Review: Practical Tarot

Title:  Practical Tarot
Author:  Lisa Kessler
Illustrator:  Holly Carton
Publisher:  Beyond Words
Release Date:  January 7, 2025
Pages:  78-Card Deck & 192-page Guidebook

This tarot deck is the one Lisa Kessler wished existed when she began teaching students to read intuitively – one where each cards’ meaning was depicted so clearly in the design that it was not necessary to memorize the explanations in the guidebook. She also wanted a deck “that reflected people of different sizes and body types, from all races, ages, gender identities, and sexual orientations” as well as a variety of impairments and conditions.

A conversation with Holly Carton, the artist doing the cover for her book “The Practical Tarot Method: Learn to Read Tarot Cards Intuitively,” led to collaborating on a deck. A Kickstarter campaign funded the project. Both the book and the deck were published at the same time, and while they complement once another, they can be used independently.

The guidebook that comes with the deck introduces readers to the tarot and presents spreads using three to nine cards. Each card has a two-page spread that includes a large color picture of the card, a two-paragraph description, and a prompt for journaling or meditating. 

When this deck came to me for review, I was introducing tarot to someone for the first time. Together we went through the deck, and with very few exceptions, she identified with each card and was able to give the fundamentals of its meaning based solely on intuition the images triggered. The art is uncluttered and the explanations in the accompanying guidebook are clear. Some of the colors and a few details are bit dark, making them difficult to identify. 

Based on the ease and excitement with which my student was able to connect with, understand, and use this deck, it is well-suited for beginners. Experienced readers who enjoy the style of art will also like the deck.

About the Author:
Lisa Kessler has been reading tarot professionally for nearly twenty years. She also teaches intuitive tarot reading courses and posts free weekly tarot readings on her YouTube channel. Her fascination with the metaphysical world and love for all things paranormal is showcased in her more than forty bestselling paranormal romance novels and thrillers. When she’s not reading tarot or writing books, she performs with the San Diego Opera and musical theater companies, and coaches others to manifest the life of their dreams. You can learn more about her Metaphysical Manifesting at metaphysicalmanifesting.com. You can find out more about her books at AuthorLisaKessler.com.

About the Illustrator:
Holly Carton is a digital painter who specializes in fantasy characters and scenes, from book covers to game card art.

About the Reviewer:
As an eclectic solitary practitioner, I travel the country in a converted school bus and share magick with those I meet. Find me at https://thewitchonwheels.com/ and on Facebook.