Rating: 
Summary: Divinely Guided to This Book
Review: I was divinely guided to use the Tarot a few years ago and after such strong encouragement, I purchased a certain deck and had it for 6 months before I dared to use it. While I was still spooked by the Tarot, I was guided to purchase this book. It made all the difference...a very positive, unique and elaborate approach to the Tarot. It opened the door for me. Now, many books and decks later, I'm in love with the Tarot...and although I don't agree that this is the "only book you'll ever need," I do believe it is a must-have for your library of Tarot books.
Rating:
Summary: Divinely Guided to This Book
Review: I was divinely guided to use the Tarot a few years ago and after such strong encouragement, I purchased a certain deck and had it for 6 months before I dared to use it. While I was still spooked by the Tarot, I was guided to purchase this book. It made all the difference...a very positive, unique and elaborate approach to the Tarot. It opened the door for me. Now, many books and decks later, I'm in love with the Tarot...and although I don't agree that this is the "only book you'll ever need," I do believe it is a must-have for your library of Tarot books.
Rating: 
Summary: Mediocre
Review: If you're inclined towards wooden and one-dimensional numerology, go for it. Otherwise, trust your own intuition. This was the first tarot book I bought, and I haven't looked at it since.
Rating: 
Summary: Another view on the Thoth
Review: Many users of the Thoth deck dislike this book because Arriens totally disregards Crowley's own material and interpretations. She offers a more modern and upbeat look at this beautiful deck. I find it makes an excellent contrast to Hajo Banzhaf's material on the Thoth and now Lon DuQuette's book. These 3 together give a well-rounded look at a sometimes enigmatic deck.
Rating:
Summary: Another view on the Thoth
Review: Many users of the Thoth deck dislike this book because Arriens totally disregards Crowley's own material and interpretations. She offers a more modern and upbeat look at this beautiful deck. I find it makes an excellent contrast to Hajo Banzhaf's material on the Thoth and now Lon DuQuette's book. These 3 together give a well-rounded look at a sometimes enigmatic deck.
Rating:
Summary: Great Tarot Book!!
Review: The book's main focus is on Crowley's Thoth deck. Until I read the other reviews here, I never really considered the idea of it working for other decks. I have trouble seeing it as being helpful for any deck other than the Thoth deck. In the descriptions for each card, the book discussed the symbols used in the Thoth deck. Angeles does cover much more than that though. In the discussion of the Major Arcana, you will find 3 to 4 pages discussing each card. Very detailed!! For anyone who uses the Thoth deck, only one version of The Magus (The Magician) is analyzed here. The original Thoth deck has three different versions of The Magus. Recently, the deck was changed to include just one. There is at least one version available now that has all three versions included again. A few of the Major Arcana cards have been moved to a different number or renamed. In most Tarot decks, Strength is #8 and Justice is #11. In the Thoth deck, Justice/Adjustment is #8 and Strength/Lust is #11. (Adjustment and Lust are terms used in the Thoth deck.) Judgment (#20) is called The Aeon in this deck. The Minor Arcana are presented in one page descriptions - great details. Although I understand the reasons, the decision to have the Kings, Queens, Princes, and Princesses (The Royalty Symbols) in their own sections makes the book sometimes difficult to use as a reference during readings. Overall, I do find this book very well written. Even with my minor complaints, I would still recommend this book. For the Thoth deck, it is the best book I've seen and superior to Crowley's own book about his own deck. Personally, I would not recommend it for use with other Tarot decks. Some of the symbolism discussed might be useful for general knowledge but not for other decks.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding
Review: The Thoth tarot deck was the first one I ever bought many years ago, and despite Crowley's dubious reputation in some quarters, I still find it to be the most compelling and to contain the most symbolism. Though I have dozens of other tarot decks, many of them beautiful and fascinating, I always return to this one.
This is a masterful book that examines each card in great detail, and it includes numerology and astrology as well. Arrien's approach is excellent, and while some of the ideas may take a little more work for the novice, I always believe in starting with the best despite one's level of sophistication and experience in a subject.
Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best!
Review: There is a lot published on tarot and one has to be very mindful in what they choose, especially as a basic source. I found Arrien Angeles' book to be immensely useful both for a beginner like myself and for a friend who is an advanced tarot reader. Well worth the money.
Rating:
Summary: Truly Enlightening Interpretations of The Tarot & Symbolism!
Review: This is an Amazing volume of information, based-upon Anthropological & Jungian interpretations of The Thoth deck. If you love the Thoth Deck or you want to understand the underlying Symbolism of All Tarot cards, this book will be a great asset to your studies and to your collection! I wish I would-have read this book several years ago, when I first acquired it. However, a friend loved it so much that I gave it to her. Luckily, we live-together, now--and she was more than happy to share. Therefore, I had the opportunity to delve into this Fascinating work, researched by someone familiar with cross-cultural and psychological Symbolism. There are so many levels of The Tarot & so much Symbolism, that one can do hundreds of readings and not notice a certain aspect or Symbol of the Tarot Card that is calling-out to you. Yet, this Splendid Handbook will give you absolutely astounding results! If a certain Symbol or Image pops-out at you, more-so than the rest of the card, during one particular reading (or several subsequent readings) this well-written & well-researched Tarot book will help you understand what the Cards are trying to tell you. In my opinion, this Lady knows her stuff ! For those who do not understand how Tarot cards work, the System is based-upon Contacting Psychological Symbols and Archetypes in the subconscious mind--as-in Jungian Psychology. The hands simply manipulate the information into revealing itself, through psychokenesis. This means, basically, that your Subconscious Mind is trying to tell your Conscious (Incredulous ) Mind certain information. This is a great way to contact your Inner Emotions and Knowledge learned from the Higher Mind.It is not necessary, however, to study Jungian Psychology and Quantum Physics to understand all this stuff. Just grab a copy of this book and you will be set! You will soon consider this book to be an Invaluable Resource for information and lessons in how to read your Tarot cards. However, do not assume this book is ONLY representative of One deck. Because this Symbolism pervades ALL Cultures, Religions, Myths, etc. it is Infused into MANY Tarot Decks--no-matter who created them, when or where in the world ! There are a few decks out there that are completely Individual works, made by people with personal agendas, or without respect for The Tarot & this book will not help you with those decks--which are mostly just collector's items. For most Standard Decks this "Tarot Handbook" will save you a lot of money and time researching (or scratching your head). I believe that if a person purchases this book & one deck (Thoth, preferably), they will begin to understand The Tarot very quickly. I really cannot say enough good things about this work. "Practical Applications of Ancient Visual Symbols" is a very descriptive and perfect title for this thick handbook, filled with a wealth of Knowledge, drawings and copies of the Thoth tarot cards, for easy reference. I hate to sound cliche' but, she could have just as easily named this "The Only Tarot Book You will Ever Need."
Rating:
Summary: Truly Enlightening Interpretations of The Tarot & Symbolism!
Review: This is an Amazing volume of information, based-upon Anthropological & Jungian interpretations of The Thoth deck. If you love the Thoth Deck or you want to understand the underlying Symbolism of All Tarot cards, this book will be a great asset to your studies and to your collection! I wish I would-have read this book several years ago, when I first acquired it. However, a friend loved it so much that I gave it to her. Luckily, we live-together, now--and she was more than happy to share. Therefore, I had the opportunity to delve into this Fascinating work, researched by someone familiar with cross-cultural and psychological Symbolism. There are so many levels of The Tarot & so much Symbolism, that one can do hundreds of readings and not notice a certain aspect or Symbol of the Tarot Card that is calling-out to you. Yet, this Splendid Handbook will give you absolutely astounding results! If a certain Symbol or Image pops-out at you, more-so than the rest of the card, during one particular reading (or several subsequent readings) this well-written & well-researched Tarot book will help you understand what the Cards are trying to tell you. In my opinion, this Lady knows her stuff ! For those who do not understand how Tarot cards work, the System is based-upon Contacting Psychological Symbols and Archetypes in the subconscious mind--as-in Jungian Psychology. The hands simply manipulate the information into revealing itself, through psychokenesis. This means, basically, that your Subconscious Mind is trying to tell your Conscious (Incredulous <g> ) Mind certain information. This is a great way to contact your Inner Emotions and Knowledge learned from the Higher Mind. It is not necessary, however, to study Jungian Psychology and Quantum Physics to understand all this stuff. Just grab a copy of this book and you will be set! You will soon consider this book to be an Invaluable Resource for information and lessons in how to read your Tarot cards. However, do not assume this book is ONLY representative of One deck. Because this Symbolism pervades ALL Cultures, Religions, Myths, etc. it is Infused into MANY Tarot Decks--no-matter who created them, when or where in the world ! There are a few decks out there that are completely Individual works, made by people with personal agendas, or without respect for The Tarot & this book will not help you with those decks--which are mostly just collector's items. For most Standard Decks this "Tarot Handbook" will save you a lot of money and time researching (or scratching your head). I believe that if a person purchases this book & one deck (Thoth, preferably), they will begin to understand The Tarot very quickly. I really cannot say enough good things about this work. "Practical Applications of Ancient Visual Symbols" is a very descriptive and perfect title for this thick handbook, filled with a wealth of Knowledge, drawings and copies of the Thoth tarot cards, for easy reference. I hate to sound cliche' but, she could have just as easily named this "The Only Tarot Book You will Ever Need."
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