Book Review: The Power of Tarot by Liz Worth
Liz Worth’s new tarot book, The Power of Tarot, deftly addresses these questions and so much more. In its pages, Worth seeks to thoroughly explore what tarot is, where it comes from, and how readers can use it themselves.
Author Liz Worth. Photo by L!N Duperron.
I’m always on the hunt for clear, accessible, and insightful resources for people learning tarot
I teach tarot to all levels of students regularly. It’s a pleasure being able to offer face-to-face support in a field that’s overflowing with resources, both written and digital. Because of this, people often come to me confused and eager for clarity; In my role as a teacher I hear so many questions about tarot that often go unanswered in traditional books full of card meanings and spread configurations:
How does intuition work?
Do I have to know astrology to learn tarot?
What does tarot have to do with fate or free will?
What kind of questions can I ask the cards?
All of these are important questions that deserve full attention, especially considering that their answers are often complex. Liz Worth’s new tarot book, The Power of Tarot, deftly addresses these questions and so much more. In its pages, Worth seeks to thoroughly explore what tarot is, where it comes from, and how readers can use it themselves.
An experienced tarot reader, journalist, astrologer, and writer, Worth brings refreshing clarity and rigor to the often spiritually poetic topic of tarot. If you’re looking for a concise and well-thought-out look into how and why we read the cards, this book is for you. I personally didn’t realize how much I had been missing this type of perspective until I started reading. There were many times when I found myself exclaiming “Amen!” aloud in my local coffee shop, much to the surprise of the person next to me. Take this gem of a sentence, for example:
I don’t “pick up” messages from anyone’s energy. I don’t read their thoughts. I don’t see spirits standing at their shoulders. Tarot reading is card reading—I literally read the cards.
Liz Worth, The Power of Tarot, 32.
You might say Liz Worth is a pragmatist, but in the deliciously open sense where there’s plenty of room for magic and mystery. And I find it immensely satisfying to find a book that just sticks to tarot without bringing in a whole bevy of other modalities and confusing an already complex and intricate topic.
Worth does an excellent job demystifying tarot, clearing up the fog around issues like its history, intuition, and timing, among many others. If you’ve been looking for a comprehensive and refreshing guide to what the cards can do and how you can use them, I highly recommend this book.
It’s not just for beginners, either. Worth touches on important topics like ethics, romance, work, and boundaries that readers of all levels can benefit from. Regardless of your level, you’ll find yourself with many new insights and ideas to expand and challenge your practice.
What I love most about this book is that Worth uses her experience and expertise to give readers’ information. From there, she empowers them to make choices that resonate with their path and worldview. This is a book that respects and prioritizes the sanctity of each person’s journey and autonomy. In a world full of prescriptive spiritual rules, it’s both powerful and refreshing.
The anecdotes Worth offers from her life and professional practice give a nice intimacy to the book. I’ve found that personal stories are the most impactful: We get to see how a reader shapes their own relationship to the cards. From there, we can better envision and decide what we’d like ours to look like.
A huge strength of this book is its organization. You can tell that it was meticulously planned out, if only because its sections flow so organically into each other. These are touches that I especially appreciate - a great deal of hard work and consideration went into this book, giving it a wonderful flow, logic, and voice. In other words, you can sit down and read this book with the impression that you’re getting a one-on-one masterclass in the beliefs, mechanics, and philosophy of tarot from Worth herself.
This book isn’t for you if…
You’re looking for card meanings or tarot spreads
You want to explore astrological and other correspondences
This Book is for you If…
You’re curious about what tarot is, how it works, and what you can do with it.
You want in-depth answers that go beyond the basics in tricky topics like intuition, fate, ethics, and boundaries
You want to see how a tarot professional has used these questions to shape their practice
You want to develop your own relationship to tarot
Full Disclosure:
Liz Worth reached to me with a proof copy of this book for review.
Weekly Forecast: July 8-14
This week's forecast it a departure from the usual: While shuffling four cards jumped out of the deck. Not one to pass by a fun happening, I decided to keep all of the cards. Paired off, they change the dynamic of the forecast quite a bit and I'm loving it!
This week's forecast it a departure from the usual: While shuffling four cards jumped out of the deck. Not one to pass by a fun happening, I decided to keep all of the cards. Paired off, they change the dynamic of the forecast quite a bit and I'm loving it!
Our top two cards are from the Major Arcana and, fascinatingly, they're mostly black and white in an otherwise zesty and colorful deck (the Apparition Tarot Deck by Spirit Speak.) This adds to the archetypal power of the cards. This week we'll be dealing with issues of fairness and values.
Below them we have two Minor Arcana cards, both in the suit of swords. So, in very un-subtle tarot speak, we're going to be spending a lot of time thinking about what is right in our lives and the world around us. Where is justice being done and where is it lacking? And how can we have a hand in righting the imbalance?
These cards highlight the importance of taking space to ponder these serious questions, preferably in solitude and far away from the wildness of our modern society. Giving ourselves the permission to block out outside noise is awakening us to what really matters. Any time we spend this week detaching healthily to heal and mull things over will be well spent.
Because we're also seeing outside injustices mirrored in our own experiences. It's a tender and personal path. Justice, our starting card, can often be intimidatingly abstract. "What do these ideas mean in my actual life?" we might ask. Here we have something outside of us awakening inner wisdom and insight into our past experiences. This is a time to walk towards any discomfort or defensiveness. What might be hiding beneath the surface?
With The Hermit we see that an inner truth is coming to light. It's a good time to ponder and interrogate our own moral code. How are we using it to better our lives and the lives of others? Is there a part of it that's not being acted on, causing stagnation and tension?
I can't help but think of the horrors of the news cycle presently and perhaps there's a thread to pull there. We may find ourselves triggered and tempted to turn away. These cards show us that we have a fine line to walk if we want to do justice to our emotional lives and our need to enact and support justice for all.
But I'm also heartened by the Four and Two of Swords, some of the most positive manifestations of their often-maligned group. They encourage us to trust our perceptions, gain clarity by stripping away confusing chaos, and to focus on what we can do in the here and now. Channeling our swords insights into action is the best way to do justice to these powerful cards.
And, indeed, it seems like we need some action. Not only is it important collectively, but individually as well. Spend this week examining what areas of the large concept of Justice ignite you the most. Like The Hermit suggests, this can take some time. Lean into the process: By the end of the week two paths will become clear. Choose the one that resonates the most, and don't hesitate to act. The most powerful and healthy communities are built by people who know themselves and know how to leverage their talents, skills, and resources for the greater good.
Weekly Forecast: July 1-7
The energy for this weeks starts off ponderous and heavy. We're clearly taking our lives very seriously, considering the traditional viewpoints of The Hierophant that initiate our reading. Yet, as we can see from the undignified face-plant of the Ten of Swords, these ideas and strategies have reached far beyond any semblance of helpfulness. In fact, they've overtaken our sense of self, and now we must contend with a back full of swords.
The energy for this weeks starts off ponderous and heavy. We're clearly taking our lives very seriously, considering the traditional viewpoints of The Hierophant that initiate our reading. Yet, as we can see from the undignified face-plant of the Ten of Swords, these ideas and strategies have reached far beyond any semblance of helpfulness. In fact, they've overtaken our sense of self, and now we must contend with a back full of swords.
The spikier cards (usually the swords, no surprise there) can sometimes dominate a reading, making their themes seem overarching when they're just one voice in the chorus. Such is the case here, since the Seven of Wands concludes the week. It seems that we're jumping up from the injuries and pressures of the Ten and back into action quite quickly.
In other words, we're more than ready to change our orientation and get back in the fray.
A rewind is in order: What big societal, familial, and/or traditional pressures are causing us to collapse? This will hold the key to our rebound and rejuvenation.
The Ten of Swords suggests that we're at the point in a long process of healing when we've reached critical mass. We have no choice but to confront and let go. Beautifully, it looks like we're more than ready to do so. Our healing has progressed far beyond our past struggles; now is the time to tap into our budding wands energy and counter our internal pressures with external, creative action.
Over thinking and intense self-awareness will only hold us back. We might want to explore how we use these strategies to keep ourselves stuck in a familiar place of under-performance. The Hierophant here seems to be running that show (we can see his red robes sliding from the prone figure's shoulder in the Ten of Swords.) What old and external pressures are beginning to leave our lives? Or, at least, feel inauthentic? Now is the time to examine how they've wounded and shaped us and, most importantly, to say our goodbyes.
In case this ponderous energy seems too much, the Seven of Wands is here to remind us of how much energy and excitement there is in our daily lives. This card asks us to channel the angst and pain from The Hierophant and the Ten of Swords into our pursuits, whether they're creative, professional, or physical. What are we doing for ourselves that makes us feel light and alive?
This card tells us that our lives are our masterpieces: In creating and caring for them we show ourselves how powerful we can be, and how we can free ourselves from the limitations of beliefs that have never been ours to begin with.
Summer Solstice Tarot Reading on Open Magic Podcast
I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling transformed after the Summer Solstice this past week.
And, in case you missed it, I did a special tarot reading looking at the energy and opportunities springing from this time of the year.
A delightful spread from Spirit Speak’s Apparition Tarot Deck
I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling transformed after the Summer Solstice this past week.
And, in case you missed it, I did a special tarot reading looking at the energy and opportunities springing from this time of the year.
This far reaching reading looks at the next half of 2019 and dives in to the archetypes we’ll be leaving behind and the opportunities for growth and celebration emerging in the future.
Give it a listen below or find it wherever you get your podcasts. (And do leave us a review if you feel inspired, it helps more than you know!)
All the Best,
Gina
Weekly Forecast: June 24-30
We have a very practical Weekly Forecast on our hands, dear friends. This isn't a lofty or cosmic message, maybe relievingly so after what seems like a month at least of big readings peppered with many Major Arcana cards.
We have a very practical Weekly Forecast on our hands, dear friends. This isn't a lofty or cosmic message, maybe relievingly so after what seems like a month at least of big readings peppered with many Major Arcana cards.
That's not to say that this is an inconsequential time, but it is one when we can hang up bigger life questions and dive back into the tasks of everyday life. What better group of cards to leave the way, then, than than the wands?
The Wheel of Fortune in the center is signaling this shift from personal growth and healing to daily concerns. The new season is ruled by the wands, those fiery and ambitious cards that inspire us to get up and get going. And the best way to honor this change? It's to dive right in.
When we see The Wheel of Fortune we can be sure that change is imminent. If we've been feeling in the weeds or overwhelmed with interrogating our life choices or navigating our psyches, we can breathe a sigh of relief. The clouds are parting. Take note of wherever you feel stuck right now and use this wands energy to consciously burst past your blockages.
In case you feel nervous about all this energy, rest easy. The beginning of this week is giving us a wonderful time to plan and collect ourselves. The Two of Wands is arguably the most secure of the bunch. It's the moment before takeoff, the grounding before a big shift, and the creative freedom of honing a plan before the action starts.
The Two of Wands is inviting us to tie up loose ends, take advantage of the time we have, and to get in touch with our larger plan before it spins into the complicated and exciting realm of reality. How can we focus and point our arrow at the target before it shoots into action?
This card is quite affirming because it indicates that we're in a secure position to be doing all of this. And, for the restless among us, we can enjoy the process knowing that the action is just around the corner.
The Wheel of Fortune in the center also tells us that if there's a project or plan we've been honing, waiting for just the right moment to begin, it's almost time to launch it into reality. The middle of the week is an excellent time to initiate new ventures, start new creative projects, or begin a larger shift. When we take advantage of this cosmic good weather it can be surprising how quickly we progress.
Speaking of which, The Seven of Wands is asking us to prepare for an onslaught of action. It's not of the dangerous sort, but it's intensity might catch us off guard. It will be increasingly important to remain grounded in our larger goals and convictions and to remember to enjoy the busyness we may have only been dreaming of just a few days ago.
How to Buy Used Tarot Decks
“But don’t you also have to be gifted your first deck?”
I don’t think any tarot myth gets me more worked up than this one. So it’s probably no surprise that I also love buying used and secondhand tarot decks for my collection. After all, tarot is simply a selection of images printed on cardstock. It’s what we do with them that makes them magical.
My latest second-hand tarot find: The Lioness Oracle Tarot
“But don’t you also have to be gifted your first deck?”
I don’t think any tarot myth gets me more worked up than this one. So it’s probably no surprise that I also love buying used and secondhand tarot decks for my collection. After all, tarot is simply a selection of images printed on cardstock. It’s what we do with them that makes them magical.
Here’s a few suggestions for seeking out these pre-loved decks, and stay tuned for a follow-up post on how to cleanse these and any new decks you’re adding to your collection…
Look Locally
Get thrifting: People often donate their collections to thrift stores and I’ve found some wonderful older decks like the Gareth Knight tarot at my local swap shop. Since there’s usually not an “occult/new age” section in these stores, be sure to look around. I’ve found decks in the books section (in their original packaging) and strewn about randomly. Bonus Tip: Let your friends know you’re on the hunt for decks - they can pick them up for you if they find any on their travels and have you pay them back later.
Search online: Local listings on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace often have tarot decks and books. I recently found a lovely copy of The Lioness Oracle Tarot on Facebook Marketplace - such a wonderful surprise. Bonus Tip: Save your search for “tarot” or “tarot decks” so that you’ll be notified when new listings are posted.
Swap with your community: Join a tarot meetup (local folx, come on over to the Durham Tarot Club) for the company, of course, and be sure to ask around about any decks people would like to sell or swap. Tarot lovers often buy a lot of decks (I know from experience…) and like to cycle out any that no longer resonate or just didn’t click. Be sure to have something you can offer in exchange, whether it’s another deck, a hug, or a cup of coffee. Bonus Tip: Make a night of it - host a tarot swap where people can bring their pre-loved books, decks, and accessories.
Go Online
Check Instagram: Another reason to follow more tarot accounts? These people often sell their old decks on their feeds or stories. You can also search or follow hashtags like #tarotdecksforsale to stay in the loop. Bonus Tip: Create your own listing with decks you’d be willing to swap for. You never know who might love to trade.
Join a Facebook group: There are so many dedicated to selling and trading decks like Tarot Marketplace. They’re especially good if you’re looking for a rare of out of print deck, since the members are often die-hard tarot fans with huge collections. Bonus Tip: Communicate quickly as these decks often get snapped up fast.
Search on eBay and Etsy: And any other secondhand site you can find. eBay is especially great for vintage and antique decks. If you want a worn, cozy copy of the Rider-Waite-Smith from the 70s you’ve found the right place. Bonus Tip: Some older decks are quite collectible and expensive. You may want to buy a reproduction instead to get a feel for it, then decide if you want to spend the big bucks later.
I hope you have fun hunting for new decks and be sure to share any tips and experiences in the comments below.
Weekly Forecast: June 17-23
This weekly forecast is asking us to embrace the spirit of newness. It's a refreshing change of energies, a shift from the traditional mindset of The Hierophant to the creative action of The Magician.
This weekly forecast is asking us to embrace the spirit of newness. It's a refreshing change of energies, a shift from the traditional mindset of The Hierophant to the creative action of The Magician.
While it's important to gather information, study, research, and look to existing options, that energy can quickly become stultifying. Where do we, in all our unique glory, fit in?
Plus, we can always learn more. At what point, however, does this become a placeholder for the actual steps we need to follow if we want to be out in the world, making our dreams come true?
There's a sense of safety that comes from planning and tradition. These paths and places are known quantities. There are rules, examples, pre-ordained paths to follow.
Our cards right now are giving us a little push out the door right now. We're ready to start practicing things in the big old world on our own. Embracing this shift in energy will be quite fun and energizing. The Magician sings when he's creating in the moment. With all of the tools of tarot laid on his table, he knows that he has all the pieces he needs to make something truly great.
So, if anything, this is a time to learn by doing, to break free from any blueprints that don't quite feel right, and to bring our plans into conversation with the larger world. We can learn by doing and put our skills, talents, and interests front and center.
What do we need to further our own vision right now? What are we itching to start, experiment with, or make happen? Anything that falls outside of this realm - especially the lovely distractions - can take a break out of the spotlight for now. This is a time to put ourselves in the center and get to working some magic. It's all leading to a new found sense of clarity in the Ace of Swords, so let's enjoy the ride and see what we're capable of.
Weekly Forecast: June 10-16
What do we really want?
Sometimes this answer to this question can seem mysterious and elusive. Life gets busy and convention and responsibility take over. It's a cycle that repeats itself over and over.
What do we really want?
Sometimes this answer to this question can seem mysterious and elusive. Life gets busy and convention and responsibility take over. It's a cycle that repeats itself over and over. We can't feel secure until we know the contours of our lives, yet we also crave the promise of the unknown and need creative license to reshape our lives when we hear a new future calling.
This week's reading shows us at the beginning of a new cycle of exploration. It's no surprise after weeks of heady and inspiring readings. Something's building to a crescendo and now we're here with The World leading the way.
Already we can see that a central theme of our new desire for change is about expansion and ease. If we're been carrying around baggage about scarcity, stifling duty, or the toxic romance of unnecessary or perpetual struggle, now is the time to shake it free vigorously.
When The World shows up it's a sign that there's big and beautiful work to do. And that it's the kind of work that flows with the ease of authenticity and brave desire. It is, in other words, time to get to doing what we'd really love to be doing. To go after what we truly want.
Sometimes a huge obstacle to this next step is the false idea that we have to choose one or the other: freedom or stability, creativity or safety, passion or tradition, acceptance or individuality.
I could go on and on.
But we don't have to cosmic and personal cards like The World and The Lovers here for no reason. Together, these cards almost slap us in the face with a much-needed wakeup call: Choosing our biggest, most beautiful future opens us up to the world itself.
The only "having it all" is being all of our true selves. Doing that lifts up our relationships, communities, and work. It's not irresponsible to prioritize our spiritual and creative growth and wellbeing. It only amplifies and feeds our energy and reach.
So, if we're feeling a bit shy about what we want, maybe making excuses - not allowing ourselves to even think about it - or have gotten so far that we've rationalized away our internal messaging, now is the time to stop all that.
It can be so simple, which is why the Ace of Wands is our final card. Both the beginning of a new cycle and the spark of limitless potential, the Ace of Wands shows us that the next step forward is doing what feels good. In our case, what feels good in a cosmic, toe-curling, personal level.
It can start small, taking the next steps, starting the new thing, or simply getting back in touch with our sense of what's right for us. Our task right now is to stoke and feed the fire, building small actions on top of each other until we have a raging and impressive bonfire of wands.
This is a time of few wrong choices if we can make them in service of our wild, lush, and unique growth. Don't be surprised if it reflects back on itself, building warmth quicker than we can even imagine.
Weekly Forecast: June 3-9
This week's forecast shows a lovely and welcome breakthrough. Whenever we see The World we can be sure that the clouds are parting and welcome, joyous perspective is on the way.
This week's forecast shows a lovely and welcome breakthrough. Whenever we see The World we can be sure that the clouds are parting and welcome, joyous perspective is on the way.
Our experience of The World is deeply connected to the suit of cups, a truly beautiful combination.
It's a time to let our relationships propel us towards new horizons. What is it about another person - romantic partner, friend, or new acquaintance - that allows us to dream bigger?
Coming into contact with others shows us how the world can be different. We can observe new habits, outlooks, beliefs, personality traits, and often what we're most enamored with is something we'd like to cultivate within ourselves.
This is a week to reach out and revel in the connections that spring forth naturally. The Two of Cups is a very genuine card. We're drawn to those who make us feel good. It's as simple as that.
(Or, to be a bit snarky, we're healthily drawn to people that feel good! Other attractions do not apply in this reading ;)
How do we know this? Well, in addition to the Two of Cups' positive meaning, this card is paving way for The World in our reading. That is, spending time with people who lift us up and inspire us will quite literally broaden our horizons.
Stay alert for new and exciting opportunities, collaborations, and unexpected growth.
When we have cups and The World in a reading, it's a sure sign that our intuition and instincts are humming along with beautiful efficiency. Crippling doubt, over-planning, and needless anxiety can all be cordially dis-invited from this party! There's a strong current of joy and expansion that's more than capable of sweeping us away from these stagnant old places.
Fascinatingly, the focus on community and relationship in the Two of Cups is awakening an inner sense of direction. Collective connection is leading to personal realizations.
In looking to others, we're uncovering a part of our own path that's eager and ready for exploring. Cue the Knight of Cups.
Again, a fun theme here is a lack of practicality and foresight. We're playing with the powerful energy of The World, so we don't need to worry about shirking our duties or causing trouble for ourselves. We can handle this and it's high time for some creative adventure.
Look to the Knight of Cups for clues as to what you want to explore. Though, in all likelihood, you won't need to do much searching. The Knights are a determined and energetic bunch. You probably have an idea about what you'd like to bring into your life right now, so don't hesitate.
The suit, however, gives us some further direction. The Knight of Cups is the ultimate romantic of tarot. So, above all, this is a time to bring the dizzying, intoxicating, and poetic energy of romance into our lives.
Not necessarily the romance of sexuality (though, if that's on the table, do enjoy yourself!), but an overarching romance: love for the world, its many futures, the sensuality of everyday life, the fun of living life as an adventure, seeing the mythic in the mundane.
All of these cards harmonize so beautifully that there won't be much tension in these pursuits. Give yourself all the permission to treat your life like the most engaging fantasy novel and follow what flows naturally. It's leading us towards some lovely growth and we're in good company as we travel along.