DownloadThe Portobello Bookshop Gift Guide 2024

New Directions in Tarot

Decoding the Tarot Illustrations of Pamela Colman Smith

Scott Martin author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Schiffer Publishing Ltd

Published:28th Apr '24

Should be back in stock very soon

New Directions in Tarot cover

This book offers a fresh perspective on Tarot, focusing on Pamela Colman Smith's artistic influences and providing tools for deeper interpretation.

In New Directions in Tarot, the vibrant images crafted by Pamela Colman Smith are explored in a way that breathes new life into traditional Tarot reading. This book provides an insightful interpretation of the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, revealing how Smith's theatrical background influenced her artistic choices. Readers are invited to discover the deeper meanings embedded in the cards, which may resonate on a subconscious level, enhancing their understanding of Tarot as a powerful tool for personal insight and growth.

The author delves into the nuances of Smith's imagery, examining elements such as body movement, facial expressions, and posture. By drawing parallels between the Tarot Minors and theatrical techniques, the book offers a unique perspective that encourages readers to engage with the cards more dynamically. This innovative approach not only enriches the reading experience but also empowers individuals to interpret the cards through their own lens, fostering a more personal connection to the Tarot.

New Directions in Tarot also features practical exercises designed to help readers master these new insights. By encouraging exploration and reflection, the book aims to unlock the secrets of Tarot that have always been present, yet often overlooked. This fresh perspective invites both novices and seasoned readers alike to reevaluate their relationship with the cards, discovering new layers of meaning and insight along the way.

There is literally a ton of information in this. I've read it cover to cover, and I'll be going back to copy bits and pieces into my journal, and keeping it nearby to refer to. I started tarot a few years ago thinking I could learn it all. Every time I pick up a book like this I'm reminded that there are so many layers and points of view and new facts that I will never learn it all; there'll always be something new to discover.
Highly recommended by tarot giants like: Mary Greer (who wrote the Foreword), Rachel Pollack, Robert Place, Carrie Parris, and Sasha Graham.Loved the exploration of how artist Pamela Coleman Smith’s knowledge of the stage and background in theater informed her illustration of her RWS images. I especially appreciated that the author included Smith’s own article entitled “Should the Art Student Think?” in the back of his book to corroborate his thesis that “…her inspiration as an artist came from her experience in the theater, her knowledge of theatrical staging, and the actor’s instrument.”

ISBN: 9780764366307

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 726g

160 pages