Tarot Deciphered: Understanding and Using the Tarot

Have you been looking for a book that explains the Tarot in depth, but with a simple and direct approach? Released in 2011, Tarot Deciphered: Understanding and Using the Tarot does just that. This book includes individual descriptions for each card complete with guided interpretations. Ten different spreads are explored, each accompanied by a diagram so there is no confusion regarding layout. The symbolism of this book is based on the Rider-Waite Tarot deck, but it can be easily adapted for use with any traditional Tarot deck.

From the back of the book:

Reading the Tarot is a complex and mysterious art. The seventy-eight cards that comprise the traditional Tarot deck are full of archetypal symbolism that can help anyone to connect to the universal subconscious.

That Tarot can be used to reveal information hidden deep within your own subconscious. This book discusses each of the seventy-eight cards in depth, addressing their possible interpretations based upon the symbolism of the standard Rider-Waite deck. These interpretations can be applied to most other traditional decks as well.

In addition to card descriptions, "Tarot Deciphered" provides ten different spreads that can be used with most Tarot decks. These spreads range from the common Celtic Cross Spread to the complex Astrological Spread. Also include is the Healing Spread, a tool which can be used to aid psychological healing.

This book is perfect for both the novice and experienced reader. It contains all the information you need to further your exploration of the Tarot.

Tarot Decks: I Tarocchi dell’Iride (Tarot of the Rainbow)

There are hundreds of tarot decks out there, some still in print, others no longer available unless you can find a use deck for sale. But despite the sheer number of tarot card decks for sale, new decks are always being produced. In 2008, for example, I Tarocchi dell’Iride was published. Perhaps better known as the Tarot of the Rainbow, this deck is full of unique artwork and majestic symbolism.

Designed by Claudio Parentela, the 22 Major Arcana cards of this deck feature brightly painted scenes in a whimsical style. Traditional interpretations are applied to this tarot deck, so even if you can't read the enclosed leaflet (written entirely in Italian), you can still use this deck. My favorite thing about this deck is that it comes tied with twine and stamped with a wax seal. My least favorite thing? Well, I Tarocchi dell’Iride is really very limited in terms of supply. To my knowledge, only 100 numbered and signed decks were produced. Unsigned decks may be available.

The artwork on the cards is lovely, reminding me strongly of the 1960s. The colors are psychedelic and each card seem to pulse and vibrate with a life of its own. The artwork on this tarot deck might be in the traditional vein, but its still refreshing and captivating. And it certainly isn't lacking in color. The picture here doesn't do the deck justice. You really have to see the deck in person to fully appreciate the brilliant colors.

If you enjoy whimsical artwork, the Tarot of the Rainbow might be for you.

Weekly Tarot Reading: September 15th to September 21st, 2012

The Tarot reading for September 15th, 2012 through September 21st, 2012 encourages you to choose wisely. You must learn to trust if the situation is to resolve itself to your satisfaction. Be prepared for a new circle of life to begin.

Card 1: The Lovers— You need to choose wisely between two equally attractive things or people. But you will only be able to choose wisely if you feel satisfied with who and what you are right now. Get in touch with what is truly attractive to you before making your decision, because once the decision is made, there is no going back.

Card 2: Two of Wands — Excessive planning will get in the way. Taking too much time to think or having too many plans to pursue is counterproductive. Get your plans in order and focus on one thing at a time.

Card 3: The World — Pay attention to the realities of your life as it is and bring your expectations in line with what is real and true. The world and your situation is evolving, and you can also evolve if you open your eyes. Plans can come full circle, but only if you can see the entire picture.

Card 4: Five of Pentacles — Crucial to success is your ability to cope with stress and anxiety. Worries can paralyze you, so face despair and worry head on. Get busy. Sitting back and doing nothing won't get you anywhere.

Card 5: Eight of Pentacles — In the past you saw the gain resulting from the best use of talent and attending to details. But too much perfectionism wasts times. Perfection may have been the goal, but you're moving forward now, so let perfection go.

Card 6: Four of Swords — You will soon evaluate the necessity of seclusion, detachment, and retreat. These may be methods for accomplishing your goals, so be prepared to spend some quality time with yourself. In this way you might be able to avoid unnecessary pair and stress.

Card 7: The Hermit — You are surrounded by sources of good advice, but you must be willing to seek them out and ask for help. Get out of your routine and use introspection for self-mastery. Being a little eccentric may help you now, but don't take it too extremes.

Card 8: The High Priestess — Others may see you as intuitive and deeply spiritual. Some think you are mysterious and powerful because you seem connected to forces outside the normal range of perception. Chaos does not seem to affect you like it does other people.

Card 9: The Magician — You hope you are clever and skillful enough to transform your situation in a way that benefits you, but you fear you might not be able to. You may fear your own power or the more esoteric aspects of life.

Card 10: The Fool — Knowing how to trust and inspire trust in others is a valuable quality. A new cycle or adventure will begin. Look at each part of the situation as if you're seeing it for the first time. Enjoy this and learn what you can. Try to go with the flow.

Weekly Tarot Reading: September 8th to September 14th 2012

The Tarot reading for September 8th, 2012 through September 14th, 2012 encourages a pragmatic approach to the situation at hand. Ambition can either win the day or cause you to overreach, so be calm while you navigate the twists and turns presented to you.

Card 1: King of Pentacles — You need to display your pragmatic side and play the political game to get ahead. Interact comfortably with everyone no matter who they are or how you might personally feel about them. Doing things yourself may benefit you.

Card 2: Nine of Cups — A lack fulfillment blocks progress. Present goals may not be in your own best interets. A wish fulfilled may not truly satisfy you. Look deeper if you're hoping for true satisfaction. Expecting things to happen in a certain way can keep you from seeing something important.

Card 3: Five of Wands — Competition is good, but is should be with a healthy respect for your opponent. Try to see things through your opponent's eyes and things will go smoother for both of you.

Card 4: The Magician — You must be able to identify and use the resources at your disposal to make thing happen the way you want them to happen. Tap the infinitive energy of your own subconscious to weave your way though the trials ahead.

Card 5: Three of Swords — Past sorrow and pain is still affecting your present situation. It's important that you understand how. Repressing your sorrow only leads to hostility and anger. Deal with your loss so you can move forward and reap the rewards you so desperately seek.

Card 6: King of Wands — The time to be dynamic and take action will soon be at hand. You must be ready to assume the dominant position and take decisive action. Quick but studious thinking will be required.

Card 7: Ten of Wands — You are surrounded by forces of oppression. Fighting these forces takes more than you can give. Though stressed and overcommitted, you must go on and keep these committments. Conserve your energy and pace yourself until you get through this arduous task.

Card 8: Knight of Swords — Others may see you as ingenious, clever, and outspoken. They believe that you are not afraid to respond directly or to fight for an idea. Most see that you can turn ideas into reality with skill and foresight. Now is the time to take advantage of this, even if some people thing you are frustrated and a little too aggressive.

Card 9: The Sun — You hope that everything will be sunny and bright, but fear this may be too much to expect. Ideals and goals are tenuous and can escape if you hold them too tightly. But the process of attaining these goals can satisfy as much as getting what you want.

Card 10: Knight of Wands — Ambition will rule the day for good or ill. Think before you act or your goals will slip away from you. Too much movement may incite quarrels. Stay calm and harness your passion and you will go far.