Tall Dark Stranger: Love is In the Tarot Cards
I can honestly say that "Tall Dark Stranger: Tarot for Love and Romance" by Corrine Kenner is the best tarot book that I've encountered to date
While I don't profess to have read every tarot book that's ever been written, rest assured, I don't make such a distinction lightly.
Please don't let the title distract you as it initially did me.
My concern was that the topic was too specific to be of any value to those who had already found love and/or to those who were satisfied with the amount and type of love that they currently had within their life. I admit not only to being wrong about such an assumption, but I also must stress how enlightening this book is for tarot in general.
As is the case with many tarot books, Kenner provides insight into the historical context of tarot, as well as information about the deck itself. Chapters related to the symbolism associated with tarot cards and the interrelationship of astrology and tarot were the highlights of the book for me personally. They were very well written and extremely "user friendly" for future reference.
Kenner discusses such topics as how tarot works, how to choose a deck of cards, how to prepare for a reading, the ethics surrounding tarot reading, and the numerous spreads and layouts associated with doing readings. However, it's the chapters that focus on the best way to phrase questions, how to systematically conduct a reading, how to interpret the cards revealed during a reading, and how to decipher time information presented within a reading that I believe make the greatest contribution towards advancing the reader's understanding of tarot.
It's easy to see how all of this information can be correlated with any questions asked during a reading, not just those related to love and relationships.
More than half of the 294-page book is comprised of detailed descriptions of each of the cards in a standard tarot deck. Helpful points of interest associated with the cards include, but aren't limited to, the following topics:
- When you see the ___ card in a romance reading...
- If you are in a relationship, the ___ card in a reading means/suggests/etc...
- If you are looking for romance, the ___ card in a reading means/suggest/etc...
- As an archetype, the ___ card is known as...
- Traditionally, the ___ card is known as...
- The ___ card corresponds to ___ of the Hebrew language, which means...
- Astrologically, the ___ card is associated with...
Also included are three in-depth sample readings with various card spreads (i.e., zodiac spread, Celtic cross, and relationship spread) that are structured around love-related questions from individuals as well as a couple. The twenty-one page appendix guide to tarot terms and symbols is not only organized extremely well, but it also serves as an easily utilized reference source, especially for beginners.
Kenner is no newcomer to the world of tarot or metaphysics. A certified Tarot Master, her background includes studying at the Tarot School of New York, The Wanless Tarot Institute, and the Builders of the Adytum, as well as having a degree in philosophy, being the author of "The Epicurean Tarot," the creator of the "Tarot Calendar," and an editor of numerous tarot annuals and books
. She is also the founder and president of Magical Mirror, Inc and the author of two upcoming books entitled "Crystals for Beginners" and "Tarot Journaling." Her tarot classes and workshops have been widely attended since their inception in 1998.
Corrine Kenner's methods of teaching tarot and her ability to share her insights are evident in the high caliber of "Tall Dark Stranger: Tarot for Love and Romance." Not only do I recommend this book for tarot enthusiasts on any level, I also look forward to her forthcoming books. If they're anything like "Tall Dark Stranger," my collection of tarot books will continue to grow and my understanding of the subject will be greatly enhanced.
Donna McLaughlin Schwender is the "soul proprietor" of One-Eared Dog, Ink. As a freelance writer living in upstate New York, she can be reached at schwender@aol.com.
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