Mary K. Greer’s “Tarot For Yourself” (New Page Books, Second Edition - 2002) is an integral addition to any Tarot library. Greer was one of the first author’s to promote using the Tarot for personal insight (as opposed to using it for purposes of divination). Through this book, Greer also promotes self-study – beyond the memorizing of meanings. Here the reader learns how to place t he energy of the Tarot to work in their life.
The first edition of this book (along with a copy of the Rider-Waite Tarot) was my introduction to the Tarot. I consider myself extremely lucky that the clerk at the metaphysical bookstore that I went to immediately went to this material. I also consider myself blessed that I had the good sense to ask what was best, and not just pick up a deck and a book and hope!
The material in this book well reflects the influences of its time – and acknowledges that nothing in life has to be a “stand alone”. Information is included on journal writing, mythology, psychology, self-help, relationships, prosperity and right livelihood, crystals, channeling, astrology, numerology, poetry, art and occult metaphysics – all integrated into the world of Tarot.
In this edition, Greer has expanded her interpretation of the Minor Arcana, included reversed interpretations for all cards, a wonderful history-based appendix (that Greer developed with other Tarot scholars), information on the Shadow/Teacher cards, and an updated bibliography.
There are many unique features in this book. Greer not only gives the names of decks that readers may be interested in, but she also lists them by background and type. For instance, decks listed under the category of combining the influences of both the Thoth and the Rider-Waite Tarot include the Cosmic Tribe Tarot, the Light and Shadow Tarot, and the Motherpeace Tarot. Under type, the Cosmic Tribe is listed as computer manipulated photo collage, the Light and Shadow is listed as elegant black and white linoleum cuts, while the Motherpeace is listed as round and feminist.
Under getting acquainted with your decks, Greer walks the reader through creating a Tarot profile. The reader will be defining their Soul and Personality cards, the Hidden Factor card (as both a Shadow and a Teacher), Year card, Numerological Lessons and Opportunities cards, Zodiac card, Zodiac Lessons and Opportunities cards, and your destiny card.
Greer talks about how to enter a card, about doing ritual with the cards, and about journaling (a good way to record the journey that you are talking with your cards, and how your understanding of them grown).
The cards themselves are seen as doors of opportunity waiting to be opened. The suits are discussed, along with their associations. There is also a purification ritual given for each of the suits (and their associated element). The traditional Celtic Cross spread is presented, as well as a discussion of the Court card personalities. There is another unique presentation her in that Greer shows the reader how to do permutations on the cards – moving them around the circle, to see how the meanings change and to see how the function in the different positions. Another very good spread that is presented is that of the Path of Hermes, which is also presented with permutations.
This entire book is aimed at showing the reader how to place the cards in their lives, in real life situations. There is a great deal of material here, and the Tarot student will use this as a reference book, returning to it time and time again.