1,2,3 Tarot – Answers in an Instant by Donald Tyson

Published by Llewellyn, 2005.  ISBN 0-7387-0527-6

Reviewed by Diana Fegen

 This book presents itself as a beginners book that may be used by “even those who have never even touched a tarot deck before”, and the author uses a very direct and quite informative way of approaching tarot and its interpretation.  

The book relies on the concept that each tarot card has a simple sentence attributed to it.  This sentence encompasses the general meaning of the card, and requires that part of each card's sentence be read according to its placement within the spread. 

The basic idea is that the cards are set out and read in 'triplets', that is to say, groups of three.  Each of the cards will represent a part of the sentence, either subject, verb or adverb which will result in the interpretation of the issue at hand.  He further expands upon this description by providing each card with a corresponding further sentence, which can be combined with the associated cards to form a compound sentence, and a more complex idea. 

An example of this method of interpretation can be seen in the cards drawn for a reading regarding a future career change - the Hanged Man (Inverted), The Six of Swords, and the Eight of Pentacles. 

Consultation of the appendix results in the following sentence fragments relating to each card:

The Hanged Man (Inverted)             Inversion sacrifices with resignation

The Six of Swords                              Attainment achieves with labour

The Eight of Pentacles                      Prudence prepares with skill         

Thus, the sentence describing the future would be “Inversion (radical change) is achieved with labour and skill.”

If one wishes to explore the idea further, each word has a more complex sentence attributed to it.  This can become rather complex, and I do not believe that it would be possible to learn each of these multiple meanings off hand, so the appendix of sentences relating to each card would need to be consulted.    

The sentences that are used for each of the cards take their inspiration from the original interpretations as set out by the Golden Dawn, and Arthur Waite.  These are generally accurate, but sometimes focus on a meaning that is generally accepted as secondary.

The first chapters contain information on how to shuffle, and choose significator cards.  Some of the suggestions are worded in such a way as to preclude any other methods, such as the insistence to “never start with an unmixed deck”.  This suggests that it is not advisable to 'clear' your deck by reordering your cards between clients.  As with all books, everything mentioned should be taken with a pinch of salt.  Do not feel bullied into performing actions that do not feel 'right'.

The author has included a series of spreads that are well suited to their purpose, and shows how the well known spreads can be adapted to be used when reading in 'triplets'.  The Four Elements spread is the most informative, and explores several different areas relating to a single issue.

Much of the book is taken up with page by page interpretations of the cards, including their afore mentioned sentences.  Even if one does not use the 'triplets' in the manner in which the author intended, the sentences for the individual cards often give a fuller insight into the possible interpretations of the cards.

Although the author suggests that this book is perfect for beginners, his style of writing is one that over complicates simple issues, and is sometimes hard to understand. The result is an intellectualization of a process that is mostly intuitive. Although I would recommend this book to beginners who wish to begin on their path with the tarot, it is important to realize that this book is not the be-all and end-all of tarot interpretation.  Although it seems to provide direct answers for questions, it needs to be tempered with an intuitive approach, which allows for differences in interpretation.  I believe that intuition coupled with this method may result in a more accurate reading.  As with many divinatory tools, it is important to arm yourself with knowledge and to use a system that resonates with you.

All in all, this is a different way of interpreting the tarot that will broaden your understanding thereof.  My only caution is to be aware that this approach may not inspire those who are right-brain thinkers.