The Gaian Tarot
reviewed by
Eva Yaa Asantewaa (
http://hummingwitch.blogspot.com)
Now, here comes artist
Joanna Powell Colbert's
Gaian Tarot published by
Llewellyn (September, 2011; ISBN: 9780738718910). It's a deck that clearly announces, "I have new stories to tell!" And it's right on time.
If you've worked with Tarot for many years, pick up this deck and let its amiable, nature-oriented images take you to these new narratives. If you're a Tarot newbie, never fear: Allow your mind to wander around within this deck, and you will easily find yourself at home inside these many stories. They're a non-traditional but perfectly valid and viable place to start.
Those readers who feel more secure with imagery that hews closer to traditional Rider Waite-style imagery might discover wonderful surprises in the Gaian. Don't ignore anything within the frame of these standard-sized cards; each one is power-packed with archetypal symbolism drawn from the cultures the world over, as are the people depicted within. Take out your magnifying glass--sometimes that's necessary, I've found--so that you don't miss a thing.
I fell for this deck on first sight. Grounded in the natural ways and wonders of Earth, it reflects so much that I love and value. No longer do I have to make do with terminology (Empress? Chariot? Hanged Man? Judgment? Page?) that, over many years, I've grown accustomed to. Now I can enjoy thinking of the Empress as The Gardener and exploring all of the rich implications of that inspired renaming. By the way, Colbert's complete rethinking of The Emperor should be of interest to readers who sometimes find this figure off-putting.
The external structure of Tarot, as rendered by Colbert, remains the same--78 cards; Major and Minor Arcana; four suits, each including court cards. So, even though you might be asked to adjust your thinking in some ways, you will not find yourself too far away from your comfort zone. And don't worry: This is a gentle but never mushy deck, neither in its art nor its interpretation. Colbert's 288-page paperback manual--
Journey through the Gaian Tarot, included in Llewellyn's boxed kit--offers meaningful light and shadow sides of each card and suggests a wealth of questions to help you and your querents go beneath the surface of a reading.
This deck came to me just as I felt ready for a fresh approach in my
practice, and I look forward to getting to know it better. I think you
will enjoy it, too.
To learn more about Joanna Powell Colbert's multifaceted work and watch a video of imagery from the Gaian Tarot, click
here. For publisher's information, click
here, and to purchase the Gaian Tarot on Amazon.com, click
here.
(c)2011, Eva Yaa Asantewaa
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The Dragon Keeper's Handbook
reviewed by
Eva Yaa Asantewaa (
http://hummingwitch.blogspot.com)
Sci-fi/fantasy writer
Shawn MacKenzie has a handsome, astonishing book out from Llewellyn, called
The Dragon Keeper's Handbook: including the Myth & Mystery, Care & Feeding, Life & Lore of these Fiercely Splendid Creatures (September, 2011; ISBN; 9780738727851) and it is unlike anything I ever expected.
Call it a rigorous scientific field guide--complete with language accessible to the layperson, helpful line illustrations and delicious wit--sharing every possible factual detail about these magnificent and varied beings which, we all agree, do exist and proudly exist pretty much all over the world. (
Right? Agreed?)
Oh, baby, what a joy this book is! Just get it. You won't put it down. Later on, we can figure out how to remove MacKenzie's tongue from her cheek.
For publisher's information, click
here, and to purchase The Dragon Keeper's Handbook on Amazon.com, click
here.
(c)2011, Eva Yaa Asantewaa
