Published by Llewellyn, 2005. Includes:

The Universal Tarot by Roberto de Angelis (originally published by Lo Scarabeo)

Reviewed by Serena Brink

The Tarot Kit for Beginners includes the Universal Tarot pack (with organdy bag and box), and a very accessible book that was written with the needs of a beginner in mind. Most beginners want to know how to get started, how to interpret the cards and how to use the cards to predict what is going to happen. The book by Janet Berres meets those needs very well. The Universal Tarot by Roberto de Angelis is an attractive and dynamic tarot pack that conveys the meaning of the tarot cards in a manner that is easy to interpret. If you are new to the world of the tarot then this is an excellent initial purchase, especially if you are uncertain of what pack or book to buy.

The book will guide you through all the necessary steps to get started on the road to becoming an accomplished tarot reader. It starts with a general introduction to the history of the tarot, and debunks a few myths along the way. Janet Berres has a practical, down-to-earth approach to the tarot which includes advice on shuffling cards, understanding the cards and laying them out in a range of different spreads that are designed to answer common divinatory questions. The timing of events or influences is emphasized in the spreads provided.

In the section of the book that deals with the meanings of the tarot cards, the author gives the astrological correspondence for each major arcana card before giving a general idea of what the divinatory meanings are of each card in the deck. I was a little surprised by this as most tarot readers only learn the astrological associations of the tarot as they become more experienced, however, I presume that Janet Berres believes that understanding the astrological aspects of the Major Arcana is helpful to the interpretation process.

An example of the divinatory section of the book is as follows:

'The sign of Cancer is represented by a crab with a hard outer shell and a soft interior. It is a sign that likes to initiate things, but in a gentle way. The castle in the background of the Chariot card represents the home that is so important to both the Charioteer and the zodiac sign Cancer.'

General discussion of the Chariot card includes statements such as: '

This card can indicate an important trip, long-distance travel, or that a person is coming to visit from out of town.....when it appears in a spread near the 9 or 10 of swords, beware of difficulties in travel.......near the sun or the 3 of cups...can mean a new car....The Chariot card indicates movement - either physically, through a new action, mentally, through a new decision made, or spiritually, through a new belief that is now in place.'

The range of meanings in the interpretation section of the book give the beginner considerable scope for interpretation, as well as giving each card a distinctive, unique meaning so that an understanding of the kind of influence represented by the card can be developed.

The interpretation of the cards is quite practical, which is useful for a beginner (and more experienced readers) as it suggests ways in which the tarot can be applied to everyday life. Interpreting the image on the card and applying it to particular issues or questions is the most difficult part of tarot reading. The practical, easy to apply interpretations given in the book make this kit an excellent place to start learning how to use the cards in a predictive manner. The author also draws the beginner's attention to the way a card can interact with other cards in a reading which is an essential skill to develop when learning to interpret tarot spreads.

The interpretations of the cards emphasize the more predictive side of the cards, for instance, the minor arcana card, the three of cups is a card with three young women dancing in a circle with their cups raised. Janet Berres includes the following in her interpretation of the card:

' This card represents a happy occasion. Celebrating is common and parties are indicated (especially with liquor)....other women are being supportive. The conclusion or fulfillment of a situation is indicated. More physical activity is possible, and a dance class or aerobics class could be on the horizon. On the negative side, the querent or someone around him could be using liquor in excess and waking up with a hangover or two.'

The Universal Tarot by Roberto de Angelis is similar to the Rider/Waite tarot deck which was illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith. Differences between the two decks are primarily ones of style and fashion, although occasionally there are differences in interpretations of tarot images, particularly in the minor arcana. 

The Universal Tarot has a more modern feel than the Rider/Waite, and there is more emphasis on fashion, although not always successfully (in my opinion), in the case of the headdresses of the major arcana characters of the Fool and the Empress. Other cards are more dynamic and interesting than those in the Rider/Waite deck. Some cards have clarified the ambiguities present in the Rider/Waite deck, for instance, the seven of wands now makes it clearer that the man on high ground is fending off attackers (he's wearing armour), whereas the Rider/Waite card could be interpreted as someone vigorously planting poles. I know the Devil is not usually a popular card, but the de Angelis Devil is magnificent - both menacing and mirthful - a wicked combination!

Among the court cards, the kings express more character and are more dynamic than in most tarot packs, and the queen of wands is as beautiful as the king of cups is intriguing.  Minor arcana cards such as the three of swords represent a definite improvement on the Rider/Waite version, there is a man lying on the ground looking up at a the usual symbol of a heart with three swords through it, and his demeanour expresses dread and grief. The ten of swords is very dramatic with the man lying on his back instead of face down, the usual ten swords are stuck in him and the background is ominous and turbulent. Although, I still prefer the Rider/Waite deck, I can recommend this deck for its light, attractive colours and dynamic interpretations of many of the Rider/Waite images.

Copyright © 2005 Serena Brink. All rights reserved.