Providing an existential viewpoint of tarot through a subconscious avenue it does not state fortunetelling is magic; instead, it promotes the use of cards as a method to communicate with the subconscious. The recommended method to learn interpretation provides an excellent meditation.
The book references three popular decks: Crowley, Waite and Marseilles. Encouraging people to, "read into the cards," I frequently looked at the cards before reading the brief synopsis. Their interpretation of "IV of Wands" was interesting. It is also called "the Eye of the Tiger." Bringing attention to Crowley's version, the wands are capped with rams and doves, so they appear to gaze at each other. In all three the decks wands are interlinked.
Their version of the card reads as, "Do not be frightened by the challenge of the moment that seems contradictory." However, following their "magic of the moment" idea, it looks as though opposing forces are integrating or consuming each other. Depending on the position of the card in a layout it could indicate success or warning. In the past, it is a warning of activities consuming each other. This action could be effective or faulty. If working on "Stomping out Bullying" aggression produces bullying and removes kindness. If working on productivity, productivity could be increasing, though break-time suffers. In the present, implies a successful merger of strengths retaining weaknesses.
The grander point of the book is to assist people in opening their mind to see and interpret the symbolic interpretation of the cards and rely on intuition. This concept prepares the reader, because interpretation might be an educated guess, yet we know they come from the author's perspective. (Unable to find information about the authors, Crowley and Waite's Sun Signs are in Libra.)
Someone fatalistic and believing in magic would find these facets perplexing, as all the pieces fall together by a hand-of-fate to validate the Tarot Reading. Another person would explore the subconscious through an interpretative game; however, it bridges the "magic" gap with understanding. People are often compelled to interpret cards from personal perspective; therefore, people wanting a reading will prefer readers with a similar perspective.
As a book of philosophy and meditation, philosophers will find it intriguing. People looking for another focal point for meditations or self-help may find it useful. Associations to the Crowley Deck made me feel creepy. Psychologists might be intrigued. Those reading tarot for others may find it reflective. It does not offer a theological viewpoint, though the book is found in the religious section.
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