Fortune-telling by tarot cards
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Fortune-telling by tarot cards
Sasha Fenton's Fortune-telling by Tarot Cards presents a refreshingly direct approach to a subject often mired in jargon. The strength of this 1985 text lies in its clear, unpretentious exposition of the Rider-Waite-Smith system. Fenton avoids overly mystical pronouncements, instead focusing on the practical application of card meanings and spreads. For instance, her explanation of the Three Card Spread for past, present, and future is exceptionally lucid, making it an immediate tool for beginners. However, the book’s primary limitation is its adherence to a single, albeit popular, deck. While the Rider-Waite-Smith deck is foundational, the text offers little exploration of other major tarot systems or the historical evolution beyond Waite's contributions. Despite this, Fenton’s work remains a solid, accessible primer for anyone starting their tarot journey, providing a dependable framework for interpretation.
📝 Description
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Sasha Fenton's 1985 guide demystifies the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot for practical divination.
Published in 1985, Sasha Fenton's book is a direct guide to using the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck for fortune-telling. It breaks down the meaning and symbolism of every card, showing readers how to arrange them in spreads and interpret the results. The aim is to help people move past simply memorizing card meanings and instead learn to read the tarot with intuition.
This book suits people new to tarot or those who want a clear, step-by-step method for learning card interpretations. It is useful for students of occult subjects or anyone wishing to build their intuitive skills using a known system of divination. Readers who like straightforward explanations and a logical approach to complex ideas will find this book valuable. The text explains the Major and Minor Arcana, the meaning of each card's archetype, and how cards work together in a spread. It covers the symbolism of the four suits (Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles) and the numerical progression in each, as well as the story of the Major Arcana.
Fenton's work appeared in the mid-1980s, a time when interest in occult subjects was growing. The book made studying the Rider-Waite-Smith deck more accessible, building on Arthur Edward Waite's original work from 1909. It aimed to provide a clear entry point into a divinatory system that had a long history and continued to draw attention within esoteric circles.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• Learn a systematic method for interpreting the 78 cards of the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, understanding the specific meanings of each suit (Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles) as detailed in Fenton's guide. • Gain practical skills in performing readings using common layouts, such as the Three Card Spread, allowing for immediate application of knowledge gained from the book's structured approach. • Understand the historical significance of the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, first published in 1909, and how Fenton's 1985 work provides a bridge to contemporary tarot practice.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When was Fortune-telling by Tarot Cards first published?
Fortune-telling by Tarot Cards by Sasha Fenton was first published in 1985, making it a product of the renewed interest in esoteric subjects during the mid-1980s.
Which tarot deck does Sasha Fenton focus on in this book?
The book specifically focuses on the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck, a widely used and influential deck whose imagery was originally conceived by Pamela Colman Smith and Arthur Edward Waite.
What are the main sections covered in the book?
The book covers the Major Arcana, the Minor Arcana (including the four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles), and various methods for laying out and interpreting the cards for divination.
Is this book suitable for complete beginners to tarot?
Yes, the book is designed for beginners, offering clear explanations of card meanings and practical guidance on how to perform readings without overwhelming the reader with complex esoteric theories.
Does Fenton discuss the historical origins of tarot cards?
While the book focuses on practical application, it implicitly references the historical context of the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, which itself has roots in earlier European tarot traditions dating back centuries.
What is the primary goal of Fortune-telling by Tarot Cards?
The primary goal is to provide readers with the foundational knowledge and practical skills to confidently interpret tarot cards and conduct their own divinatory readings.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
The Rider-Waite-Smith System
This work is intrinsically tied to the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck, a key creation in modern divination. Fenton's text meticulously breaks down the archetypal imagery and symbolic language developed by Pamela Colman Smith and Arthur Edward Waite. It explores how the narrative progression of the Major Arcana, from The Fool to The World, mirrors life's journey, while the four suits of the Minor Arcana—Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles—represent distinct spheres of human experience and action.
Card Interpretation and Symbolism
Central to the book is the detailed interpretation of individual tarot cards. Fenton guides readers through the visual cues and traditional meanings associated with each card, emphasizing that true understanding comes from synthesizing these elements. The work highlights the importance of numerical progression within suits and the hierarchical structure of the court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King), offering a framework for understanding their nuanced roles in a reading.
Practical Divination Techniques
Beyond mere symbolism, Fenton provides actionable techniques for using the tarot for fortune-telling. The book outlines various spreads, from simple three-card layouts to more complex arrangements, explaining how to ask pertinent questions and interpret the resulting card positions. This practical application is key, moving the reader from theoretical knowledge to hands-on divination, fostering an intuitive connection with the cards.
The Esoteric Framework
While practical, the book operates within an esoteric framework, positing that the tarot serves as a symbolic language connecting the conscious and subconscious mind. It suggests that the cards offer insights into the querent's inner landscape and potential future paths. This perspective aligns with broader occult traditions that view divination not as passive prophecy, but as a tool for self-discovery and spiritual guidance.
💬 Memorable Quotes
Direct passages from the work, attributed to the author.
“The meaning of a card can be altered by the cards around it.”
— This highlights the interconnectedness of the tarot spread. It suggests that no single card exists in isolation; its interpretation is influenced by its neighbors, creating a dynamic narrative rather than a static meaning.
“The Cups suit relates to emotions, love, and relationships.”
— This succinctly defines the core thematic domain of the Cups suit, a foundational piece of knowledge for anyone learning tarot interpretation within the Rider-Waite-Smith system.
“The Fool represents new beginnings and innocence.”
— This captures the essence of The Fool, the first card of the Major Arcana, symbolizing the start of a journey, spontaneity, and a leap of faith into the unknown.
“A reversed card may indicate a blocked or delayed energy.”
— This interpretation addresses the significance of card reversals, suggesting that when a card appears upside down, its energy might be internalized, misdirected, or facing obstacles.
“Pentacles are concerned with the material world, finances, and health.”
— This defines the primary focus of the Pentacles suit, linking it to tangible aspects of life, security, prosperity, and physical well-being.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
This work fits within the Western Esoteric Tradition, specifically the Hermetic and occult revival movements of the late 19th and 20th centuries. It draws heavily on the symbolism and interpretive framework established by Arthur Edward Waite, a key figure in the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Fenton's approach, while practical, upholds the notion of tarot as a symbolic language for understanding hidden truths and guiding spiritual development.
Symbolism
The book systematically decodes the detailed symbolism of the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. Key motifs include the archetypal journey of the Major Arcana, from The Fool's leap into the unknown to The World's completion. The four suits—Wands (will, creativity), Cups (emotions, relationships), Swords (intellect, conflict), and Pentacles (materiality, security)—are explained as fundamental energies, each with unique characteristics and numerological significance.
Modern Relevance
Fenton's foundational guide remains relevant for contemporary tarot practitioners, particularly those drawn to the Rider-Waite-Smith system. Its clear, accessible explanations are still valued by newcomers and those seeking a structured approach. The book's emphasis on practical application and intuitive reading aligns with modern trends in self-help and personal development spirituality, where tarot is often used as a tool for introspection and empowerment.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Aspiring tarot readers who seek a structured, step-by-step introduction to the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, learning its core symbolism and practical interpretation techniques. • Students of esoteric history interested in understanding key texts that shaped modern divination practices, particularly the legacy of Arthur Edward Waite's work. • Individuals looking for a practical tool for self-reflection and guidance, seeking to develop their intuitive abilities through a well-established divinatory system.
📜 Historical Context
Sasha Fenton's Fortune-telling by Tarot Cards emerged in 1985, a period marked by a significant resurgence of interest in occult and esoteric studies. Following the counter-cultural shifts of the 1960s and 70s, many sought deeper spiritual understanding, with tarot becoming a popular tool. The book's focus on the Rider-Waite-Smith deck is significant; this deck, created in 1909 by Arthur Edward Waite and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith, had become a dominant force in Western tarot. Fenton’s work positioned itself within this established lineage, offering a clear, accessible guide when many other texts might have been more academic or obscure. It contributed to a growing body of literature that explained tarot for a wider audience, standing alongside contemporary authors who were also exploring divination and esoteric philosophy, though perhaps with different theoretical underpinnings.
📔 Journal Prompts
The symbolism of the Four of Pentacles and its representation of holding on.
The progression from The Hierophant to The Lovers in the Major Arcana.
Interpreting the reversed meaning of The Chariot in a personal context.
The emotional landscape represented by the suit of Cups.
The journey of The Fool from zero to completion.
🗂️ Glossary
Major Arcana
The 22 trump cards in a tarot deck, representing significant life events, spiritual lessons, and archetypal forces. Cards range from The Fool (0) to The World (XXI).
Minor Arcana
The 56 cards divided into four suits (Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles). They represent the everyday events, challenges, and situations encountered in life.
Rider-Waite-Smith Deck
A highly influential tarot deck first published in 1909, known for its detailed symbolic imagery, particularly on the Minor Arcana cards, designed by Pamela Colman Smith.
Spread
A specific arrangement of tarot cards laid out for interpretation, designed to answer a particular question or explore a given situation. Common spreads include the three-card spread and the Celtic Cross.
Reversed Card
A tarot card that is interpreted when it appears upside down in a spread. Its meaning is often considered blocked, delayed, internalized, or the opposite of its upright interpretation.
Wands
One of the four suits in the Minor Arcana, typically associated with creativity, passion, inspiration, willpower, and action.
Pentacles
One of the four suits in the Minor Arcana, associated with the material world, finances, career, health, and earthly concerns.
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