The Haindl Tarot: A Reader's Handbook

Every once in a while one comes across a very informative book that transforms the way one sees things. Well, this is that book!I personally have been reading tarot for a few years, and I have come across books that help in the reading process. However, to accutally find one that is doesn't just give meanings, but TRUELLY EXPLAINS is a wonder.This book isn't like other ones, where it just gives that meaning, and the reversed, but it gives that Hebrew, and how it interacts with the cards, as well as I-Ching, and Runes. The book goes into great details of how all of these symbols interconnect with the tarot to make a fully understandable, and wonderfull meaning for every card...This is truelly worth the money, and will surpass your ideas of how a tarot handbook should be...

Although I find the Haindl deck strikingly beautiful with its muted colors, natural textures and magic bubbles, it's not easy to read with this deck. Especially the court card (representing images from Egyptian, Indian, Native American and Keltic culture) were real barriers for me. After I read Pollack's book I found a way to enter the world of these cards. Still, they don't always "unlock" for me, but I understand them much better and gained much respect for the convictions and beliefs of the artist.Pollack has of course a tarot record to boast, and this knowledge of more traditional decks allows her to explain the symbols of this very individualist one. As a matter of fact, we accompany an interesting artist on his fool's journey.THis book is interesting to read, and I don't use it as a recipe book for tarot reading. The cards and the book together merge into a story book that is gloomy at times, but rewarding to dig into.I think if the imagery of the Haindl deck grabs you, then you have to have this book. It will pave your way into the world of this deck, and give you food for thought. If you are allergic to apocapolyptic fears or green ideas, and a certain mystic feminism, you might be a bit unnerved by Haindl's and Pollack's worries about the spiritual well being of the earth and humanity. However, since there is nothing faked or self-righteous in their concern, it didn't disturb me.