{"id":23878,"date":"2021-03-01T01:10:50","date_gmt":"2021-03-01T05:10:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/?p=23878"},"modified":"2021-03-04T10:30:54","modified_gmt":"2021-03-04T14:30:54","slug":"book-review-tarot-deciphered-by-susan-chang-and-m-m-meleen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/2021\/03\/01\/book-review-tarot-deciphered-by-susan-chang-and-m-m-meleen\/","title":{"rendered":"Book Review \u2013 Tarot Deciphered: Decoding Esoteric Symbolism in Modern Tarot by Susan Chang and M.M. Meleen"},"content":{"rendered":"

Book Review<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

Tarot Deciphered: Decoding Esoteric <\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

Symbolism in Modern Tarot<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

by T. Susan Chang and M.M. Meleen<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

Publisher: <\/b><\/span>Llewellyn Publications<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

672 Pages<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

Publication<\/b><\/span> Date: <\/b><\/span>3\/<\/b><\/span>8\/2021<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tarot Deciphered\u00a0is an in-depth voyage into the esoteric roots that underlie the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot, the Thoth Tarot, and the myriad of decks that share their symbology. This card-by-card analysis reveals detailed insights drawn from the multi-layered traditions of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, the magical order that most strongly influenced modern tarot.\u2026<\/b><\/i><\/span> From the<\/b><\/i> <\/b><\/i>Publisher<\/b><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Tarot Deciphered: Decoding Esoteric Symbolism in Modern Tarot <\/b><\/i><\/span>by T. Susan Chang and M.M. Meleen is a massively informative text containing every correspondence and point of reference you would most likely find of use and then the authors treat the reader to even more. In this case the use of the word \u201cmassive\u201d is a nod to the 672 pages that serve as the distributors of a wealth of research, cross connection and interpretation beyond the ordinary standards. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Each card is defined through the esoteric disciplines of <\/span>Astrology\/Element, Mythology\/Alchemy, Hermetic Qabalah, Rider-Waite Smith Symbolism<\/i><\/span> and <\/span>T<\/i><\/span>h<\/i><\/span>oth Symbolism<\/i><\/span>. The <\/span>Related Cards<\/i><\/span> within the tarot keys and <\/span>Advanced Concepts for Further Exploration<\/i><\/span> complete the chapter. Being a teacher of Hermetic Qabalah and reader that prefers the imagery of the T<\/span>h<\/span>oth Tarot deck, I especially appreciated the incorporation of these tools ion a one-stop source vs. reliance of individual texts and meanings to draw greater conclusion from. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Introduction gives the reader ample information about the inclusion of the T<\/span>h<\/span>oth Tarot deck as a point of reference for each of the cards. This is not a deck traditionally used other than those aligned with Aleister Crowley\u2019s teachings and the understanding of multi-layered systems of Qabalah and ceremonial magick. Another interesting discussion is the influence of the Golden Dawn on the cards of the Major Arcana. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The offerings at the beginning of each of the Tarot Key\u2019s chapters include the <\/span>Card Number, Element, Hebrew Letter, Hebrew Letter Meaning, Path <\/i><\/span>(of the Qabalistic Tree)<\/span> Color Scale in the Four Worlds <\/i><\/span>and other<\/span> Themes and Keywords.<\/i><\/span> This provides a nice quick look for easy reference and sets the tone for the more in depth discussions by topic within the chapter itself. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The approach of synthesis taken by T. Susan Chang and M.M. Meleen<\/span> <\/b><\/i>in <\/span>Tarot Deciphered: Decoding Esoteric Symbolism in Modern Tarot <\/b><\/i><\/span>ensures that the reader will come away with a better understanding of the multiple disciplines that compromise a diverse and well-rounded practice. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Would I Recommend:<\/b><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Tarot Deciphered: Decoding Esoteric Symbolism in Modern Tarot <\/b><\/i><\/span>by T. Susan Chang and M.M. Meleen is an absolute must for anyone seriously interested in Tarot studies and exploring the common threads found in all of the esoteric disciplines. On the scale of cost for most books these days, this title is a bit pricey, but the compendium of resources gathered in one reference will more than validate the cost. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Tarot Deciphered: Decoding Esoteric Symbolism in Modern Tarot <\/b><\/i><\/span>by T. Susan Chang and M.M. Meleen is a well written and user friendly book from cover to cover. This book is definitely one that I will be adding to my library. And, be returning to frequently to explore new perspectives and fresh interpretations. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

About the Authors:<\/b><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

T. Susan Chang <\/b><\/i><\/span><\/span>(Springfield, MA) is the author of Tarot Correspondences and the co-host and producer of the Fortune’s Wheelhouse tarot podcast. She reads tarot weekly at the Inspirit Crystals shop and offers an ongoing online tarot course called Living Tarot.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

M. M. Meleen <\/b><\/i><\/span><\/span>(Worcester, MA) is the illustrator\/creator of the Tabula Mundi Tarot, the Rosetta Tarot, and the Pharos Tarot, as well as the author of Book M: Liber Mundi, The Book of Seshet, and Spectrum Fari: The Keys of Pharos. She is the co-host and cocreator of the Fortune’s Wheelhouse tarot podcast.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Tarot Deciphered: Decoding Esoteric Symbolism in Modern Tarot on Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

***<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

About the author:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Robin Fennelly\u00a0<\/b><\/i><\/span><\/span>is an Elder within\u00a0<\/span><\/span>The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span>\u00a0and serves as High Priestess of\u00a0<\/span><\/span>C<\/a>oven of the Mystic Path<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/u><\/span>, the 12th Coven\u00a0within the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition. She teaches\u00a0and facilitates\u00a0classes for the Pagan Experience Study Group that\u00a0serves as foundation for membership within\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Coven of the Mystic Path<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Her spiritual journey is strongly rooted in both Eastern philosophy and the Western Magickal systems from which she has formed a core foundation that is diverse in knowledge and rich in spiritual practice.\u00a0 A life-long learner, her practice has evolved from the classical and philosophical teachings of books, practical experience and enrichment of this knowledge\u00a0base by attending workshops of various spiritual traditions presented by master teachers.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Robin formally came to the Wiccan path in 1994. Following a practice as a solitary for 2 years, she dedicated to\u00a0Oak and Willow Coven of The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition in November of 1996. She received her\u00a01st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th (Elder) degrees within the Assembly Tradition and has served as High Priestess of two ASW covens since Samhain of 2001 and the Winter Solstice of 2015.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n


\nAs a teacher of esoteric and magickal studies\u00a0she uses Energetic Anatomy, Tarot, Astrology, Hermetic Qabala, Eastern Philosophy, and Numerology as the foundations of her diverse selection of workshops and writings for more than 25\u00a0years. Exploration of varied energetic protocol has been the focus of her work for some time now and the information gained through direct experience informs all of her magickal and spiritual work.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Robin\u2019s writings have been featured online, and in print Internationally.\u00a0 She has authored several books incorporating her unique style of writing making use of poetry, prose and pathworking to enhance the concepts presented.\u00a0 She has taught extensively throughout the Pagan community, including Sacred Space Conference, Spring Magick, Between the Worlds Interfaith Conference and Free Spirit Gathering Festival. Her most recent projects include a channel on youtube: <\/span><\/span>A Journey to the Inner Chamber<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span>. <\/b><\/span><\/span>She also shares audio pathworkings and ritual on her bandcamp site: <\/span><\/span>Teachings on the Path with Robin.<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/u><\/span> <\/u><\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n

Robin is the owner of\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Holistic Embrace\u00a0<\/i><\/span><\/span>providing services for mind, body and spirit such as Tarot readings, Astrology reports, Spiritual Guidance\u00a0and other related offerings.\u00a0 She lives in Eastern Pennsylvania and her life is blessed by a 40+- year marriage, five children and the opportunity to work in the field of public education.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Robin\u2019s Website<\/b><\/span><\/span>:\u00a0<\/span><\/span>www.robinfennelly.com<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Coven of the Mystic Path, ASW<\/b><\/span><\/span>:\u00a0<\/span><\/span>www.covenofthemysticpath.org<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Her books can be found on Amazon or purchased directly through her website:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

For more info<\/b><\/span><\/span>:\u00a0<\/span><\/span>http:\/\/www.robinfennelly.com\/books.html<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Inner Chamber, Vol. 1 It\u2019s Written in the Stars-Astrology<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Inner Chamber, Vol. 2 Poetry of the Spheres-Qabalah<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Inner Chamber, Vol. 3 Awakening the Paths-Qabalah<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Light of SELF: Consciousness, Spiritual Practice and Learning to Breathe<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Magickal Verse: A Collection of Poetry and Prose<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

A Year of Gaia: The Eternal Cord<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Elemental Year: Aligning the Elements of SELF<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Temple of the Sun and Moon: Luminous Devotions<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Sleeping with the Goddess: Nights of Devotion<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

A Weekly Reflection: Musings for the Year<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Magickal Pen: A Collection of Esoteric Writings<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Enchanted Gate: Musings on the Magick of the Natural World<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Temple of the Sun: An Astrological Solar Year<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Writings in the Shadow: An Exploration of the Shadow Nature<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Book Review Tarot Deciphered: Decoding Esoteric Symbolism in Modern Tarot by T. Susan Chang and M.M. Meleen Publisher: Llewellyn Publications 672 Pages Publication Date: 3\/8\/2021     Tarot Deciphered\u00a0is an in-depth voyage into the esoteric roots that underlie the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot, the Thoth Tarot, and the myriad of decks that share their symbology. This card-by-card analysis reveals detailed insights drawn from the multi-layered traditions of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, the magical order that most strongly influenced modern tarot.\u2026 From the Publisher Tarot Deciphered: Decoding Esoteric Symbolism in Modern Tarot by T. Susan Chang and M.M. Meleen is a massively informative text containing every correspondence and point of reference you would most likely find of use and then the authors treat the reader to even more. In this case the use of the word \u201cmassive\u201d is a nod to the 672 pages that serve as the distributors of a wealth of research, cross connection and interpretation beyond the ordinary standards. Each card is defined through the esoteric disciplines of Astrology\/Element, Mythology\/Alchemy, Hermetic Qabalah, Rider-Waite Smith Symbolism and Thoth Symbolism. The Related Cards within the tarot keys and Advanced Concepts for Further Exploration complete the chapter. Being a teacher of Hermetic Qabalah and reader that prefers the imagery of the Thoth Tarot deck, I especially appreciated the incorporation of these tools ion a one-stop source vs. reliance of individual texts and meanings to draw greater conclusion from. The Introduction gives the reader ample information about the inclusion of the Thoth Tarot deck as a point of reference for each of the cards. This is not a deck traditionally used other than those aligned with Aleister Crowley\u2019s teachings and the understanding of multi-layered systems of Qabalah and ceremonial magick. Another interesting discussion is the influence of the Golden Dawn on the cards of the Major Arcana. The offerings at the beginning of each of the Tarot Key\u2019s chapters include the Card Number, Element, Hebrew Letter, Hebrew Letter Meaning, Path (of the Qabalistic Tree) Color Scale in the Four Worlds and other Themes and Keywords. This provides a nice quick look for easy reference and sets the tone for the more in depth discussions by topic within the chapter itself. The approach of synthesis taken by T. Susan Chang and M.M. Meleen in Tarot Deciphered: Decoding Esoteric Symbolism in Modern Tarot ensures that the reader will come away with a better understanding of the multiple disciplines that compromise a diverse and well-rounded practice. Would I Recommend: Tarot Deciphered: Decoding Esoteric Symbolism in Modern Tarot by T. Susan Chang and M.M. Meleen is an absolute must for anyone seriously interested in Tarot studies and exploring the common threads found in all of the esoteric disciplines. On the scale of cost for most books these days, this title is a bit pricey, but the compendium of resources gathered in one reference will more than validate the cost. Tarot Deciphered: Decoding Esoteric Symbolism in Modern Tarot by T. Susan Chang and M.M. Meleen is a well written and user friendly book from cover to cover. This book is definitely one that I will be adding to my library. And, be returning to frequently to explore new perspectives and fresh interpretations. About the Authors: T. Susan Chang (Springfield, MA) is the author of Tarot Correspondences and the co-host and producer of the Fortune’s Wheelhouse tarot podcast. She reads tarot weekly at the Inspirit Crystals shop and offers an ongoing online tarot course called Living Tarot. M. M. Meleen (Worcester, MA) is the illustrator\/creator of the Tabula Mundi Tarot, the Rosetta Tarot, and the Pharos Tarot, as well as the author of Book M: Liber Mundi, The Book of Seshet, and Spectrum Fari: The Keys of Pharos. She is the co-host and cocreator of the Fortune’s Wheelhouse tarot podcast. Tarot Deciphered: Decoding Esoteric Symbolism in Modern Tarot on Amazon *** About the author: Robin Fennelly\u00a0is an Elder within\u00a0The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition\u00a0and serves as High Priestess of\u00a0Coven of the Mystic Path, the 12th Coven\u00a0within the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition. She teaches\u00a0and facilitates\u00a0classes for the Pagan Experience Study Group that\u00a0serves as foundation for membership within\u00a0Coven of the Mystic Path.\u00a0\u00a0 Her spiritual journey is strongly rooted in both Eastern philosophy and the Western Magickal systems from which she has formed a core foundation that is diverse in knowledge and rich in spiritual practice.\u00a0 A life-long learner, her practice has evolved from the classical and philosophical teachings of books, practical experience and enrichment of this knowledge\u00a0base by attending workshops of various spiritual traditions presented by master teachers. Robin formally came to the Wiccan path in 1994. Following a practice as a solitary for 2 years, she dedicated to\u00a0Oak and Willow Coven of The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition in November of 1996. She received her\u00a01st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th (Elder) degrees within the Assembly Tradition and has served as High Priestess of two ASW covens since Samhain of 2001 and the Winter Solstice of 2015. As a teacher of esoteric and magickal studies\u00a0she uses Energetic Anatomy, Tarot, Astrology, Hermetic Qabala, Eastern Philosophy, and Numerology as the foundations of her diverse selection of workshops and writings for more than 25\u00a0years. Exploration of varied energetic protocol has been the focus of her work for some time now and the information gained through direct experience informs all of her magickal and spiritual work. Robin\u2019s writings have been featured online, and in print Internationally.\u00a0 She has authored several books incorporating her unique style of writing making use of poetry, prose and pathworking to enhance the concepts presented.\u00a0 She has taught extensively throughout the Pagan community, including Sacred Space Conference, Spring Magick, Between the Worlds Interfaith Conference and Free Spirit Gathering Festival. Her most recent projects include a channel on youtube: A Journey to the Inner Chamber. She also shares audio pathworkings and ritual on her bandcamp site: Teachings on the Path with Robin. Robin is the owner of\u00a0Holistic Embrace\u00a0providing services for mind, body and spirit such as Tarot readings, Astrology reports, Spiritual Guidance\u00a0and other related offerings.\u00a0 She lives in Eastern Pennsylvania and her life is blessed by a 40+- year marriage, five children and the opportunity to work in the field of public education. Robin\u2019s Website:\u00a0www.robinfennelly.com Coven of the Mystic Path, ASW:\u00a0www.covenofthemysticpath.org Her books can be found on Amazon or purchased directly through her website: For more info:\u00a0http:\/\/www.robinfennelly.com\/books.html The Inner Chamber, Vol. 1 It\u2019s Written in the Stars-Astrology The Inner Chamber, Vol. 2 Poetry of the Spheres-Qabalah The Inner Chamber, Vol. 3 Awakening the Paths-Qabalah The Light of SELF: Consciousness, Spiritual Practice and Learning to Breathe Magickal Verse: A Collection of Poetry and Prose A Year of Gaia: The Eternal Cord The Elemental Year: Aligning the Elements of SELF Temple of the Sun and Moon: Luminous Devotions Sleeping with the Goddess: Nights of Devotion A Weekly Reflection: Musings for the Year The Magickal Pen: A Collection of Esoteric Writings The Enchanted Gate: Musings on the Magick of the Natural World The Temple of the Sun: An Astrological Solar Year Writings in the Shadow: An Exploration of the Shadow Nature<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":208,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"iawp_total_views":2,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10005],"tags":[10346,10015,12868,12870,12869,12867],"class_list":["post-23878","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-reviews","tag-author","tag-book-review","tag-decoding-esoteric-symbolism-in-modern-tarot","tag-m-m-meleen","tag-susan-chang","tag-tarot-deciphered"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23878","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/208"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23878"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23878\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23880,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23878\/revisions\/23880"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23878"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23878"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23878"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}