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Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom

A Book of Tarot (Part 1)

By Rachel Pollack

(9)

| Hardcover | 9780809570256

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Book Description

Together in one volume for the first time, these are the classic texts that helped launch the modern Tarot renaissance. Often described as "the Bible of Tarot readers," they bring awareness of myth and modern psychology to the Tarot's ancient symbolism.

1 Review

This should be an enjoyable book for anyone who wants to learn about the Tarot cards (especially the Major Arcana). The author explained each Major card with references from various cultures and religions. especially the Kabbalah. It is quite interesting how even Batman and Carl Sagan receive some ... (continue)

This should be an enjoyable book for anyone who wants to learn about the Tarot cards (especially the Major Arcana). The author explained each Major card with references from various cultures and religions. especially the Kabbalah. It is quite interesting how even Batman and Carl Sagan receive some not irrelevant mention in a Tarot book. For some cards, versions from non-Rider deck are shown also, for contrast, and for suggesting different ways of looking at the card.
The interconnectedness of the Major cards are mentioned in some detail, and in particular I like how 21 of the them are considered in three lines, concerning the conscious, sub-conscious and super-conscious.
The Minor Arcane cards, as with most books, receives much less coverage, but the idea of "Gate" cards are quite innovative, and I do find the concept useful. (though, by specifying which cards are Gates, maybe it has set the line too clear for the Tarot users to identify and feel their own Gates)
Divination-wise, for the 3-4 page coverage each Major card typically receives, there are only two paragraphs quite plainly stating the divinatory meaning (upright and reversed). For the Minors, sometimes it is even just glossed over. So other than through a deepened understanding of the cards, this book does not directly benefit its reader on Tarot divination, and, as such, is not a practical guide book. (There are a section on a few spreads though)

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Archer said on Jun 7, 2011 about the Paperback edition | Add your feedback