The Tarot Revealed: A Beginner's Guide

by Paul Fenton-Smith

While its origins are swathed in mystery, the remarkable accuracy of the ancient Tarot has won many followers. It helps to interpret what’s going on in life physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Written in a clear and accessible style, and with 32 bonus charts, this is a valuable guide for both beginners and experienced readers interested in learning the Tarot. Using anecdotes to further clarify each card's meaning, the manual helps to apply these interpretations to real-life situations. Within a short time, it will enable even the most novice of card readers to become an accomplished Tarot master. The guide encompasses every facet of the Tarot experience, including clearly interpreting each card alone and in combination, learning the many layers of meaning attached to each card, giving simple and advanced readings, and choosing the appropriate layout for each specific situation.

Genres: Tarot, Nonfiction, Witchcraft, Spirituality

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Elizabeth]

Overall, even though this book has a 2008 copyright date, it feels old-fashioned to me. As Tarot books go, this one is very prescriptive (the Two of Wands means this; the Hanged Man reversed means that). I didn't necessarily disagree with his definitions; I disagreed with presenting them as if they were the only meanings the cards could have, just like the Little White Books that come with decks do. The author's definitions rely heavily on the original Rider-Waite-Smith deck's symbolism, which may make it difficult for new readers to work with any other decks except the most exact of RWS clones. Although the author says more than once that the traditional physical descriptions that go with the Court Cards really only work with white people, he appears to use them a lot himself, and seems committed to the traditional age and gender associations with those cards.

Very little in this book encourages beginners to trust their intuition. Indeed, the author warns readers not to try reading with any cards they're not familiar with. (There are 78 cards in a standard Tarot deck: it could take a while to become familiar with them!). It can be really hard for beginners to let go and trust their own readings of the cards. I don't see how a book that basically suggests that there are right ways to read them—which suggests that there are also wrong ways—is going to help with that. And yet, for all those reasons I've just listed as to why I didn't care much for this book, I think a beginner might find it reassuring. It's nice to have solid definitions for the cards and not just encouragement to intuitively "know" what the cards mean, and this book will give you just that.

I did like parts of this book, by the way. Most interesting to me was the author's view that when a card appears reversed in a reading, it's a signal that the querent needs to go back to the previous card and master its lessons. For instance, getting the reversed Five of Swords suggests that you need to return to the contemplation and reflection of the upright Four of Swords for a while. Perhaps other Tarot authors have mentioned this, but this is the first time I've encountered this idea. I also enjoyed reading many of the anecdotes he sprinkles throughout the book.

[Tayler Morrell]

I’ve been interested in tarot for a while especially since it seems to be popular now. I wanted a real basic understanding of it - sort of like research before trying it out. This book does a great job describing the cards and their meanings as well as giving some examples of readings that include the cards. It’s a lot more informative than the little white pamphlet that comes with a deck. It also gives a few different types of readings to try. Although the author says to rely on intuition, he also has mostly prescriptive explanations of the cards and sometimes leans too heavily on a literal explanation or reading, especially when it comes to the court cards describing people. However, as someone who knew absolutely nothing of tarot before reading this book, it was a good baseline to begin with.

[Ciggy]

This is one of the best books I have read on Tarot. It was a very easy read, and I go to it all the time. The explanations are clear cut and precise, but communicated in a way, that helps you remember. If you are going to color the picture of the cards, I would suggest don't do it in magic marker /sharpies like I did as the color bleeds thru. Great Tarot book

[Winnie Spencer]

a sweet easy book

With a great writing voice and wonderful insights and anecdotes, this book is perfect for a beginning Tarot reader. The way the different suits are introduced is unique, and the fact that the whole deck isn’t dumped on you at one time is appreciated. All in all, a good starter book that can be read through quickly.

[Jonathan]

decent intro book, but tarot is nonsense, as clearly evidenced by the numerous and overalpping meanings afforded every card. author gives examples of its power, yet critical analysis of the examples reveal that they could easily have been interpreted in the exact opposite way.

[Angela]

Very accessible tarot book. This book is written by a man who teaches people how to read cards. It is based on the Ryder-Waite deck and talks in depth about the meaning of the details on the cards. He writes in an instructional style with lots of practical examples.

[Fernando Gallardo]

Good start...

[Tyler MacLean]

Perfectly practical and wonderfully illuminating!

[Milinkalap]

Wonderful read

This was a great read and a wonderful introduction to a mysterious art. Some of the anecdotes were a bit much for me though.

[Siobhán]

Good for a complete beginner to get an idea about tarot. I wish he would mention that it's up for interpretation. I guess he's more on the "magical" side of tarot whereas I was looking for more Semiotic/ Psychological stuff about it~ I like to this of his meanings for each card as a signpost to the semiotic meanings...? maybe..?

This book is probably good for someone who wants to do Tarot Fortune Telling at a fair for fun! ;P

[Amalie]

I read this book in 2014 when I found this in the library by chance. The illustrations and symbolism hidden in Tarot cards facinates me. There's something deep, seductive and mystical about this subject but too complex for my brain. It will be like many falied attempts at chess.

I came to the conclusion that reading Tarot cards has a strong connection to one's strong intuition.

[William]

Tarot is a deep subject, and like chess, no matter how much I read about it, the subject matter refuses to stick in my brain.

I am also wary, recalling that Lovecraftian admonition, "Call up not...."

This book was OK, but not special enough to overcome the above listed obstacles.

[Gregory]

I liked this book. It seemed much less negative than a lot of books of tarot that I've looked at. Liked it well enough that I think I am going to purchase my own copy. The Tarot is a great system to be used as a tool for self discovery.

[Danielle]

Good, if you believe in Tarot or want to know more about it.

[Heidi Domian]

Beginners guide

[Naomi Ruth]

Interesting to get a better background on what tarot is and such. I thought he explained things well.

[David]

An interesting look at tarot and its uses, the inspiration behind it, and various readings you can try for yourself.

[Prateek Bhattacharya]

This is in reality -
"The only Tarot Book you will ever need" :)