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Tarot by Numbers: Learn the Codes that Unlock the Meaning of the Cards
Do you want to learn tarot, but feel overwhelmed by all the card meanings? Tarot by Numbers teaches you one of the easiest ways to read cards in an instant—to look at each card’s number.
Numbers are tarot’s operating system. In a tarot deck, there are 22 major arcana cards numbered 0 to 21, plus four suits of 56 cards, named the minor arcana. Just like playing cards, these minor cards are numbered Ace to 10. Even at a glance, you can see how the Ace might reveal beginnings (the idea) and the Ten, an ending (or ultimate expression of the idea). Combine the numbers with other immediate clues such as the card’s suit (Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles), colors, and main image and you will be able to quickly discern the card’s meaning.
With Tarot By Numbers, you’ll discover what numbers mean in a reading, along with some professional number techniques, such as finding your tarot Birth Card by adding up the numbers in your date of birth, and discovering your ‘tarotscope’—which tarot cards influence each year of your life.
This book is perfect for tarot newbies who need an accessible route into tarot (without having to read all the history, myth, and symbolism), as well as the more experienced practitioner looking to refresh their tarot connection.
Numbers are tarot’s operating system. In a tarot deck, there are 22 major arcana cards numbered 0 to 21, plus four suits of 56 cards, named the minor arcana. Just like playing cards, these minor cards are numbered Ace to 10. Even at a glance, you can see how the Ace might reveal beginnings (the idea) and the Ten, an ending (or ultimate expression of the idea). Combine the numbers with other immediate clues such as the card’s suit (Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles), colors, and main image and you will be able to quickly discern the card’s meaning.
With Tarot By Numbers, you’ll discover what numbers mean in a reading, along with some professional number techniques, such as finding your tarot Birth Card by adding up the numbers in your date of birth, and discovering your ‘tarotscope’—which tarot cards influence each year of your life.
This book is perfect for tarot newbies who need an accessible route into tarot (without having to read all the history, myth, and symbolism), as well as the more experienced practitioner looking to refresh their tarot connection.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2022
127 people are currently reading
1208 people want to read
About the author
Liz Dean
60 books95 followersI'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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 5, 2022
Liz Dean is a prominent and well respected writer in the Tarot world. When I saw her latest book listed on NetGalley, I immediately requested it.
Trying to remember the many layered definitions for each of the 78 cards in Tarot deck can be daunting, but Dean has made it easier by grouping the cards with similar numbers or characteristics together. Almost like a "cheat sheet!" I found myself making notes of her numerous interpretations of some of the most misunderstood cards.
I can go for months, even years, without consulting my tarot decks. I tend to take life as it comes, but during COVID, with little else to do but worry about the future of mankind and this planet, I was driven to dust off a few of my favourite decks (and my memory!) and brush up on the meaning of the various cards.
This is, as always, an excellent reference guide for those who are new AND those who are already well-versed in the meaning of the Tarot cards. Highly recommended!
Trying to remember the many layered definitions for each of the 78 cards in Tarot deck can be daunting, but Dean has made it easier by grouping the cards with similar numbers or characteristics together. Almost like a "cheat sheet!" I found myself making notes of her numerous interpretations of some of the most misunderstood cards.
I can go for months, even years, without consulting my tarot decks. I tend to take life as it comes, but during COVID, with little else to do but worry about the future of mankind and this planet, I was driven to dust off a few of my favourite decks (and my memory!) and brush up on the meaning of the various cards.
This is, as always, an excellent reference guide for those who are new AND those who are already well-versed in the meaning of the Tarot cards. Highly recommended!
July 5, 2022
Liz Dean is a prominent and well respected writer in the Tarot world. When I saw her latest book listed on NetGalley, I immediately requested it.
Trying to remember the many layered definitions for each of the 78 cards in Tarot deck can be daunting, but Dean has made it easier by grouping the cards with similar numbers or characteristics together. Almost like a "cheat sheet!" I found myself making notes of her numerous interpretations of some of the most misunderstood cards.
I can go for months, even years, without consulting my tarot decks. I tend to take life as it comes, but during COVID, with little else to do but worry about the future of mankind and this planet, I was driven to dust off a few of my favourite decks (and my memory!) and brush up on the meaning of the various cards.
This is, as always, an excellent reference guide for those who are new AND those who are already well-versed in the meaning of the Tarot cards. Highly recommended!
Trying to remember the many layered definitions for each of the 78 cards in Tarot deck can be daunting, but Dean has made it easier by grouping the cards with similar numbers or characteristics together. Almost like a "cheat sheet!" I found myself making notes of her numerous interpretations of some of the most misunderstood cards.
I can go for months, even years, without consulting my tarot decks. I tend to take life as it comes, but during COVID, with little else to do but worry about the future of mankind and this planet, I was driven to dust off a few of my favourite decks (and my memory!) and brush up on the meaning of the various cards.
This is, as always, an excellent reference guide for those who are new AND those who are already well-versed in the meaning of the Tarot cards. Highly recommended!
June 11, 2022
A reader worries about these things when it comes to such books:
👉Will I be able to understand what the book is trying to say/teach?
👉Will the writing be too complicated and boring with long sentences and page full paragraphs?
👉Will the book will be plain and plain cover to cover?
I had all these worries before I opened the book.
Well, here's my first impression:
✔️The presentation is cool! Pointwise, concise, short sentences, short paragraphs
✔️ Colourful pages in between
✔️ Colourful illustrations
All these added fun and made me feel that it would be easy and possible for me to grasp the information the book is going to give. And so it did too!
The cards are shown and well explained.
For the beginners like me who aren't that familiar with Tarot cards and Tarot card reading. This one is the best so far!
Thank you, Quarto Publishing Group- Fair Winds, for the advance review copy.
👉Will I be able to understand what the book is trying to say/teach?
👉Will the writing be too complicated and boring with long sentences and page full paragraphs?
👉Will the book will be plain and plain cover to cover?
I had all these worries before I opened the book.
Well, here's my first impression:
✔️The presentation is cool! Pointwise, concise, short sentences, short paragraphs
✔️ Colourful pages in between
✔️ Colourful illustrations
All these added fun and made me feel that it would be easy and possible for me to grasp the information the book is going to give. And so it did too!
The cards are shown and well explained.
For the beginners like me who aren't that familiar with Tarot cards and Tarot card reading. This one is the best so far!
Thank you, Quarto Publishing Group- Fair Winds, for the advance review copy.
November 10, 2022
A fantastic resource for learning to read tarot.
I got a lot of understanding out of this book. The book is short and it packed full of insight on how to read the cards and how to learn their meanings quickly.
I will definitely be picking up a physical copy.
The author brings up insights I have never considered before, like how the lovers card and the devils card is so strikingly similar.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for making this title available for me.
I got a lot of understanding out of this book. The book is short and it packed full of insight on how to read the cards and how to learn their meanings quickly.
I will definitely be picking up a physical copy.
The author brings up insights I have never considered before, like how the lovers card and the devils card is so strikingly similar.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for making this title available for me.
June 18, 2022
I came across this book the other night while perusing Netgalley's extensive collection, and as someone interested in this subject but doesn't know a whole lot about it, requesting it was a no-brainer for me. So, a big thanks to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group- Fair Winds/Fair Winds Press for this advanced review copy.
This was a relatively quick read, only took two, maybe three hours to read. This is a fantastic book for beginners if they're just getting into Tarot or maybe just testing the waters a bit. I think that those who are more advanced or knowledgeable would also enjoy it too, it might give them a new way of looking at and understanding their cards.
Unlike most tarot books that just lay out what each card typically means, this one goes further by focusing on the numerology of each card and what it means, and how the cards go together (Appendix II: Directory of Card Meanings does give this information in an easy to read list). It also walks readers through numerous layouts, what each section of the layout means, and how to interpret the cards in those sections.
The book itself is split into an introduction and the five main parts with an additional three appendixes that host spectacular information to go along with what the book talks about. The five main parts are 1 - The Major Arcana: Cards by Numbers, 2 - The Minor Arcana: Cards by Numbers, 3 - Timing Techniques and Intuition, 4 - Number Techniques in Tarot Spreads, and 5 - Your Birth Cards and Tarotscope. These sections are jam-packed with great information and it's easy to follow along with. Some books can be on the dry side, but I didn't find this one to be like that at all, I enjoyed each section, especially section five, and I'll definitely be re-reading this and trying out some of the layouts.
The deck that is featured in this book is the Rider Waite Smith tarot, or RWS as the book refers to it, which I believe is the most common and 'traditional' tarot deck. I don’t have this deck, I have the Sharman-Burke deck, but it was easy to compare what's in the book to the cards in my deck. I had a lot of fun comparing my cards to those in the book and matching the meanings to images on my cards.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I would gladly buy a physical copy when it's published.
This review will also be posted on Netgalley, Fathoms Amidst the Lines, and Functionally Fictional.
This was a relatively quick read, only took two, maybe three hours to read. This is a fantastic book for beginners if they're just getting into Tarot or maybe just testing the waters a bit. I think that those who are more advanced or knowledgeable would also enjoy it too, it might give them a new way of looking at and understanding their cards.
Unlike most tarot books that just lay out what each card typically means, this one goes further by focusing on the numerology of each card and what it means, and how the cards go together (Appendix II: Directory of Card Meanings does give this information in an easy to read list). It also walks readers through numerous layouts, what each section of the layout means, and how to interpret the cards in those sections.
The book itself is split into an introduction and the five main parts with an additional three appendixes that host spectacular information to go along with what the book talks about. The five main parts are 1 - The Major Arcana: Cards by Numbers, 2 - The Minor Arcana: Cards by Numbers, 3 - Timing Techniques and Intuition, 4 - Number Techniques in Tarot Spreads, and 5 - Your Birth Cards and Tarotscope. These sections are jam-packed with great information and it's easy to follow along with. Some books can be on the dry side, but I didn't find this one to be like that at all, I enjoyed each section, especially section five, and I'll definitely be re-reading this and trying out some of the layouts.
The deck that is featured in this book is the Rider Waite Smith tarot, or RWS as the book refers to it, which I believe is the most common and 'traditional' tarot deck. I don’t have this deck, I have the Sharman-Burke deck, but it was easy to compare what's in the book to the cards in my deck. I had a lot of fun comparing my cards to those in the book and matching the meanings to images on my cards.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I would gladly buy a physical copy when it's published.
This review will also be posted on Netgalley, Fathoms Amidst the Lines, and Functionally Fictional.
December 7, 2025
This book would be useful for those starting out or who have a bit of experience with Tarot. I've been reading for over 30 years so there wasn't much new for me. This is a good book to help you learn card meanings on your own.
The print is rather small. I like the way it's organized and the spreads it offers. Some of the connections between cards was vague and could have been expressed better.
The print is rather small. I like the way it's organized and the spreads it offers. Some of the connections between cards was vague and could have been expressed better.
February 2, 2025
Good beginner book.
April 2, 2023
Great reference for Tarot readers of all experience levels. Includes spreads, card meanings, and more. Wonderful reference to have on hand. Quick and easy read without alot of extra fluff.
November 4, 2023
In "Tarot by Numbers: Learn the Codes that Unlock the Meaning of the Cards," Liz Dean presents a fresh and intriguing method for delving into the world of tarot. Her innovative approach, based on numerology and the inherent symbolism within the cards, offers readers a unique perspective on interpreting the Tarot. Dean's extensive knowledge of both numerology and tarot shines through, providing a valuable resource for both beginners and seasoned readers.
One of the book's strengths lies in Dean's clear and accessible writing style. She expertly guides readers through the process of understanding the significance of numbers in tarot, making what could be a complex subject matter easily digestible. The incorporation of practical exercises and examples further reinforces the concepts presented, allowing readers to immediately apply their newfound knowledge to their tarot practice.
The book's structure is well-organized, with each chapter dedicated to a specific number and its corresponding meaning in tarot. This format allows for easy reference and makes it simple for readers to focus on specific aspects of their readings. Dean's explanations are accompanied by beautifully illustrated tarot cards, enhancing the visual learning experience.
While the numerological approach may not resonate with every tarot enthusiast, "Tarot by Numbers" offers a valuable and fresh perspective on the art of tarot reading. Liz Dean's expertise and passion for the subject shine through, making this book a standout addition to any tarot library. It provides a valuable tool for expanding one's understanding of the cards and deepening the richness of tarot readings.
I was provided an advanced copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
One of the book's strengths lies in Dean's clear and accessible writing style. She expertly guides readers through the process of understanding the significance of numbers in tarot, making what could be a complex subject matter easily digestible. The incorporation of practical exercises and examples further reinforces the concepts presented, allowing readers to immediately apply their newfound knowledge to their tarot practice.
The book's structure is well-organized, with each chapter dedicated to a specific number and its corresponding meaning in tarot. This format allows for easy reference and makes it simple for readers to focus on specific aspects of their readings. Dean's explanations are accompanied by beautifully illustrated tarot cards, enhancing the visual learning experience.
While the numerological approach may not resonate with every tarot enthusiast, "Tarot by Numbers" offers a valuable and fresh perspective on the art of tarot reading. Liz Dean's expertise and passion for the subject shine through, making this book a standout addition to any tarot library. It provides a valuable tool for expanding one's understanding of the cards and deepening the richness of tarot readings.
I was provided an advanced copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 17, 2022
"Tarot by Numbers" is Liz Dean’s offering to novices and enthusiasts who seek to deepen their understanding of the tarot deck by making sense of its linkages to numerology. Dean demystifies tarot reading by focusing on its “operating system,” the numbers representing the progression through the proverbial stages of the journey. Dean shares the history of the tarot and uncovers the symbolism found in the order and sequence of the numbered cards in the major and minor arcana. She discusses associated elements, timing techniques, and using numbers to make sense of the essential characteristics of tarot spreads.
Tarot practice is entrenched in the Kabbalah, the mystical belief system within Judaism. My interest in the tarot is rooted in my curiosity about indigenous female-centered spiritual practices. As a student of culture, history, and mythology, I am intrigued by how contemporary women from all backgrounds find utility in this divination tool. "Tarot by Numbers" is a practical guide for tarot learners of all levels, who will benefit from Dean’s insights about various number techniques in tarot spreads. One gains cognizance of how the structural numerical symbolism of the tarot deck is inextricably linked to the reader’s acute intuition and profound intentions.
Tarot practice is entrenched in the Kabbalah, the mystical belief system within Judaism. My interest in the tarot is rooted in my curiosity about indigenous female-centered spiritual practices. As a student of culture, history, and mythology, I am intrigued by how contemporary women from all backgrounds find utility in this divination tool. "Tarot by Numbers" is a practical guide for tarot learners of all levels, who will benefit from Dean’s insights about various number techniques in tarot spreads. One gains cognizance of how the structural numerical symbolism of the tarot deck is inextricably linked to the reader’s acute intuition and profound intentions.
February 7, 2024
This book has a lot of good information. I couldn't get into it though. I think it's something with the tiny font on the glossy paper.
I will try to come back to this one. I love the spreads in this, I appreciate when they're included. I love the full colour picture of the cards, it sets the book apart from others. I'm giving it 3 stars because the information is great and useful for all levels, but the format is not working with my brain or eyes.
I will try to come back to this one. I love the spreads in this, I appreciate when they're included. I love the full colour picture of the cards, it sets the book apart from others. I'm giving it 3 stars because the information is great and useful for all levels, but the format is not working with my brain or eyes.
October 30, 2023
First beginner book I’ve found that actually teaches tarot interpretation intellectually to start. This is the way I have learned in workshops from a witch who studied the cards for over a decade before doing a reading - I have felt this style of interpretation is highly intuitive and comes easily once it clicks.
October 13, 2024
I base my ratings on how interesting I found the topic. This isn't a bad rating (I have a tag for that), but, overall, it is well-worn numerological information. I am always happy to see books that take the less-common angle, however, it would be nice if it was a bit more than the Golden Dawn with some numerology.
December 23, 2024
A down to earth, well laid out, and easy to understand description of a lot of interconnected topics. This could have been a difficult book to understand, but it was in the fact the opposite. I initially grabbed it from the public library, but about 20 pages in I was dying for my own copy to annotate and refer back to in my own work. Brava!
November 6, 2023
Outstanding tarot book! It's well laid out, easy to follow, and very engaging.This book is a goldmine of information! Great for those new to the cards, and for those wanting to learn more in-depth meanings of your Rider Waite deck.
June 24, 2024
Imagine blending tarot with good ol' math—sounds crazy, right? But somehow, it works! Each card has this numeric twist that adds a whole new layer to the readings. Whether you're into tarot or just curious about numbers, this book dives deep into both worlds.
June 8, 2025
Good Book
This is a good find.. it don’t really go in depth about the meanings of each card and it focuses more the numerology aspect. There are a lot of good spreads in this book. I definitely recommend for beginners and advance tarot readers.
This is a good find.. it don’t really go in depth about the meanings of each card and it focuses more the numerology aspect. There are a lot of good spreads in this book. I definitely recommend for beginners and advance tarot readers.
October 5, 2025
very interesting book
I’ve added several of these, spreads to my weekly tarot for myself, along with several of the cleansing techniques. My use of numbers in my readings has been greatly enhanced having read this book.
I’ve added several of these, spreads to my weekly tarot for myself, along with several of the cleansing techniques. My use of numbers in my readings has been greatly enhanced having read this book.
December 26, 2022
Fantastic and simple layout, making for a great resource and quick reference guide, as well as providing spread suggestions, samples and other insightful information. A wonderful find!
January 1, 2023
Is visual for the card and spread examples. Different topics were introduced as well. The numbers are divided into different areas that may be part of a reading (ex. love and career).
April 11, 2023
Nice overview of tarot readings using numbers. Many different types of spreads for different purposes.
November 11, 2023
Very easy to read, and did learn a lot about numerology and it’s connection to Tarot.
I’m adding the author to my favourite list…
I’m adding the author to my favourite list…
December 20, 2024
Excellent reference on the subject
October 17, 2022
Another great book from Liz Dean. I bought this on Kindle as soon as it was available, but I will also likely acquire the paper version soon. Every Liz Dean book I've read throws in one technique that I've never heard of before. I particularly liked her suggestion to do a reading with the Major Arcana plus whatever suit matches the situation you need guidance on. (Cups for emotional matters, etc.)
June 11, 2022
I can safely say this is one of the best tarot books I have ever read. It is jam-packed full of information but presented in a different way compared to other tarot books, which tend to just go through each card one by one telling you what it means.
This book, in contrast, applies numerology to the cards, instantly making them much more intuitive and easier to understand. After a brief history of tarot and a look at the background of tarot numbering and how to prepare a deck for use, the author introduces us to the major arcana. As mentioned earlier, she doesn’t go card by card as if they are separate entities, but rather recognises that these cards are connected so discusses their relationship to each other via the story of the Fool’s Journey. It was very eye-opening for me and made me feel much more comfortable with the meanings of these cards.
Next the book introduces us to the minor arcana but it is not suit by suit but rather by number, so she teaches us about all of the aces across the suits, showing their relationship to each other, and so on. For each number we are provided with a suggested spread so we can get to know how to use the cards effectively.
Applying numerology to the tarot provides a new dimension of understanding to the cards and helps provide a new perspective to the user. The rest of the books focuses more on numerology, for example creating a horoscope spread, working with the new moon, birth cards and searching for hidden numbers in the cards. The book is packed full of ideas for spreads and readings, as well as looking at more advanced practice and linking the major and minor cards by number. The Kabbala is also touched upon, making this an incredibly comprehensive tarot book.
There is a lot of information here and I think it is possibly the only book you need if you are a beginner wishing to learn tarot. More experienced readers will also surely find something new here. The books ends with a directory of card meanings covering both upright and reversed meanings. Everything you might need or want to know about tarot is here, and I recommend buying a physical copy so you can flick through it to find what you need. I shall certainly be preordering my own copy.
With thanks to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing for providing an advance review copy. All opinions are my own.
This book, in contrast, applies numerology to the cards, instantly making them much more intuitive and easier to understand. After a brief history of tarot and a look at the background of tarot numbering and how to prepare a deck for use, the author introduces us to the major arcana. As mentioned earlier, she doesn’t go card by card as if they are separate entities, but rather recognises that these cards are connected so discusses their relationship to each other via the story of the Fool’s Journey. It was very eye-opening for me and made me feel much more comfortable with the meanings of these cards.
Next the book introduces us to the minor arcana but it is not suit by suit but rather by number, so she teaches us about all of the aces across the suits, showing their relationship to each other, and so on. For each number we are provided with a suggested spread so we can get to know how to use the cards effectively.
Applying numerology to the tarot provides a new dimension of understanding to the cards and helps provide a new perspective to the user. The rest of the books focuses more on numerology, for example creating a horoscope spread, working with the new moon, birth cards and searching for hidden numbers in the cards. The book is packed full of ideas for spreads and readings, as well as looking at more advanced practice and linking the major and minor cards by number. The Kabbala is also touched upon, making this an incredibly comprehensive tarot book.
There is a lot of information here and I think it is possibly the only book you need if you are a beginner wishing to learn tarot. More experienced readers will also surely find something new here. The books ends with a directory of card meanings covering both upright and reversed meanings. Everything you might need or want to know about tarot is here, and I recommend buying a physical copy so you can flick through it to find what you need. I shall certainly be preordering my own copy.
With thanks to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing for providing an advance review copy. All opinions are my own.
July 25, 2022
Exactly what an introductory book to Tarot Numerology should be.
Liz Dean's book, Tarot By Numbers, contains factual and interesting history of tarot without relying on myths or superstition. The techniques are clear and easy to practice.
I've been reading tarot for 13 years and came into this book expecting some tried and true basics. I was pleasantly surprised by a few things.
- Using the numbers intuitively when meditating on the cards was a surprise. I expected the book to be straightforward numerology with the tarot so seeing this intuitive bit was a pleasant surprise.
- Hidden numbers in the cards. I've seen this come up in tarot group discussions among readers when looking for connections in spreads such as drawing 2 court cards that are 8's and also the Magician with its infinity symbol resembling an 8. It was neat to see this referred to in other cards as well without necessarily the need for connection in spread.
- The boost alignment technique of using only 1 suit in accordance to your reading focus (cups for relationships, swords for judicial system, etc) and the major arcana was also neat to see in a beginner book as this was a technique I didn't run into until later in my practice as a reader.
A note on Fair Winds Press and the book: I really enjoyed the pretty illustrations and the set up of historical facts to break up parts and chapters. However, the column style of the pages was hard to read on my e-reader/tablet without messing around with zooming in and out.
All in all, this is a great book for beginner and practicing tarot readers wanting a refreshing take on numerology and tarot.
Liz Dean's book, Tarot By Numbers, contains factual and interesting history of tarot without relying on myths or superstition. The techniques are clear and easy to practice.
I've been reading tarot for 13 years and came into this book expecting some tried and true basics. I was pleasantly surprised by a few things.
- Using the numbers intuitively when meditating on the cards was a surprise. I expected the book to be straightforward numerology with the tarot so seeing this intuitive bit was a pleasant surprise.
- Hidden numbers in the cards. I've seen this come up in tarot group discussions among readers when looking for connections in spreads such as drawing 2 court cards that are 8's and also the Magician with its infinity symbol resembling an 8. It was neat to see this referred to in other cards as well without necessarily the need for connection in spread.
- The boost alignment technique of using only 1 suit in accordance to your reading focus (cups for relationships, swords for judicial system, etc) and the major arcana was also neat to see in a beginner book as this was a technique I didn't run into until later in my practice as a reader.
A note on Fair Winds Press and the book: I really enjoyed the pretty illustrations and the set up of historical facts to break up parts and chapters. However, the column style of the pages was hard to read on my e-reader/tablet without messing around with zooming in and out.
All in all, this is a great book for beginner and practicing tarot readers wanting a refreshing take on numerology and tarot.
July 7, 2022
I was so pleasantly surprised by this book! It is a fairly quick read, but packed full of information to make you think about your cards in different ways. If you have been struggling with card meanings, this is another way of looking at the cards that is much more intuitive than just rote memorization. In addition to interpreting individual cards, there is information here about finding meaning from a card’s numbers and location in the numeric sequences within the deck; there are many new card layouts for readings; as well as a system for identifying and finding meaning for tarot birth cards and cards that are yearly influencers. It’s all explained succinctly and clearly. The appendix contains a short directory of card meanings, and a discussion on the connections between the cards and Kabbalah. There is also an index for quick sourcing.
This will be a great reference for beginners as well as those who have more experience reading the cards but want to add numerology to their arsenal, and the new layouts will add depth to your readings and a practical way of processing and practicing using the new information. Highly recommended!
This will be a great reference for beginners as well as those who have more experience reading the cards but want to add numerology to their arsenal, and the new layouts will add depth to your readings and a practical way of processing and practicing using the new information. Highly recommended!
June 13, 2022
If you are like me, you are someone who has tried to learn tarot by looking up each card every time one is turned over in a spread. Reading tarot through looking at each individual card makes the process cumbersome and removes the interconnectedness and intuition that more seasoned tarot practitioners are readily able to achieve.
ENTER THIS BOOK!
Tarot by numbers is the first book I've found that explained reading the cards using a holistic approach. Unlike so many others, this is not merely a reference book with a page for the meaning of each card (though it has that towards the end). Instead, Dean incorporates numerology and encourages readers to understand the larger associations of the cards and how to develop comfort with them in different sample spreads.
The content is presented in a colorful and manageable style, making this a great tool for beginner to intermediate tarot enthusiasts.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with a digital ARC is exchange for this honest review.
ENTER THIS BOOK!
Tarot by numbers is the first book I've found that explained reading the cards using a holistic approach. Unlike so many others, this is not merely a reference book with a page for the meaning of each card (though it has that towards the end). Instead, Dean incorporates numerology and encourages readers to understand the larger associations of the cards and how to develop comfort with them in different sample spreads.
The content is presented in a colorful and manageable style, making this a great tool for beginner to intermediate tarot enthusiasts.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with a digital ARC is exchange for this honest review.
September 14, 2022
This was a great read- very informative but also highly accessible. I wouldn’t suggest it as the first book to read about tarot as it doesn’t focus on the meanings of individual cards, but if you are already proficient in that area this is a great next step. I got a lot out of it!
June 24, 2022
A Wealth of Arcane Knowledge!
Whether you're a seasoned tarot reader or just starting out, Tarot by Numbers has something for everyone. Liz Dean breaks down the numerology of the standard tarot deck and then delves into the relation between a card's number and suit.
I personally had to re-read this book twice. Once to familiarize myself with the text and a second time to take notes. This may sound daunting, but it's proven to be an incredible start to my tarot journal, which previously I had no idea where to start.
Layering numerology, symbolism, and suit, Liz takes something that seems incredibly complex and boils it down into memorable narrative.
Compatible with all decks, including playing cards, this is the guidebook you will want to keep at your altar to revisit often.
[Thank you to NetGalley and Fair winds Press for offering me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.]
Whether you're a seasoned tarot reader or just starting out, Tarot by Numbers has something for everyone. Liz Dean breaks down the numerology of the standard tarot deck and then delves into the relation between a card's number and suit.
I personally had to re-read this book twice. Once to familiarize myself with the text and a second time to take notes. This may sound daunting, but it's proven to be an incredible start to my tarot journal, which previously I had no idea where to start.
Layering numerology, symbolism, and suit, Liz takes something that seems incredibly complex and boils it down into memorable narrative.
Compatible with all decks, including playing cards, this is the guidebook you will want to keep at your altar to revisit often.
[Thank you to NetGalley and Fair winds Press for offering me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.]
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