Tarot in Motion, A Handbook to Embody Wisdom through the Cards by Miriam Jacobs is an insightful and delightful, informative guide to combining the meanings of the 78 cards with movements in the body. Actually, her book offers much more than Tarot wisdom even though the cards and their links with the body are its primary focus. Miriam offers useful information on chakras and gives Tarot/astrological references. She gives precise tools to communicate with our inner self and invoke our spirit of play and increase our magical mojo.
Miriam empowers the reader to discover ways to get physically involved and experience the cards through dance, music, art, yoga, ceremonies, rituals, holidays, and much more. Here’s one example: Her discussion on the pagan holiday, Imbolc, that occurs February 1, includes details on its historic background. She states, “early Christians knew Imbolc as St. Bridgit’s Day for the saint associated with fertility. It was also called Candlemas, from fourth-century Greece, when candles were lit to symbolize the return of light…” For this ancient holiday she also offers an intention (perhaps to repeat or revise for your own benefit), questions to ask yourself to connect with the meaning of Imbolc, special material to bring (to your celebration of this holiday), and offers other possibilities. Her one suggestion that I most want to follow advises, “Include playfulness in your dances to connect with the maiden within.” This is especially relevant to my life as I’ve given up the custom of jumping over the candle flame to heat my inner fire of fertility (an old Celtic ritual that I followed in my youth.)
Mostly, while reading Miriam’s book, you’ll be guided on a remarkable journey to connect with the cards in a personal way. Her interpretations are rich with meaning, and she gives demonstration spreads traditionally known for giving insight.
I recommend her thought provoking book and her many exercises to help you discover a new entrance into the world of the Tarot. Importantly, Miriam Jacob’s Tarot in Motion can give you a personal sense of the Tarot that can only be experienced within your body. Of course, there’s more good things I can say about her book, but I’ve got to pull a card now, and dance, dance, dance.
Review by Kooch, author, reader, & Tarot junkie
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