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Easy Tarot Combinations: How to Connect the Cards for Insightful Readings
Combine the Cards, Tell their Full Story & Get the Answers You Need Drawing on more than fifty years of tarot experience, Josephine Ellershaw teaches you how to link the cards together to produce a cohesive reading. She takes you through the deck, sharing keywords, visual prompts, applied meanings, and featured combinations from her personal tarot toolbox, gleaned from real readings. Ellershaw also shares predictive reading techniques to help you find connections interwoven through your cards. In tarot, everything means something, even if it's not immediately apparent. Easy Tarot Combinations adds depth and dimension to your readings by showing you how the cards relate to and reinforce one another. Ellershaw makes it easy to understand various connections, from similar and opposing cards to multiple numbers and badly aspected cards, to seamlessly blend the results of your reading. This book demonstrates that combinations aren't just lists you need to memorize―they are extensions of yourself and the personal language you share with your cards.
312 pages, Paperback
Published March 8, 2023
31 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 26, 2023
The author gives extensive instructions on how to read each individual card, then provides you with multiple combinations and their meanings when they appear consecutively in a spread.
I found some of her interpretations interesting, even valid, but I will have to say that many tarot experts bring their own experience and research to their individual guidebooks, and I have often found that one pairing will result in a different interpretation by another author. At least this author's interpretations make sense, which is more than I can say for many of the explanations provided by Dorothy Kelly in her 1995 publication Tarot Card Combinations.
As it stands, this is an excellent guidebook and instruction manual - one which I wouldn't mind having handy on my own bookshelf as I continue to expand my own knowledge on this fascinating subject.
Five stars for a concise but thorough explanation of common tarot card combinations. My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this excellent guidebook in exchange for an honest review.
I found some of her interpretations interesting, even valid, but I will have to say that many tarot experts bring their own experience and research to their individual guidebooks, and I have often found that one pairing will result in a different interpretation by another author. At least this author's interpretations make sense, which is more than I can say for many of the explanations provided by Dorothy Kelly in her 1995 publication Tarot Card Combinations.
As it stands, this is an excellent guidebook and instruction manual - one which I wouldn't mind having handy on my own bookshelf as I continue to expand my own knowledge on this fascinating subject.
Five stars for a concise but thorough explanation of common tarot card combinations. My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this excellent guidebook in exchange for an honest review.
January 13, 2023
I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I am a secular reader, with a greater focus on mental health, and because of that, I unfortunately didn't find this book too useful for me. Given how tarot is spreading in popularity and gaining a wider audience, I wish resources made it more clear who their target audience is. If you are a spiritual reader, with a focus on reading a client's future, this book is more for you.
That said, I was still looking forward to seeing the author's approach to reading multiple cards. However, I was disappointed with the execution of this book. I wish the author had less combination examples in exchange for more detailed dives. While each card had a nice amount of text explaining its meaning, since this book's whole focus is card combinations, I was hoping for more deep dives into that, rather than surface level one or two sentence examples. It felt more like quick fortunes, when I would have preferred to see more of the reasoning behind how the author reached the conclusion for the card combinations.
In the back of the book, there is a section called "Breaking It Down" where the author covers several methods of how one could combine card meanings. I'm confused why that's at the end of the book, and not the start, and how that section is so short. I feel like that could've been a bigger chunk of the book. Expand on those tips, give examples through those methods. How might readings compare if you use the same cards but different approaches for connecting them? I feel like there was a lot of missed opportunity here.
I did like that the author included a list of similar/supporting, and opposing/contradictory cards for each card. In that sense, it was nice to see how the author compared and contrasted different cards.
I think the book works well enough for spiritual beginners wanting to learn more for divination practice, especially if you intend to run a business and read for clients, but if you're looking for detailed breakdowns, explanations, or deep dives into card combos, or prefer doing readings for yourself, this book is probably not for you.
Heads up as well, this book is cis-het for meanings/readings.
I am a secular reader, with a greater focus on mental health, and because of that, I unfortunately didn't find this book too useful for me. Given how tarot is spreading in popularity and gaining a wider audience, I wish resources made it more clear who their target audience is. If you are a spiritual reader, with a focus on reading a client's future, this book is more for you.
That said, I was still looking forward to seeing the author's approach to reading multiple cards. However, I was disappointed with the execution of this book. I wish the author had less combination examples in exchange for more detailed dives. While each card had a nice amount of text explaining its meaning, since this book's whole focus is card combinations, I was hoping for more deep dives into that, rather than surface level one or two sentence examples. It felt more like quick fortunes, when I would have preferred to see more of the reasoning behind how the author reached the conclusion for the card combinations.
In the back of the book, there is a section called "Breaking It Down" where the author covers several methods of how one could combine card meanings. I'm confused why that's at the end of the book, and not the start, and how that section is so short. I feel like that could've been a bigger chunk of the book. Expand on those tips, give examples through those methods. How might readings compare if you use the same cards but different approaches for connecting them? I feel like there was a lot of missed opportunity here.
I did like that the author included a list of similar/supporting, and opposing/contradictory cards for each card. In that sense, it was nice to see how the author compared and contrasted different cards.
I think the book works well enough for spiritual beginners wanting to learn more for divination practice, especially if you intend to run a business and read for clients, but if you're looking for detailed breakdowns, explanations, or deep dives into card combos, or prefer doing readings for yourself, this book is probably not for you.
Heads up as well, this book is cis-het for meanings/readings.
December 17, 2025
I only read cards for myself, but this book seems like it would be helpful for tarot readers with clients.
I always struggle with the court cards (ugh) and this was an excellent resource for learning how to better integrate them into a reading. I can see myself referencing this in the future, when I don't understand what a draw could mean or when I pull all the stupid Knights and Pages at once.
I always struggle with the court cards (ugh) and this was an excellent resource for learning how to better integrate them into a reading. I can see myself referencing this in the future, when I don't understand what a draw could mean or when I pull all the stupid Knights and Pages at once.
August 1, 2023
This is a book you need to take your time with and absorb. there are a lot of combinations , you won't be able to remember them all, but as you work through the combinations you will see a theme, which will allow you get a better understanding.
When you look at the meaning of the combined cards its easy to see how the author came to the conclusion of the meaning. There are a couple of interpretations i don't agree with, but I boil that down to reading style and experience.
If you're looking to add even more depth to your reading, then this is a great start. I wouldn't recommend this for a novice reader and that's okay, there are a lot of books for beginners. It's actually refreshing to see something a bit more advanced and deviating from the norm.
I think this is an excellent must have in your tarot book library.
thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When you look at the meaning of the combined cards its easy to see how the author came to the conclusion of the meaning. There are a couple of interpretations i don't agree with, but I boil that down to reading style and experience.
If you're looking to add even more depth to your reading, then this is a great start. I wouldn't recommend this for a novice reader and that's okay, there are a lot of books for beginners. It's actually refreshing to see something a bit more advanced and deviating from the norm.
I think this is an excellent must have in your tarot book library.
thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2023
"Easy Tarot Combinations: How to Connect the Cards for Insightful Readings" by Josephine Ellershaw is an invaluable resource for both novice and experienced tarot readers. Ellershaw's expertise shines through as she expertly guides readers through the intricate art of combining tarot cards to unlock deeper insights and meanings.
What sets this book apart is its user-friendly approach. Ellershaw's clear and concise explanations make complex tarot combinations accessible, allowing readers to immediately apply them to their readings. Her writing style is engaging and relatable, making the learning process enjoyable and rewarding.
The book's structure is well-organized, with combinations grouped by card pairs and themes. This thoughtful layout allows for easy reference, making it a go-to guide for enhancing the depth and accuracy of tarot readings. Additionally, the inclusion of practical exercises and sample readings provides hands-on experience to reinforce the concepts presented.
Ellershaw's emphasis on intuition and personal interpretation is a highlight of this book. While providing valuable combinations, she also encourages readers to trust their own instincts and develop their unique tarot reading style. This empowers readers to connect more deeply with the cards and cultivate a more personalized and insightful practice.
Whether you're a beginner looking to build a strong foundation in tarot reading or a seasoned practitioner seeking to deepen your skills, "Easy Tarot Combinations" is an essential addition to your tarot library. Josephine Ellershaw's expertise and passion for tarot shine through, making this book a valuable companion on your journey towards more insightful and meaningful readings.
I was provided an advanced copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
What sets this book apart is its user-friendly approach. Ellershaw's clear and concise explanations make complex tarot combinations accessible, allowing readers to immediately apply them to their readings. Her writing style is engaging and relatable, making the learning process enjoyable and rewarding.
The book's structure is well-organized, with combinations grouped by card pairs and themes. This thoughtful layout allows for easy reference, making it a go-to guide for enhancing the depth and accuracy of tarot readings. Additionally, the inclusion of practical exercises and sample readings provides hands-on experience to reinforce the concepts presented.
Ellershaw's emphasis on intuition and personal interpretation is a highlight of this book. While providing valuable combinations, she also encourages readers to trust their own instincts and develop their unique tarot reading style. This empowers readers to connect more deeply with the cards and cultivate a more personalized and insightful practice.
Whether you're a beginner looking to build a strong foundation in tarot reading or a seasoned practitioner seeking to deepen your skills, "Easy Tarot Combinations" is an essential addition to your tarot library. Josephine Ellershaw's expertise and passion for tarot shine through, making this book a valuable companion on your journey towards more insightful and meaningful readings.
I was provided an advanced copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 15, 2023
LEARNING THE CARDS
When I picked up Easy Tarot Combinations: How to Connect the Cards for Insightful Readings by Josephine Ellershaw, my only expectation was to get a bit of insight into what my cards meant in certain combinations. I mean, tarot can be a bit intimidating to read when they are in full spreads. Instead, I received an in-depth tutorial that took my extremely-basic understanding of tarot combinations to the next level. What's more, the author provided me with practical advice that was easy to understand and apply immediately.
AN EXCELLENT REFERENCE GUIDE FOR NEWBIES
The author also made it Easy Tarot Combinations: How to Connect the Cards for Insightful Readings an excellent reference guide, especially if you haven't memorized what each card represents yet. For someone who merely dabbles in astrology or tarot for personal entertainment, finding the time to memorize each card is a luxury I can't afford quite yet. However, with this book I am able to quickly look something up without spending too much of my free time searching through dozens of websites or TikToks. The book makes things equally simple if you would like to interpret combination spreads.
IN CONCLUSION
This book is a great learning tool for beginners who would like to see what their tarot cards mean in combinations and a useful book to have in their library. Definitely purchase this book if you're looking for a quick, useful reference guide to take your tarot card interpretations to the next level!
When I picked up Easy Tarot Combinations: How to Connect the Cards for Insightful Readings by Josephine Ellershaw, my only expectation was to get a bit of insight into what my cards meant in certain combinations. I mean, tarot can be a bit intimidating to read when they are in full spreads. Instead, I received an in-depth tutorial that took my extremely-basic understanding of tarot combinations to the next level. What's more, the author provided me with practical advice that was easy to understand and apply immediately.
AN EXCELLENT REFERENCE GUIDE FOR NEWBIES
The author also made it Easy Tarot Combinations: How to Connect the Cards for Insightful Readings an excellent reference guide, especially if you haven't memorized what each card represents yet. For someone who merely dabbles in astrology or tarot for personal entertainment, finding the time to memorize each card is a luxury I can't afford quite yet. However, with this book I am able to quickly look something up without spending too much of my free time searching through dozens of websites or TikToks. The book makes things equally simple if you would like to interpret combination spreads.
IN CONCLUSION
This book is a great learning tool for beginners who would like to see what their tarot cards mean in combinations and a useful book to have in their library. Definitely purchase this book if you're looking for a quick, useful reference guide to take your tarot card interpretations to the next level!
January 20, 2023
Reading Tarot Combinations
First of, the author explains tarot combinations as being combinations that are created once we have more than one
card in a spread; the way they merge and blend together as we read from one to the next producing a combined meaning. She discusses how to read a tarot combination, dealing the the suit element, flow, polarity, and other facets of tarot interpretation.
All cards of the Major and Minor Arcana Decks are discussed separately, with emphasis being placed of each card's applied meaning, its associated element, flow, polarity, and the reversed or badly aspect. I feel that this is a good book for anyone wanting to develop their reading skills from a more indepth aspect.
I enjoyed reading, and I will admit that I would have to study it and practice a bit more. However, I do recommend it because I feel it would be a great benefit to others.
First of, the author explains tarot combinations as being combinations that are created once we have more than one
card in a spread; the way they merge and blend together as we read from one to the next producing a combined meaning. She discusses how to read a tarot combination, dealing the the suit element, flow, polarity, and other facets of tarot interpretation.
All cards of the Major and Minor Arcana Decks are discussed separately, with emphasis being placed of each card's applied meaning, its associated element, flow, polarity, and the reversed or badly aspect. I feel that this is a good book for anyone wanting to develop their reading skills from a more indepth aspect.
I enjoyed reading, and I will admit that I would have to study it and practice a bit more. However, I do recommend it because I feel it would be a great benefit to others.
January 1, 2023
5/5 stars!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved the concept of this book! It basically shows us the different ways we can pair or combine tarot cards while doing a reading. And it is more than just spreads! It actually shows some examples when a card is paired with another card in a reading and whether those cards have a similar or opposing meanings and what does it mean for the reading. I enjoyed reading this book and the insights that I got from here. I highly recommend, especially to beginners to tarot reading.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved the concept of this book! It basically shows us the different ways we can pair or combine tarot cards while doing a reading. And it is more than just spreads! It actually shows some examples when a card is paired with another card in a reading and whether those cards have a similar or opposing meanings and what does it mean for the reading. I enjoyed reading this book and the insights that I got from here. I highly recommend, especially to beginners to tarot reading.
January 1, 2023
Easy read for sure, it goes through all the cards in the (RWS) deck and gives a few combinations with the cards the author came across most in her readings. Reading from left to right is a style I've long left behind. Finding keywords that work for you and trying to build a story felt very Lenormand to me. This book is a good starting point for beginners but didn't bring me any new insights.
Thank you Netgalley and Llewellyn for the ARC.
Thank you Netgalley and Llewellyn for the ARC.
June 15, 2023
Quick impressions: This is an easy book to read. It's accessible with a practical focus. Esoteric elements are kept to a minimum. Meanings and interpretations focus more on practical and common life matters. As a reference book, it works well. As a basic learning guide, this book can be a good supplement to other basic learning books.
(Full detailed review with reading notes available on my blog.)
(Full detailed review with reading notes available on my blog.)
January 7, 2023
i found this one very enlightening, for beginners this is perfect to begin to come to intuition and how to flow with the energy through the tarot.
It has a lot of possible combinations and association that could happen in a reading so it's a good manual to get in tune with the meanings of the cards.
Totally recommended if you're initiating or coming back to your cards.
It has a lot of possible combinations and association that could happen in a reading so it's a good manual to get in tune with the meanings of the cards.
Totally recommended if you're initiating or coming back to your cards.
February 5, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and the publish for the opportunity to review.
This is a decent guide for beginners. It thoroughly explains the cards and goes in detail regarding interpreting the different combinations of cards received in a reading. If you are more experienced with tarot this probably won’t be as beneficial to you.
3.5⭐️ rounded up
This is a decent guide for beginners. It thoroughly explains the cards and goes in detail regarding interpreting the different combinations of cards received in a reading. If you are more experienced with tarot this probably won’t be as beneficial to you.
3.5⭐️ rounded up
June 28, 2025
Excellent!
I have been dabbling in tarot for a long time, but this book really helped me to look at the cards together instead of individually. It also helped me to better learn the court cards, which have always been my Achilles’ heel. Highly recommend this book and I can’t wait to read her other titles!
I have been dabbling in tarot for a long time, but this book really helped me to look at the cards together instead of individually. It also helped me to better learn the court cards, which have always been my Achilles’ heel. Highly recommend this book and I can’t wait to read her other titles!
January 14, 2023
I enjoyed this book about the tarot combinations, and how to read the cards. It gives a good overview, and would be great for someone new to tarot reading, or those who have taken a break and need a refresher.
Thank you Netgalley and Llewellyn Publications for the ARC!
Thank you Netgalley and Llewellyn Publications for the ARC!
March 27, 2023
Very basic starter book for anyone getting into Tarot. It does go very in-depth compared to others I’ve read. It does allow for adaption based on faith and other factors. Highly recommend it to anyone wanting to expand their tarot skills and knowledge.
October 13, 2023
A decent book if trying to make new connections to the card or to think about the card when it's with other cards in a spread. To me, wording is good and understandable. A book to connect with your deck.
February 24, 2023
Very helpful book.
Not sure who to recommend this book to. Used for research and personal use. Helped me figured out things about tarot
Not sure who to recommend this book to. Used for research and personal use. Helped me figured out things about tarot
May 22, 2023
I enjoyed this book of tarot combinations and really think it will be a great addition to my toolkit.
January 16, 2023
I like the concept of the book with how combinations tie into the reading. It would be great addition for anyone just starting our or just getting beyond the basic knowledge of the cards. If you’re a bit more experienced, you may enjoy the read, but probably not have much need for it on your bookshelf for the long term. That said, it is worth a read.
July 14, 2023
You've learned the tarot meanings; now what?
I have spent many hours combing through (and sometimes highlighting) various books on the Waite style tarot deck and its card meaning. While the information is largely the same, I have learned about magic numbers, symbolism, suits, repetition, reversals, etc.
While there is no substitute for the experience, Ellershaw made the transition from memorization to reading seamless. Rather than covering the basics, she guided me through different spreads and the cards relationships to one another. This gave me the confidence to begin reading for others, rather than just myself.
I would call this an intermediate tarot guide. It assumes that you are already familiar with basic spreads and patterns while building upon them. Also an excellent resource for anyone experienced wanting to revisit the flow of their readings.
Definitely a must-have for any tarot-lover's collection, and I cannot wait to add a physical copy to my shelves.
[Thank you to NetGalley and Llewellyn Publications for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.]
I have spent many hours combing through (and sometimes highlighting) various books on the Waite style tarot deck and its card meaning. While the information is largely the same, I have learned about magic numbers, symbolism, suits, repetition, reversals, etc.
While there is no substitute for the experience, Ellershaw made the transition from memorization to reading seamless. Rather than covering the basics, she guided me through different spreads and the cards relationships to one another. This gave me the confidence to begin reading for others, rather than just myself.
I would call this an intermediate tarot guide. It assumes that you are already familiar with basic spreads and patterns while building upon them. Also an excellent resource for anyone experienced wanting to revisit the flow of their readings.
Definitely a must-have for any tarot-lover's collection, and I cannot wait to add a physical copy to my shelves.
[Thank you to NetGalley and Llewellyn Publications for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.]
November 11, 2023
I find myself coming back to this book repeatedly. I have upped my stars accordingly. 😀
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews