A Keeper of Words: Accompanying Book to Legend: The Arthurian Tarot (book only) - Softcover

Ferguson, Anna-Marie

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1567182666 ISBN 13: 9781567182668

Publisher: Llewellyn Publications, 2003

Synopsis

There are actually several myths associated with King Arthur. Perhaps you have in mind the beautiful lords and ladies of the round table. Or maybe you think of the Quest for the Holy Grail. Perhaps you think of the early Celtic legends about him. Whatever you associate with the stories that surround this legendary king, you are sure to agree that these myths have fascinated Westerners for up to 1500 years.

The Tarot has been popular for only half that time, but it, too, has caught the fascination of people in the West. Now you can see how easily these two spiritual paths can be combined thanks to Anna-Marie Ferguson's A Keeper of Words.

Although designed to accompany and enhance her Legend Tarot deck (available separately), this book is also a great way to get to the core of both the Arthurian myths and legends and the Tarot. The book is based upon Ferguson's amazing seventy-eight watercolor Legend illustrations (all are reproduced here in black-and-white). Each of the Tarot cards is associated with an event or person in the Arthurian legends. By combining the two you will have a new perspective on the Tarot and a deeper understanding of the mythic symbolism of the tales of King Arthur.

For example, the book associates the Major Arcana card the Hierophant with Taliesin. The image shows Taliesin introducing children to "his lady," the harp. You will learn that Taliesin encourages questions from all and fosters their creative, artistic talents. Thus, the meaning of the card is "A person with experience he or she is willing to share. An authority. A kind and generous mentor who nurtures spiritual awareness." Reversed it means "Rigid thinking with no room for growth."

The description and symbolism for this and all seventy-eight images, as well as the meanings of the images in a Tarot reading, go into far more detail. In this way your readings become deeper, more intuitive and multilayered.

For anyone interested in the Tarot (especially the Legend Tarot), or King Arthur, this book is a must.

About this title

From the Publisher:

I think it is important to keep learning. But some subjects seem to have a finite amount you can learn about them. For example, the Tarot. If you learn the meanings of the cards and lots of spreads and you may think you've got it.

Humans are creative and continue to find inspiring, new ways of looking at the Tarot. In this way a person's understanding of the cards can continue to expand.

In A Keeper of Words, Anna-Marie Ferguson actually brings something old to the cards: the Arthurian legends. She created images for each of the seventy-eight Tarot cards (you can get her deck that is the focus of this book, Legend: The Arthurian Tarot, separately). Each image is a scene or character from the Arthurian myths. These images (reproduced in the book in black-and-white) can add to your knowledge of the ancient legends as they deepen your interpretive understandings of the Tarot.

The book has everything you need: An introduction to Tarot cards; an introduction to the Arthurian legends; and instructions on how to read the cards with three spreads and a sample reading. Then it examines each and every one of the Legend deck images.

For each one you will discover the meaning of the card (both upright and reversed) as well as a description of her watercolor painting and the meaning of the symbolism. By learning from the symbolism of the card you will find that your interpretation of the Tarot becomes even better and your appreciation and understanding of the Arthurian legends will grow.

If you have an interest in either the Tarot or legends of Camelot and Arthur, this book is a must. Linked together in this book, they can increase not just your knowledge, but your wisdom in both areas. Your Tarot readings will be better, Your understanding of Arthurian symbols and archetypes will be more instinctive, and you will find guidance in the wisdom of these two great spiritual systems. Pick up your copy today!

About the Author:

Anna-Marie Ferguson, a Scorpio, was born November 10, 1966, in the heart of the New Forest, Hampshire, England. When she was ten years old her family emigrated to rural Alberta, Canada. Anna returned to England in 1982 to undergo training in graphic design. She eventually returned to Alberta, where she continued a career in design, devoting her spare time to developing her illustrating skills, ably assisted by her three cats.

Anna's fascination with Celtic legends and the Tarot began when she was a child in England. The atmosphere of the New Forest was steeped in history, and faithful readings of the legends cultivated an appreciation of "the romantic" in Anna. Such formative influences have inspired Anna to keep this bygone age alive through her art.

About this edition

• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 1567182666
• ISBN 13: 9781567182668
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 276