When we look back at pivotal moments in history, great change always seems to be the aftermath. What so many fail to see is that great change is already upon us and those pivotal moments are actually the anti-climax. What I love about Tarot for Troubled Times, by Shaheen Miro and Theresa Reed, is that it addresses our collective and individual experience through each stage of the journey.
Much like the High Priestess, Reed and Miro have provided us their interpretation of what’s on the scroll in front of her. They have given us the map to the unknown waters behind her. And we’re handed a compass as a bonus.
I mentioned to Mitchell Osborn that I believe this book is one that I expect will fall apart from use. I anticipate it will soon have creases bent for easy access, bindings worn from constant wear, and me grasping at pages as they fall loose. And, of course, so many notes in the margins and highlights for the important bits that at some point I’ll need another copy so that I can continue the work and journey they’ve opened.
If you haven’t already pre-ordered your copy of Tarot for Troubled Times– stop reading this review and get it now. Don’t waste any more time waffling about whether or not you’ve every wanted to know more about shadow work. This book is not only going to give you a roadmap into shadow work (spoiler: it’s more than you thought it was) but the tags about healing yourself and transforming the world – they’re about to take you to places that will transmogrify your interaction with soul, personal connections, relationships, four legged people, the earth beneath your feet, the air on your face, the sip from your cup, and the fire in your belly.
Things I Love About Tarot For Troubled Times
From the very beginning of this book I was taken into a space that altered my conscious state. What I mean is that I was transported into their world. And Miro and Reed do it expertly.
I knew immediately I wasn’t reading another text book, or how-to experience. The organization of the book required me to interact, reflect, and want to grab a deck of cards.
Tarot for Troubled Times is pulled together in such a way that first you’re given a concept. (Very airy) Then you’re engaged in a real-world experience of that concept. (Very earthy) Your then provided something interactive. Often prompts, that get you thinking and wanting to pull cards. It’s inspirational. (Very fiery ) And you’re finally challenged to go deeper into your own personal experiences and desires and emotional responses. (And if trauma appears, they’ve got you covered with support options) Sometimes it’s mindfulness or meditation, other times it’s journal prompts. (Very watery)
Ultimately, what they’ve created is the exploration of our (shadow, certainly) whole spirit, the manifestation of being, and the discovery of the magic of the life we’re creating. And that is intense and heavy my friend. You can read this book and gloss over it. But you’re doing yourself a disservice. TAKE-YOUR-TIME. Or, like me, know you’re going to come back again and again.
Standing On Shoulders
Tarot for Troubled Times is a book that is standing on the shoulders of other seminal works for tarot readers from the 20th century. This book finds it’s place in the tarot canon of the 21st century as a leader and standard bearer.
Tarot is changing. Our times are changing. And our tarot community demands works like this one to take us to the next level for our clientele.
Listen, tarot readers are people too. And our lives are not always governed by flipping a card. We’re impacted by world events, societal pressures, personal relationships, and the intersectionality of our gender, culture, sexuality, and ancestry.
So what do we do to care for ourselves? How do we ensure we’ve put the mask on our face before helping others? Hint: order this book.
If You’re Not A Tarot Reader
If you’re not a tarot reader, the majority of this book is also for you. Take the themes of self discovery, personal introspection and reflection, and choosing self-care, personal healing, and radical change and run with them.
BTW – if you want to hear more about Tarot for Troubled Times in Theresa’s own words – check out Coming Out of the Tarot Closet with Theresa Reed!
I started my own journey with TFTT. It spurred this conversation around queer masculinity.