Rider-Waite deck

[ckynes1968]

I am learning with a Rider-Waite deck but I use a different book to interpret the cards. However, the deck has a card called "the Hierophant" and that is not listed in the book that I am using for interpretation. (The book that came with the deck has very tiny writing so I've been using the interpretations in "To Ride A Silver Broomstick" )

Is this card also called something else - I thought it maybe the Priest card?

[Shatril]

or maybe Grandfather. I'm not sure what she may have called it. But it should be one of those. I have to say that the interpretations of the cards sometime conflict if you aren't using the same deck used in the book, however, I'm sure that Silvers are very generic.

[AuroraSilvermist]

The Pope, Pontiff, High Priest...any of these would be the Hierophant. Does Silver number the major arcana in her descriptions? If so, the Hierophant is number 5.

If you have the opportunity (and the cash), you might want to look into Tarot Plain and Simple by Anthony Louis. It focuses on the Robin Wood deck, which is very similar to the Rider-Waite, and the card descriptions would match.

[zakzekezedd]

It can be confusing trying to work with a book that isn't matched to the deck you have. Sometimes they do use alternate names for cards, or suits, and may even alter the order of the Major Arcana cards to fit the concept for a specific deck. Rider Waite is such a cornerstone deck that most of the books available are based on it. There are some good basic paperback tarot books that are only $6 or $7 at most bookstores. The How to Read Tarot by Sylvia Abrams is a good book and very reasonably priced. If you want a good "generic" book that doesn't focus on a particular deck you might look at Simple Tarot by Michele Morgan.

[ckynes1968]

Thanks!

I'll look into trying to find a different book.

[LisaT4P]

I think it is also only a few dollars to download Thirteen's Tarot Basics at www.aeclectic.net (http://www.aeclectic.net)

[Bliss]

I'd recommend the following books for your RW deck:

Tarot for Yourself by Mary Greer - Useful tool for beginners that provides an overview of tarot and includes information on numerology and astrology to name a few. The exercises really help you formulate your own opinion about the individual cards.

The Complete Illustrated Guide to Tarot by Rachel Pollack - Excellent overview of tarot and the relating areas including astrology, kabbalah, numerology, gem and plant symbolism, etc. You should also pick up 78 Degrees of Wisdom by the same author. She provides an indepth review of the major and minor arcana.

Tarot and the Tree of Life by Isabel Kliegman - Although she includes information on Kabbalah and relates it to the tarot, I believe the book provides a fresh look on the minor arcana. The author provides many personal snippets to aid the reader with identifying the energies and common associations with each card. Please note, the book contains descriptions for the minor arcana only. At the time of publication, it was the only book of this nature.

You can find books and tarot decks for reduced prices at http://www.discountnewagebooks.com. I'd recommend looking online before you go to a mainstream bookstore. Many older titles are available at used bookstores but commonly sold for full price at your local Borders/Barnes and Noble.

Happy Reading!

~Bliss

:flowers:

[dragenfly]

My book says
"Marriage alliance, captivity, servitude; by another account, mercy and goodness; inspiration; to the man to whon the Querenthas recourse

reversed: society, good understanding, concord, over-kindness, weakness.

[Theres]

Tarot and the Tree of Life by Isabel Kliegman - Although she includes information on Kabbalah and relates it to the tarot, I believe the book provides a fresh look on the minor arcana. The author provides many personal snippets to aid the reader with identifying the energies and common associations with each card. Please note, the book contains descriptions for the minor arcana only. At the time of publication, it was the only book of this nature.
:confused:
i'm wondering how deep a book entitled 'Tarot and the Tree of Life' can go without any reference to the major arcana?

[dragenfly]

:confused:
i'm wondering how deep a book entitled 'Tarot and the Tree of Life' can go without any reference to the major arcana?

I was thinking the same thing. :wave: