Book Review: Tarot In Reverse

So I was blessed to be able to review the uncorrected galley of Tarot in Reverse and I'm so stoked to share with you what I love about it!

I contemplated actually for quite a while how I was going to do this review. I’ve put it off because look at who I am reviewing? HELLOO!! Was I going to be prim and proper? Full of beautiful text and perfect paragraphs or was I going to get downright dirty and play it like I do? (Devious Smile) You know exactly how I’m going to play! So let’s get something straight right off the bat. (Well as straight as I can, aye).

I am basing this book on its content and not on the Author nor the Author’s persona. You see everyone will have their own perception of who is right and who is wrong. Who is popular and who is not. Who you like and who you do not. I have had Amazing friends on many paths and not all friends liked each other but the common ground was me and my ability to honor each individual for who they are. Anyways we are losing track.  So If you perceive that I write this review in favor of the book because of my association with the author then that is your perception. I write entirely based on my feelings, my workings, my understanding of the book and how it has enhanced my Tarot Practice.

So the book is broken down really simple. You have your introductions; the basics, some FAQ’s and the overall layout of a Tarot Deck. Then you get into the First chapter which is on the Major Arcana followed by the Minor and then the Court Cards. Then you have Sample readings and the closing bits! ß-See Simple right?

I’ll be honest here. I tend to really overlook the Introductions and first part of many books. I find that I get really bored with the same old shit! Well with this book I made a conscious effort to change that. I didn’t even have to force myself to read it, the way it is written is so fluid and enjoyable that I just flew through the entire book let alone the introduction! My favorite part about the first aspect of the book is when Janet explains the many facets of a Reversal. How a reversal can mean so many different things and she gives categories for many paths of the reversal.  

Two key aspects that really stood out to me while reading are the Esoteric Connection (which represents the spiritual undercurrent of the card, the different metaphysical attributes within the cards images) and the Desired, but not for the best or Not to be attained bit which represents something that a client may really want but the reversal states the client may not get or may not be willing to put in the effort to getting it.  As I was reading each aspect that Janet has written here I could see the cards reversal meanings really shift within my own perception. I was able to really expand my awareness on the subject of reversals just by the beginning part of the book and the willingness to see differently.

The rest of the book is just as amazing! Each card has a quote that represents that cards reversal energy. It also has a message from that card that speaks on what that reversal is about. There are also 20 affirmations for each card which I find quite beneficial. If you are stuck on a reversal and you just go and pick up the book and see the affirmations it can spark something within you and help you with your interpretations. You are given so much information, keywords, and perceptions about each card that you’ll never be without when it comes to your reversal interpretations. The way this is written allows the reader to flow with their own creative energies and intuition and take it where the keywords end. Take the Fool Reversed and one of the interpretations of this is “Too good for this world” which can mean so much. Depending on how you read and who you are reading for and the question being asked you can take that one little sentence and create an entire story! That sentence allows you to see so much into the Fool reversed.  It could represent some reality TV starlet that thinks she’s better then someone else. We won’t name names now will we?  

I am really excited to own this book as should you be! It flows beautifully, it’s funny and it keeps you engaged. I even love the font that it was presented to me in. My only complaint really is that it was too short! It left me wanting more! More creative juices, more reversals, MORE!!!  

I’ve always used Tarot Reversals in my practice and now with this book at my side I look forward to reversals more than I have in the past. They excite me. They make me want to read Tarot like I’ve never read before! YES this book has definitely allowed me to better myself as a reader. I encourage you to give it a go when it becomes available (April 28th, 2012).  It's available for pre-order at both Amazon.com and BN.com (ISBN-13: 9780764341014 for those who want to contact your local bookseller to ask them to order and carry Tarot in Reverse).

Comments

[Janet Boyer]

Thank you so much, Michael!

Actually, the contract for this book had a 25,000 word limit. Schiffer Books only wanted a quick "down and dirty guide" to reversals. I told them, "Um...that would just be a cookbook of meanings, then. That's not how I write."

I told them I wanted to do an anecdote for each book to help people connect with the reversed meanings of the card.

Long story short, my Editor loved my first draft so much, she lobbied to have Tarot in Reverse in FULL COLOR...on glossy pages! This meant I could add even MORE to the book (I had already crossed my word limit, but there was so much more I knew I could do for the topic)--so I asked if I could add 20 affirmations for EACH card, as well as a quote and advice paragraph.

Thus, I added 20,000 MORE words to the book--making it 50,000+ words total. So it's not really a short book, as non-fiction books go...it just reads that way. *wink*

[Michael Banuelos]

You are quite right Janet! It reads fluid and fast! <3 love love love it.

[Janet Boyer]

YAY! Thank you! I'm of the persuasion that the LAST thing reader's shelves need is another dry, boring Tarot book...but maybe that's just me. ;o)