A recent computer crash caused us to lose a number of our new reviews that were finished and ready to post.  This not only devastates us, but disappoints our readers and the wonderful publishers who depend on us to provide reviews of their products. We Divas apologize for the delay in new reviews and want to compensate by going completely mad and posting a huge list of new info. Rather than go through the time to create a new page for each of our most recent books, calendars and Tarot decks, we are going to offer a rapid fire list of reviews on this page, linked from the "New Reviews" page.  We hope this does not inconvenience anyone reading the reviews.  Our aim is to be able to deliver our thoughts on these products as quickly and efficiently as possible in light of our recent computer catastrophe. 

Tarot of the 1,001 Nights
by: Lo Scarabeo

ISBN 0-7387-0764-3
Price $19.95

You know, when Tarot cards are mass produced, as with Lo Scarabeo's offerings, there is always a danger of running into too many ideas and the pressure of coming up with new ones.  One could go with the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" approach and demand a continuation of the classic Rider-Waite-Coleman Smith deck.  If we did that, however, we would have missed out on many unconventional decks that were absolutely mind-blowing.  Sadly, this is not one of them and the deck typifies what is wrong with the decks that are a miss (at least for me).  The artwork (by Leon Carre) is lovely, done in tapestry form and appropriately enough, in Arabic theme.   As a reader of more than 20 years, I enjoy a deck that "pops," where the images fairly leap off at cards at you and jump into your subconscious for a wild ride of a reading.  There is something to be said for  a more gentle approach and I can appreciate a deck that is subtle, yet inviting and stimulation.  That is not the case here either.  The style of art, while very pretty, tends to blend all together on the card, making it difficult to discern the theme of each card.  One could get a headache from trying to identify each figure, each item and get any kind of buzz off of them.  The colors and textures are not particularly conducive to a flow of interpretation symbolism and without the benefit of an extensive knowledge of the Arabian Nights series, once is left floundering for what the creator was going for in the selection of the individual pieces for each card.  The small book included does little to assist.  It provides only the most basic interpretative information "joy," "frustration," "sadness," rather than any insight into the cards or stories at all.  All in all, I have to give this one a miss.  Lo Scarabeo has had some wonderful decks in the past, but this is not one that I could recommend with a good heart.

Tarot of the Secret Forest
by: Lo Scarabeo

ISBN 0-7387-0763-5
Price $19.95

The soft green and gold muted colors on the box of this deck belies the abstract black and white images one will encounter on the cards themselves... if you turn them over. The trick is that the black and white illustrations are on one side of the card, while the opposite side reveals the same image in the gold and green version.  Although at first glance, I would have dismissed this deck as another Lo Scarabeo mass market attempt to come up with ANY idea to throw onto a Tarot deck, upon closer examination, one finds it would be an incredible mistake to generalize or minimize this wonderfully innovative endeavor.  When one compares the gentle, colored side to the stark, black and white abstracts on the opposite side, it's actually like having two different decks, both with their own charm and unique voice.  I could easily read from either one and interestingly enough, derive a different message from each side of the same card.   Although the book is the standard Lo Scarabeo offering with brief, diminutive interpretations for each card, in this case, the single word or two provides a jumping off point for the artwork on the card, giving the reader a springboard from which to dive into a lively and wonderful read.  I am impressed and very much look forward to working with this deck.

Dream Cards
by: Lo Scarabeo

ISBN 0-7387-0754-6
Price $19.95

Moving off the beaten path from the traditional four suits and major arcana, The Dram Inspirational Cards take us into an amazing, 78-card journey into the world of dream imagery and abstract symbolism.  Each card contains an illustration that is filled with strong, vital inspiration of all kinds.  In the case of this deck, the complete lack of interrelation of one card to the next is a strength, rather than a weakness.  Each card is a self-contained masterpiece, creating a message all it's own that will lend amazing specificity to the position in which it is read in a spread.  Equally useful in the case of a one card reading, one could use this deck in a variety of ways and never get the same reading twice.  Although the book provides a 1-2 word interpretation for each card, they accessorize rather than dominate the depth and perspective of each creative offering.  A single word on each individual card sets the tone for the reader to begin a comprehensive and varied interpretation of the card in a reading, giving a rich and textured voice of its own.  This deck would be a good investment for the novice reader who is learning to associate a single theme with many intuitive interpretations or for the experienced reader who is ready to try something new and extremely innovative. 

Animals Divine Tarot
by: Lisa Hunt

ISBN 0-7387-0321-4
Price $24.95

Lisa Hunt, who provides the spectacular artwork for the books Celestial Goddeses, again distinguishes herself with this amazing Tarot deck.  Wiccans, Pagans and those who appreciate fantasy and mythological artwork will fall in love with the beautiful images Hunt has created for this deck.  Referring not only to the animal kingdom, but also to the Gods and Goddesses of many pantheons, Ms Hunt takes us through the traditional journey of the Tarot in an entirely different way.  The generous, intelligent book provided in the set give us very basic interpretations for each card (for instance, "creativity, learning magic, directing energy" for The Magician), however the strength of the book lies in the card description and explanation of symbolism.  Enough information is given about the meaning of the artwork of each card, coupled with the application of each illustration to the meaning of the card is more than sufficient to allow the reader, novice or master, to apply their own interpretation in context with the reading being given.  In the book, Ms Hunt says, "It is my goal to help inspire you to look at animals in a different light by gazing upon the art and seeing myriad ways these animals can be portrayed, rendered and celebrated.  In doing so, perhaps this will enable you to see yourself in new and refreshing ways."  In my opinion, she has accomplished this goal magnificently, celebrating both Animals and the Divine in a profound and lovely way.

The Bright Idea Deck: Breakthrough to Brilliance
by: Mark McElroy & Eric Hotz

ISBN 0-7387-0595-0
Price $19.95

Many years ago, around 1989 to be exact, Roger Von Oech woke up the world with his innovative and inspiring "Creative Whack Pack," touted (and rightfully so) as "64 creative thinking strategies that will whack you out of habitual thought patterns and enable you to look at your life and actions in a fresh way."   McElroy and Hotz take this wonderful idea into the stratosphere with this amazing deck.  With bright, vibrant primary colors, stark and thought-provoking images and single word titles that send the reader spiraling into a warm pool of creative inspiration.  Whether the reader routinely employs psychic intuition or has never considered the idea before, the imagery of these cards coupled with the word printed on each one will easily spark a rush of intuitive thought that will open channels and inspire "breakthrough brilliance" for the reader.  Limits should not be placed on the use of this versatile deck and book for brainstorming and cobweb clearing.  The book is very "user friendly" and provides an excellent interface for thorough examination of any problem or situation.  Equally useful in the metaphysical realm as a pathworking device or in the board room for innovative brainstorming, I cannot recommend this deck highly enough for those who wish to break through the "analysis is paralysis" trap and start thinking their way out of a situation.

Revelations Tarot
by: Zach Wong

ISBN 0-7387-0607-8
Price $24.95

I loved the premise and marketing appeal of this product.  The reading of reversals had long been a source of confusion and contention in the Tarot world.  A deck that provides illustrations to represent the reversed position as well as the upright is inspired and innovative.  The text of the book in the set lives up to the hype, in no way falling victim to the frequent trap of emphasizing the upright position of each card with a passing mention of a reversed interpretation.  The reversed descriptions and interpretations are equally as expressive and informative as the upright ones.  The topical blurb provided under each card heading in the book is concise and well chosen to set the mood for the exploration of the card itself, both in its upright and reversed position.  The deck is well usable and expressive, bound to evoke wonderful and intuitive readings for the reader who... likes cyborg-y art.  Sadly, it doesn't move me and I really would have liked for it to have done so.  I was drawn to and very impressed by the premise of this deck, however, for me personally, the artwork doesn't move me and that detracts from its personal usefulness.  If you like robots, you'll love the deck. Great idea, needs new artwork to really wow me.

What's In the Cards for You?: Test the Tarot
by: Mark McElroy

ISBN 0-7387-0702-3
Price $14.95


As a reader of more than 20 years, I will need to give this book two different reviews, from a professional standpoint and from a personal standpoint.  One will likely be acceptable to his aggressive and somewhat defensive publicist and one will not.  Since it is my job, essentially, to not only provide a pithy review full of sound bites and catch phrases appropriate to marketing, but also to give an honest and heartfelt review to the readers of our site, I definitely feel the tug of war between ought to and should. 

So here's the professional one:

As with his previous book, Putting the Tarot to Work, McElroy takes the Tarot out of the metaphysical realm and plants it squarely in the modernized world that demands efficiency and productivity from all things.  Stripping away any essence of spirituality from the oracle, the Tarot becomes an aggressive and fully effective tool for self-promotion, brainstorming and personal development.  Interlacing quirky, acerbic humor with very practical instruction, McElroy takes the reader through a clarifying and myth-busting journey through the Tarot of the 21st century.  This book provides an intense thirty day process dedicated to getting to know the Tarot and learning how to use it in life path application to predict and effect specific positive changes in the life of the reader.  Following the ascribed 30-day program as directed in the book would no doubt provide a failsafe, disciplined approach to improving one's life.

Now for the personal one:

As with his previous book, Putting the Tarot to Work, McElroy strips the Tarot of any spiritual implication or sacred depth, rendering it as little more than a tool for self-promotion and material and personal gain.  Although I have absolutely no objection to either of those things, it is completely beyond me how anyone can make as concerted and in depth study of the Tarot as McElroy obviously has and consider the spiritual (regardless of the chosen path) aspects unworthy of exploration in favor of the exclusive coverage of the sterile and mechanized world of material and practical advancement.  Although that should definitely be covered and included in any worthy volume, promoting it to the exclusion of any spiritual progression or inspiration is, to me, like reading the Bible only to find out who begat whom. 

His title is apt because again, he takes  vital and spiritually rich system and reduces it to a "what's in it for me?" premise.  Although I can wholly endorse this approach for his very wonderful and innovative project "The Bright Idea Deck," attempting to apply the same stripped down and sterilized approach to the Tarot itself is just a damned shame.  Yes, he has written a very good guide to working with the Tarot and using it to create positive change and self-development, as well as a good working knowledge of the Tarot itself.  I would just like to see in any of his work some nod toward the Tarot as a vibrant and intense connection to the Higher Self and one's soul progression in addition to the more practical applications.  (Yes, Steve, I saw the brief "Magickal Applications" mention at the end of the book, but honestly, it seemed more as an afterthought than any kind of true inclusion).   

The Complete Tarot Reader: Everything You Need to Know from Start to Finish
by: Teresa Michelsen

ISBN 0-7387-0434-2
Price $15.95

Teresa Michelson has created a joyful and informative foray into the different aspects of this vibrant and expressive oracle that is as useful to the experienced reader as to the novice.  Perfectly balancing the practical and spiritual natures of the Tarot, the author allows the instruction provided in her book to unfold gently and clearly.  Her mythological expression (as in "Mythological Aspects of the Journey") is a lyrical and enjoyable read, as are her creative and winsome explorations of numerological associations of the Tarot.  Rather than dwell on any repetitious interpretations for each card, Michelson instead focuses intently on the "how to" and "understanding of" the Tarot, providing the reader with sufficient understanding of basic symbolism, numerological interpretation, color and elemental affiliation and other specifics for the reader to successfully apply their own  impressions of a reading and the cards in it.  The book is illustrated with a wonderful variety of cards from the various Tarot decks offered by Llewellyn, giving the reader a nice preview of decks they may wish to further explore.  The Complete Tarot Reader provides a wonderful course of study and reference guide for very nearly any aspect of the Tarot.  I'm impressed.

Tall Dark Stranger: Tarot for Love & Romance
by: Corrine Kenner

ISBN 0-7387-0548-9
Price $15.95

As a reader of the Tarot for more than 20 years, I have to admit that the most common questions on a seeker's mind when they consult the Tarot usually revolve around money or love.  While Mark McElroy has the practical and financial aspects of the Tarot nailed down, Ms Kenner likewise confidently and competently handles the love and romance department.   Giving well sufficient attention to the mystical and historical aspects of the Tarot, the author eases the reader into the world of Tarot as if they are sliding into a wonderfully warm bubble bath.  Each card is given a very specific interpretation that is thematically in keeping with the romance aspect and offers extremely direct advice and explanation.  For those who are seeking guidance from the Tarot on the rocky road to romance, this is the definitive Bible. 

Tarot: Get the Whole Story: Use, Create & Interpret Tarot Spreads
by: James Ricklef

ISBN 0-7387-0345-1
Price $15.95

Absolutely everything you ever wanted to know about Tarot spreads and never thought to ask.  Mr Ricklef carefully explains each spread, how to read it, what each position means and then puts it into practical application through a sample reading to demonstrate "how it works."  As he did in his previous book, Tarot Tells the Tale, the author uses the fictitious readings of famous figures to illustrate each reading, lending a whimsical, yet effective air to the procedure.  Whatever you want to learn about Tarot spreads is here.  Come and get it.

Seeker: The Tarot Unveiled
by: Rachel Pollack

ISBN 0-7387-0521-7
Price $12.95
 

Prolific writer Rachel Pollack was one of the Tarot masters I began to read and she again distinguishes herself with this concise and hard hitting volume.  Pulling no punches, Pollack goes directly into the specifics of Tarot reading, giving insightful and informative interpretations for each card, including reversals.  The book is very tight, not given to extraneous rambling, yet it more than adequately conveys instructional and historical explanations that are easy to understand and apply.  Her descriptions of each card call your attention to nuances and aspects that might otherwise be missed (she illustrates with The Universal Tarot, which is sufficiently standard to allow application of her observations to most decks that follow the Rider-Waite-Smith illustrational themes.  I come to a Rachel Pollack book with a specific expectation of excellence and she has met and exceeded my hopes yet again.