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The Magical World of the Tarot: Fourfold Mirror of the Universe
By Gareth Knight. ISBN 0—87728-873—9. Samuel Weiser, Inc., Box 616, York Beach, ME 03910-0612. 210 Pp., 1996. Index, illustrated, bibliography. $14.95.
Reviewed by Ray Yates
Those wishing to embark upon the path of the Tarot, whether for divination or spiritual development, are often bombarded and completely overwhelmed by the vast amount of available literature. With the coming of the Age of Aquarius, more and more people find themselves attracted to the occult arts. And with the market literally saturated with hundreds of books on the subject, a novice may wonder where to begin. The answer lies in Gareth Knight's splendid new book, Magical World of the Tarot: Fourfold Mirror of the Universe.
Knight, drawing on his encyclopedic knowledge of the subject, animates the Tarot with brilliant imagery and profound wisdom. He provides a comprehensive and immensely enjoyable introduction to the evolution of the Tarot deck over the last half millennium. Along the way he leads the reader through simple and easy to follow exercises, encouraging the development of a personal relationship with each card. While such a concept may at first seem strange, Knight insists that "it is important to relate to the Tarot in a person to person way." Once this relationship has been established, he writes, "the Tarot is like a wise advisor."
Although Knight has developed his own Tarot deck, he does not use this book to promote it. He recommends instead that novices use the popular Marseilles cards, a traditional deck based on medieval motifs. Knight's deck, on the other hand, is more esoteric and may confuse beginners. He suggests that each individual work with the deck that best suits him.
With a deft touch and an engaging style, Knight carefully explains the three basic steps involved in making a spread: selection of the cards; their arrangement in a significant pattern; and the use of extra cards to amplify or resolve difficult points. Students have the option of constructing their own personal spread or modifying one of the more widely-used traditional spreads.
Knight leads the student through a simple three-card Trump spread before proceeding to A. E. Waite's popular Celtic Cross, a ten-card spread first described in 1910 that has "stood the test of time." He clearly illustrates that the use of more cards in a spread provides a more accurate reading. With this in mind, he demonstrates a spread that uses the entire deck. He concludes with a unique 21-card spread that he finds "accurate and very useful."
One particular feature sets this book apart from similar titles: the question and answer sections at the end of each lesson. With clarity and grace, Knight answers pertinent questions raised by students of his acclaimed Tarot course. Beginners will find these amplifications particularly useful.
In the final analysis, Magical World of the Tarot represents an outstanding guide for the novice.
Readers will emerge with a deeper understanding of the path to spiritual illumination, coupled with practical instructions for providing Tarot readings for others. In short, Knight provides a valuable tool — a key to unlock the secret treasures of esoteric wisdom. | 
