On the plus side, I really liked the history of the tarot and how the cards can relate to artists. Both were incredibly interesting.

The final chapters discuss reading the cards, various 'spreads'--how to lay the cards out--and how to interpret them. I found this section of the book the weakest; though there are illustrations for each card in the card review, there aren't any in this section. The novice reader might very well be confused on how a Celtic cross layout is done. Greatest detail centers on unique spreads she created as ways of helping her identify a direction for her creative project. Written for novices and seasoned readers alike, The Creative Tarot is a unique guidebook that reimagines tarot cards and the ways they can boost the creative process. Jessa Crispin guides you through the intuitive world of the tarot to get those creative juices flowing again.

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A helpful one among tarot books. Not long ago, getting your cards read would have conjured images of a mystic shrouded in scarves with a crystal ball, waving her hands over a spread of cards. Today, a tarot reading is as common as going to yoga or texting a friend. It’s the new way to seek guidance—whether that’s relationship advice or what outfit to wear today. If you can find a new age bookshop where you can handle the cards and see them up close- buy there. Cards feel different online than they do in your hand. Tarot card starter spreads–Learn to peer into your past, present, and future with a three-card spread; delve into a big decision with a Celtic cross spread; look at every aspect of your life with a 21-card spread; and more. In addition to the psychological mechanisms behind tarot reading, it is also important to consider the cultural and spiritual context in which it is practiced. Tarot has a long and complex history that is rooted in a variety of spiritual and cultural traditions, and it is important to approach it with respect and openness.

You can be an atheist and use the tarot. You can be a Christian and use the tarot. There is a long history of writing about chance and synchronicity that has nothing to do with the gods meddling in our realm. (I bet that made you uncomfortable, didn’t it?) You get out of the tarot what you put in. It is merely a tool that works on an intuitive, rather than logical, level. No gods required. There are many different spreads or layouts that can be used in a tarot reading, each with its own specific purpose. Some spreads are more suitable for general readings, while others are designed for specific questions or issues. The choice of spread will depend on the focus of the reading and the preferences of the reader.I also liked this blurb about the Tower: "Remember that scene in Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, where Amy throws Jo's stories into the fire? That's the feeling of the Tower: the realization that all is lost, and you will have to start over from the beginning." pg 83 If you’re a writer or creative, this podcast episode is for you. Brigit interviews Jessa Crispin, author of The Creative Tarot, about using Tarot for creative work. In this interview, Jessa shares how she uses Tarot in writing, and how other creatives can use Tarot for inspiration. Tarot expert Liz Dean offers an overview to all of the important elements of each card from symbols, to links with astrology, kabbala and numerology. The Ultimate Guide to Tarotalso includes all the classic tarot spreads – Celtic Cross, Horseshoe, Star and Astrological Year Ahead – plus, a mini-layout to try for each of the 22 major cards.