We need to talk about 'The Tarot Handbook' by Angeles Arrien

[@lyra2282]

It was actually Alistair Crowley who first shared the original method of calculation of one's growth number and personal number (I don't know if he was the one who first had the idea, but he certainly spoke about it long before the author of this book). He also spoke extensively about the idea of using Tarot for personal growth and as a way to get closer to one's best and highest self. He insisted that the integral part of the tarot practice was what he called Knowledge and Conversation wth one's Holy Guardian Angel (or alternatively, Spirit, God, Higher Self, Spirit Guides, etc). In fact he said that any work with the cards that didn't involve this higher intention and connection could lead to black magic (something that I'm sure many will dispute today, but this is what he seems to have believed). He saw the Tarot as a path to knowing the world, and knowing oneself in it. So the idea of using tarot for personal growth isn't unique to the author of this book, either. Psychology was only in its developing stages during Crowley's time, after all, while it was much more at the forefront of our culture in the 70s and 80s. Not to take away from Angeles Arrien or Rachel Pollack, but if we want to be fair about attribution, we can't deny that Crowley had probably the most significant impact on making tarot what it is today. Nor should we ignore the fact that the Thoth and RWS decks are based on the same symbolism and share many of the same ideas and imagery. Personally I only recently started delving into the Thoth after two decades of insisting it wasn't for me, and then one day realizing that that insistence wasn't based on any actual knowledge, just on hearsay, prejudice, and fear. Not to say this deck is for everyone - we all get to make our own choices after all - but has so much wisdom and knowledge in it. It can also be read purely intuitively, just with the use of color, imagery and numerology. My point is, a powerful lesson I learned myself is that it's important to at least become familiar with something before saying it's not for me, or that it's too complicated. Otherwise all we're doing is internalizing other people's biases and assumptions without using our own critical thinking and intuition.

[@CarrieMallon]

Do you have a source where I can read more about Crowley's method for calculating birth + soul cards? I've tried searching and can only find the specific numerology method introduced by Angeles Arrien here. I assume Crowley had a different method, but again - can't find a lot of details at least upon a quick google search. BTW this book is based on the Thoth deck, it's no secret that this author was influenced by his ideas.

[@sara-g123]

@@CarrieMallon I am reading this book right now; this is how I came across this video. I agree about your comments about the first part of the book relating tarot to symbols/mythology/psychology. I personally think that the more symbols there are in a deck, the easiest is to read by offering several keys for interpretation, and truly becoming “universal” as explained by A. Arrien. The Akron & Hajo Banzhaf’s book, “The Crowley Tarot. The handbook to the cards”, explains how to calculate one’s personal cards (personality, character, growth) according to a method by AC (in the author’s words), which is similar to the way used by Angeles Arrien’s in her book (which I just started reading…). I haven’t read this book yet, so I can only speculate (at the moment), but “777” may have this info (??). But from what I know, the Decan Wheel is a quick reference tool to identify one’s personal cards within a tarot deck. ✌

[@zoharbahir9010]

Brilliant !

[@zoharbahir9010]

This book has been my favourite for over two decades. It was interesting to listen to your take on it. Many thanks.

[@eddiesondangmailcom]

Can I ask a question friend?

[@shelbygivens1648]

Thankyou for taking the time to make this video. I came across it as I am reading this book right now, just started it today and I think it's fantastic. Finally so.ething different

[@deepalichandwani3548]

Hi. Could you suggest me something. I am really keen to know would this book help with time and timeline predictions? I would really appreciate an answer so as to brush up my skills. Thanks

[@heathernewman1820]

I went there for my Masters in Psychology/Counseling with a concentration in Expressive Arts Therapy. California Institute of Integral Studies is a pioneering East/West transpersonal/Jungian orientated Masters and PH.D Programs for counseling/Psychology. Deborah Koff-Chapin creator of Soul Cards often taught as a guest teacher at that time offering touch drawing classes. I have not heard of this book. Interested in checking it out.

[@QuantumBeeWellness]

It's so interesting that Jung's work is coming full circle in recent years, I studied him and his methods in University Psychology classes back in the early 90s and I am seeing it all in a new light lately with his concept of Universal Consciousness. Suddenly it all makes sense since I became a QHHT practitioner (Dolores Cannon), he did a past life regression by accident and contacted the Higher Self or Oversoul. It's a shame he was scared by it and abandoned his work. At least he did write about it in his Red Book.

[@CarrieMallon]

Thank you for sharing, it sounds like a fascinating place!

[@heathernewman1820]

@@QuantumBeeWellness Yes, it's amazing how powerful and rich Jung's work is and continuing to transform and inspire generations of so many people from so many walks of life who are here to share their gifts and live a conscious life. Past life regression on accident as you can imagine at that time must have felt above and beyond. I love that all these conversations are being had and so many divine tools are available to so many is various forms that resonate with that individual. Dolores Cannon's work is very profound and ground breaking. I know a few therapist who trained with her while she was alive. I would have loved the opportunity. This earthly life sure is incredible.

[@heathernewman1820]

@@CarrieMallon I have been really enjoying your videos Carrie. I recently acquired your tarot and look forward to working with it on a deeper level.

[@SilverScale.]

I was already planning on getting this book and your video convinced me to finally get it. :) I used your affiliate link. Interesting to me that this video published on Feb 9 2022, and the book is scheduled to arrive Dec 9, 2023!

[@sheainthecatskills]

Carrie I love your videos SO. MUCH. I bought this book awhile back + couldn’t really even enter it, and I feel like I have a better sense of how to begin to tuck into it. Love your calling in of a “citation politic” (my words…)-giving credit to people, especially women!, whose ideas form the basis of practices so widely used in the tarot community. Appreciating your nuance with respect to what you like and what doesn’t work. I feel like you really model what it is to be a student-to read things closely, reflect, and have your own thoughts + judgements, able to take what works for you without swallowing anything whole. Thank you for all your offer to the tarot community.

[@a_bookish_gemini]

This was so interesting, Carrie - thank you for sharing! One small criticism I wanted to voice.. the background music and the fact that it’s starting and stopping several times throughout the video was really distracting to me. Sorry, just figured I’d share that.

[@tarotandmeditations]

Glad to find a comment mentioning this. Thought something was wrong with my computer because the music is overpowering doesn't sound like it should be there.

[@lauramuditabhavana9044]

My soul and personality cards are also both strength!😀 Really enjoyed this talk, thank you Carrie!

[@weststartarot-Liz]

Thank you for shining a spotlight on this book.. When I decided to tackle the Thoth deck a few years ago I was so put off by the male authors I found writing about that deck, (forget about Crowley I just cannot) and I was really happy to find Angeles’ book. Like you, the Thoth is not for me, but I’m sure glad I came across this book with its intriguing ideas and theories. You’ve inspired me to pull it back out again to revisit.

[@MsPrettyVermin]

This book is not considered a good book with Thoth readers, because the card meaning are awful

[@QuantumBeeWellness]

I have never thought to combine Tarot readings with the therapeutic aspects of my little spiritual business, what an interesting concept! Thank you for sharing this

[@theallisoncompendium]

I first heard of this book from Brian Cormack Cart’s Tarot to the Nines KZbin series. It’s one of his main sources for that series. (Also an excellent tarot numerology resource.) I think he draws from the section on constellations specifically. It’s so great to hear such an in-depth review of a classic tarot book! It’s hard to know what you’re getting before purchasing, so I really appreciate these kinds of reviews. I’d love to hear more about how you intentionally use tarot cards as visual affirmations/to meditate!

[@eddiesondangmailcom]

Can I ask a question friend?

[@marce.munioz]

Than you, Carrie for this video! I have this book, and I have the same feelings, I found it hard to connect with the text. But now that you mentioned these points I will try again and read it! Also, I would be very interested in hear your point of view in that Bardo states concept! I appreciate all your content, you bring so much value to the tarot community, and I really resonate with how you see Tarot. 🙏🏻 Thank you!

[@CarrieMallon]

You're so welcome, I appreciate your kind words!

[@WooWooShop]

I also highly recommend her book Signs of Life: The Five Universal Shapes and How to Use Them, it is so much fun! The Tarot Handbook was my first tarot book and it helped to shape my work in many way. Much love x

[@marialouisawessels3835]

Thank you, i have another book from her and will check the chapters cause I would like to read more about those bardo states.

[@embodiedtarot]

I so appreciate you deep diving into this book. I’ve begun working with it and agree that while there are some issues, it is worth a read given what Arrien put forward. Her take on the tarot has already brought more depth to my practice. Additionally, I agree that the cultural and psychological views are not missing. I believe Arrien was part of CIIS’s anthropology department and not its psychology department. Having gone to the school myself for Somatic Psychology, I can attest to its rigor and credibility, at least in the counseling psychology programs. Along these lines, if you have read any books that take a deeper psychological approach please share! Most of the books that say they take that approach seem more self help to me. Perhaps I just haven’t found these resources yet.

[@msdianawolf]

Thank you for the post. One comment - the background music is too loud. I have a question regarding the growth cycle check sheet - do you know if it is intended to loop back from 2059 - to 1880?

[@amber.cartomancer]

Katey Flowers 💐 sent me🤣😊

[@tarotandmeditations]

Great topic. Sadly can't focus hard enough to hear you through the music.

[@tarotsimbolosdesanacion4589]

What would you opine about tarot reversals?

[@CarrieMallon]

I have a video w/my thoughts on reversals here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mImQfIeQnbeLo9U

[@qwe1231]

Good video, but you misused the term humblebrag. (You just meant brag.) Humblebrag is a putatively self-deprecating statement that actually brags.

[@fruluna1499]

Thank you for this video! You share so much knowledge and inspire me to dive deeper every time!👍 As a foreigner i must really concentrate because of the pace of your speaking, but that wont hurt me:-)

[@CarrieMallon]

You're welcome, thanks for watching! KZbin has captions that are pretty good if that is helpful :)

[@shelbygivens1648]

The esoteric layer in the thoth can be left out and read just like any old boring rws