The Healing Tarot

Review by Terri Clement

healingtarot

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.

HTBack

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: 

HTHermit


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.”



HT2C

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.”

HT5W


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.

All submissions remain the property of their respective authors. All images are used with permission. 
Tarot Reflections is published by the American Tarot Association - © 2015 Questions? Comments? Contact us at ATAsTarotReflections@gmail.com  
Utah Sunset - Banner and Splash image ©Terri Clement - 2014