Review by Bonnie Cehovet
“The Dreamer’s Journal” is the companion book to the Mystic Dreamer’s Tarot. In her author’s notes, Moore, author of “A Guide To Mystic Faerie Tarot”, “The Gilded Tarot Companion”, “The Hip Witch Tarot”, and the “Enchanted Oracle”, notes that the journey to writing this book was very different from the journeys she took in writing her other companion books. She points out that each deck has its own personality, its own character, and that her job as the writer is to express that character.
One of the major differences with this deck is that is does not follow a linear structure. Since the artist (Heidi Daras) based her images on traditional card meanings, the foundation is there, but the path that it follows is unique. One of the things that Daras did was to use the symbol of the moon in several of the cards, as it represented to her mystery, intuition, creativity, and magic. Another thing that happened is that the deck demanded that reversed meanings be presented. This was a time when Moore also was faced with addressing the issue of just how much of herself, and her own beliefs, were entering into the card meanings.
In her introduction, Moore describes the images of the “Mystic Dreamer’s Tarot” as “dark, shadowy, and surreal”. The companion book serves as “a map, and a small flashlight” for moving through the adventure of the dreamscape of these cards.
Moore talks about the basics of what a Tarot deck is, and how to read the cards. In this section she includes taking into consideration scanning for Major Arcana and suit cards, n noting the numbered cards and the Court Cards, looking for reversed cards, interpreting each card on its own, as well as in conjunction with the other cards in the reading. Finally, you interpret the reading as a whole.
Moore talks about keeping a Tarot journal as a way of getting to know the cards. She lists thirteen different ways in which this can be done. (Hmmmm – thirteen ways to interpret cards from a deck where she feels the images are “dark, shadowy, and surreal”!)
There is quite an extensive spread section – 19 spreads in all. She includes possible questions to use, as well as position definitions, and a multitude of ways to red the three card spread. Along with the traditional Celtic Cross and Astrological spreads, spread topics include options, two paths, love and romance, money and career, and messages from Universe.
I am a firm proponent of dream work, and Moore includes a section on just that, along with a highly usable dream spread.
The cards are presented with black and white scans, a short discussion of the card, upright and reversed meanings, and a section called “Use your intuition”. From the book:
“The Fool”
“The Fool, wearing black embellished with colorful ruffles and bells, dances on the edge of a cliff. She is reveling in a particular moment in time, one where all possibilities exist, that brief moment when all choices seem available. There is potential and danger present; she is, after all, standing on a dangerous precipice. The cards, representing her choices, float around her. The bag attached to her staff is filled with everything she will need, no matter what she encounters. The light from her lantern illuminates and casts shadows. Her dog can give encouragement and warning, if necessary. A raven perches on a sign, which the Fool seems to ignore. She seems, instead, to prefer a more random method or, perhaps, a more intuitive one to pick her path.
This card indicates being at a crossroads. There are a variety of paths you can choose and the Fool suggests making an intuitive decision, even if it seems illogical. This is a moment for faith and trust, in yourself and in the Universe. Follow your heart, and embrace whatever comes your way.
If reversed, this card warns of making a foolish decision. You may be so focused on the future or your dreams that you are unaware of the danger signs right at your feet. Take t he time to look around you, heeding signals that may help you make a wise choice.”
“Use your intuition”
“Which card will she pick, and how will she decide? What does the sign say? What does she carry in her bag?”
I found this book to be a joy to read, easy to follow, a good guide for beginners, with enough information to tweak the interest of those who have been reading for a while.
© May 2008
Bonnie Cehovet is Certified Tarot Grand Master, a professional Tarot reader with over ten years experience, a Reiki Master/Teacher and a writer. Bonnie has served in various capacities with the American Tarot Association, is co-founder of the World Tarot Network, and Vice President (as well as Director of Certification) for the American Board For Tarot Certification. She has had articles appear in the 2004 and 2005 Llewellyn Tarot Reader.
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