SOCIAL SCIENCES

The Creative Tarot: A Modern Guide to an Inspired Life

Touchstone. Feb. 2016. 352p. illus. ISBN 9781501120237. $22; ebk. ISBN 9781501120244. PARAPSYCH
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OrangeReviewStarCrispin's (The Dead Ladies Project) stated goal is to use the tarot to assist and inspire artists and creatives in their work. Like most titles on tarot, Crispin offers a bit of history and an overview of the parts of the tarot deck, the Major and Minor Arcana's; the suits of wands, swords, cups, and coins; numbers and court cards. Unique is her use of narrative and story, art and music to render both classical and modern interpretations, suggesting resonant poems, songs, or paintings for each of the 78 cards. The cross-pollination of these cultural touchstones to the iconic imagery of the tarot may inspire creativity, but they also serve as mnemonics that can assist a beginning tarot reader's interpretation or imbue greater depth to a more seasoned practitioner. Novice and expert alike will also benefit from the five uncomplicated and mostly original spreads (how the cards are laid out for reading).
VERDICT Crispin's Jungian-like message that the deck is a gateway for personal insight rather than divination opens up the tarot to a broader audience. Readers seeking creative inspiration will find this to be one of the most accessible books ever written on the subject.
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