Review by Solandia

Combining Tarot and the seasonal lunar and solar festivals of the year, Wiccans, Pagans and Earth religionists with an interest in tarot will enjoy this book.

'Tarot for All Seasons' is not a tarot textbook to be read through in a single sitting. It is more a workbook for use all year round at the appropriate times of the Wheel of the Year. The central focus of the book is the main twelve tarot spreads, each associated with one of the eight Sabbats or four Esbats.

There are four spreads linked with each of the Full Moon, Waxing, Waning and Dark times of the moon that occur each month (the Esbats), and another eight spreads for the eight solar festivals in a year (the Sabbats). There are also several sample three card readings given in an initial chapter. (These smaller spreads are to throughout the book when extra clarification in a spreads is required.)

The Esbats and Sabbats are listed in seasonal order after the obligatory introductory section explaining the significance of the Wheel of the Year and the basics of tarot. Each holiday has its own section explaining its traditions and associations, and listing appropriate ritual types for the season; associated tarot cards, scents, magical 'brews' and candle colours. Then, the spread chosen by the author to be in tune with the time of year.

The layouts are spiritual in nature, helpful for delving into the psyche, clarifying situations and motives, and ascertaining one's true path. The spreads are focused and clearly explained, as well as being in harmony with the energy of the time of year. The Yule spread is about strengthening your hopes for the coming year; the Beltane spreads centres on abundance and fertility.

Jette also describes the meanings of the spread positions in detail, then an extensive sample reading of the spread for a fictitious person. Along with a paragraph of back-story, it leads the reader through an analysis of each card in each position and how it relates to the querent's life and question.

Tarot for All Seasons would be perfect for the bookshelf of the budding Pagan or Wiccan Tarot lover, as at both levels the text is fairly basic. But even if you aren't nature-religion inclined, the tarot spreads are worth a look (and a reading).

Kate Hill is the owner, founder and editor of Aeclectic Tarot, and has reviewed more than 200 decks over the years.

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