Table Of ContentPRAISE FOR
HOLISTIC TAROT
“A modern masterwork in the analytical tarot canon. The depth of Wen’s
research and the breadth of her scope are truly stunning. Her work will sit
comfortably on the bookshelf with that of Stuart R. Kaplan, Mary Greer, and
Rachel Pollack as defining works in modern tarot.”
—KAT BLACK, author of Golden Tarot
“A veritable tour de force that explicates the panoramic science that is tarot.… An
invaluable roadmap of tarot’s magical journey.”
—TONEY BROOKS, PhD, and Holly Sierra, authors of The Chrysalis Tarot
“Holistic Tarot is beautifully multifaceted. It contains a whole cosmos of clear,
practical advice and guidance for beginners, but also historical facts, scientific and
philosophical theories and explanations, and it is full of fresh inspiration for
experienced readers.”
—ANNA KLAFFINGER, creator of Anna K Tarot
“Destined to be a new tarot classic.”
—JAMES RICKLEF, author of The Soul’s Journey
“A magnificent, intelligent, comprehensive overview and innerview of the
Rider-Waite-Smith system of tarot! This is the only guide you need to have.
Bravo!”
—JAMES WANLESS, PHD, author of Voyager Tarot
“A total revelation. This generous, comprehensive book will be invaluable to
novices and old hands alike. Wen not only provides a fascinating explanation of
how tarot works, but also teaches the reader how to use it as a life tool for insight
and self-discovery.”
—EMMI FREDERICKS, author of The Smart Girl’s Guide to Tarot
“A veritable encyclopedia of information.… Will become one of the jewels in
the crown of tarot literature.”
—ANTHONY LOUIS, MD, author of Tarot Beyond the Basics
“Brings together so much tarot knowledge and wisdom, all in one place. It’s full
of practical techniques, yet still honors the spirit of tarot. Every case study is a
gem of interpretation. A huge accomplishment … likely to become the essential
guidebook for serious students of the tarot.”
—JOAN BUNNING, author of Learning the Tarot
“A bright, well-informed recasting of modern tarot for sophisticated
contemporary audiences. Wen brings savvy psychological flavor sprinkled with
bits of Eastern wisdom to clearly illustrate tarot’s powerful mirroring benefits.
… A fine addition to the literature of tarot.”
—ARTHUR ROSENGARTEN, PHD, author of Tarot and Psychology
“One of the best books on the subject that we have seen in quite some time. This
hefty yet reader-friendly book is filled to the brim with information on every
facet of the cards. No tarot enthusiast should be without this book!”
—CHIC AND TABATHA CICERO, authors of The Golden Dawn Magical Tarot
“Arguably the most comprehensive guide to tarot on the market today. It’s also
innovative: it deftly combines Eastern mysticism with Western metaphysics. It’s
an impressive tome that presents a wholly modern, rational approach to tarot
practice while preserving notable elements of tradition.”
—CORRINE KENNER, author of Tarot and Astrology
“An invaluable resource and addition to any serious library. Bravo to Wen and
the obvious labor of love and wisdom she has created and brought forth.”
—LEIGH J. MCCLOSKEY, author of Tarot ReVisioned
“A superb addition to the tarot canon; rather than focus on fortune-telling, here
is an analytical, psychological approach borne of many years’ extensive research
and practice. With her outstanding knowledge of numerology and Eastern and
Western wisdom teachings, Wen takes us on a tarot journey within.”
—LIZ DEAN, author of The Art of Tarot
“I would recommend this book to beginner and experienced readers alike.
… Wen’s down-to-earth, practical book has much to offer all tarot enthusiasts.”
—STEPHANIE ARWEN LYNCH, former president of the American Tarot
Association
“A refreshing approach to reading the tarot, this book blends intuition with a
modern analytical method based on traditional card reading principles—the best
of all worlds.”
—MARY K. GREER, author of 21 Ways to Read a Tarot Card
“An impressive, complete reference manual on tarot.… Wen is sure to become a
leading authority for the next generation’s tarot practice.”
—LUIGI SCAPINI, author of the Medieval Scapini Tarot
“A tarot classic. Wen’s writing style is empowering, warm, and witty, while her
content is beyond comprehensive. From myth to meaning, from ethics to
professional practice, how I wish Holistic Tarot had been in print when I was first
learning the cards!”
—SASHA GRAHAM, author of Tarot Diva
“A modern alchemical achievement. Wen blends wisdom from the East and
West, esoteric tarot traditions and contemporary psychology, and practical
techniques, creating a unique approach.… All tarot practitioners will find food for
thought and inspiration in this ambitious work.”
—BARBARA MOORE, author of Tarot Spreads
“This might just be the most comprehensive (and intelligent) book on tarot I
have ever read.…. A brilliant, must-have book for all aspiring tarot readers.”
—BRIGIT ESSELMONT, author of Tarot Foundations
“I own well over 200 titles on the tarot, and none of them could be what I
consider a ‘Tarot Bible’—until Holistic Tarot. Wen’s attention to detail coupled
with broad-based application—all infused with Eastern thought, Western
esotericism, and practical experience—is staggering. It’s very hard to impress this
Queen of Swords, but with Holistic Tarot, I’m truly, enthusiastically impressed.”
—JANET BOYER, author of Back in Time Tarot
“Wen combines an artistic sensibility with a clear intellect and writing style
geared for many kinds of audiences, especially those new to seeing tarot as a
personal development tool. Holistic Tarot is a generous guide to anyone interested
in creating a future by delving into the great mystery of the present moment. I
very highly recommend this book.”
—JENNA MATLIN, author of Have Tarot Will Travel
“A comprehensive resource that supports the reader in using the wise mirror of
tarot as a tool for personal empowerment.”
—KIM WILBORN, founder of the Spiritual Path of Tarot Telesummit
“I loved this book! Extraordinarily comprehensive, well written, and
circumspect.”
—KATHLEEN MEADOWS, MA, Tarot Grand Master
“Holistic Tarot is the book I wish I had when I first picked up a tarot deck! This
book is packed with valuable information and it is quickly becoming my go-to
tarot resource.”
—KATE, The Daily Tarot Girl
“A thoroughly comprehensive examination of the tarot. Wen approaches the
subject from a modern intellectual platform that guides the reader toward using
the cards for problem-solving and as a life-planning enhancement tool.”
—ELIZABETH HAZEL, author of Tarot Decoded
“This book lives up to its title, offering everything from the history of tarot, its
connection to Eastern mysticism, the use of tarot as a diagnostic tool, [and] an in-
depth look at each card in the Rider-Waite-Smith deck.”
—LISA DE ST. CROIX, author of Tarot de St. Croix
“A remarkably comprehensive book that covers all aspects of the art.… Wen has
created a practical yet highly spiritual guide that will earn Holistic Tarot a place
among the most intelligent and useful interpretations of tarot.”
—ROBERTA LEE, author of The Language of Tarot
“A library asset.”
—JENINE ESCO, manager of the Free Tarot Network and Free Reading Network for
the American Tarot Association
“From our new generation of smart tarot voices comes Benebell Wen. Her fresh
and practical perspective on tarot as a tool for modern living, along with her
well-researched understanding of tarot’s history and traditions make this an
important book for any student or teacher of tarot.”
—CHRISTIANA GAUDET, author of Tarot Tour Guide
“A powerful demonstration of the sophistication an organized and systematic
person can draw forth from a simple pack of tarot cards. Wen’s synthetic
approach is on display throughout, interweaving theories and methods adapted
from such diverse points of view as physics, magic, Chinese medicine,
comparative religion, alchemy, and modern psychology.”
—CHRISTINE PAYNE-TOWLER, founder of the Tarot University and author of
Tarot of the Holy Light
“Wen’s erudite, personable guide to tarot is essential reading not only for tarot
learners, but also for writers, artists, and anyone interested in the mysteries of the
human psyche. If you’re already a tarot master, you will learn from this book. If
you’ve never laid eyes on a deck of cards, you will learn from this book.… Wen
illuminates the symbology of tarot, and how to use the cards, in great depth and
with tremendous care.”
—AMY GLYNN, author of A Modern Herbal
“Rich with sound advice, insightful processes, spreads for all occasions, and real-
life examples. [This book] shepherds the tarot out of the outmoded dust of
fortune-telling and into the fresh air of twenty-first-century strategic living.”
—JAMES WELLS, author of Tarot Circle Encounters
“A literary feast for tarot practitioners or any interested individual who wishes to
attain a deeper understanding of the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot—its history,
purpose, and the meaning of its profound images.”
—RICHARD PALMER, author of Tarot: Voice of the Inner Light
“All tarot readers, beginner to advanced, will find much to stimulate their
practice in Holistic Tarot.”
—ROHIT ARYA, author of The Money Tarot Book
“May just be one of the most comprehensive tarot books ever written.… An
instant classic.”
—THERESA REED, The Tarot Lady
“Presenting a thorough interpretation of the cards, which encompasses
philosophy, spirituality, mythology, and psychology, Wen masterfully bridges the
gap between conscious and unconscious, East and West, the rational mind and
intuition, the traditional and the innovative.… Holistic Tarot [is] a must for anyone
who desires to understand tarot on all of its profound levels.”
—KELLI RUSSELL AGODON and ANNETTE SPAULDING-CONVY, authors of The
Poet Tarot deck
“An important text, a complete handbook on the tarot.”
—MUNISHA KHATWANI, Celebrity Tarot Reader
“A heavy-duty resource book for the serious tarot student.”
—NANCY ANTENUCCI, author of Psychic Tarot
“Will surely inspire you to take your card readings to a new level.”
—KOOCH DANIELS, coauthor of Tarot d’Amour
“Rich with tarot analytics, principles, and best-practice tools. Wen expertly shares
a true holistic-based application for greater understanding of the eternal ‘why.’ ”
—NANCY LAPONZINA, author of Yellow Pansies in a Blue Cobalt Jar
“Full of insightful information into the depths of the tarot. I will be
recommending it to my students and learning from it myself.”
—PRUDENCE J.M. THERIAULT, host of The TV Tarot
“Incorporating an integral model of psychological and cultural archetypes, Holistic
Tarot is sure to abet the modern reader’s understanding of this age-old wisdom-
based system.”
—DAI LÉON, author of Origins of the Tarot
“This is unlike any other personal tarot book I have encountered.”
—JAMES GRIFFITHS, Spiritualist Medium and Resident Psychic at Newsquest
“Wen’s approach to tarot is to treat it as a psychological tool that can be used for
yourself for decision-making processes and self-actualization or read for others
professionally.… Will become a permanent fixture in the tarot literary canon.”
—BONNIE CEHOVET, author of Birth Cards, and You
Copyright © 2015 by Benebell Wen. All rights reserved. No portion of this book, except for brief review,
may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without the permission of the publisher. For more
information, contact North Atlantic Books.
Illustrations from the Golden Tarot by Kat Black in Chapter 13 reproduced by permission of U.S. Games
Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902 USA. Copyright © 2004 by U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Further
reproduction prohibited.
Published by North Atlantic Books
P.O. Box 12327
Berkeley, California 94712
Cover image: Detail from The Tarocchi Players, by Giovanni da Vaprio
Cover and book design by Susan Quasha
Holistic Tarot: An Integrative Approach to Using Tarot for Personal Growth is sponsored and published by the
Society for the Study of Native Arts and Sciences (dba North Atlantic Books), an educational nonprofit
based in Berkeley, California, that collaborates with partners to develop cross-cultural perspectives, nurture
holistic views of art, science, the humanities, and healing, and seed personal and global transformation by
publishing work on the relationship of body, spirit, and nature.
North Atlantic Books publications are available through most bookstores. For further information, visit
www.northatlanticbooks.com or call 800–733–3000.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Wen, Benebell, 1981-
Holistic tarot : an integrative approach to using tarot for personal growth / Benebell Wen.
pages cm
ISBN 978-1-58394-835-4 (alk. paper) — ISBN 978-1-58394-836-1 (ebook)
1. Tarot. I. Title.
BF1879.T2W39 2014
133.3′2424—dc23
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