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Tarot Plain and Simple
Tarot Plain and Simple by Anthony Louis is the book you've been waiting for! As the title indicates, this book presents the Tarot in clear language that anyone can understand. If you've had trouble learning the Tarot, this book gives the meaning of each and every one of the 78 Tarot cards -- both in simple terms and in-depth ones, both upright interpretations and those for when a card is drawn reversed. Illustrations are from the elegant and mystic Robin Wood Tarot.
This book leaves nothing out! It includes an overview of the history of the Tarot and suggests why this divinatory method works from a scientific point of view. It even includes several spreads and example readings. That way you can see exactly how the Tarot works, how the cards play off of each other and how to give a reading.
Turn to any page and see how you can learn meanings and interpretations. The Five of Cups shows a cloaked person with head down and three of five cups knocked over, spilling their contents. Upright the card means "mourning." But the key words and phrases give you so much more. It can also mean regret, sadness, loss of trust, an emotional letdown, betrayal in love, and much more. How can you tell which expression best fits the card? It depends upon where it falls in the spread and the cards that surround or lead up to it. This is explained in the clear but comprehensive section on Tarot card spreads, and is illustrated in the sample readings. If you have been waiting for an ideal book to help you learn the Tarot, this is it. The longer you wait, the longer it will be before you can give effective Tarot readings. Get out that Tarot deck and get this book today!
This book leaves nothing out! It includes an overview of the history of the Tarot and suggests why this divinatory method works from a scientific point of view. It even includes several spreads and example readings. That way you can see exactly how the Tarot works, how the cards play off of each other and how to give a reading.
Turn to any page and see how you can learn meanings and interpretations. The Five of Cups shows a cloaked person with head down and three of five cups knocked over, spilling their contents. Upright the card means "mourning." But the key words and phrases give you so much more. It can also mean regret, sadness, loss of trust, an emotional letdown, betrayal in love, and much more. How can you tell which expression best fits the card? It depends upon where it falls in the spread and the cards that surround or lead up to it. This is explained in the clear but comprehensive section on Tarot card spreads, and is illustrated in the sample readings. If you have been waiting for an ideal book to help you learn the Tarot, this is it. The longer you wait, the longer it will be before you can give effective Tarot readings. Get out that Tarot deck and get this book today!
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 1999
150 people are currently reading
661 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
June 8, 2012
If there is one book.and only book you need to.learn Tarot, then this is it. Though this was my seventh book on the subject but just the way we pick cards while doing tarot..this is the book we pick when we are stuck....great reference meanings for both upright and reversed cards, no complicated jargon or heavy diificult interpretation. The best part of the book.is that the meaning associated with the cards are 99% accurate, the other books on tarot hardly deliver 60-70%. The only thing i didnt like was the use of Robinhood deck in the imagery, as I am a rider-waite reader & love the visuals of the deck. But anyways, this is a one stop book.that you must pick if you are a tarot fanatic.No matter what level in Tarot you are, this is one and only book for a beginner to most advanced practitioners. Coz it makes complicated Tarot system really plain and simple. And yes...I highly recommend it for its simplicity and accuracy.
October 7, 2018
Have had a quick re-read of this one today. It's a great book for beginners as well as those more advanced in Tarot. I really like the way the book is laid out with the Major Arcana first then the minors are done in numerical order... it's helpful to see all the Aces together to compare and contrast differences. There are some interesting interpretations here and Louis also is thorough in his explanation for reversed cards. Highly recommended.
April 4, 2008
TAROT PLAIN & SIMPLE was my first Tarot book, and I'm convinced it's the only one I'll ever need. In addition to providing a great introduction to the basics of Tarot, this book also provides detailed analysis of each card. And for those who don't wish to approach Tarot solely from the mystical angle, this book also explores the psychological/meditative/therapeutic properties of a Tarot reading.
TAROT PLAIN & SIMPLE features the lush and detailed illustrations of artist Robin Wood. For anyone considering purchasing a new Tarot deck, I would also highly recommend the ROBIN WOOD TAROT. As companion pieces, these two items have generated countless hours of intriguing insight, deep conversation, and sustained enjoyment. I can't laud them highly enough.
TAROT PLAIN & SIMPLE features the lush and detailed illustrations of artist Robin Wood. For anyone considering purchasing a new Tarot deck, I would also highly recommend the ROBIN WOOD TAROT. As companion pieces, these two items have generated countless hours of intriguing insight, deep conversation, and sustained enjoyment. I can't laud them highly enough.
October 1, 2019
One of the first tarot guides I read, and while I thought it was pretty good at the time, after reading many others, and then revisiting this, I have come to appreciate it more.
Some reviews complain that this doesn't go in-depth the symbolism. Have you read the title? It's tarot "plain and simple". If you want to dive deep into the history and symbols, look elsewhere. I for one just wanted a quick guide so I could start reading for myself from the get-go. For now, I don't need all the Jungian and Golden Dawn and Qabbalah info, and this sets me up nicely. I know those are good to learn eventually, but I think too much info at the start and one can just feel confused and overwhelmed. This makes tarot feel accessible and like just another topic that one can learn, with enough diligence and practice.
If you want the personality of the author to shine through, you're looking for cool, witchy vibes, nope, this is not it. Yes, the author is male, and sometimes his terms are dated and can be off-putting to the non-binary sensibility. But his intentions are good, and I as an "ethnic" female take no offense. I find his tone to be very friendly, patient and kindly. The text is to the point (my issue with many other tarot books lately is that they are half loosely edited personal essay), and on point.
This is a very good no-frills beginner book.
Some reviews complain that this doesn't go in-depth the symbolism. Have you read the title? It's tarot "plain and simple". If you want to dive deep into the history and symbols, look elsewhere. I for one just wanted a quick guide so I could start reading for myself from the get-go. For now, I don't need all the Jungian and Golden Dawn and Qabbalah info, and this sets me up nicely. I know those are good to learn eventually, but I think too much info at the start and one can just feel confused and overwhelmed. This makes tarot feel accessible and like just another topic that one can learn, with enough diligence and practice.
If you want the personality of the author to shine through, you're looking for cool, witchy vibes, nope, this is not it. Yes, the author is male, and sometimes his terms are dated and can be off-putting to the non-binary sensibility. But his intentions are good, and I as an "ethnic" female take no offense. I find his tone to be very friendly, patient and kindly. The text is to the point (my issue with many other tarot books lately is that they are half loosely edited personal essay), and on point.
This is a very good no-frills beginner book.
August 11, 2021
I was torn on this rating because while this has become my go-to tarot book and the only one I use now, some of the language is outdated and unnecessary. This book gets into the history of tarot, breaks down the upright and downward positions of the cards, color correspondences, spreads, and includes personal antidotes that speak on the authors experience with the cards which all amount to a very informative read for both before and during your tarot journey. Alternatively, I found absolutely no reason to include hair and eye colors and compare them to the card suits OR include language such as “ethnic” and “swarthy.” That whole section can be omitted completely and really left a sour taste in my mouth that had me questioning if I should have even bought the book in the first place. I would love to see an updated version.
August 31, 2014
This is an excellent basic, simple book on Tarot. Louis elaborates on the history of Tarot, different ways it can be used, how to evaluate both individual cards and entire spreads, and the meanings of cards, suits, and numbers.
But he repeatedly refers to certain cards as references to homosexuality and/or bisexuality.
Any sexuality is both too complex and too personal to be simplified into a Tarot card. To assign any sexuality to any Tarot card is both inappropriate and disrespectful.
He also claims that each suit could represent a person in someone's life, and provides "visual markers." Wands means a pasty blonde person for example. And then Pentacles mean someone "ethnic." Not Black, not dark. "Ethnic."
Again, great book on Tarot. But clearly written for straight white people.
But he repeatedly refers to certain cards as references to homosexuality and/or bisexuality.
Any sexuality is both too complex and too personal to be simplified into a Tarot card. To assign any sexuality to any Tarot card is both inappropriate and disrespectful.
He also claims that each suit could represent a person in someone's life, and provides "visual markers." Wands means a pasty blonde person for example. And then Pentacles mean someone "ethnic." Not Black, not dark. "Ethnic."
Again, great book on Tarot. But clearly written for straight white people.
May 16, 2009
A terrific reference, but not the best for beginners. The keywords given for each card are so encompassing that if you were just getting to know Tarot, it would be difficult to narrow down which meanings applied to your reading.
November 9, 2018
This is the one I always return to- simple to reference, yet detailed enough to get to the meat of each card. It can be a little old fashioned in regards to gender, but I've never found it to be restrictive since multiple card interpretations are always included. If you get one Tarot reference, I recommend this.
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March 9, 2020I have read first Tarot beyond the basics and thought I won't need to read this book. However, I am glad I bought it. It is excellent. Louis is happy to share the knowledge without calculations. On simple way readers can learn a lot. While being a long time in astrology I found it very useful to make connections with tarot through his explanations. The book is - must have.
March 29, 2020
Quick impression. For a reference book on Tarot, this is very good and straightforward. Good book to look card meanings up as needed. As a learning tool, not so much as it is a pretty dry text. I own this, and I am OK having it on my shelf as a reference book, but for beginners and learners there are better selections.
(full review on my blog later)
(full review on my blog later)
May 28, 2020
What a fun book!! It's a "history of tarot" as well as a "textbook" to learn to read the corresponding deck.
I had a blast doing the short 3 and 5 card reads for my friends over Zoom during this quarantine!
I do know that it would take me forever to memorize this book. This will be a well worn copy in no time!! =)
I had a blast doing the short 3 and 5 card reads for my friends over Zoom during this quarantine!
I do know that it would take me forever to memorize this book. This will be a well worn copy in no time!! =)
July 29, 2023
This is in my top 5 favorite Tarot books. Anthony Louis goes beyond the basic meanings and really adds layers to each card. He goes in-depth on numerology, the suits, and what each card means. He provides extensive keywords for each card which helps you think outside the box. I truly love this book and I hope Llewellyn NEVER STOPS PUBLISHING IT<3.
January 3, 2024
The first book I read about tarot, Tarot Plain and Simple was a fine introduction with some helpful frameworks. That said, the card illustrations and a number of descriptions didn't resonate with me. I also found the language rather dated. I've since started reading Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom and I already prefer that over this one.
January 15, 2025
I tried to read this just through and through, and for my ADHD self, it was no easy task. However, this book is exactly as advertised, and is easily made to be referenced back to while practicing Tarot--something I more than intend to do with it. Very easy to understand, very clear in its meanings.
December 3, 2020
A must have companion for those interested in the Tarot.
Includes a history of the cards, different usable spreads and meanings and interpretations of the cards (major and minor arcana).
This is suitable for beginners and experts. Would highly recommend!
Includes a history of the cards, different usable spreads and meanings and interpretations of the cards (major and minor arcana).
This is suitable for beginners and experts. Would highly recommend!
May 6, 2018
An excellent introduction to this fascinating hobby. Get started tarot reading right away!
April 28, 2019
Quite a good book with lots of jumping off points for interpretations of various cards. :)
October 28, 2019
One of the best introductory books on the topic. Highly recommended for those starting out.
September 4, 2020
Not sure I agree with a number of interpretations in this book.
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January 17, 2021; v;: fffff; lcv ;flmd;;;;vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvffffv;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;vfvfvfdcvvvvvvv
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2021
As a beginner to Tarot, this book was incredible! It gives just the right amount of clear information so that you’re not overwhelmed. It seems like a great starting point for a beginner!
August 31, 2021
Some of the best interpretations I've come across are in this book. I've had it since I started reading YEARS ago. You will keep it on your shelf, guaranteed.
November 29, 2022
This is one of the most straightforward tarot guides out there. It is perfect for beginners. I love the way the interpretations for each card are laid out.
December 26, 2025
3.5. I had a long review written but lost it. I have some skepticism on some of his card interpretations, but liked the longer chapters of short interpretations for each card.
Want to read
March 9, 2026THAT IS GOOD AND FANTASTIC
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2026
I mean it breaks down each card but I feel like the keywords are more helpful than the situation/advice section.
January 29, 2023
After 25 years this book remains my primary reference for readings. It is filled with many notes and additional info pasted inside its covers from the days I was seriously studying. Besides my Mother Peace book from the 80's, this is the only tarot guide on my shelves currently. Many more tarot books are packed away in storage but this one is my go-to for beginners, experienced readers, and rusty readers like me.
November 16, 2016
Why bother with Tarot? In the words of Anthony Louis, "The Tarot awakens our intuitive abilities." You will find nothing could be truer. Mr. Louis then explains that after a certain amount of experience with the cards, using intuition, the cards and their positions in a spread will suggest meanings outside the textbooks. This is what any good Tarot teacher wants his students to work toward. This book is a good place to begin that journey.
Mr. Louis uses the The Robin Wood Tarot for illustrations, which is absolutely my favorite deck and number one reading deck. The Robin Wood is intuitively drawn, colorful, lively, and encourages unique interpretation for each individual. Mr. Louis has a fresh, new approach to presenting the cards, which I like very much. Rather than grouping all of a suit together, which most books do, he gathers all Aces, all twos, all threes, etc. It's a different way of looking at the cards, and is very insightful. He includes a short introduction to each group of numbers. If you get a disproportionate group of one number in your spread, this will give you a feel for what that particular number is telling you. Also, I like that he includes the "Fool's Journey," which will help you get acquainted with each of the Major Arcana.
Mr. Louis includes advice on how to spread the cards. I absolutely love his "theme and variations" spread, which I use to tell a story that will play out over time. This spread is a great place to start. It is simple enough for a beginner, but still detailed enough to receive helpful insight. Also, his suggestion to master the Celtic Cross, which I have found to be my most helpful spread, is good advice. This, I feel, is a natural progression from the "theme and variations." If you practice it, it will become second nature.
I would highly recommend you take his advice to keep a Tarot journal. I have devised a system of color-coded shorthand for each card so I can easily record the spreads. Looking back over past spreads, you may come to see how spreads played out over time, enabling you to gain an even deeper understanding of what each card means to you.
After you have been working with your deck for some time, go back and reread the beginning chapters and the Fool's Journey. You will find they have both deeper meaning and different advice for you. You will notice things that slipped by the first time. With this book, you will be well on your way into the world of Tarot!
Mr. Louis uses the The Robin Wood Tarot for illustrations, which is absolutely my favorite deck and number one reading deck. The Robin Wood is intuitively drawn, colorful, lively, and encourages unique interpretation for each individual. Mr. Louis has a fresh, new approach to presenting the cards, which I like very much. Rather than grouping all of a suit together, which most books do, he gathers all Aces, all twos, all threes, etc. It's a different way of looking at the cards, and is very insightful. He includes a short introduction to each group of numbers. If you get a disproportionate group of one number in your spread, this will give you a feel for what that particular number is telling you. Also, I like that he includes the "Fool's Journey," which will help you get acquainted with each of the Major Arcana.
Mr. Louis includes advice on how to spread the cards. I absolutely love his "theme and variations" spread, which I use to tell a story that will play out over time. This spread is a great place to start. It is simple enough for a beginner, but still detailed enough to receive helpful insight. Also, his suggestion to master the Celtic Cross, which I have found to be my most helpful spread, is good advice. This, I feel, is a natural progression from the "theme and variations." If you practice it, it will become second nature.
I would highly recommend you take his advice to keep a Tarot journal. I have devised a system of color-coded shorthand for each card so I can easily record the spreads. Looking back over past spreads, you may come to see how spreads played out over time, enabling you to gain an even deeper understanding of what each card means to you.
After you have been working with your deck for some time, go back and reread the beginning chapters and the Fool's Journey. You will find they have both deeper meaning and different advice for you. You will notice things that slipped by the first time. With this book, you will be well on your way into the world of Tarot!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews