Mastering the Tarot: Basic Lessons in an Ancient Mystic Art

This is an excellent book to read as a follow up to either of Gray's earlier books: Complete Guide to the Tarot or The Tarot Revealed (those books are very similar to each other, though The Tarot Revealed offers an additional card layout). This book, Mastering the Tarot, is pithy and to the point as are her other books, and like them, offers at least a rudimentary interpretation of some of the esoteric symbols on the cards. For anyone who is drawn to the Golden Dawn/Builders of the Adytum style of Tarot interpretation but found it too complex or the language too archaic and abstruse, Eden Gray comes from that tradition but pares her information down to the core meanings. This can be disappointing for experienced readers who want a lot of detail, but it's a great help to beginning readers who don't want to memorize lengthy lists of meanings before getting started. With the brief descriptions Gray gives of each card under your belt, your intuition, experience, and imagination will supply the rest. And that's how it's supposed to be when reading the Tarot, isn't it?In this book she departs from the previous 2 volumes by grouping the cards numerically, for example, all the aces are presented together, the twos, the threes, etc. showing similarities between cards of the same number in different suits and offering numerological information that enhances the card's meaning as well as one's ability to memorize it. The court cards are also presented similarly, so you can get a feel, say, of Knights or Queens both in general and in terms of the individual court card. For each card, she gives a basic interpretation (which is briefly stated but really quite rich), the reverse meaning, a description of the imagery on the card, and an "In a Reading" section in which she gives a brief look at what this card might mean when near certain other cards in a reading, or when it falls in a certain position. Again, she gives enough to get you started, but not so much that you are bogged down.The book teaches several layouts which are described in detail, and sample readings are given. Lots of little tips are offered as well, for example, how to scan the entire card layout for information before commencing the actual reading; how to ask a question; how to present your reading sensitively to a client; and more.Eden Gray's books are forgotten gems in what is now an immense sea of Tarot books. I have bought and read many, and yet I have found her little, old, and sadly out-of-print paperbacks to be among the most useful.

Unfortunately, no longer in print. Odd, because another of this author's books that isn't nearly as informative is. I still use this book when I'm stuck. I never found its equal. I wish I could convince a publisher to put it back in print

This is the book to get if you only want one book for the basic interpretations of the cards! The hardcover version has much clearer illustrations than the paperback, so associating the images with their meanings is facilitated.In both cases, these are old books. The hardcover (at least my copy) has much better paper and construction, whilst all the paperbacks I've seen are yellowed and crumbling. The small added cost is well worth it.For those who use an intuitive approach to reading, where the meaning is derived in part from the image, having clear images is essential. While no book is substitute for looking at the cards themselves or at least clear photographs, the line drawings in this book are the best and most useful I've found.If you already own Eden Gray's "A Complete Guide to the Tarot," which is more popular (thought I don't know why, other than it's more recent), you may still prefer the ordering and slight differences in interpretations of this earlier book by her (yes, her - she was born Priscilla Pardridge). The ordering is more sensible for relating the meanings by grouping (for example, all the Aces are together, not in their suit as is common) and this also makes looking them up faster.The other information in the book - other than interpretations - is somewhat dated and some is not currently "in vogue" with current readers, but the clear, basic interpretations and the way they are presented makes this book "best in class," in my opinion.If you are a beginner, this book alone, and the help of someone with experience, is all you really need. Anything more will likely lead to confusion, not knowledge and skill. The cards need to have a personal meaning - including, but going beyond "book" meanings - or the reading will be superficial at best. Tarot reading is a human art, not a mechanical interpretation.I've been reading cards for almost 30 years and still turn to this book on occasion, but now use no other as a regular reference.

This book was delivered with really old yellowed pages & the price in the back of the book stated $6.85. I was charged over $11. It was for a gift but it’s so bad looking I could not give it as such. It’s also printed 15 years ago.

I was delighted to still be able to buy this Tarot book. Book in excellent condition. Arrived fast, well packaged! Very pleased with this seller & my purchase. L.B.

This book has been out of print for more than twenty years now. It is still considered to be one of the best books available for interpreting Tarot Cards. It contains clear explanations of each card both right side up and reversed. Many books currently released only have interpretation of cards as right side up. Beginners as well as more seasoned readers of Tarot Cards will benefit from this book. I know over the years I certainly have,

Way past its heyday. This must have been a great book when it was published since there were so few then, but today there are much better books on the market. Tarot Masterclass by Paul Fenton-Smith is one I highly recommend if you're seeking that go-to guide for all levels.

This is a classic of Tarot reading. I have been reading Tarot for 30 years so I thought I should have it on my shelf. I am sure it is great for beginners, but if you have been reading the cards for a while, it will give you any new information.