Tarot and the Tree of Life – Finding Everyday Wisdom in the Minor Arcanum

By Isabel Radow Kliegman, Foreword by Stephan A. Hoeller.

220 Pages | First Quest Edition 1997 | Softcover | Quest Books, U.S.A. | ISBN: 083560747X.

'Discover the small secrets of the Tarot'.

Few books look in depth at the fifty-two Minor Arcana or suit cards of the Tarot deck. In refreshingly down-to-earth terms and with joyous common-sense Wisdom, celebrated Tarot teacher Isabel Kliegman teaches us to use these 'overlooked mirrors' of everyday life to access our inner knowing and learn more about ourselves.

In working with the Minor Arcana in terms of the Kabbalistic Tree, memory and understanding are inextricably linked. Most significantly, the underlying philosophies of both systems are harmonious: the necessity of balance is suggested in the Tree of Life by a system of three pillars. In the Minor Arcana of the Tarot, the message of balance is conveyed by four suits - each of which carries a function of consciousness and medieval 'element' - that depend on all the others for their own best expression. Throughout our study, we have seen the ways in which Tarot images graphically convey the underpinnings of Kabbalistic thought.

From the Foreword (p. XIII):

" In ancient times divination was the Art, whereby one consulted the Gods, who were also known as divinities. The ancients believed that these divinities are essentially benignly disposed towards humans and thus are likely to offer useful guidance and advice when consulted. While the belief in divinities is not particularly great in our day, the philosophy of divination that developed on the basis of such a belief is still valid. In order to effectively consult an authentic oracle such as the Tarot, we must first of all possess an attitude that is appropriate for the invoking of helpful forces of a superior character. The proper attitude is one that lies somewhere between superstitious awe and frivolousness. If we employ an oracle in idle jest, the results will be appropriate. At the same time, it is good to be reminded that the cards in themselves are not sacred objects worthy of veneration. We need not to keep the, in precious containers, wrap them in red silk, or approach them in elaborate ceremonies. The magic is not in the cards but in ourselves. What matters is the response the cards evoke from the deeper regions of our psyches: all else is of small importance. "