Tarot Trends and the Anatomy of a Reading

Video 06 in a series of video lectures for the Holistic Tarot companion course. In this video, we outline tarot card trends over the last century, how to apply critical theory to interpret a tarot card (we’ll be using Key 13: Death to demonstrate), and talk about what a tarot spread is.
Access the course materials here: benebellwen.co...
Closed captioning available for this video (and all video lectures in this Holistic Tarot series) to accommodate the Deaf and H/H communities.
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Online courses offered: benebellwen.co...
Decks Pictured: Apokalypsis Tarot by Erik Dunne and Kim Huggens (Lo Scarabeo, 2017); Aquarian Tarot by David Palladini (U.S. Games, 1970); Art of Life Tarot by Charlene Livingstone (U.S. Games, 2016); Bluebird Lenormand (U.S. Games, 2016); Book of Thoth Etteilla Tarot (Lo Scarabeo); CBD Tarot de Marseille by Dr. Yoav Ben-Dov; Chakra Wisdom Oracle Cards by Tori Hartman (Watkins Publishing, 2014); China Tarot by Der Jen (Lo Scarabeo, 2006); Daily Guidance from Your Angels Oracle Cards by Doreen Virtue (Hay House, 2006); DruidCraft Tarot by Philip Carr-Gromm, et al. (St. Martin’s Press, 2005); Efflorescent Tarot by Katie Rose Pipkin (self-published); Fairytale Lenormand by Arwen Lynch Poe and Lisa Hunt (U.S. Games, 2016); Fin de Siècle Kipper by Ciro de Marchetti (U.S. Games, 2016); Fountain Tarot by Jonathan Saiz, Jason Gruhl, Andi Todaro (self-published, 2015); Golden Dawn Magical Tarot by Chic Cicero and Sandra Tabatha Cicero (Llewellyn, 2012); Golden Dawn Tarot Deck by Robert Wang (AGM Müller, 1977); Golden Tarot by Kat Black (U.S. Games, 2004); Golden Universal Tarot (Lo Scarabeo); Grand Etteilla Egyptian Gypsies Tarot (B. P. Grimaud, 1977); Haindl Tarot by Hermann Haindl (U.S. Games, 1990); Hello Kitty Tarot by Brittany Tingey (self-published); Hermetic Tarot by Godfrey Dowson (U.S. Games, 1990); Hoi Polloi Tarot (Hoi Polloi, Inc., 1972); Labyrinth Wisdom Oracle Cards by Tony Christie (Gaois Publications, 2012); Llewellyn Tarot by Anna-Marie Ferguson; LXXXI Quareia The Magician’s Deck by Josephine McCarthy, Stuart Littlejohn, and Cassandra Beanland (self-published, 2015); Magi of Ancient Egypt Tarot by R. Falconnier, illustrated by M. Otto Wegener (1896); Morgan-Greer Tarot by Lloyd Morgan and Bill Greer (U.S. Games, 1979); Oswald Wirth Tarot (U.S. Games); Psychic Tarot for the Heart by John Holland (Lifestyles, 2014); Robin Wood Tarot by Robin Wood (Llewellyn, 1991); Russian Tarot of St. Petersburg by Yuri Shakov and Cynthia Giles (U.S. Games, 1992); Sirian Starseed Tarot by Patricia Cori (North Atlantic Books, 2012); Smith-Waite Centennial Tarot (U.S. Games); Steele Wizard Tarot by Pamela Steele (Self-published); Sun and Moon Tarot by Vanessa Decort (U.S. Games, 2010); Tarot of Bones by Lupa Greenwolf (self-published); Tarot of Ceremonial Magick by Lon Milo DuQuette (U.S. Games, 1997); Tarot of Dreams by Ciro Marchetti (U.S. Games, 2015); The Good Tarot by Colette Baron-Reid (Hay House, 2017); The Incidental Tarot by Holly DeFount (self-published); The Poet Tarot by Kelli Russell Agodon and Annette Spaulding-Convy (Two Sylvias Press, 2014); The Rider Tarot Deck (U.S. Games, 1971); The Wild Unknown Tarot by Kim Krans (self-published, 2012); Thoth Tarot (U.S. Games); Triple Goddess Tarot by Jaymi Elford and Franco Rivolli (Lo Scarabeo, 2017); Type Tarot by Hurgle Studios (self-published, 2016); Universal Worth Tarot (Lo Scarabeo, 2008); Voyager Tarot by James Wanless (Merrill-West Publishing, 1986); Wooden Tarot by A. L. Swartz (Skullgarden); XIII Tarot by Nekro (Fournier, 2014)
B-Roll Footage Credits: Beachfront B-Roll; Cute Stock Footage; Videezy; Vidsplay
Photographs of The Pictorial Key of the Tarot vintage books from CollecTarot & Books (collectarot.com) and Waite Smith (waitesmith.org) by Dusty White, House of White (Felton, California). Pages of Monde Primitif by Antoine Court de Gebelin courtesy of the John Adams Collection at the Boston Public Library. “Baby Boomers” black and white photographs from the Virginia Historical Society (vahistorical.org). Black and white photographs from the 1960s courtesy of The Culture Trip (theculturetrip.com), permission granted for educational, non-commercial uses. Photograph of Sylvia Plath courtesy of Poetry Foundation (poetryfoundation.org). Video stills from "Lisa’s Wedding." The Simpsons, Season Six, Episode No. 122, written by Greg Daniels, directed by Jim Reardon, Fox Broadcasting Company, original air date March 19, 1995. Other select images sourced from Wikimedia Commons and public domain sites, used here for educational purposes. Otherwise photographs of tarot decks used herein were taken by me.

[@gavingordon8193]

Just found your KZbin channel. I’ve had your book for sometime now. Great to put a face to a name. Love the book by the way.

[@ultravioletpisces3666]

7:06 I started with 3 “beginning” decks and a RWS just for reference. I took extensive notes. I wanted to know what was connecting all these different keywords, interpretations, etc… so I *needed* to learn on exactly 3 RWS style decks plus the original RWS in order to accomplish what I wanted to accomplish in my studies. Then I put tarot up for a while, I moved I lost all my decks. Then when I got the pull again I ordered 2 decks (one non traditional which was TWU and one more traditional which was a beginner kit with the Hansen-Robers deck. This time I studied more intuitively but I had the background understanding… I found the sparse descriptions in the books just enough to do my own deeper dives.

[@TimothyEspinosa]

I think we are definitely in a tarot renaissance. I’ve had everyone from witchy teens to soccer moms asking me for readings!

[@Umurhan999]

The tetractys spread is probably my favorite esoteric spread. But like most esoteric spreads, it takes time to learn.

[@Umurhan999]

The French Cross, both with card 4 as outcome and card 4 as the attitude to act on card 3 with are spread staples for questions on specific problems.

[@dlhoffman7616]

Thank you for your great research.

[@thebaconsnake]

You've got some beautiful and fascinating decks.

[@DityaSangGita]

Ah this is what I need, would love to get a copy of your book. Your explanation is so concise it is so easy to follow. It is certainly a renaissance of the tarot, an age where we recollect what we learned as tarot readers and discipline the practice to do readings.

[@SassyUnicorn86]

It is amazing!!! Best tarot book if you want comprehensive definitions, techniques and spreads. It’s an instant classic

[@captainnolan5062]

John Ballantrae has several wonderful videos on the Celtic Cross spread. It is a versatile and powerful spread that sometimes doesn’t get the love it deserves.

[@jamieloom22]

I love this series, it really helps tackle the Holistic Tarot.

[@BenebellWen]

jamieloom so glad!

[@gangasharma4850]

Brilliant! Love from India, Ganga

[@dianaraica2105]

Great, great, great video! Summarizes the major trends so concisely!

[@jmaynard9221]

Loving all of your presentations on tarot, history, and all the things that might influence one's perceptions of using and reading tarot. Your approach is really ringing true for me. Thank you for your in depth perspective!

[@JodiHamilton]

I really appreciate, and love, these videos! Thank you so much.

[@She-wolf3636]

I wonder what past occultists would say if they were to see my personal tarot deck. Using Photoshop and a printing service I made my own tarot deck composed of things and characters from my favourite anime, books, movies, etc.

[@AngeloNasios]

I think we may be in a tarot golden age, instead of another Renaissance

[@BenebellWen]

I like that!

[@the_hermits_cave]

So interesting and informative. Thank you so much 🙏🏼📿

[@desertdiva9771]

Great video!

[@captainnolan5062]

Rachel Pollack says this about the Celtic Cross “...the spread’s popularity arises also from it’s great value as a tool of knowledge. It consists of ten positions, each of which tells something by itself, but which together evoke valuable combinations and relationships.”

[@sammygogo1659]

Thank you for this inspiring video, it broaden my understanding of tarot spread. Can't wait to get a copy of Holistic tarot.

[@calibirdlady6723]

Thank you so much for sharing such wonderful and helpful information

[@dawndonivan3089]

Just did the Wirth spread with your SKT Revelations deck: 1The Seeker 2The Lovers 3AoS 4 The Chariot and 5(insert chuckle here) Death. It did concern some health and changing bad habits. It really made sense.

[@barbgreiner]

Loving this. Feels like being with such great friends. Thank you Benebell 💜

[@suzipetito6955]

You have taken the words right out of my mouth, Barb Skarie. Love the Holistic Tarot, and I am so pleased that at the end of my week, Benebel is there, constantly crafting in all directions.

[@lovepeace1074]

Thank you thank you!!! ~ I so enjoy all your work, your tarot course and your astrology course ! I finally broke past my Book O' methods dry "spell" 😉 with your help🙏!

[@BenebellWen]

So heartening to hear! Haha. Love puns.

[@opheliadoesmagick4776]

I did my reading after much deliberation and I got something very resonant and interesting. In position 1- 8 of wands In position 2- the hermit, reversed In position 3- the moon, reversed In position 4- the king of swords In position 5- the tower reversed. For me this cut straight to something directly on my mind- a general overwhelm on what or how to “do” spirituality correctly. It seems like I have a lot of momentum but I might be absorbing too much all over the place. There is clearly this strong presence of dynamism and power vs. retreat and a need for recluse. By quieting the mind and being very empowered and judicious in my retreat I may be able to come out with a clearheaded and transformative worldview. Just my initial 2 cents as a new reader!

[@dimpleseve]

I have seen many new Tarot card imagery and art. I will keep an open mind about these however because I tend to be traditional.

[@blobofconsciousness]

Damn I had the following cards (I don't take reversals) 1. 6 of wands 2. Fool 3. 4 of wands 4. Emperor 5. 6 of cups Bottom deck empress.. the fool as the possible danger feels to me like not rushing in or out of things. Considering the options which honor one's integrity (emperor) this can be a situation from past or past life (6of cups) and can very well talk about union, as im at that point in my life considering options. Couldn't have seen this video at a better time, all happens for a reason. Do drop in your view on this spread. Will appreciate it. 🙏

[@manie54321]

🌷Thank You🌻 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@zaiologyy]

Your videos are so super helpful, have learned so much! 😭👏 May I ask what that deck is that is just nothing but a wordcloud of keywords that you showed for the Death card example??

[@BenebellWen]

It is the Type Tarot. You can see more photos of it here: benebellwen.com/2016/01/17/the-type-tarot-a-deck-review/ And you might also really like the Word Cloud Tarot. It is a more recent publication. I don't have a review up with photos yet, but will soon. You can probably find photos of it on Instagram under the hashtag #wordcloudtarot ❤️

[@acherontamovebo]

Can I find all the information from this and the other videos in the playlist in your book? Hugs from Brazil.

[@annaliviakruidenier6142]

Benebel, what is the name of the other RWS with the Globe on the backs, black borders and no titles..? If you've made it yourself, how, with what version? Thank you. I enjoy your videos x

[@urbananimal55]

Following this super old comment in hopes of getting an answer lol

[@alexandrarutherfurd7038]

This is so helpful -thank you :) I'm wondering which deck you are using in some of your layouts - the RWS with black borders? Its beautiful

[@denisemannino]

In the 1981 channeled material, The Law of One, (under undeniable, strict, unquestionably authentic conditions) - Ra, the social memory complex who answered the Questioner, Don Elkins, deeply dives into Tarot archetypes and it would appear the first emergence of the system originated in ancient Egypt where these multidimensional beings interacted with humans. They built the pyramids as well, by Mind.

[@crazypikachucrcr7529]

Our last performance together (1996) NCO club Air Force Base N.J. like Moses next to Aaron, Word is Bond.

[@DianaDidiPaternoMagpali]

Hi Benebell, I recently discovered your work in this tarot journey of mine. I was wondering what was the deck you used in 14:33 to 14:55. The classic RWS with black borders and a B&W globe backing. Would love to know which one is it

[@GFachiano]

What tarot's name from 1:58? Rider-Waite without borders.

[@user-us1ih2ov6n]

Well... very educational for me, and I love this video. However, every time when a woman appears in this video talking, I cannot help but wonder "is this Benebell?" Is it? She looks different from other videos. (Sorry for asking irrelevant question, but I couldn’t help wondering.)

[@tragicvoices]

Which deck is the RWS with the black borders? I can't get a good glimpse at the backings.

[@kevintorres8810]

Hannah Rock Golden Universal tarot 😇😇 I had the same question haha

[@crazypikachucrcr7529]

It does work that way with any one I M.C. with Moese likened to Aaron. 🌌☯️🈷️

[@ultravioletpisces3666]

4:51 what deck is this??

[@blobofconsciousness]

15:31 which deck is this

[@Onlylettuce92]

What is the name of the deck used in 15:03?

[@crazypikachucrcr7529]

It does work that way with any one I M.C. with Moses likened to Aaron. 🌌☯️🈷️

[@urbananimal55]

Can anyone identify the deck at 28:32 ?

[@crazypikachucrcr7529]

When TT was shot I gave him a stream of blood and TT woke up, shot in the chest (93). His wife the witness and put a hit on him. For cover Tt took it from a little black girl younger them.

[@joannmay-anthony1076]

1. 4oS, 2. 3oS, 3. 2oS, 4. XVI the Tower, 5. 5oS.....aaarrrgggghhhhh

[@mewkatlol]

Fix the audio squeels before you upload videos.