Reviews for
The Philosophy of the Tarot
by Shane Ward

 

"...nothing short of brilliant..."

Shane Ward's "The Philosophy of the Tarot for the 21st Century" is a rather unique work. Its purpose is not to teach us how to read Tarot, but rather how to apply its universal philosophies to everyday life in a society plagued by change and crisis. For the most part, the author succeeds at this task.

The philosophy behind each of 22 Major Arcana is illustrated with useful analogies and examples that allow even a novice to appreciate the wisdom that the Tarot brings. Though the commentaries on the Minor Arcana are shorter, the majority of them still contain the same down-to-earth explanation of how each card relates to every day challenges.

Ward has no qualms about dealing with the touchy subjects of poverty and crime, and he does not sugar-coat his explorations into the nature of Justice or the Hanged Man, both of which could easily offend some members of our Western society. However, this frankness can become troublesome at times, particularly when he expresses his opinions of government and religion. His opinions, inflammatory at best, are most often presented as facts, rather than a single person's viewpoint.
...
Some of his insights are nothing short of brilliant, and his chapters on such cards as the Devil and the Five of Pentacles show valuable insight on a number of levels. In fact, the author seems to have a remarkable grasp of the Pentacles suit of the whole, and from the text I glean that he has learned its lessons the hard way...

~ James Rioux, Certified Professional Tarot Reader

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"Some people say the Tarot is evil - the tool of the Devil. You may as well say the same of a screwdriver." Mr. Ward has taken the Tarot and laid out his understanding of how to use this tool in this book. I find the above quote to be one of the most accurate statements of the Tarot and other forms of divination. It is not the tool but the person using the tool that is ultimately in control. I may not agree with all his descriptions of the cards in this deck, but I appreciate the clarity and ease of reading in this book. It has often frustrated me to get hold of a deck with different cards and no booklet with them telling me what the artist who created the deck felt intuitively about those particular cards and their energies. I can read a playing card if that is the tool handy but I do not like to go blind without some guide. I think this book would be a valuable tool to someone who is new to the reading of Tarot.

~ Brenda Roberts, Author

 

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