Book Review: Tarot Made Simple

As someone who loves exploring the Tarot, I was really interested to see what this book had to offer. I wasn't disappointed. One of the first things that really grabbed me was the way that it's designed. As you can see from the picture below, the book is divided. The top half gives information on the Tarot, as well as different spreads of variying complexity. The bottom half gives you the meanings of the tradition Tarot cards, making it simple to interpret a reading-- no flipping around the book from the spread to the card meanings! 

I decided to try two different spreads. The first is for the "How Can I Become More Creative" spread, one of a couple specifically targeted toward writers and creatives.

The second is "The Past Lives Spread"

Another interesting aspect of the book is that it, while it gives by the main and reversed readings for each card, it speaks about how many readers don't read the reversals at all, preferring to keep all the cards rightside up. 

Overall, I think it's a handy resource for people new to the Tarot, as well as adding in some new, insightful spreads for those who have been reading a while. The book also gives directions on how to get even deeper into your question through adding in cards. 

Metaphysical #Giveaway!

As summer comes to an end I wanted to extend appreciation to everyone who has been a supporter of my Etsy Shop,  Readings by the Light, and to the lovely readers here at, New Age Mama. To enjoy our last few weeks of summer, I'll be giving away a metaphysical package to one lucky winner!

Prizes will include a reading of your choice from my shop, a large crystal healing package of ten intuitively selected crystals and stones, as well as a crystal necklace of your choice from my stock! 

Here's an example of some crystals you might find in your healing package. The way they are selected is by asking to be guided towards the ones you currently need the most in your life. You may find some rough labradorite, polished fluorite, amethyst clusters, rose quartz, black tourmaline, and more! Each is labeled in the package so you'll know what you got! The possibilities are endless!




















I cannot wait to see who the winner is! Once you are selected, I will reach out to you via email to discuss your prizes and to request an address to send your crystals. Good luck, everyone!

Enter Here:

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The Tarot Companion by Liz Dean

Tarot-reading is one of the oldest esoteric practices. Lore has it that the art of reading tarot cards has existed for over 600 years. What is tarot fact and fiction has been lost with the passage of time. Yet tarot is more popular than ever in our modern society, because the cards speak to our most instinctual and primal selves through their stories, meanings, and symbols.

The Tarot Companion reveals the messages and mystery of the cards. This beautiful and accessible little volume lets you quickly and accurately use the cards to reveal an inner truth, gain insight into a pressing question, or divine what may unfold in your life.


My Thoughts

This is a great book for anyone who is into reading Tarot cards. It starts off walking you through the basics, including a short history of tarot, the meaning of reversed cards, cleansing your cards, and creating sacred space. Next, it gives you some of the most common layouts. Finally, it walks you through each card in the deck. On the left is a full size image of the card, and on the right are very detailed meanings of both the upright and reversed cards.

I really enjoyed this book. While most of my decks come with a short instruction manual, this book goes into more detail and gives you a better understanding of each card. It also provides more options for layouts. In addition to the content, I really love the design of the book. It reminds me of antique books because it's a small hardback. Overall, this is a great addition to my mystical collection. Whether you're new to tarot or an old hand, this book is should be in your library. 

Book Review: Complete Book of Tarot Spreads by Evelin Burger & Johannes Fiebig

Complete Book of Tarot Spreads

Includes 122 Layouts

by

Evelin Burger & Johannes Fiebig

Tarot is like a puzzle or a work of art—and a great way to maximize intuition and have fun, too. In Complete Book of Tarot Spreads (March 2014, 9781454910794), an insightful, imaginative look at interpretation, two of the best-known authors in the field examine 122 card layouts, providing comprehensive instructions on when and how to use them. Learn the basics; read personality and year cards in a way that's specifically related to your own interests; and explore larger cards and networks of cards. Featuring a rich variety of approaches—including Cycle of the Year (with 20 major layouts), tarot and astrology, and Arthur A. Waite and Aleister Crowley's Golden Dawn System—this guide contains the tools for finding answers to life's pressing questions. 

Use the cards more effectively than ever before for a wide range of purposes including: 

• Tasks for the Day
• The Big Dream
• Stress Card
• Desires & Fears
• Know Thyself
• Inner Strength
• Naming the Problem
• The Next Steps
• I Love Because . . .
• Setting a Goal
• Turning Back
• Letting Go in Order to Gain
• My Greatest Strength
• and many more!

This handy book offers a journey of self-discovery through the Tarot.

Evelin Burger and Johannes Fiebig have written more than 30 books on tarot, the interpretation of dreams, fairytales, and other symbols and oracles, which have been translated in more than 10 languages and have sold more than 1.7 million copies. They have two adult children, and live near Kiel at the Baltic Sea, Germany. For more information, go to fiebig-und-buerger.de.

The Complete Book of Tarot Spreads can be found on many major online shopping sites including Sterling Publishing, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart.

Giveaway!

One lucky winner will receive a copy of the Complete Book of Tarot Spreads!

*** Open to the U.S. only. ***

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Our Thoughts

I've had tarot readings done and have participated in readings with friends but I don't know a whole lot about Tarot itself.   The Complete Book of Tarot Spreads is a great beginner's guide; the first two chapters (Chapter 1: Guide & Introduction, Chapter 2: Basics) contained a lot of information that explained a few things to this reviewer! It was nice to have a bit of a glossary, too as there were quite a few terms I'd heard, but was not familiar with.

One thing I'd recommend is having a tarot deck on hand while reading this book to play around/get comfortable with.  I have seen and handled many decks, but don't currently have one in my possession.  After reading this book, I'd feel comfortable reading for myself, but nowhere near ready to read for others without a lot (and I mean A LOT) of practice first. There are 122 layouts outlined, so there's plenty to practice with!

Well written; instructive book on Tarot.