Overview: A Critical Introduction to Tarot: Examining the Nature of a Belief in Tarot by author Simon Kenny presents Tarot to the incredulous and curious, and those who wish to know the basis for its continued cultural relevance.

Verdict: How does Tarot work? Why is it so popular today? Is it just for fortune tellers?

Tarot has seen a recent uptick in interest that warrants explanation. This book, however, is not another take on the cards’ meanings and how to read them. Instead, independent researcher Simon Kenny presents Tarot to the incredulous and curious and those who wish to know the basis for its continued cultural relevance.

Indeed, A Critical Introduction to Tarot explains the practice in its historical and metaphysical contexts, and investigates its supporting belief structures, from witchcraft and magical practices to popular psychology.

Throughout these pages, connections to politics, philosophy, psychology, numerology, astrology, Freemasonry, statistics, interpretative symbolism, self-help, social media -- even the nature of truth itself -- are explored.

As long as I have ever known, or understood, belief in tarot and palm reading can be attributed to various psychological factors. One factor is the human tendency to seek meaning and patterns in random or ambiguous information, known as the illusion of control. Thus, people may turn to tarot and palm reading as a way to gain a sense of control or understanding in uncertain situations.

Additionally, belief in these practices may stem from a desire for guidance or reassurance. Individuals often seek answers to life’s questions and may find comfort in the idea of receiving insights from these mystical practices.

Cultural and social influences also play a role. If tarot and palm reading are widely accepted within a person’s community or culture, they may be more likely to believe in their validity.

Therefore, it is highly important to note that belief in these practices varies widely among individuals and is influenced by personal experiences, upbringing, and individual psychological traits.

That said, A Critical Introduction to Tarot: Examining the Nature of a Belief in Tarot explains, and in some most wondrous, impassioned prose, how the Tarot came about and, moreover, how it got itself attached to the meanings of the Major and Minor Arcanas.

As we know, people believe in tarot cards for a variety of reasons. For some, it provides a sense of guidance or insight into their lives. Others see it as a tool for self-reflection and introspection. Additionally, some people find comfort in the ritual and symbolism associated with tarot readings.

So what author Simon Kenny cleverly sets out to do here is not just focus on Tarot cards, as a whole, but moreover wholly embraces a much wider, greater sense of a magical thinking within us all. A great overview for practitioners, skeptics and just those curiously interested, the book is a brilliant read from start to finish, and one that seamlessly weaves in an historical element that resides behind each and every one of the related practices.

In conclusion, A Critical Introduction to Tarot: Examining the Nature of a Belief in Tarot is a highly accessible read aimed at demystifying Tarot for those unfamiliar with its magical, occult roots and growing use as a personal development tool.

About the Author - Simon Kenny is an author, technologist and educator whose work combines probing questions with technical thinking. As a writer on the topics of spirituality and belief, he brings a keen awareness of philosophy and contemporary politics to his experience of spiritual and religious life.

Now a ‘non-believer’, it is his life’s mission to understand the colorful forms that personal convictions often take. He does this with a grounding in the ceaseless autodidactic study that has become the cornerstone of an examined life. Simon is based in Galway, Ireland.

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