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Book Review: Tarot and the Journey of the Hero

By: Samuel of Yorkshire

Tarot and the Journey of the Hero
By Hajo Banzhaf
English version copyright 2000 by Samuel Weiser, Inc.
ISBN 0-57863-117-3

Hajo Banzhaf's "Tarot and the Journey of the Hero" is an excellent book worthy of *anyone's* collection. This is a great resource for anyone. From beginner to expert, everyonewillgetsomethingoutofit.Itwillgivea new insight to the major arcana.

According to Banzhaf, the major arcana, when laid out in order, is a symbol for all the heroic epics we grew up with. Each card is a step or phase in that story. They show each step of the way; The hero or heroine grows up, discovers who they are, starts on their quest, finds the goal, and returns home to ascend the throne.

Drawing on sources as diverse as AE Waite, CG Jung, Lao Tzu, The Brothers Grimm, Dante, and The Holy Bible (just to name a few of the sources in his extensive bibliography) And using many full color pictures, Banzhaf's book explains each card, and shows how it is a symbol for where we are in our lives.

Even though I'm only half way through the book, (at the time of this writing) I feel that I've already gotten more than my money's worth out of it.

© 2004 Samuel Wise, know in the Society for Creative Anachronism as Samuel of Yorkshire. Used by permission