Book Review — The Tarot Spreads Yearbook
Book Review — The Tarot Spreads Yearbook
Publisher: David & Charles
144 Pages
Release Date: 11th April 2023
This beautifully presented book is billed as “52 Tarot Spreads for Getting to Know Yourself.” In our modern, fast-paced life, isn’t that something we’re all trying to do a little more? It’s so easy to get bogged down in our routines, work, and trying to make ends meet that we can lose sight of our inner selves and what nourishes us. With that in mind, I opened this book with an optimistic frame of mind.
At first glance, it’s clear that, like the year, this book is split into four seasons: Growth, Shadow, Change, and Care. Each season contains over a dozen chapters, each with a different spread and a detailed description of its purpose and how to use each tarot layout effectively.
The book also starts with a clear introduction and instructions on how to use the contents, and a brief glossary explaining the Tarot.
I am no stranger to divination, but Tarot cards aren’t usually my “go-to” tool, mostly because I’ve never learned how to use them effectively. This book changes all that. At any point throughout the year, or your personal seasons, you can pick up this book, find a relevant spread, and know exactly what you’re doing thanks to the detailed and fascinating instructions. Because of this, I think this book is ideal for either beginners or experienced Tarot users looking for a wider range of spreads and uses for their cards. You can also start at any point — no need to wait for the start of the year or a fresh point in your personal journey. Dive right in and start using your cards.
Spreads include aspects like better understanding your spiritual challenges, different types of friendships (from understanding what you need from friendships to dealing with toxic friends), harnessing playfulness, and various types of career advice.
This is one of the most practical and instantly accessible books on Tarot I have had the fortune to read. It acknowledges that in-depth interpretation of the Tarot is a lifelong pursuit, but also helps both seasoned and brand-new practitioners get started exploring spreads that can help with all sorts of everyday challenges and choices. Importantly, the focus is on making meanings of these symbols and archetypes, to better understand yourself and get more in tune with what you really want and where your journey is taking you.
As well as being a highly useful resource, this book is absolutely visually stunning. David & Charles is a publisher focused on very visual books, packed with beautiful illustrations, and this volume is no exception. Cara Hudson’s illustrations blend the occult with the familiar, intertwining this with Tarot symbols that will help you get to know this divination practice even better. One to keep to hand, ideally near your favourite deck.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chelsey Pippin Mizzi is an author and creative mentor who combines art and tarot to help people from various walks of life cultivate creativity and unblock themselves. She’s the author of popular Substack The Shuffle and has written various books, including Tarot for Creativity and The Shadow Path. She also writes for various respected publications, such as New York Magazine, BuzzFeed, and more.
Cara Hudson is a freelance illustrator with an international, diverse portfolio of clients. Her artwork explores spiritual themes, and her training in Art Psychotherapy helps her better understand and employ the emotional impact of art.
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Review Author: Mabh Savage
Mabh Savage is a Pagan author, poet and musician, as well as a freelance journalist and content creator. She’s a nature-based witch,
obsessed with Irish and British Paganism and Folklore, plus she’s a massive plant and bird nerd. She’s also a long-time Hekate devotee and a newbie Lokean. She works extensively with the UK Pagan Federation, including editing their bi-annual children’s magazine, Aether. Mabh is a passionate environmentalist and an advocate for inclusiveness and positive social transformation.
Mabh is the author of A Modern Celt: Seeking the Ancestors, Pagan Portals – Celtic Witchcraft: Modern Witchcraft Meets Celtic Ways, and most recently, Practically Pagan: An Alternative Guide to Planet Friendly Living. Pre-order her upcoming book, The Magic of Birds, here. Search “Mabh Savage” on Spotify and @Mabherick on all socials.
