TAROT DECODED

By Elizabeth Hazel

Reviewed by John Gilbert, Ph.D.

There has always been a need for an astrology textbook for tarot readers and a tarot textbook for astrologers. Now there is one. Author Elizabeth Hazel has teamed with Weiser Books to create “Tarot Decoded” (ISBN 1-57863-302-8). This book teaches astrologers how to use their astrology knowledge to read tarot cards. It also teaches tarot readers the astrological basis for tarot.

The subtitle to Tarot Decoded is “understanding and using dignities and correspondences.” Hazel explains that dignities describe the relationship between any two cards as being friendly, neutral or unfriendly. Planets, signs, numbers and elements correspond to each other and tarot cards. By knowing these things the reader is better able to interpret both the tarot reading and the current astrological influences in the client’s life.

Separate chapters are devoted to numerological, planetary, zodiacal, house and elemental dignities. Readers are encouraged to use one of these systems to enhance their tarot readings. Correspondences are discussed in a half dozen chapters and used to describe and explain astrological influences. Lists of these relationships and specific dignities are explained in the appendixes.

The author introduces an original tarot spread called the Cosmic Axis and describes three other important spreads. These spreads include the Vala Cross, Twelve Houses and Zodiac Spiral spreads. She demonstrates the use of each of these spreads using the dignities and correspondences disclosed in the text. These demonstrations are excellent teaching tools in themselves.

“Tarot Decoded” is recommended as a tarot book for astrologers and an astrology book for tarot readers. This book is endorsed by a number of respected tarot and astrology experts whose comments are included in the first five pages of the book as well as the back cover. Both tarot readers and astrologers will want to have this book in their library.

THE REVIEWER:

John Gilbert is a professor of comparative religions and mysticism for Universal Seminary. Dr. Gilbert is a recognized meditation master, Essene healing master and Kaballah master within the Universal Gnostic Church. John is a Certified Tarot Grandmaster. He and his wife Charlene live in North Carolina with four wonderful cats and a beautiful Border Collie.

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