Reference, Tarot
A descriptive guide written in an easy-to-read format that will make discovering, exploring and learning about the tarot interesting and informative. Styled to represent the vast majority of tarot decks available on the market, it covers the history of the cards, how the Higher Arcana and four lower suits of the deck blend and fit together in a reading. It teaches a level of competence enabling the tarot to be read proficiently, providing a progression of simple card layouts that will help the readers ability and understanding to build in sensible increments until they can work with a full eleven card spread to give a more knowing and flowing reading.
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Barbara Venn-Lever has written a wonderful Tarot book for the beginning student of the Tarot. The author’s style was professional, practical, grounded, and simple, yet at the same time, she communicates the depth and magic inherent in the Tarot. In fact, throughout this book, I was surprised by new yet simple ways of thinking about the cards. The beginning Tarot student as well the more experienced Tarot enthusiast will find this aspect of the book to be very rewarding. Barbara Venn-Lever does a beautiful job of blending the practical and the profound. I highly recommend this book for those who are beginning to use the Tarot as a guide as they journey into the mysteries of the soul. ~ The Reiki Digest May 2007
I especially liked how the author draws in all the senses not just the 6th one to bring about a real phenomenal dimension to my abilities as a reader. I would recommend this exciting teacher to anyone who is into the tarot or would like to be. Thanks Barbara, for taking the time to share your love of the tarot with us. ~ Riki Frahmann, Mystic Living Today July 2007
Eloquently written by an author with many years experience, Barbara Venn-Lever brings Tarot into the current age. Instructive, informative, illustrated, ideal for those new to Tarot. A loving, gentle guide that steers the reader in the right way, it is also a useful refresher for those wishing to brush up on their skills.This book is a must for those studying the Tarot. ~ Elly Yule, Owner of Grassdancer Essences
Enlightening. The simple spreads are good, and the author does a first-rate job of showing how the Major and Minor Arcanas work together. ~ , Mercury
Clear and eloquent. The book offers comfort and confidence to those contemplating taking up Tarot, ofering a consice glossary and expected challenges along the way. Look out for the lay-outs and spreads, which range from the very simple to the more thought provoking. A recommended read. ~ , Light
So, do I think the author has achieved what she set out to do? Absolutely, and more besides. The journey through her book is like setting out on a wonderful adventure – at every twist and turn there is something new and exciting to be discovered, and by the time you get to the end of the book – well, the inner High Priestess is wide awake, and the adventure must go on. ~ Willow Merrymoon, www.willowmerrymoon.co.uk
I know Barbara Venn-Lever to be an absolute font of wisdom, and a lucid communicator. In this book she explains the background and operation of the tarot - a technique that she has taught for many years - where 'chance' procedures curiously reflect and comment upon significant truths concerning our experiences in this seemingly physical world. That ancient notion is being rediscovered today in Science, in ideas such as parallel universes and the concept of us existing in a mind-universe. Barbara rightly asserts that in tarot the subtle analysis of language is insightful - it is the case in the interpretation of nocturnal dreams as well as the broader Greater Dream of Life. ~ Dr Keith Hearne, Principal: European College of Hypnotherapy, Psychologist, Composer, Writer, Broadcaster
I like this book. Venn-Lever's descriptions make sense. The chapters are laid out clearly. The simple spreads are good. And the author does a good job of showing how the Majors and Minors can work together. Her notion of tarot as a non-fatalistic tool for self-empowerment rings with my own outlook...the meditation/contemplation on awakening the High Priestess within is very good. It encourages our inner wisdom to come to the fore, whether or not we're working with the cards. ~ Six-Rayed Star Newsletter