[.ca] The Buddha Tarot Companion: A Mandala of Cards (ISBN 1567185290)

Excellent companion to a fascinating Tarot deck.:
Robert M. Place is a treasure -- an artist who has thought long and seriously about the Tarot and has developed several excellent Tarot decks. Philosophically they are always conceptually novel and well thought-out. Artistically, I find his work unspectacular but certainly pleasing and uncluttered, never drawing attention away from the symbology featured on each card. If you have his Buddha Tarot deck or are thinking of purchasing it, by all means buy this book, too. As with his terrific companion book to his "Tarot of the Saints" deck, he goes beyond merely providing interpretational keys for each card. Relating each card not only to the other cards in the deck but also to Tarot symbology of the past as well as Buddhistic philosophy, Place weaves a fascinating tale for each card and provides fertile soil to further enrich your own readings. Rarely does a Tarotist find a modern Tarot deck with such a wealth of interpretational background. Aside from its obvious value to anyone who owns the Buddha Tarot, it can also be used as an excellent introduction to the concepts of Buddhism. Here's hoping Place continues to find inspiring concepts for new Tarot decks. In an age when so many decks seem to favor style or "warm and fuzzies" over substance, his intelligence and thoughtfulness should be highly valued.