Featured Book Review
'The Tarot Bible' by Sarah Barnett © 2006 Sterling Publishing ISBN 1-4027-3838- 2 400 pages Paperback $14.95 (U.S.)
Over the years I have given hundreds of Tarot readings; have owned and used several different decks and have probably read dozens of books on the subject, so I'm not sure why I was drawn to this book when I saw it. To be sure, it is colorful and has very clear illustrations. And it is a heavy book (I mean that in a physical, as opposed to a philosophical way). I'm not sure I agree with the subtitle: "The definitive guide to the cards and spreads." I always have a problem with any book which claims to be "the" anything.
This book is profusely illustrated with examples from different decks, although the dominant illustrations come a Waite-Rider variant deck (The Universal Tarot).
Each of the Arcana (both Major and Minor) contains some key words and key phrases as well as an in-depth analysis of the card and what it may indicate in a variety of positions in a reading. All of this is accompanied with an illustration from the Universal Tarot. The explanations are clear and concise. These two sections, plus the introductory section, take you a bit beyond the middle of the book. The remainder of the book is dedicated, primarily, to the various layouts. It contains some correspondences and other suggestions to expand your experience with the Tarot.
Many of the spreads illustrated are very simple and easy to use. Especially for those who are just starting to use the tarot these spreads help to build confidence and experience. Some of them are truly unique and offer insights into relationships and personalities.
On a personal level, I have a problem with some of the instructions - including the author's insistence on sitting on the floor to do your readings - but I freely acknowledge that as a personal bias. Overall, I found the book to be clearly written, informative, and quite a valuable resource.
The final 50 pages of this book give information on using the cards for spell work as well as giving information on combining astrology, numerology, the Kabbalah and crystals with the Tarot. Obviously, these are only basic suggestions, given the space limitations, but they should help to inspire further personal research.
Reviewer: Mike Gleason