Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom

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The bestselling tarot classic in a new edition with a new preface by the author.

“Whenever I have a question about tarot, I reach for 78 Degrees of Wisdom. It is the most in-depth exploration of tarot and my most trusted resource. If you want to learn tarot, you’ll want 78 Degrees on your bookshelf too. It’s the gold standard in tarot.” —Theresa Reed, author of Tarot No Questions Asked

"What is your favorite tarot book? The answer is always 78 Degrees of Wisdom."—Melissa Cynova, author of Kitchen Table Tarot

“Essential reading for the beginner and a classic that tarot masters will return to time and time again, this is the book to have in your library.”—Benebell Wen, author of Holistic Tarot

When it was first published nearly 40-years-ago, Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom was an instant classic and inspired generations of tarot students. Often referred to as the "bible of tarot books" it has now helped to launch the "tarot renaissance" we're seeing today. Drawing on mythology and esoteric traditions and delving deeply into the symbolism and ideas of each card, the book offers a modern psychological interpretation of the tarot archetypes rather than a system of esoteric symbolism.

This book provides:

A concise history of tarot
An introduction to common tarot spreads
A clear and endlessly useful reference for both beginning and advanced tarot students

Review

"What is your favorite tarot book? The answer is always 78 Degrees of Wisdom. It was the third tarot book I read but the first to speak my language so I could understand those ideas that previously were right outside of my grasp. The tarot was a tool, and it fit in my hand. This book taught me how to use it and I am forever grateful to Rachel Pollack for making this accessible, brilliant guide to my future." -- Melissa Cynova, author of Kitchen Table Tarot -- Melissa Cynova

"An inspiration to Tarot readers for 40 years, this is still the all-time best book for exploring both the deeper symbolism and practical meanings of the Major and Minor Arcana. I encourage you to turn to 78 Degrees of Wisdom to learn to read with and interpret the images of the Rider-Waite Tarot or, indeed, any deck." -- Mary K. Greer, author of Tarot for Your Self -- Mary K. Greer

“Rachel Pollack’s writings were the beacon that led me towards a deeper, more nuanced relationship with my tarot cards. As a new learner, this book in particular demystified a deck of cards I knew I loved, but had no idea how to really ‘reach’. Later as I grew as a tarot reader, Rachel’s ideas provided a sturdy springboard for my own personal approach to tarot and I still regularly turn to my tattered copy for inspiration and insight. I lovingly recommend this book to everyone who is serious about learning tarot.”— Beth Maiden, Little Red Tarot

-- Beth Maiden

“Whenever I have a question about tarot, I reach for 78 Degrees of Wisdom. It is the most in-depth exploration of tarot and my most trusted resource. I’m delighted and grateful for this new edition because my old one has completely fallen apart from so much use. No doubt this one will soon become dog-eared as well. If you want to learn tarot, you’ll want 78 Degrees on your bookshelf too. It’s the gold standard in tarot.” — Theresa Reed, author of The Tarot Coloring Book and co-author of Tarot For Troubled Times

-- Theresa Reed

" 78 Degrees of Wisdom holds a very special place in my heart and was very influential in shaping my relationship with tarot. The wisdom from Rachel’s words still weaves through my work with the cards, even after three decades. Anyone interested in learning tarot can’t go wrong including this book in their reading list. Her words will stick with you and help create a strong foundation, no matter where your tarot journey takes you.” — Barbara Moore, creator of Steampunk Tarot

-- Barbara Moore

“Rachel Pollack Is a world authority of the contemporary Tarot – and a role model for the deliberate, open-minded, encouraging, and essentially life-discovering and self-helping use of the cards. I love her books in which she discloses, too, how her ‘tarot wisdom’ developed, changed and amended over more than 40 years now. The basic things for me is her personal integrity. She is dedicated to human growth and – wow -- she walks the talk. My best congrats and my warm thanks, Rachel!” — Johannes Fiebig, Germany, publisher AGM / Koenigsfurt-Urania, co-author of The Ultimate Guide to the Rider Waite Tarot

-- Johannes Fiebig

“First published in two volumes, in 1980 and 1983, Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom is one of those rare groundbreaking works that changed the way that people look at the Tarot. Pollack helped to redefine the Tarot, transforming it from simply a tool for fortune-telling to one that outlines a path for spiritual development.” — Robert M. Place, author of The Tarot, History, Symbolism, and Divination, and creator of The Alchemical Tarot and The Tarot of the Sevenfold Mystery

-- Robert M. Place

About the Author

Rachel Pollack is considered one of the world’s foremost authorities on the modern interpretation of the tarot. She is a member of the American Tarot Association, the International Tarot Society, and the Tarot Guild of Australia, and has taught at the Omega Institute for fifteen years. She is an award-winning fiction writer and has also written twelve books on the tarot. She lives in New York.

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