Lane Smith’s New Book Brings A Community Perspective to Tarot
I’m an experienced Tarot reader and teacher and I rarely review recently published books about the subject because few have something new to say. That is not the case with Lane Smith’s 78 ACTS OF LIBERATION.
Not only did this book make me re-think everything I knew about the history of Tarot, but it also forced me to question why I was so quick to accept certain narratives over others. That is what I love about this book — how it challenges biases you didn’t know you had about Tarot and about the communities who claim it.
“The main point I want to highlight about the influence of the occultists is that there was a concerted effort to divorce Tarot from its lower-class usage as a divination tool and claim it as the exclusive property of “high magicians” doing ritual work and ceremonial magic within the enclaves of secret societies.” -Lane Smith, 78 ACTS OF LIBERATION
It’s also refreshing to read about Tarot past its pop psychology applications. Smith brings divination back to its roots — as a tool for the oppressed. They position Tarot as a survival trade of the past and present. This reminded me of my mentors, talented and experienced cartomancers who taught because they struggled to pay the rent.
This isn’t primarily a book about card interpretations; it’s about turning outward as much as we turn inward, the meanings we make of larger collective events and community interactions, and how we move from understanding to action. -Lane Smith, 78 ACTS OF LIBERATION
This is the reference book for community-minded tarot readers. Smith’s interpretations of the cards expand the scope past ourselves and onto the greater world. For example: the suit of Wands is typically about our passions. In their interpretation, Smith asks us to think about the following:
“Are there cultural influences and power dynamics in our lives that promote certain passions and not others? Who is served by those priorities?”
“How would I use my energy if I didn’t have to spend so much of it on survival?”
For the suits of Pentacles, typically about material life, they ask us to consider:
“What is being sustained or what do we want to sustain and what is needed, in practical terms, to keep it going?”
“How accessible are the materials, comforts, pleasures, and kinds of work that we find fulfilling?”
Spirituality is not static. Like myths and superstitions, it evolves with the new fears and challenges of the community. The occult is the same. Tarot is the same. This book is not for everyone and Smith recognizes this in their introduction. This book is for tarot readers who are not afraid to see Tarot evolve and serve the new challenges of modern-day life while finally honoring the contributions of oppressed communities who influenced the practice in the first place.
This is a must-read for tarot readers, especially if you read for members of your community in exchange for money. If you set your ego and preconceived notions aside, this book will transform your practice.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you for making it this far. I have a download available: What Every Tarot Card Means in a Money Reading. Perfect for tarot readings regarding business, workplace, or personal finances (for entertainment purposes only, obviously).
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