Confessions of a Tarot Reader: Practical Advice From This Realm And Beyond

by Jane Stern

Lessons learned from the cards, and the incomparable Jane Stern

Genres: Tarot, Nonfiction, Occult, Memoir

216 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2011

Reviews

[Jim Wickson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Jane Stern has jumped the shark! I really hate to do this because I thoroughly enjoyed the Encyclopedia of Pop Culture and the Encyclopedia of Bad Taste but I cannot give more than one star for this steaming pile of woo derp.
The one major flaw in this book is that it's based on the common but now discredited notion that the Tarot has always been used for occult or for divinatory purposes. Contrary to what mystery mongers like Stern would have us believe, the Tarot was originally intended for a type of trick taking card game still played in many countries in continental Europe. It is not only Tarot game players and skeptics who realize this fact but a growing number of Tarot readers also acknowledge it.
This title could have passed muster back in the 1970's when more people were gullible and before the publication of Michael Dummett's Game of Tarot which debunked the occult Tarot myths and before the common use of the internet which allowed previously ignorant Americans to be exposed to the realities of Tarot game playing. However, in the 21st century, the views of Jane Stern regarding the history of Tarot are sadly dated as they've been found to be utterly false!
Concerning the so-called "Magician" card, Stern gives a false impression regarding its original significance. That card actually was intended to represent a lowly stage performer, a mountebank or juggler, and it wasn't even originally called a "Magician" Until the occultists got a hold of it, it was never intended to signify paranormal Magic(k)! Her analysis of the Fool card is also indicative of her cultural ignorance. The Fool was actually intended to be a different kind of card than the other members of the so-called "Major Arcana" I should note that the terms "Major Arcana" and "Minor Arcana" were inventions of the occult writer Paul Christian and were not employed when the Tarot first appeared in the 1400s and are seldom used by contemporary Tarot game players. The Fool isn't always numbered as zero. It was employed as a wild card to excuse players of having to follow suit in the original Tarot games and in some modern games played in central Europe, it is the highest trump card.
There are other falsehoods too numerous to mention and the more I examine this train wreak of a Tarot book the less I like it In summary, because the book is based on dated Tarot history, I give this an EPIC FAIL! grade. Stern should be ashamed of her falsifications of history and culture!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating sort of memoir/manual about Jane Stern's previously unknown life as a tarot card reader, she is a fourth generation tarot card reader, though she's most known as a food writer (with Michael Stern)and is often heard on NPR's Splendid Tabel talking about road food. In this book she explains each of the cards, and their symbolic meanings, as well as their influence in her readings with clients. Sometimes sad or tragic, but mostly funny, it's both a great introduction to Tarot, and a useful interpretation by a reader for those already in the know.

[Ptaylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew nothing about Tarot when I started this book. I found it informative and entertaining. Jane Stern is knowledgeable and delightful. Recommended.

[Kirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok...after viewing the reviews and criticisms of the historical, social, and occult roles of the Tarot, I need to rectify the record. Before basing a final opinion what is and is not the cultural role / use of the Tarot, one should provide a more robust, scholarly list of sources, rather than a single source. Secondly, one should provide a legitimate analysis of the various understandings of the historical and cultural uses of the Tarot. In terms of the Tarot being "only" a deck of playing cards, this is not actually accurate. The Tarot has been historically validated as BOTH a deck of playing cards and a tool for self-reflection / divination by a number of respected studies, start with Robert Place's - The Tarot: History, Symbolism and Divination. Then using his analysis compare, contrast with other books on the topic of the historical/social/cultural uses of the Tarot deck(s). Use the hypothesis that Place's perspective may or may not be accurate, then move forward and provide a robust, scholarly analysis. Based on this research, THEN, provide a tentative conclusion that the Tarot is ONLY a deck of playing cards and was appropriated by occultists.

Now in terms of this book, I enjoyed it. In terms of transparency, I am a student of the Tarot, following the Jungian / phenomenological / synchronicity paths of analysis. No one book is every the definitive, final, full story of any topic. The quality of the book, the paper, and the illustrations, the book as an object is impressive. For me, the book will be an important contributor to my base of knowledge about the Tarot.

[Nancy Narma · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a “Newbie”, I have tried to use my Tarot cards to
give me knowledge of the present and future and its
accompanying problems. I can now tell I was a bit off
in my own interpretations compared to Ms. Stern’s.
Perhaps I have tried to put too much of a personal spin
on each card I overturned. The author gives the reader
much more than just practical advise…she gives you
insight into the psychic world and how it applies to
you as well as a treasure-trove of client’s stories that will
make you laugh, cry, sigh, and want to shake the individual
into realization of the information being given to them combed
from years of experience, knowledge, but above all..gifted.
I am extremely intrigued by the Bohemian Gothic Tarot Card
illustrations. Each one tells a story within itself just by looking at
them. Until such time as I can be the fortunate client seated across
from Ms. Stern; cup of tea (decaf, please..) and tissues at the ready,
I will continue to refer to her valuable wealth of knowledge between
book covers. Do not fear the unknown, embrace it—you may be
pleasantly surprised or sufficiently warned.
Nancy Narma

[Dave · Rating 2 out of 5]

On the positive side because I don't want to be totally negative, I did like the fact that she chose this newer atmospheric deck to illustrate the pages instead of the typical Rider Waite cards. The book is really more about human drama than about the Tarot and it's good for that reason but I wish it was a better tarot book.
I've seen a thread about it on Aeclectic Tarot forum and to tell the truth I don't think a lot of Tarot people will embrace it too much. For one thing, she appears misinformed about the history of Tarot cards. Tarot and playing card historians know about how tarot cards were initially used in games in the 15th century and the symbolism comes from a Catholic background. As a result of her bad history the description of some of the cards in this book like the High Priestess, the Hierophant and the Magician suffer from a superficial treatment of them. I hope she does a more informative book about Tarot in the future.

[Sharon Huether · Rating 3 out of 5]

Confessions of a Tarot Reader: Practical Advice From This Realm and Beyond By Jane Stern This was an interesting book. The author describes the 21 Tarot cards she reads for clients. The first card "The Fool" describes a journey everyone takes in life, and all the other cards describes different events and situtations that one can experience throught out life. Success of the cards comes when the client is ready to move on in their lifes journey.

[Nora · Rating 1 out of 5]

Based on inaccurate history... which is kind of bad for a "nonfiction" book. But it presents the false information comprehensibly, and the illustrations are nice, so I won't be chucking it out the window.
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway.

[Erin Chavez-figueroa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Provides a decent perspective on most of the cards. Some of the linkages are poorly developed. Her privileged life colors her opinions of things; she has the typical "things in my childhood were so much simpler and better," ignoring that many outside her social circle would have been suffering then, as well. She also has a bizarre opinion that everything of the occult is dangerous and evil, a view many hold of Tarot itself. Be prepared to disagree with many of her prognostications.

[Peggy Heitmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this witty, snarky book. So full of information on how to interpret the tarot. I understand much better now. I would re-read this book almost immediately to better remember her entertaining instruction. At the end of the book, Jane includes some personal information that makes her very human, very real. I was touched by her making herself vulnerable.

[Tara Schaafsma · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some useful things here.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those of you who know me, you are probably thinking... "What the Heck? This book got five stars? It's about Tarot Card Reading." And, yes, that is exactly what it is about - but I loved it!

Let me elaborate...

This author did a very good job at teaching me of her conviction of tarot card reading through telling a story of each card. She took cards 1-22 of a typical deck of 78 tarot cards, and told a story about each one and what they represent. Not only what they represent, but how they can be interpreted. And the way this author gave information pertaining to each card was fascinating - I almost felt like I was reading a "Bible", but for Tarot cards. Weird!?! I know right? I'm not doing a good enough job of convincing you that this book was "great." Well, each card was related to the reader, and by placing the reader in the midst of the book, it felt like things were connected directly to you and your journey throughout life. Jane Stern talks about how each card means something along our journey, (not necessarily everyone's journey, but society as a collective whole) and by learning, making mistakes, trying new things, picking ourselves up again, loving, losing, and enduring to the end we make it through this life as (hopefully) better people from what we have experienced. But those who have a hard time becoming "better people" is because they don't realize their own pitfalls, weaknesses, and blind-spots - but those who do become better people take advantage of their strengths and are willing to change.

It is really hard to summarize and pin-point the classic job Stern does with this memoir-esque book... but I think that it made me look at things from a different perspective and appreciate the beauty in others beliefs.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Based on the title I expected this book to be full of stories of a tarot card reader and her readings and clients. When I started reading this book it became apparent that the author wanted to teach about the deck, but I was still expecting a good amount of anecdotes. Unfortunately this is really just a how-to book with very little emphasis on her past experiences. In my opinion this book really falls short of what it could have been and will only be of interest to a limited audience - people who really want to learn how to use tarot cards. I got to chapter five and gave up, realizing it just wasn't for me.

*disclaimer* I won this book through the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway, but my review is 100% honest.

[Natashia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jane Stern is an amazing writer and personality. There's no denying that. Her book "Confessions of a Tarot Card Reader" was a great introduction into understanding what the cards hold and how each applies to our daily lives. I love the explanations and comparisons. However, as a seasoned card reader myself, I found the book lacking in complexities and layers. There was little explanation of the various meanings to each card as they apply to one another. I would love to see this followed up with a more in depth explanation. as much as I enjoyed the book, I felt the examples only "scratched the surface" of the tarot world, as well as the psychological breakdown of handling life experiences.

[CoCo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good. I enjoyed reading her insights into some of the card meanings. She put a pretty interesting spin on some cards that I've NEVER heard before (not that I'm an expert). I enjoyed just about every bit of what she had to say about the cards.

As for the rest, she's an odd duck. I usually enjoy reading about odd ducks, but some of her comments were strange/confusing. The strange bits made me wish the book was longer. I would have liked to read more of an explanation about certain things. For example, the opal and peacock feathers thing. What the heck is that about??? I guess I'll have to google it.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a book I would normally pick up, however I have always been interested in Tarot Cards and now more than ever. I barely started the book and I immediately wanted a reading! It is evident that the author teaches as well, the way she takes you through step by step with examples makes everything easy to follow and understand. I also related extremely well to her thought process, bits of humor and sarcasm, like we are spun from the same cloth. Who knows if I ever do get a reading, either way I will view the art of reading a little differently now, maybe with a little more respect!

[Donaldo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Tarot was made for card games, not for divination!

"People are often surprised to learn that Tarot cards were originally invented for playing games, that such games are still widespread and popular in continental Europe, and that the employment of tarots for divination and fortune-telling is a relatively recent perversion of their proper use, dating only from the eighteenth century." The Penguin Encyclopedia of Card Games, by David Parlett

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author, Jane Stern, gave her talk at SW Library from the table where Danny and I were sitting. I love the Bohemian Gothic Tarot deck she uses to illustrate her book. The book is mostly about the Major Arcana cards, interspersed with fascinating stories of those for whom she has done readings over a forty-year period. Jane's lively and witty observations make it a very fast read. Makes me want to take out my deck and give those cards a whirl!

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a fondness for the Tarot and Tarot readers,so when I happened a upon this book I was pleased. Ms. Stern writes with firm Tarot knowledge and sharp wit. Ms. Stern shared stories of clients that were amusing,frightening and informative. All client names were changed for privacy sake, of course. This was a good read indeed !

[Walt · Rating 3 out of 5]

RECEIVED FREE FROM GOODREADS FIRST READS. I didn't know much about Tarot Cards but I thought this looked intriguing especially since it was coming from a food writer. I really liked the book a lot. It was a quick read; finished it in one night and couldn't stop thinking about it. I'm usually not into things like this but I found Jane Stern's story of her life as a Tarot card reader fascinating.

[Elaine Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find it helpful to conceive of the tarot the way the author described it - as a personal journey through life lessons. The stories were a nice touch. I would have given it five stars but felt it lacked consistency and organization at points (e.g. some chapters did not clearly state the reversed card meanings, whereas others did). Overall, I would recommend this book and read it again.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who was fascinated with the title and bought the book on the strength of that I was not disappointed with the book. Not really knowing too much about the Tarot this was a great introduction.

[False · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a pleasant read. I love the Bohemian deck she used for illustrative purposes. Far richer and glam than my old fashioned Swiss cards. She covers the Major Arcana cards and I like the modern spin she puts on the interpretation. It makes the cards seem more functional and less vague.

[Alexandrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me, I felt like this book was a slow read. I have a better understanding of the cards though I am not certain that I will remember this information weeks from now. This was a good intro book for me to read.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've started getting interested in tarot cards. This book was a good intro to what the major arcana cards mean.

[Tamara Ropelato · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book on goodreads.

I enjoyed this book. I've never done tarot cards before but am intrigued by them which is why I wanted this book. I really enjoyed and liked it.

[Amanda]

Won as part of the Goodreads first reads program. Can't wait to read it!

[Toby · Rating 4 out of 5]

first reads giveaway

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have a fairly extensive tarot library but Ms Stern does offer some useful insights, albeit with a tone of condescension and superiority that is sometimes irksome.