Tarot And Magic Donald Kraig, Three and a half stars for this too-light book Options

Donald Kraig brought us Modern Magick, a best seller -- unusual in occult books. Where Modern Magick grew to hundreds of pages, Tarot & Magic starts with a strong theme -- and a passion of mine -- and then whittles it down to a mere 160 or so pages. Now, I agree with nearly everything he wrote, but it's just thin, thin, thin. The theory is fine, the practical examples are barely developed.

Never-the-less, there are few enough books that reveal the Tarot as the most powerful tool in a magickian's arsenal, and Kraig deserves cudos for that. Tyson did it as well in Portable Magic (separate review), on a different theme (cards as microcosmic temple, you might say), while Kraig simply uses the cards as a ritual tool (and meditative tool, etc). Of course if you're not so much into western tradition (I go both ways -- magickally speaking) then this book won't be too interesting. Still, it's a nice, light introduction to an area of magick that will grow in importance in our busy and crowded worlds. I practice entirely empty handed or with only Tarot most of the time, and it's very powerful. I just would like to see a "meatier " treatment of this important topic. To Kraig's credit, he's an excellent "teacher."

I have to agree with you. Though I do like The Tarot and the Magus best so far.

Hey Redhand,

I like the SuperTarot site (Paul Hughes-Barlow, the author of Tarot and the Magus http://www.supertarot.co.uk/), but never was able to get a copy of his book used. I've heard it was very good. I guess I'll have to try Alibris (used books).

Hi Mezu,
I'm impressed by Paul Hughes-Barlow's work, and have used his ideas for work with Goetia an Enochian with really good results. Though DMK's is really good for beginning work.
You could probably order it from Amazon The Tarot and the Magus