Tarot Decks Part I

This is just a few thoughts I have on beginner's first tarot decks. First find a deck that really speaks to you; this is IMPORTANT. If you don't have a connection with or like the deck, you won't use the deck and readings will probably be really off. Second get a deck based off of preferably the Rider-Waite system, created by A.E. Waite and  Pamela Colman-Smith. Sometimes referred to as the Waite-Smith Deck. This is one of the most popular decks out there and a lot creators base their images on this system. This means there should be 78 cards: 22 major arcana, 56 minor arcana split into four suits. Usually swords, wands, cups, and pentacles; there is some variation on suits name. I will mention the Thoth Deck here as well, it was designed by Aleister Crowley a contemporary of Waite, this is similar to the Rider-Waite and is possible to find good resources based on the Thoth.  Three every card should have a distinct image on it, there are pretty decks that the only illustrations are on the major arcana. If you really like them put it on a wish list get as your second deck. Having distinct images helps you to learn the meanings. Four if your deck has a book GET IT. I can not stress this enough. Most decks just come with a little white book (LWB) and that's it; which is great except for the decks where the authors wrote a book these decks still come with the LWB they are not adequate for beginners. For some the more unusual decks they are not good even for experienced readers. More on this in my reviews of the decks I currently have.  My next post will go into a little more detail on what made a good beginner deck and what mistakes I made in the beginning.

Tarot For Writers

I enjoy doing so many things that I love when they can overlap. Recently I found a great book that allows too of my passions to overlap; writing and tarot. Tarot for Writers by Corrine Kenner is an excellent resource for both reading tarot and using to overcome writers block. I have been doing tarot for about a year now, I have been progressing well in my ability to learn what the cards mean, but Google it and you will see the variation that is out there in meanings a well as processes. One of things I like about the book is the second half is a description of all 78 cards and their meanings. Kenner lists both the historical significance and the modern take on all the cards with at least two pages per card. If you don't believe in tarot that's fine, but if your writer I think it's worth taking a look at this book and a deck of cards. Part I is the first three chapters, they are an introduction to tarot and is good if you are a beginner. Part II is the called the The Writer's Tarot, this section offers advice on using the cards for character creation, storylines and plots, settings and description, breaking writer's block, etc. These chapters offer insight on how to use these cards as a jumping off point, and also has a lot of exercises for writers to use. I am enjoying challenging myself with this book and I hope you will too.