Review by Terri Clement
The
Healing Tarot:
78
Ways to Wellness
By
Juno Lucina
Illustrated by Monica Knighton
Published by
Schiffer Publishing Ltd
www.schifferbooks.com
ISBN:
978-0-7643-4392-6
Retail: U.S. $39.95
Tarot is often used to work with our spiritual and emotional sides, but once in awhile we turn to the Tarot for physical healing as well. The Healing Tarot: 78 Ways to Wellness is designed to focus entirely on messages of healing. With the seriousness of the theme subject you will still find that this deck contains quirky and unique images based on the standard Rider-Waite-Smith traditions. Besides a deep focus on wellness, you will also find astrological and other associations in this deck/book set.
The package includes a heavy duty cardboard box, with very strong magnetic closure, and white ribbon pull tab and stays. The box measures 6” x 9”. The box designed to look like an old school red, metal first aid kit. There are two recesses inside the box, one for the 192 page paperback book and one for the 78 card - deck. The deck is held together with a plastic sleeve. The cards measure 3” wide x 5” tall.
Thick
card stock making the deck a tad chunky. The cards have a shiny
laminate causing several of the cards to stick together, in fact a
couple of cards had to be peeled apart upon going through the deck.
Fanning powder and frequent use should easily solve this issue. There
was a snag in the upper right corner of the Fool card that will require bit of attention so the card doesn't peel
apart.
The card
backs are reversible friendly and has an image featuring a medical
cross and the deck title the top banner and a collage of drawings
with a Caduceus, Leonardo Da Vinci's Vitruvian Man, angel wings,
leaves, flowers, and an acorn. The image is repeated starting on the
opposite end of the card.
The
Major Arcana are un-numbered. The suits are Pentacles, Wands, Cups,
and Swords. The courts are Page, Knight, Queen, and King.
There
is moderate nudity, both male and female, throughout the deck. The
images are all done in black and white. This was done deliberately to
bring the reader back to the basics so the reader can understand the
messages of health and wellness, without being distracted by color.
Watching my adult daughter go through the deck was a hoot. She brought a couple of images to my attention and pointed out some interesting details:
The hooded Hermit
is
holding a copy of a book called Gray's
Anatomy in
one hand and a lantern in the other. He is surrounded by stacks and
stacks of books. On the table there are several other books with
interesting titles such as Dangers
of Diarrhea and Constipation, Fixations & Other Neurosis, and
Ulcers and
Hernias.
Key
Phrase: “The Search for Something Greater.”
The companion
book lists dis-ease (dis (opposite) – ease (the opposite of
tranquil)) as: Problems with digestion, assimilation, acute illness,
compulsions, colds, flu, bronchitis, childhood illnesses, intestinal
issues, lower stomach, gallbladder, and spleen.
“This
mind is a valuable tool, but a diabolical master; keep yours in check
on your journey to wellness.”
The couple featured in an iconic gondola in the Two of Cups at a quick glance closely resemble President Obama and First Lady Michelle. The couple sharing a romantic moment holding hands and each holding a chalice are gazing into each other's eyes while being serenaded by a Venetian Gondolier.
Key
Phrase: True Love
In the upright position we are reminded
that love can be an outstanding source of healing, and the love does
not necessarily need to be romantic. When reversed it can indicate
that one is wondering if their current partner is “the one” or
searching for security in a relationship. It also serves as a
reminder to look at how this is all affecting ones health.
“Allow
love to be the healing fountain from which you drink.”
Five
men (one appearing elderly) are shown in Five
of Wands with a open and
spilled prescription bottle of Viagra on the ground and an overturned
walker in the foreground. Only two of the men appear to be wearing
pants. The Wands the men are wielding appear very phallic.
Keyword: Conflict
In the upright position this card reminds us to watch
out for “burn out” and over-doing, blocked vitality and sexual
troubles. Be careful of unhealthy weight loss as a result of loss of
appetite. In the reversed position one can be overbearing but yet
still need approval. Depression over health issues and
conflicts.
“Get
over it and start the process of changing life and health. Stop
making excuses.”
The paperback companion guide
features a brief introduction which includes the addition of “Well
Placed vs. Poorly Placed Cards,” and a brief primer regarding “The
Qabalistic Tree of Life,” which the author states is the root of
every Tarot deck.
The book has small versions of the images for each
card in the order of: Major Arcana; Courts; Pips. For the Majors
the reader will find Spiritual Perspective, Astrological Connections,
Upright and Reversed Meanings, Traditional Interpretations, and a
smattering of quotes. For the Courts the reader will see Traditional
Interpretations, Specific Body Imbalances and Reversed Meanings. For
the Pips – Traditional Interpretations, Upright (including well and
poor aspect interpretations), and Reversed Health Meanings.The book
also contains 3 unique health related spreads.
The images are
well thought out and can be used intuitively. Study of the companion
book would truly be helpful and the set can be used by the beginner
through the professional, but is definitely geared for those that are
focusing on health, healing, and overall well-being.