Book Review: Putting the Tarot to Work
Putting the Tarot to Work: Creative Problem Solving,
Effective Decision Making & Personal Career Planning
by: Mark McElroy
ISBN 0-7387-0444-X
7.5 x 9.2 inches, soft cover
Release Date: February 2004
Price $16.95
This brand new book by Business expert, Mark McElroy, brings the magical world of tarot into the organizational milieu. Practical and inspiring, Mark presents innovative ways to combine the tarot's guidance with down-to-earth decision making and planning. Mark focuses on the everyday world of the average 21st century executive, entrepreuner or organizational team player. Career planning, goal setting, networking, performance reviews, corporation presentations - all can be enhanced with the energy of the Tarot. In the recent press release from Llewellyn, the book is introduced as: "Business manager and consultant Mark McElroy has worked and thrived in the corporate pressure cooker. Let him show you the secrets of using the cards to boost your creativity, make better decisions, and increase your value as a boss or employee. Apply this versatile tool today to clarify your values, define your goals, and restore meaning to your career. The cards can even help you to plan productive meetings, breathe new life into dull presentations, and improve business relationships."
Mark's book will appeal to both the beginning and more seasoned tarot reader. He presents a basic overview of the deck to help you get your feet wet, then offers chapters of suggestions of making the meaning come to life - in your business life! I found this book to be both interesting and enlightening. Mark has a gift - and he shares it in a very pragmatic and utility-oriented way.
For instance, if you wish to do a reading to find out ways to get along better with your work colleagues, he suggests you do a regular reading but slant your interpretation of the results in a business way.
Say, you drew the Seven of Coins:
The message: "Preseverance will pay off, you will realize long-term success."
or if you are asking about the upcoming fiscal year
and you draw the Ten of Swords:
"We'll have to work smarter."
Mark also offers some unique spreads, specifically designed for particular business purposes. One example is the Goal Setting spread which represents a "crossroads moment" sort of approach, with six selected cards. Each card in this layout is a "sign post" "Instead of spelling out your future, these cards support exploration of your destination" (pg. 112).
Within this Goal Setting Spread, the six cards each represent a different aspect of the process:
- Card 1: What Really Matters?
- Card 2: What do You need?
- Card 3: Your Ideal Destination.
- Card 4: Where are You Now?
- Card 5: Short-term Goals.
- Card 6: Long-term Goals.
The book is full of exercises like the Goal setting one above. Another example is the "Strength and Opportunities" spread, where the cards represent meanings such as "Key Strength" or "Supporting Strengths" and "Balancing Strategy".
You will love this book if you are looking for a very concrete and balanced way to conjoin the Tarot and mystical with the Practical. Even the price is right - Mark is obviously dedicated to sharing his expertise in a practical and affordable way. You can purchase this fine book either directly from Llewellyn or through Amazon (see details below).
ABOUT THE BOOK AUTHOR:
Mark holds a B.A. and M.A. in creative writing and composition from the Center for Writers at the University of Southern Mississippi. He has more than two decades of experience as a public speaker and corporate trainer. He has written, produced, and hosted classroom, video, and online training for some of America's biggest companies, including SkyTel, MCI, Office Depot, Staples, and many others. Today, he works as a writer, voice actor, and creativity consultant; samples of his work are available at www.hiremark.com and www.tarottools.com.
Direct from Llewellyn at: https://www.llewellyn.com/bookstore/book.php?pn=J444
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