Transcend your fear of negative cards with this beginner-friendly guide to the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot. Using his engaging and easy-going style, Elliot Adam teaches you how to move through the shadows and into the light no matter what card you pull.
We've all been there: hoping for the best as we draw a card...but oh no, it's the Devil! This book shows you that fear won't prevail--every card can become something positive. Elliot helps you find the courage to tackle any reading by explaining both upright and reversed meanings in a constructive way. His approach features unique spreads and interpretations, and he encourages you to use your inner wisdom to start an uplifting dialogue with your deck. Fearless Tarot provides everything you need to read tarot without fear.
Elliot began his professional tarot career at the age of 16. At the age of 20, he opened his own tarot shop, Athena’s Oracle, in Milwaukee. He received a Doctoral Degree in Classical Oboe before deciding to return his attention to his spiritual business roots. Elliot established his website, ElliotOracle.com and has since attracted a substantial international clientele including Hollywood scriptwriters, high-profile journalists, actors, doctors, and entrepreneurs. His success is rooted in his unique descriptions of traditional tarot symbolism as vehicles for personal empowerment.
Elliot’s Card of the Day blog has attracted a huge following and is currently among the first tarot definition search results on Google (especially for reversals). He’s currently completing a book based on his popular tarot interpretations and believes in taking tarot out of the realm of fear and into a place of understanding and empowerment.
Elliot also loves ancient Greek history, religion, and language and has many classical poems and hymns memorized in their original Greek.
Elliot’s business, ElliotOracle.com, offers tarot readings for clients. Tarot is a language of pictures depicting universal archetypes. Our inner selves speak in the language of myths and symbols. As an oracle, Elliot reads the story of a client’s life based on the symbols from the tarot cards.
By viewing individual situations through this lens, clients gain safety and distance from their fears and can detach from specific outcomes. Elliot uses the imagery to help clients examine what’s potentially blocking them from moving forward, but also to view where their energy is flowing to a clearer path towards success.
*I received a copy of this book for free on from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
This is a great addition to any tarot student's collection. It's good for tarot readers of any experience level, but will be of particular use to new tarot readers and tarot readers looking to make the transition to reading professionally.
The book is divided into an introduction to the author Elliot Adam by "Tarot Lady" Theresa Reed, an introduction to the tarot section, then jumps into each of the 78 cards: Major Arcana, Suits of the Minor Arcana, and then a conclusion section including suggested spreads, creating your own spreads, and tips for reading professionally.
Each card is examined from several angles: A hand 1-line summary of the card (great for new tarot readers to use for memorizing), a paragraph that uses keywords and summarizes the basic concept of the card. Next, the author provides helpful questions for use in personal or professional readings, to give a personalized context to the card. The author then tackles the rich symbolism of each card, providing a detailed sense of the nuance of each card that you don't always get in a tarot book. Once the symbols are examined, the author then synthesizes each element -- keywords, questions, symbolism -- and provides real-world applications and helpful guidance for reader.
Finally, the author then devotes the same careful attention to each card's meaning when presented reversed, which is definitely an afterthought in most tarot books, making Fearless Tarot singular in its ability to take something most readers dislike (a reversed card) and provide a positive spin on how to interpret the meaning.
I also truly appreciated the way that this author examined "The Sinister Seven" (Tower, Devil, Swords, etc.) and provided additional interpretations of these cards, so that seeing these cards won't frighten a newbie or a client. On that note, as an advanced semi-professional reader, I was particularly interested and impressed by the way the entire Swords suit is examined in this book. Swords have always been cards that strike fear into my heart -- and as promised in the title! -- I am no longer fearful to draw these cards because of Elliot Adam's careful, measured, and compassionate examination of this misunderstood suit.
My only complaint is fairly minor -- the book could have done with a second copyedit, because the persistent use of the interrobang (?!) was distracting, and there's a minor homonym error (elicit/illicit) in the introduction to the Cups suit -- but overall, these are very, very small things as compared to the "big picture" this book offers.
Highly recommended! This book should have an honored place on your Tarot shelf, snuggled between Tarot for Troubled Times (Theresa Reed) and Modern Tarot (Michelle Tea). It's a wonderful addition to any collection, and I would definitely recommend this book to someone who was just getting into tarot, so that they can go boldly into readings with a fearless heart. Thank you for bringing this book into the world, Elliot!
*I received a copy of this book for free on from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
This is a great addition to any tarot student's collection. It's good for tarot readers of any experience level, but will be of particular use to new tarot readers and tarot readers looking to make the transition to reading professionally.
The book is divided into an introduction to the author Elliot Adam by "Tarot Lady" Theresa Reed, an introduction to the tarot section, then jumps into each of the 78 cards: Major Arcana, Suits of the Minor Arcana, and then a conclusion section including suggested spreads, creating your own spreads, and tips for reading professionally.
Each card is examined from several angles: A hand 1-line summary of the card (great for new tarot readers to use for memorizing), a paragraph that uses keywords and summarizes the basic concept of the card. Next, the author provides helpful questions for use in personal or professional readings, to give a personalized context to the card. The author then tackles the rich symbolism of each card, providing a detailed sense of the nuance of each card that you don't always get in a tarot book. Once the symbols are examined, the author then synthesizes each element -- keywords, questions, symbolism -- and provides real-world applications and helpful guidance for reader.
Finally, the author then devotes the same careful attention to each card's meaning when presented reversed, which is definitely an afterthought in most tarot books, making Fearless Tarot singular in its ability to take something most readers dislike (a reversed card) and provide a positive spin on how to interpret the meaning.
I also truly appreciated the way that this author examined "The Sinister Seven Card" (Tower, Devil, Swords, etc.) and provided additional interpretations of these cards, so that seeing these cards won't frighten a newbie or a client. On that note, as an advanced semi-professional reader, I was particularly interested and impressed by the way the entire Swords suit is examined in this book. Swords have always been cards that strike fear into my heart -- and as promised in the title! -- I am no longer fearful to draw these cards because of Elliot Adam's careful, measured, and compassionate examination of this misunderstood suit.
My only complaint is fairly minor -- the book could have done with a second copyedit, because the persistent use of the interrobang (?!) was distracting, and there's a minor homonym error (elicit/illicit) in the introduction to the Cups suit -- but overall, these are very, very small things as compared to the "big picture" this book offers.
Highly recommended! This book should have an honored place on your Tarot shelf, snuggled between Tarot for Troubled Times (Theresa Reed) and Modern Tarot (Michelle Tea). It's a wonderful addition to any collection, and I would definitely recommend this book to someone who was just getting into tarot, so that they can go boldly into readings with a fearless heart. Thank you for bringing this book into the world, Elliot!
This is an excellent Tarot book. I've got several but often find the mesnings in the books difficult to apply, whereas in this one the meanings aren't just dictated but its explained in a way that shows ~how~ to read the card. This means its far easier to apply to multiple situations.
Its written in a way that makes it enjoyable to read, and sounds as if its a friendly discussion between the author and reader
I highly recommend this book to anyone who reads and enjoys Tarot!
Fearless Tarot by Elliot Adam is a phenomenal and informative book. Personally I think it can be used for or those who are beginners and experienced in the art of Tarot alike.
You learn to how to read each Tarot card in the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana in a positive way, not viewing it negatively (cue reversed cards!) and how to read them as what challenge you are to overcome and how to restore the balance as well as resding them upright.
There is just so much to learn from this book, so please I implore you to not be scared, put off or worried about reading Tarot "right", everyone has their own pace, style of layout, drawing rituals and way to read, understand and connect with their cards. I will definitely be re-reading through this book again.
Thank you Netgalley and Llewellyn Publications for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.
Elliot Adam has written a fantastic tarot book that will make you look at the card meanings in a different way than you do now. I have used it in my tarot studies since november 2024 and I will continue to do it. It's a book that I would recommend everybody to have on their bookshelf.
Este libro es una joya, sobre todo por el análisis simbólico que realiza a cada carta, incluso de detalles que suelen pasarse por alto (como por ejemplo los múltiples ibis que aparecen en los arcanos mayores). Independiente de la excelente información que entrega, tiene gran mérito el significado que detalla cuando las cartas aparecen invertidas, alejada de catástrofes (como lo indica el título) y con muchos consejos prácticos. Muy recomendable.
I have been reading tarot cards now for over 20 years, mainly for myself, sometimes for friends. And even after all these years, the negative cards still give me a hollow feeling in the pit of my stomach. I found this book to be an excellent source book for any tarot reader, beginner to advanced, to have in their library. The author has an easy-going style and makes it simple for even the most beginner to understand. Elliot Adams shows you how to move through the darker cards and help see the light in every situation, regardless which card you pull. The author does an excellent job explaining both the upright and reverse meanings of each card in an excellent and constructive way. The book is filled with unique spreads and interpretations and you are encouraged to look into yourself and trust your inner voice and knowledge when reading the deck. Wonderful guide book. I definitely recommend.
I would like to thank Elliott Adam, Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd. and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I am not a fan of the original Rider Waite Smith images, but the symbolism discussed in this book gave me a whole new perspective. Fearless Tarot is written in plain english with a nice touch of humor and devided in digestible short chapters. A good sourcebook for beginners and intermediates alike.
I asked the universe for the perfect Tarot book for me. Went from book store to bookstore checking out tarot books but none resonated with me. Smehow one day I came across Elliot's webpage and found he had a book. This was the book I was looking for! It is so spot on it freaks me out sometimes. This book has been life changing and I am so grateful to Elliot for writing it.
I read this book on Scribd and loved it. I was worried it might be too butterflies and roses for meanings of cards but it’s more about highlighting the positives that can come out of the negatives than ignoring them. This book is well written, easy to read and navigate.
Description Transcend your fear of negative cards with this beginner-friendly guide to the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot. Using his engaging and easy-going style, Elliot Adam teaches you how to move through the shadows and into the light no matter what card you pull.
We’ve all been there: hoping for the best as we draw a card…but oh no, it’s the Devil! This book shows you that fear won’t prevail—every card can become something positive. Elliot helps you find the courage to tackle any reading by explaining both upright and reversed meanings in a constructive way. His approach features unique spreads and interpretations, and he encourages you to use your inner wisdom to start an uplifting dialogue with your deck. Fearless Tarot provides everything you need to read tarot without fear.
My Review I was a bit skeptical when I requested this book thinking it might be just like all of the other books out there about tarot cards. Boy was I wrong!
This book is well written and easy to follow. A great addition to any one who wants to learn how to read the tarot cards correctly or wants to have that "perfect" book.
If you are new or even have been reading tarot cards for awhile, don't fret. Go out and buy this book. I highly recommend it and give it a 5 Star!!!!!
I have been a follower of Elliot Adam for some time on Instagram as I really like his style. I find that Elliot approaches tarot in a simple to understand, no nonsense approach and for that alone, I found myself super stoked about a book coming out by him. I have often listened to him explain a tarot card and thought "why didn't I see it this way before?". His approach is so user friendly and this book is no exception to that approach. He asks the right questions that help the reader perceive meaning absent of fear.
Although he states reversals are not the end all, he does use them and shines a positive light helping to alleviate fears that certain cards may ignite in ones' mind. He closes out this wonderful book with spreads as well as a handy guide in the appendix. I can't recommend this book enough to any reader who wants a fresh approach to understanding tarot card meanings. Many thanks to Llewellyn Publications and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review an advanced reading copy of Fearless Tarot. I am grateful for the sneak peak as a reviewer and purchased a copy for my own library as well.
An essential member of the Tarot reader's bookshelf! This is a particularly useful book for those new to Tarot reading, making each card easier to understand and, perhaps more importantly, making Tarot less intimidating in general. I particularly appreciate how every card is framed in a growth mindset, so that even the "scary" cards are valid and the reader more receptive to these messages. I am always appreciative of an author who includes context for reversals instead of just suggesting they mean the opposite of what cards are right side up, or leaving them off entirely. My one critique is that the cards are occasionally read too simply, and that a lot of nuance is lost than if they had been discussed a little more thoroughly. It does, however, encourage the reader to consider card imagery and rely on one's intuition rather than memorizing cold hard facts of traditional interpretation of the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. I bought this book after reviewing it to add to my own collection.
I really wanted to like this book, but after giving it a closer look, I realized how many of the card meanings are just variations of "trust yourself, don't let other people bring put you down, set boundaries, do the right thing no matter what other people say, stand your ground," etc.
It seems to me like this was written by and for someone who is uncomfortable with conflict and/or has confidence issues. And that's not meant to be passive-aggressive--it's a genuinely sad fact that so many people feel badly about themselves or lack confidence. This is the perfect book for folks who sometimes need to be reminded of their worth.
But, as someone with a healthy (sometimes TOO healthy) ego, after a while I felt like I was reading an old Saturday Night Live script from the 90s for Daily Affirmations with Stuart Smalley: "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, people like me!"
It took me quite a while to finish this but I'm glad I did. I have been fascinated by tarots for years, and reading this guide is truly a nice and easy way to start learning about them. From the point of view of a beginner, I can say that the guide covers well the major meanings of tarot cards and how to use them. My only (small) complaint is that I would have preferred if the meaning of some cards was explained deeper and in a sightly clearer way, and in others I would have preferred if the author's personal advices were shorter. But as I said at the start, this is a very very helpful guide for beginners.
I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook. As a reader I like to continually expand my practice and discover new outlooks and perspectives of fellow tarot users. I have a philosophy in life to be open and curious which leads me to explore topics I enjoy and use in my practice. This is a book I would recommend to students and attendees at courses and workshops I hold as lovely approach, intuitive encouraging and lots of information and details to consider and learn from. Really well narrated and conveyed.
This book is so important and so well written! Elliot understands tarot and has put a positive spin on even the most terrifying cards:) this is how divination should work. He engages his audience to look within and step into their power of creating a life worth living! We can all gain insight from this magical book of positive twists to an age old divination tool. I highly recommend this book for all who own a tarot deck!
Una lectura amena, entretenida, completa, y muy fácil de seguir. Aporta tanto a los que ya saben de tarot como a aquellos que ya lo manejan desde hace tiempo. Disfruté especialmente el análisis de los símbolos de cada carta.
A pleasant, entertaining, comprehensive, and easy-to-follow reading. It contributes both to those who already know tarot and to those who have already handled it for a long time. I especially enjoyed analyzing the symbols on each card.
This book is brilliant for anyone who has ever been intrigued & wants to learn more about tarot. I’ve had other books before that aren’t very user friendly & seems to complicate it, but i really rate this book. Theres a handy notes section at the back which i love! If you are tempted to buy it please do you will not be let down! Easy to read & understand & a fun read at the same time. Brilliant *****
This is a more modern approach to reading Tarot cards. It helps break down card meanings to make the information you get in a reading into something you can apply to your own life or the lives of people you read for. Don't expect traditional tarot meanings in this book, but instead a more intuitive way to read the cards to allow people to make their lives better. This includes you as well.
By far one of the best books on tarot. The fear of several cards prevented me from doing daily readings (which are best to learn tarot in my opinion) I mean who wants the Tower, or 3 of Swords pulled when you are asking how my day is going to go. However this book takes that fear out. The tarot began to become a tool in my healing and self discovery. I cannot wait for Adam's new book.
This book has really helped me get more confident reading for myself and others! Elliot is a sweetheart, uplifting, and so positive. I would recommend this book to anyone and it will stay next to my decks forever. I find myself rereading his words on certain cards, especially the ones that always have kind have freaked me out like The Hanged Man and the nine of swords.
I love this guide because it’s wildly comforting, realistic, and still educational. I recommend it for anyone at any stage of reading tarot cards. It’s a beautiful take on the classic interpretations and offers a modern, heart-led perspective on how they can be read. There’s a lot of simple wisdom in this book!
It is more looking into the card than what it could mean in a reading which is cool. Relates those meanings to outside of it. I like how it gives as much time to the minor cards as the major which is a good thing to me. A really good source.
Quick impression: Overall, I'd say this is one of the best Tarot books I've read this year. I am glad to have read it, and it is one I'll gladly recommend if anyone asks for a Tarot book.
I’ve studied and practiced Tarot for over 20 years, and this book still taught me something new! I appreciate the fresh perspective on the cards while maintaining the traditional vibe. This is an excellent guide for beginners and advanced readers alike! Thank you, Elliot Adam.
A staple that's intellectual and in-depth, but still full of the warmth and wisdom of the tarot. This is for beginners or ANYONE who is looking for a fresh, more holistic take on the Rider-Waite deck! I love Elliot Adam - he's like a chic millennial therapist reading tarot.