Rachel Pollack
Starting out with her Tarot books . . .
As promised in yesterday’s post, I’m writing a series of Daily Notes that will shed a small amount of light on a very big topic: Rachel Pollack’s work.
In case there are any readers not familiar with her exceptional contributions to the study of Tarot, here’s an inadequate summary.
Rachel’s signature work, 78 Degrees of Wisdom, was first published as a complete volume in 1983. Since that time, it has stayed near the top of every Tarot book list in both sales and influence. When I checked Amazon today, the most recent edition (revised and expanded in 2019) ranked #4 in Magical Studies (Books) and #10 in Tarot—a category that combines decks and books. This edition has 3,119 global ratings so far, 86% of which give five stars. There is an audiobook as well, along with a Kindle version.
The clarity and depth of 78 Degrees have made it the best known of Rachel’s Tarot books. But two others are equally important. In Tarot Wisdom: Spiritual Teachings and Deeper Meanings (2008), she shares a generous array of personal experiences and insights, and in Forest of Souls: A Walk Through the Tarot (2002) she illuminates many aspects of Tarot in relation to the Tree of Life metaphor. It’s great good fortune that a revised and expanded version of the latter work is forthcoming this year, under the title A Walk Through the Forest of Souls: A Tarot Journey to Spiritual Awakening. It’s available for preorder now.
One other work that deserves special mention is Rachel’s companion set (Major and Minor Arcanas) for the amazing Haindl Tarot—published in 1990, revised in 2002. Her explications of each image reflect a startling breadth of knowledge, and depth of insight. Years before, in 1985, she had written the classic book that accompanies the Salvador Dali Tarot.
Rachel’s interest in the realm of art and myth has extended to the larger contexts of Tarot, in explorations like The Body of the Goddess (1997), The Power of Ritual (2000) and Seeker (2005). Beyond her own books, she has provided substantive introductions and commentaries for the works of others—among them, an edition of recently rediscovered Major Arcana paintings by Surrealist Leonora Carrington.
Rachel Pollack’s brilliant career has been all about storytelling, in both fiction and nonfiction. So tomorrow’s note will focus on her novels and short stories. Followed by a look at her extraordinary impact on the world of comics.
Til then, C
So glad you are covering this milestone moment Cynthia. I can’t imagine the Tarot-sphere without Rachel’s presence. Thank you.