from everyday magic / bakara wintner / macmillan
You do not need to learn the tarot because you already know it. It is from this radical jumping off point that WTF Is Tarot breaks down the ancient art of cartomancy. This fresh, accessible and sometimes cheeky guide sheds a holistic light on how the fuck to read tarot, from the foundation of magic itself to understanding those tricky court cards to offering readings to others.
In WTF Is Tarot, author and tarot reader Bakara Wintner unpacks the magic of the Major and Minor Aracana with shamanic wisdom and girl boss wit, illuminating their meaning with thoughtful anecdotes and analogies that reveal how deeply rooted these symbols already are in our everyday lives: we can feel the Moon in a howling barefoot run through Prospect Park, accept the grace of Temperance in falling in love or a divine intervention, “ghost the haters” with the Six of Swords, or identify a fuckboy in the Son of Wands.
WTF is Tarot offers far more than a refreshingly candid tutorial on card reading. Bakara goes on to investigate the magic of crystal healing, chakras, meditation, and other magical practices. This young witch offers not just a guide, but an invitation for even the most mundane Muggles to welcome magic into their lives, and for experienced wizards to rediscover it once again.
Endorsements for WTF is Tarot?
“WTF is Tarot? -- like it's author -- is pure magic. Irreverent, hilarious, full of insight, and deeply moving, it is a brand new take on the Tarot from a fresh voice. Bakara is a true talent, and her vision on all things mystical is both welcome and original. If you're seeking a totally unique, in depth, no nonsense take on the Tarot, look no further than this book.” – Lindsay Mack, Wild Soul Healing
“Bakara’s grounded wisdom is evident as soon as you lay eyes on the first sentence of this book. Instead of explaining tarot as something out of your grasp, she’s able to create associations that are entangled in our everyday life. Cards are transformed into tangible memories and feelings, like the Two of Cups being “the amazing tinder date” or Nine of Pentacales being “cozy as fuck.” This is the book for the person who wants to be real with their readings, who probably curses a lot, and whose unapologetic about the way they approach modern day spirituality. All in all, WTF is Tarot answers that question, along with others, in the way your bff would over a glass (or three) of wine. Bakara’s lighthearted and soulful voice is the perfect guide through the world of tarot.” – Gabriela Herstik, writer of Nylon Magazine's "Ask a Witch” column
“Bakara Wintner is a welcome new voice in the world of tarot. Her book WTF Is Tarot? sparkles with honesty, insight, humor, and a touch of irreverence as it unveils the magick and mystery of this beloved oracle. With wit and intelligence, Wintner explains the cards’ individual meanings and how to understand their significance in the context of a reading. She takes you beyond the superficial and commonplace interpretations found in many books about the tarot and invites you to explore further, deeper, into your own heart of hearts, while encouraging you to trust your intuition, your inner knowing, and the multi-layered wisdom revealed by the cards. Whether you’re a curious newbie or a seasoned tarot reader, this book belongs in your personal library. I look forward to reading more from this talented writer.” – Skye Alexander, author of The Modern Witchcraft Book of Tarot