Learning Tarot Reversals
by Joan Bunning  

• Paperback: 192 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.57 x 8.90 x 7.00
• Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser; (November 2003)
• ISBN: 1578632714

Price $16.95

I will be honest here, I have read the Tarot since 1983 and I have never seen someone work so hard to make something so complicated.  I read reversals depending solely on the deck I'm using.  Some seem to support the use of reversed cards and others seem to feel out of sorts if some of the cards are upside down.  I've found that I can usually intuit whether or not the card "wants" to be upright or reversed in the context of the reading.

Bunnings approach is admirable, with a full lesson plan regarding the varying energies of reversals and a number of exercises to acclimate the reader to the feel of each of the energy phases (early, and late, with the strongest, middle phase designated for the upright interpretation).  As I said, however, the process becomes increasingly convoluted and complicated as the lessons progress. 

The card descriptions would be nearly impossible for a novice reader to put to use, especially having to determine the energy of the reversal.  For instance, one card might have interpretations of "You are not in a relationship," "You may start a relationship," or "You are ending a relationship," depending on which "energy phase" the card is in.  While I am altogether open to learning more about the nuances of the Tarot and approached this book with open mind and willing spirit, but while there are some wonderful premises here, it seems to turn into Charlie Brown's teacher's voice after about, oh, Lesson One.  I would love to have Ms Bunning explain her theories to me in person and perhaps throw a reading or two to see this method in action, but I don't feel the book translates the ideas well in print.

2 pents out of 5

Reviews by Katrina Rasbold