the divine within yourself, and to help others find this same connection, into healing and guidance of the mind and the soul. Thank you Mr. Place for your tireless work and research. And for your exquisite artwork as well.
July 5, 2026
So very interesting. It’s deep and well researched.
Robert M Place
Over half the book takes the reader through so many topics - Egyptian magic and religion; astrology , philosophy of magic, Hellenistic synthesis, The Middle Ages, alchemy, numerology, History of tarot, allegory, cartomancy.
Chapter 14 is concerned with The Major Arcana cards - this is not concerned with divinatory meanings but rather a interesting look at The Tarot de Marseille style of tarot, The RWS tarot decks as created by AE Waite and the artist Pamela Colman Smith. Along with the above decks Robert M Place takes the reader through the imagery and perspectives of his own decks : The Alchemical Tarot and The Tarot of the Sevenfold Mystery.
The black and white white images of these decks are useful when reading the text so comparisons are easily seen.
Chapter 15 delves into The Minor Arcana / pip and court cards of the various decks in the same way.
After these chapters there are a few spreads included with detailed instructions on how to lay out and perform. Robert M Place also adds some meditation guidance and then what can be called path-working with the tarot ( although he doesn’t refer to this as that)
Not a book for newbies as it will be overwhelming .
It’s taken me a few months to work my way through this heavy tome. I have had this book for 6 years but I found it too intimidating back then.
I have learnt a great many things that I had not come across before.
A book for the tarot enthusiast who wishes to delve deeper into the history and world of these fascinating cards that are full of esoteric images.
The downside for me, was the weight of this chunky text. ( >1.5 kg) The paper is smooth ‘glossy like’ and similar in thickness to those upmarket magazines. Not one for carrying around or resting on your lap.
3.75/5
Robert M Place
Over half the book takes the reader through so many topics - Egyptian magic and religion; astrology , philosophy of magic, Hellenistic synthesis, The Middle Ages, alchemy, numerology, History of tarot, allegory, cartomancy.
Chapter 14 is concerned with The Major Arcana cards - this is not concerned with divinatory meanings but rather a interesting look at The Tarot de Marseille style of tarot, The RWS tarot decks as created by AE Waite and the artist Pamela Colman Smith. Along with the above decks Robert M Place takes the reader through the imagery and perspectives of his own decks : The Alchemical Tarot and The Tarot of the Sevenfold Mystery.
The black and white white images of these decks are useful when reading the text so comparisons are easily seen.
Chapter 15 delves into The Minor Arcana / pip and court cards of the various decks in the same way.
After these chapters there are a few spreads included with detailed instructions on how to lay out and perform. Robert M Place also adds some meditation guidance and then what can be called path-working with the tarot ( although he doesn’t refer to this as that)
Not a book for newbies as it will be overwhelming .
It’s taken me a few months to work my way through this heavy tome. I have had this book for 6 years but I found it too intimidating back then.
I have learnt a great many things that I had not come across before.
A book for the tarot enthusiast who wishes to delve deeper into the history and world of these fascinating cards that are full of esoteric images.
The downside for me, was the weight of this chunky text. ( >1.5 kg) The paper is smooth ‘glossy like’ and similar in thickness to those upmarket magazines. Not one for carrying around or resting on your lap.
3.75/5
May 8, 2020
After recently reading The Tarot: History, Symbolism, and Divination, I completed the book's greatly expanded 2nd Edition. I think it's the best overall Tarot book I've read on its history as well as on interpreting the cards. I appreciate it all the more being familiar with many conflicting schemes of supposed correspondences from the Hebrew alphabet, astrology, Kabbalah, numerics, etc. While I appreciate overlaying these meanings on the cards, I realize that they aren't truly binding. They offer perspectives on the cards.
I own the author's decks, Alchemical Tarot and Tarot of the Sevenfold Mystery, which are explained in detail in this book along with Tarot de Marseille, Etteilla, and Waite-Smith. I recommend reading this edition rather than the original.
I own the author's decks, Alchemical Tarot and Tarot of the Sevenfold Mystery, which are explained in detail in this book along with Tarot de Marseille, Etteilla, and Waite-Smith. I recommend reading this edition rather than the original.
July 8, 2020
Fantastic resource. Poor editing sadly. I really enjoyed the historical background that pulls the Tarot forward & gives us the evolution of symbolism through culture & history. It could have been twice as long. I found a few references greatly simplified but that’s really being picky.
January 20, 2021
Found the historical information really interesting
February 6, 2021
Painstakingly researched, well-organized, and clearly written, this fascinating and ambitious book is one of the best and most informative books on the Tarot and related topics I have yet seen.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews