The Tarot Handbook

Sadly Hajo Banzhaf died suddenly on February 11, 2009. His achievements in the world of tarot are many. He was a scholar of Crowley's tarot work and wrote extensively about its symbolism. This book and The Tarot Companion are two of the most useful books in my library. They are useful not just in terms of interpretations but in terms of the way he chose to ask questions. If you want to try out some of his spreads and get a feel for his interpretations, go to his website www.Tarot.de and make use of the free tarot spreads. Hopefully someone will maintain it now that he's gone. Rest in Peace Hajo. You have given many wonderful things to those you leave behind.

Mr. Banzhaf has written a lot of books on Tarot. This one is very special: it's easy to understand, presents the reader with a comprehensive spread method and relates each Tarot's card with astrological, mythological images & the I Ching correspondence. After some years consulting the I Ching for myself, I was attracted by the Tarot and bought some books on the subject. The present one allowed me easily to get in touch with Tarot's symbology thru a well known deck as Rider's is. The deck in itself is full of images that will stir your imagination, allowing you to dive in both superficial and deep meanings. The spread proposed by Mr. Banzhaf show a leading figure on top that will tint and give character to the whole answer, focusing on three main topics Profession, Conscience and Personal relations. Afterwards two columns, of three cards each, reflecting past attitudes and counseling new ones are shown. The text provides the reader with clear interpretations for each card, putting all the symbols in perspective, dispelling them from more apocalyptical imagery. Finally the author sketches some more traditional spreads that the reader may study in other texts. An excellent text for beginners. You may be satisfied with this or be prompted into a new Universe. Reviewed by Max Yofre.

This book is the best handbook for the Rider-Waite deck. Hajo Banzhaf does away with the obscure language of mysticism that perplexes the Beginner, and even baffles a few old-hands like myself. Practical, direct, and lucid, Banzhaf makes a great teacher and he is always informative. This book is layed-out according to his PATH spread--a very good spread that answers the question, "How should I act in the future?" This approach discourages the fatalistic sense of "what will happen..." by focusing on the extraordinary force of the human will. The PATH spead reveals how you have acted up until the time of the question, and then offers a proposal for how you should consider acting in the future. The PATH focuses on three fundamental descriptions: how you feel, think and are perceived by others. Astrologers will see, here, an nice correspondence to ascending, solar and lunar aspects. Nonetheless, you do not need to know, or be an astrologer, to appreciate this layout. If you are, however, studying astrology, then you will really value this extra dimmension that Banzhaf adds to his interpretations. You will also find additional spread formats that are quite good, which are ideal for Pagans (and this is extraoridnary since the Waite deck is very Christian influenced). Amongst one of my favorites is the Secret of the High Priestess spread, which focuses on the waxing and wanning cycles of the moon as indicators of events/attitudes that are loosing influence regarding the question at hand, and events/attitudes that are gaining influence. This approach highlights the cyclical nature of time, which works well with themes of lunar consciousness, reincarnation, and Mediterranean and Celtic traditions. Banzhaf is also very good at bringing fresh perspectives for interpreting the older superstitions and fears regarding the 3 of Swords, Tower, Devil and 10 of Swords. This German author, who has his works translated into English, is a valuable and important interpretor who has made the Rider-Waite far more accessible without discarding its more profound layers of meaning. I highly recommend this book to the Learned and Beginners.

For those of us who fear the big bad bears (Tower, 3 of Swords, 10 of Swords, Devil, Death) of the Tarot, take heed! This insightful, soulful book will guide you toward a greater understanding and acceptance of yourself and your life as it unfolds. Mr. Banzhaf is a gentle, inspirational teacher. You will feel as though this book is a kindly hand that reaches out to you when you most fear the threshold of discovery (both inner and outer). I highly recommend this unique experience to anyone courageous enough to face the demon within and the wonder beyond. My world, but for one, is better for the beauty of his wisdom.

This book takes a new approach, but from my experience it seems to hit right on the mark and gives more detail than any other book I have ever used. Each card is represented in each of it's seven positions with in-depth interpretations for which position the card holds. A must have, in my opinion.