(tl;dr): this is a must for anybody who reads the tarot…but check out her site first)
If I were able to read this book 20 years ago, I would’ve learned tarot much faster, grasped deeper meanings sooner and, most importantly, learned HOW I could grasp those meanings on my own. Benebell is a natural teacher. I worked full-time as an interpreter at a university. After interpreting more than 100 courses, I learned that teaching is an art. There are many skilled teachers…but those who have an innate talent for it, the ability to break down complex concepts in such a way that even a neophyte can easily understand are rare…and I believe Benebell Wen is one of those rare few.
I discovered her by accidentally stumbling across her site—which I highly recommend, not only because it is a wonderful, comprehensive resource, but also because it will give you a clear picture of whether or not you agree with Benebell’s overall approach. The reason I’m advising people to check out her site *before* you buy the book is that she does not believe in using the tarot to predict the future, but rather learning as much as possible about the symbols and their origins as well as how parallel philosophies/mystical studies eg the Kabbalah are linked and how they can help you truly understand tarot in a deeper yet clearer way. Admittedly, like her, I’m an atheist, I’m so not claim to be psychic and I don’t believe I’m capable of predicting future, BUT…I do believe in the Collective Unconscious and the teachings of Jung in general. So many symbols in tarot are based on the same archetypes which have been found in all cultures around the world since the beginning of time. I interpret the archetypes a a look for patterns, synchronicity etc that *may* affect the querent. Not that I have all the answers (spoiler: omg I *don’t* lol), and this is not the blueprint for reading tarot…but this is much closer to Benebell’s approach than say, Eden Gray’s.
That is not to say that using tarot in the classic method of divination is wrong; it’s just not what how tarot is presented here. I’m addressing this because I’m admittedly a little annoyed by a couple of Karen-ish reviews (out of 1800 glowing reviews) who felt that Benebell was patronizing or even insulting. I feel that they either misunderstood her OR they felt threatened by any opinion different than theirs. Especially the one who claims that anybody who said they liked the book “obviously didn’t read past chapter 7”, because disagreeing with their opinion is WRONG.
And she accuses Benebell of being arrogant. Irony is dead lol.
She and a couple of other reviewers were also offended by Benebell’s suggestion that a beginner should practice readings using a teddy bear or other inanimate object because it isn’t fair to the querent to interpret the cards when you’re a neophyte. But as a beginner, a student has not studied well enough to give an accurate reading. I was happy to read that. A ballerina doesn’t take a 3 month class in ballet and feel they are ready to dance on stage, but way too many people do readings on real-a** humans when they are incapable of conveying all the subtleties, the archetypes, the history and endless other factors. Bluntly, it is irresponsible and possibly harmful.
BUT if you are a serious student, and willing to commit to regular study, practicing readings on a teddy bear or any other prop is a wonderful idea because you have to tell the object the meanings out loud, just like in a real reading. It’s a lot harder than just reading cards to yourself and not only is it a great way to practice it, it is also a wonderful way to learn as you are reading, ie explaining a concept to a willing teddy bear (I practice on a mannequin named ChaCha lol) is an excellent way to discover whether you know the meaning as well as you think.
Again…I wish I could read have read these sort of techniques 20 years ago. I struggled with the cards for years before I became an even intermediate tarot student…and I still consider myself a student because it is impossible to learn all there is to know about tarot…but by god, if you commit to reading 878 pages, that’s a pretty good start lol.
Also, her her writing is NOT “patronizing”; she doesn’t hold your hand nor does she wax poetic—she gets right to the point. She is a natural teacher and that is how she presents this enormous wealth of valuable, very accessible information—as if she were teaching a course…and in a way she is.
Quite simply, out of the dozens of tarot books I have, I find this to be one of the most helpful, if not THE most helpful book in my collection.
I do have one tiny objection—as some other reviewers have noted, the book is so large that it can feel unwieldy, especially if you have baby hamster hands like I do…and especially-especially if you have RA, carpal tunnel or other conditions which affects the small joints in your hands and wrists. Even after 20 minutes or so, I get achey…but it is too thick to lay flat propped on a surface or table, desk etc. While that issue is very specific and wouldn’t affect the vast majority of people, it’s still difficult to read for any length of time without it feeling clumsy. I’ve dropped this book god knows how many times because I was having a difficult time holding it. The weight alone—3 lbs—makes it difficult to hold for any length of time. In future printings, it would be great if she could sell the book in two volumes. Yes, it might cost a few dollars more, but it would be enormously helpful and that would make it much easier to read. Just my two cents.
…which is a pretty insignificant complaint considering the wealth of solid instruction. In an ideal world, she would teach an actual class…and I would live close enough to attend lol. Meanwhile, don’t be intimidated by the size of this mammoth book; the best way to learn is to break it down in chapters and read it section by section. I believe this book is destined to become a tarot classic…and Benebell Wen belongs with tarot goddesses like Rachel Pollack, Barbara Moore, Joan Bunning.
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Comprehensive!
Holistic Tarot is an exceptional resource for anyone seeking a comprehensive guide to the practice of tarot. At almost 900 pages and with over 500 illustrations, the book provides a thorough examination of every aspect of tarot study. Wen's attention to detail is exemplary, with every facet of tarot explored in-depth, from the basics of choosing and caring for a deck to advanced techniques for reading and interpreting the cards. What sets Holistic Tarot apart is its thoroughness and its approach to tarot as a complete system. The book provides an immersive journey through the history, theory, and practice of tarot, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to understand the complete scope of tarot. Wen's writing is precise and scholarly, and her explanations of complex topics are clear and concise. Holistic Tarot is a true masterpiece of tarot literature, offering something for everyone from beginners to seasoned practitioners. Its comprehensiveness, attention to detail, and scholarly tone make it a must-have for anyone interested in the practice of tarot.
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Top reviews from other countries
Rhamona
Didático e completo
Reviewed in Brazil on January 12, 2021
Rhamona
Reviewed in Brazil on January 12, 2021
Ela não tem abordagem preditiva, mas na simbologia e abordagem terapeutica é excelente.
Em relação à conteúdo, não li nada tão completo em português. Portanto, vale o esforço de forçar a leitura em inglês.
Os Contras ficam todos por conta da edição. Se tivesse uma edição em capa dura de material um pouquinho melhor seria adorável. Mas provavelmente ficaria inacessível por ser uma obra grande.
São qse 900 páginas.
Então digamos q eu entendo.
Agora é manusear com cuidado, para que ele n fique desgastado em um curto espaço de tempo.
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