Author: Theresa Reed
Weiser Books
October, 2023
ISBN #978-1578638031
“The Cards You’re Dealt – How To Deal When Life Gets Real” is a 218-page book focused on using the Tarot to help make is through some of life’s more difficult times – illness, death, loss of a job, loss of a relationship, or knowing how to react to a local, national, or global crisis.
I was impressed with the note in the front of the book, reminding the reader that Tarot is not a substitute for therapy, grief counseling, legal advice, health care, or other professional services.
The pain is real; it is how you react to it that matters.
Reed helps us make the best choices for ourselves and shows us how to turn any situation into a positive.
This is touted as a guidebook, and that is exactly what it is. Reed guides the reader through card meanings and context, Tarot spreads, practices, rituals, and exercise, as well as personal reflections and journaling prompts.
Part One is about the basics of Tarot—a little Tarot history, defining the Major and Minor Arcana, how to do a reading, and framing questions. Each card is presented with a small black-and-white image, the card title and number, the ruling planet, a definition of the card in the upright and reversed positions, and a journaling prompt.
Part Two deals with Tarot spreads used for guidance. Included are spreads for a Daily Draw, Body Mind Spirit, Chakra, Recovery, The Waiting Room, Tarot For Better Caregiving, Boundaries, What Do I Need, The Grief Spread, The Mediumship Spread, Body Mind Spirit Spread For The Collective, Modified Horseshoe Spread, The Three R’s, Reflecting On Aging, The Five Remembrances, and more. There is also advice on how to address the querant, what to say and what not to say, and how to gain perspective over the issue at hand.
At the end of the book are sections on Resources and Recommended Reading.
This book is written in a style that is easy to understand and follow and gifts the reader with tools to handle very delicate, highly emotional issues. It puts compassion into the Tarot.
It is a book that I highly recommend and one that I would advise keeping on hand for quick reference.
© October 2023 Bonnie Cehovet
Reproduction is prohibited without written permission from the author.
Perspectives On Tarot 