Finding the Fool

December 5, 2022
Autostraddle columnist Wall debuts with an introspective introduction to tarot card reading, positioning it as a tool for self-discovery. Raised in a hyperreligious family in which “ ‘magic’ was considered a dirty word,” Wall came across tarot in her mid-20s after a bout of depression sent her looking for meaning. What she found was “a sacred tool used by people of all backgrounds... something that anyone could learn.” In explaining the practice, Wall emphasizes interpretative latitude and telling one’s stories within the “cycles and structures” of the cards. First, she discusses each of the Major Arcana (22 tarot archetypes meant to offer insight into major life turning points), assigning each an astrological sign and number. Next, she delves into the Minor Arcana (56 cards that speak to day-to-day lives). Each entry includes guidance for reading the card, and journal prompts to help readers better understand individual signs. Wall’s flexible approach lets readers tailor a tarot practice that works for them; she also foregrounds inclusivity, rendering cards without gendered images and including a list of tarot resources that center marginalized communities. Beginners and experienced tarot readers will welcome the author’s perspective.

Starred review from December 1, 2022

Written from a queer perspective, this book from tarot reader Wall (Instagram's @3am.tarot) invites readers to look past the limitations and exclusions of previous Euro-centric, binary, hetero-normative interpretations of most decks and read tarot from one's own personal story. Using the Fool card (card zero of the Major Arcana) as metaphor and guide, three sections include how to begin to find one's intuitive self, select a deck and establish a relationship to the cards; a generous set of interpretations; and encouragement to keep extending the learnings through exploration of card spreads and further readings. The largest section is the nuanced, inclusive, and fresh interpretations of each of the 78 cards that include key words, planetary/astrological/elemental/numerological correspondences along with journal prompts for those creating a tarot grimoire. Wall rejects the standard hierarchy of Major Arcana import over the Minor pip cards. VERDICT A primer that is also a deep dive, appropriate and inclusive for all persons at all levels of expertise, Wall's book is a likely candidate to join the canon of must-read guides for the serious student of the tarot.--Janet Tapper

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