This is the story of a remarkable method of reading the Tarot cards, created by a remarkable man¿John McClimans. We hope you will find, as we have, that this system brings a clarity and power to the cards that have eluded all too many would-be readers.

In Gestalt Tarot, the reader¿s job is to ask questions, listen carefully, and lead the seeker or client in simple exercises that help them discover their own answers. The reader is a guide or facilitator, rather than a psychic or advisor. He or she does not memorize official meanings for each card and repeat them to the seeker; each card means whatever the seeker thinks it does. Because the insights of the reading are discovered and owned by the seeker, they are highly personal, immediately relevant, and very empowering.

Amber first learned Gestalt Tarot during her studies at the Temple of the Pagan Way in Chicago. Her teachers, who declined the temptation to adopt impressive titles and secret Craft names, were called Dave and Ginny. They freely shared their knowledge and skills; and this particular skill they credited to the creative mind of one of their teachers, John McClimans.

Amber fell in love with Gestalt Tarot. She had never felt comfortable with the stiff, wooden recital of card meanings memorized from a book (¿You will meet a tall authoritative man [with a sword and scepter?] who will bring you a message . . .¿). Nor did she like relying on my psychic skills for the interpretations (¿I sense victory in your future, I think, or someone¿s future anyway, at least it feels like victor . . .¿). Here is a method that draws its truths from the querent¿s own mind, and empowers the querent in doing so.

Enthusiastically she began spreading the word, teaching her own students the method as she understood it. But as she taught she was conscious of a certain uneasiness about the accuracy and purity of what she was transmitting. The technique was passed from John to Ginny and Dave to Amber pretty much by word of mouth, and she had no way to know if she was unintentionally straying from the original system.

John McClimans had moved to California before Amber had a chance to meet him. Several years after she had learned Gestalt Tarot, they finally connected. Amber thanked him profusely for inventing the system and suggested that he write it down and publish a book, so it wouldn¿t be lost or corrupted. His reply startled her a bit: ¿Well, suppose you write it?¿ Since he didn¿t want to, Amber decided to consider that option and promptly put it on the back burner with a bevy of other book ideas.

A few years after that conversation, John was no longer with us. Now we feel a certain obligation to honor his memory and preserve a fascinating technique by sharing this book with the world¿or at least those Tarot aficionados who will appreciate it. We hope we have recorded the technique with a depth and accuracy John would have approved.

What will you find in this book? First, a little of the history of Tarot in general, insofar as it is known or guessed. Then we will begin exploring the Gestalt system of reading, and alternative ways in which the cards can be interpreted. Both a full Gestalt spread (the pattern in which the cards are laid out) and a short version are shown. A step-by-step reading method is provided, and two sample readings to give you a feel for how the technique works in practice. Then a selection of different spreads are shown that can be used with the Gestalt method or any other.

Following this, we will offer some practical suggestions for anyone who may wish to read professionally, including a look at some of the more challenging kinds of clients you may encounter.

The next section provides some helpful tools for those who teach Tarot. You may not be teaching now, but may be asked to lead a class someday, once you have gained some experience. The final major chapter explains ways that you can use Tarot cards in magick for healing, personal growth, and other positive goals.

Gestalt Tarot is a powerful tool for those who value deep knowledge, self-understanding, and personal growth. It is a window into our subjective present and potential futures. On behalf of John McClimans and those who have shared it throughout the Tarot world, we offer you this gift.

Amber K is an ordained High Priestess of the Wiccan faith. She was initiated at the Temple of the Pagan Way in Chicago and served on the Council of Elders there. Her writings on magick and the Craft have been circulated in the United States and Europe and in the past several years she has traveled widely teaching the Craft. Currently she works with The Re-Formed Congregation of the Goddess, and serves as High Priestess of Our Lady of the Woods, a national Wiccan ministry and resource center.