There is so much information about Tarot out there that no one book could cover it all. The Secret Tarot, written by Jane Lyle and Helen Jones, is a great text to start for those who are interested in the complicated and fascinating symbology of the Tarot.
This review will give you a bit of background information about the book and the different topics that it covers.
The Secret Tarot – Jane Lyle & Helen Jones
The purpose of this book is to help dispel some of the confusion surrounding the symbology of the Tarot. It also aims to provide some historical context regarding the origins of the symbols that many of us have become familiar with.
Jane Lyle is the author of The Lovers’ Tarot, one of the most popular and influential Tarot books written in recent years. Her accomplice and artist, Helen Jones, is renowned for the artistic style she shows in The Chinese Astrology Kit.
The Secret Tarot combines symbology, science, magic, and modern research to help demystify and bring understanding to some of the more complicated aspects of Tarot history.
The Secret Tarot is designed with both visual and written learners in mind. The visuals of the symbols will help you understand their sensual appeal and the simple descriptions will help you understand how these symbols have made such an impact throughout history.
History & Symbology
The Secret Tarot places a lot of focus on the original artwork and symbology used during the Renaissance period.
You may not find any new-fangled, insider-information in the book. What you will find, however, is an accurate portrayal of the origins of Tarot and many of the important symbols that are still in use today.
The two authors have a very strong understanding of archetypal mythology. Thus, their explanations of Tarot can have far-reaching implications.
All human beings carry within us a number of psychological, unconscious archetypes. Tribal and mystic societies used myth, plant medicine, and ritual to activate these archetypes. Today, in the absence of myth, we use psychology for the same purpose.
This book explains how these archetypes and forces reflect different aspects of ourselves. They apply to different stages in life, and different universal experiences.
While this might sound complicated, this is actually a great way for beginners to understand the Tarot deck. Learning about the archetypes first can create a solid foundation for learning about divination. Then, you can learn some of the more intricate aspects of Tarot and esotericism.
The Secret Tarot Deck
If you purchase this book new, it will come with a full 78-card Tarot deck. The authors made the deck themselves, which is heavily inspired by the original Renaissance symbology.
These fresh and beautiful cards present a distillation of the core components of Tarot symbology. This, alongside the informative 192-page Secret Tarot manual, will allow you to make readings just like they did hundreds of years ago.
Conclusion
The Secret Tarot guidebook and card deck are a great way for newcomers to learn more about Tarot. Whether you’re planning to do a simple one-card reading, a three-card reading, you’ll be in luck. Even a more complex reading like the Celtic Cross can be better understood with this book.
