Tarot and Psychology : Spectrums of Possibility (ISBN 1557787840)

New insights for both psychologists and Tarotists:
This is a book that challenges the thinking of both practicing clinical psychologist and practicing Tarot readers. The primary audience is the clinician, but that does not mean that the advanced student and practitioner of Tarot is left out, far from it. There are three main sections of the book: The Tarot of Psychology, The Psychology of Tarot and Empirical Studies, so there is something for both disciplines. The first section, The Tarot of Psychology, introduces the clinician to the world of Tarot's archetypal images. This is where this book distinguishes itself from other books that seek to connect Tarot and psychology. Most of these other works give a brief introduction to Jung's theory of Archetypes and then go on to be fairly pedestrian descriptions of the Major Arcana of Tarot. Unlike its rivals, this work is based on solid clinical training and the author's own extensive research and practical clinical experience. In the second section, The Psychology of Tarot, the clinician is not forgotten, but the emphasis here is more toward exposing the student of Tarot to the deeper psychological meanings in the cards. Dr. Rosengarten does an excellent job here of leading the non-specialist, non-clinician into the often confusing world of psychology. For example, an error often made by dilettantes who attempt to show the psychological meaning of Tarot is to equate it to the TAT or Rorschach tests. Dr. Rosengarten quite correctly states that Tarot is not at all like these tests, which, being extrinsic, that is, being themselves meaningless, are in no way related to the Tarot, with its deep symbolic and archetypal meanings. This second section is also where we see the reason for the subtitle, "Spectrums of Possibility". The author has developed a Spectrum of Possibility for each card in the Tarot deck. These spectra are not the cut and dried "card meanings" found in the Little White Books that come with decks of Tarot cards, but rich shades of psychological meaning. Appendix A of the book provides the spectra for the entire 78 card Tarot deck. The final section of the book is Empirical Studies. The first chapter of this section alone is almost worth the price of the book. This chapter is entitled simply, "Synchronicity". In less than a score of pages, the author explains the Jungian Theory of Synchronicity, that is, the notion of acausality. This is the most lucid and uncomplicated exposition of this important and oft misunderstood subject. The main part of these Empirical Studies come from the Tarot Research Project, a rigorously scientific study of the use of Tarot in clinical studies of both victims and perpetrators of domestic violence. As both a serious Tarotist and scientist, this reviewer found this section fascinating. Appendix B summarizes composite Tarot spreads from the perpetrator's and victim's readings into a "Dialog". Finally there is an extensive Bibliography to supplement the end-chapter references and a very good index. This is a "must read" for clinicians who are looking for new approaches to old problems and for Tarotists looking for a work with more depth and meaning than yet another description of the archetypal images of the Major Arcana. DISCLAIMER: This reviewer has, for some time, been a student of both Dr. Rosengarten and Forward author Lon Milo DuQuette.

Complex and rewarding......:
TAROT AND PSYCHOLOGY: Spectrums of Possibility, by Arthur Rosengarten, is a complex but well-written book. Rosengarten is a Jungian psychologist who has written a book primarily for fellow clinicians. However, Tarot readers of any persuasion will probably find the book informative and interesting. Rosengarten suggests psychoanalysis is based more on art than science, and as an art form Tarot can play a role. He says his method involving the use of Tarot cards is both effective and pragmatic. In his own practice, he has found Tarot can play a role in facilitating quality ananysis within time constraints (managed care). To support his claims of the effectiveness of his methods, he presents the results of some empirical work he conducted using Tarot with a purposive sample of adults in domestic violence treatment programs. He says his work can be replicated and is thus subject to empirical review. Either Rosengarten's writing is incredibly clear, or I was in the right place at the right time, or both, but based on my reading of this book, I think I may finally understand what Jung meant by synchronicity. Rosengarten suggests each of the Tarot cards has a spectrum of meanings and that each of these meanings is augmented when viewed in conjunction with other cards (and their meanings) in a particular spread. The synchronic view contrasts with a linear interpretation of the Major Arcana of the Tarot cards which some see as representative of the stages of personality development or journey of the soul. As nearly as I can tell, Rosengarten is suggesting that when one engages in a Tarot reading, a "higher power" takes over and a path to enlightment is opened. Having experienced the Transcendent I have to agree with him. However, whether your view is diachronic or synchronic I think you will find Rosengarten's book intriguing.

Doctor Rosengarten Advises Use of Tarot in Counseling:
I purchased this book and somehow had overlooked the fact that Ph.D was behind his name. I was so surprised to find a Tarot book that delves so deeply into the many uses of Tarot and that a psychologist would recommend them!! One of the most impressive comments I must make regarding this book is how easy it was to read. I have found in the past, that when one reads a book by a doctor, that they tend to use "big" words to prove they are educated enough to hold a degree. Dr. Rosengarten, however, does not. Each card is explained in full details but not so much as a card, but as a possibility for growth and needs. But if you are a professional reader and want to truly be able to go beyond predictive tarot readings, I suggest this book as your first purchase.

Revealing New Vistas:
With scant few exceptions, the Tarot's inherent ability as a powerful and practical tool in the psychotherapeutic realm has gone on relatively unrecognized in the publishing world. Rarer still is a work devoted specifically and solely to this fascinating topic. So the publication of Tarot and Psychology: Spectrums of Possibility by Arthur Rosengarten, Ph.D. (Paragon House/2000) is an unquestionably notable event. Happily, Dr. Rosengarten has provided us with a work marked by characteristics uncommon in any genre. His always-engaging text sparkles throughout with great humanity, warm humor, and profound depth. Furthermore, impressive research findings and extremely sane argument support his what-might-be-considered controversial use of the Tarot selectively in the therapeutic setting. Tarot and Psychology will be of equal value to the Tarot professional seeking wider horizons in which to assist clients, and the psychotherapist open to new techniques with the same valiant goal. With admirable eloquence, the author's thought-provoking approach reveals the significant and even sacred connection between these superficially-divergent subjects. In the role of Virgil-like guide, Dr. Rosengarten leads the reader on an awe-inspiring journey through the portal between the two and into an underground composed of the psyche, heart, and soul. For those daring enough to accept this challenge, the potential rewards are wondrous indeed. -Michael Orlando Yaccarino, Certified Professional Tarot Reader

Great for added depth of Tarot:
I enjoyed this book, the Author has a unique way in incorporating tarot into the psychology filed, I recommend this book to anyone that is interesting in studying tarot in an in depth way.