Reviews
"Lush, deep images. Highly recommended."--SageWoman "Ferguson's deep love and broad knowledge of the subject shine through every image and line."--Thalassa, Tarot News Network "I love the deck, which can certainly be used without the book [The Keeper of Words] as a reference, but the book adds immeasurable depth to readings with these cards...Whether used for personal reading, reading for others, meditation, ritual/ceremony, or dream work--this book and deck are wonderful tools of Empowerment."--Bonnie Cehovet, The MetaArts Magazine "[M]y first impression of this frankly brilliant deck was...Wow. And two years later, that still is my reaction to the cards each time I look through them."--Kim Huggen, TarotPassages.com "...[E]ven without the cards, [A Keeper of Words] is a great book for anyone who is looking for inspiration or subjects for meditation."--The Wiccan Rede
Table of Content
CONTENTS List of Cards / Xi Preface / xv ONE: THE NATURE OF THE TAROT / I Introduction to the Tarot; the structure and divisions of the Tarot deck; the language of the Tarot; the common understanding and universal appeal of Tarot images; degrees of card reading; old misconceptions concerning the Tarot; cultural and religious aspects of the Tarot; the question of origin; a brief history of the Tarot TWO: THE SPIRIT OF LEGEND: THE ARTHURIAN TAROT / 5 The value of myth; the compatibility of the Tarot and the Arthurian legend; the branches of Arthurian tradition; the symbolism of the deck; the blend of religions and their motifs; the use of the legend to add context to the Tarot; the tragic elements of myth; the titles of the cards and the suits; the symbolic significance of the maze design; the dragon face card, the layout board imagery, and the significance of the title "The Keeper of the High Word" THREE: THE ARTHURIAN LEGEND / 9 Historical roots; the Dark Ages; political landscape; the Saxon threat; the coming of the Saxons; invading tribes; the struggle; the leaders; the Battle of Mount Badon; Arthur the historical warrior; early references to Arthur; achieving Celtic legendary status; brief account of the development of Arthurian literature; Celtic legend; the branches of Arthurian tradition, the histories of the chroniclers, the romances, and the Quest for the Holy Grail; transition to medieval ideal; change in religious tone; the legend's diversity FOUR: CONSULTING THE TAROT / 13 How to begin; the importance of personal impressions of the cards; methods of card interpretation; the advantage of the Arthurian context; the significance of the Major and Minor Arcana; the nature of the suits, aces, and court cards; reversed interpretation; preparing for a reading; the significator card; dominant cards; the relationship between neighbouring cards; conflicting cards; the layout of the cards; the purpose and nature of a defined spread; Tarot reading as an analytic system; the Celtic Cross, sample reading; Astrological Spread; Horseshoe Spread FIVE: NAVIGATING THE TAROT / 23 Moving beyond routine; the manner in which insights may appear; the importance of a comfortable atmosphere; rapport and receptivity; the abilities that distinguish a psychic reader; the borderland of the conscious and subconscious; focusing on hypnagogic dreams; heightening psychic awareness; overuse of the Tarot; rewards of patience SIX: THE CARDS / 25 The interpretation and Arthurian context of the individual cards. The Major Arcana-the cards and the legends; the Minor Arcana-the cards and the legends: Spears, Swords, Cups, Shields Bibliography / 247 Index / 251
