The Deck and Book Nook - Psychic Tarot

As a tarot reader who uses her sixth sense when reading cards, I was disappointed that I could not find any books specifically on using your psychic skills to read tarot. Most tarot books on the market seem to be about the basics: what the cards mean and how to do a layout. There were mentions about intuition but nothing in depth. I began to think that not many of tarot readers actually use psychic abilities – or perhaps we just don’t admit it.

Then along comes this book by respected tarot reader Nancy Antenucci and co author Melanie Howard, boldly titled “Psychic Tarot”. To say that I was excited to get this book is an understatement. I was chomping at the bit for it to be released! Finally, a tarot book that I could relate to!

Antenucci starts the book out with a little antidote about sitting at a table with famed tarot author Rachel Pollack and a group of readers. Pollack asks the group if they considered themselves to be psychic and most of them answer “no”. I found that very interesting as I have over the years encountered many other readers who shied away from the psychic word. I never understood this nor could I comprehend why people thought having intuition was some sort of “gift”. In my mind, we all have this ability – just some of us seem to train it, use it and trust it more. The authors seem to agree with this and in the first chapter of the book discuss the hang ups about the word “psychic” as well as how to let go of these misconceptions.

The next few chapters give exercises for intuitively understanding the Minor Arcana, Majors and the Court Cards – building a solid foundation and structure but still encouraging the reader to look for their own clues and interpretations rather than adhering to a “strict” meaning. This helps the reader to begin to let go of “logical” interpretations and start to trust their own intuition to “find” meanings.

Chapters on Energy Basics, Seeing the Unseen, Trusting the Sight and The Initial Image have more advanced exercises for developing psychic abilities. These practices are serious but fun at the same time – I loved the author’s gentle sense of humor and play. If you are the type of person who is afraid of psychic stuff, these little exercises will allow you to imbue a sense of fun as you discover and hone your sixth sense.

But for me, the rest of the book is where the real gems lie. The authors lay out system for divination, The Six Principles, which could apply to any sort of psychic work – not just tarot reading. This is sound, sensible advice that any aspiring psychic, medium or reader will want to read. From grounding to integration, this solid counsel provides the reader with common sense strategies that will help them to remain with one foot firmly on the ground as they tap into the other worlds. I find this to be so valuable as so many mystics I know seem to have trouble with their real lives when they do this type of work.

My favorite chapter is on boundaries – where once again, the authors offer up excellent guidance that no reader will want to miss. Antenucci shares one of her own personal stories that illustrates excellently on why a reader will want to set boundaries – which includes letting go of the reading once it is done. I nodded my head in agreement throughout this entire chapter.

Traits Of A True Reader finishes off the book nicely with this line: “A true reader is really a teacher. A teacher helps others wake up to their own Creative Authority.” I found that statement to be very powerful.

The appendix in the back has all the exercises mapped out so that you can find them easily once you have finished reading the book. If you want to go back to a particular exercise, this is a nice touch and makes the book accessible and user friendly.

I think this book is especially good for those who wish to learn how to read in a more intuitive fashion. It will appeal to beginners and intermediates alike and I hope it will encourage more tarot readers in particular to embrace their intuition and be less fearful about saying that they are psychic.

I give this book Two Swords Up!

Blessings!