Putting the Tarot to Work: Creative Problem Solving, Effective Decision Making and Personal Career Planning [Tarot] [Paperback]

This book presents innovative ways of using the Tarot, and it also accomplishes something better than any Tarot book I have read previously: It explains, and in the language spoken therein, how the Tarot is an overlooked yet invaluable tool for use in the modern corporate world.

I realize that most corporate types simply won't encounter this book because they wouldn't be caught dead browsing the metaphysical section of bookstores, but this is a book that you can hand a friend or family member in the business world and say, "Do me a favor and just read the first five chapters." I postulate that most of them that did so would want to read further, but even if they didn't, those initial chapters would alter their perception of what the Tarot is, and to what practical and concrete ends it can be used.

Most bottom line focused corporate managers will be intrigued by the idea of "seventy-eight full time consultants for $12.95." Skeptical or not, studies show that business is waking up to the value of creative brainstorming, something which McElroy demonstrates can be facilitated by the Tarot with the use of the techniques and approaches he describes.

Chapter Two, "Playing for Keeps," includes a section called "Objections - Overruled!" in which McElroy anticipates and diffuses four common objections against bringing Tarot into the office and the boardroom.

* Objection One: You should be working, not playing cards.
* Objection Two: Religion doesn't belong in the workplace
* Objection Three: What will the boss think?
* Objection Four: Won't people think I'm weird?
* Objection Five: We've gotten this far without Tarot cards!

As McElroy concludes this chapter: "By carefully positioning your work with the cards as serious business, you'll be able to incorporate them into your creative process without raising any objections from others."

Chapter Three, "The Least You Should Know About Tarot," is the most concise introduction to and overview of the Tarot I have ever read, and McElroy covers it in fifteen pages! With an assumption that his readers know absolutely nothing about the Tarot, he debunks some of the common Tarot myths and proceeds to clearly delineate the minimum information new users need to know. He does so in practical language completely devoid of metaphysical and esoteric allusions. He calls his approach "no focus on hocus pocus."

Successive chapters include material on phrasing questions, choosing spreads, performing readings, brainstorming with the cards, using the tarot to explore career options, goal setting with the Tarot, analyzing one's professional network, even how to use the Tarot for the dreaded employee review process, - the latter in a way that produces positive feedback for both employees and employers. The book also contains numerous new spreads as well as unique ideas, many of which are illustrated with the author's personal anecdotes from his considerable professional experience.

My only caveat with this book is that it is almost too "slick." As I read, I felt like I could see McElroy in a boardroom doing a PowerPoint presentation, complete with hand-outs and a laser pointer. The style is unabashedly bulleted top-notch marketing, but it is also the very style that just may be effective in creating some new Tarot buffs out of former skeptics and scoffers. Let's ask the bookstores to stock this book in the business self-help section and watch what happens...

This amazing book by Business expert, Mark McElroy, brings the magical world of tarot into the organizational milieu. Practical and inspiring, Mark presents innovative ways to combine the tarot's guidance with down-to-earth decision making and planning. Mark focuses on the everyday world of the average 21st century executive, entrepreuner or organizational team player. Career planning, goal setting, networking, performance reviews, corporation presentations - all can be enhanced with the energy of the Tarot.

In a press release from Llewellyn, the book is introduced as: "Business manager and consultant Mark McElroy has worked and thrived in the corporate pressure cooker. Let him show you the secrets of using the cards to boost your creativity, make better decisions, and increase your value as a boss or employee. Apply this versatile tool today to clarify your values, define your goals, and restore meaning to your career. The cards can even help you to plan productive meetings, breathe new life into dull presentations, and improve business relationships."

Mark's book will appeal to both the beginning and more seasoned tarot reader. He presents a basic overview of the deck to help you get your feet wet, then offers chapters of suggestions of making the meaning come to life - in your business life! I found this book to be both interesting and enlightening. Mark has a gift - and he shares it in a very pragmatic and utility-oriented way.

For instance, if you wish to do a reading to find out ways to get along better with your work colleagues, he suggests you do a regular reading but slant your interpretation of the results in a business way.

Say, you drew the Seven of Coins:

The message: "Preseverance will pay off, you will realize long-term success."

or if you are asking about the upcoming fiscal year

and you draw the Ten of Swords:

"We'll have to work smarter."

Mark also offers some unique spreads, specifically designed for particular business purposes. One example is the Goal Setting spread which represents a "crossroads moment" sort of approach, with six selected cards. Each card in this layout is a "sign post" "Instead of spelling out your future, these cards support exploration of your destination" (pg. 112).

Within this Goal Setting Spread, the six cards each represent a different aspect of the process:

Card 1: What Really Matters?

Card 2: What do You need?

Card 3: Your Ideal Destination.

Card 4: Where are You Now?

Card 5: Short-term Goals.

Card 6: Long-term Goals.

The book is full of exercises like the Goal setting one above. Another example is the "Strength and Opportunities" spread, where the cards represent meanings such as "Key Strength" or "Supporting Strengths" and "Balancing Strategy".

You will love this book if you are looking for a very concrete and balanced way to conjoin the Tarot and mystical with the Practical. Even the price is right - Mark is obviously dedicated to sharing his expertise in a practical and affordable way. You can purchase this fine book either directly from Llewellyn or through Amazon (see details below).

ABOUT THE BOOK AUTHOR:

Mark holds a B.A. and M.A. in creative writing and composition from the Center for Writers at the University of Southern Mississippi. He has more than two decades of experience as a public speaker and corporate trainer. He has written, produced, and hosted classroom, video, and online training for some of America's biggest companies, including SkyTel, MCI, Office Depot, Staples, and many others. Today, he works as a writer, voice actor, and creativity consultant; samples of his work are available at www.hiremark.com and www.tarottools.com.

I'm not a tarot person. I don't tell fortunes. My first reaction to this book was I got a quota to meet. Why waste time with tarot cards?

Still, I picked it up because I'm interested in brainstorming. What I read surprised me. This book is about results and making things happen. The author holds your hand (and attention) every step. If you can't brainstorm with the cards after reading this, you just aren't trying.

And don't worry about the tarot business. This book gives you everything you need. I personally think using tarot makes brainstorming more of a game. When you have more fun you have more ideas. But if you don't like tarot cards, he tells how to use other pictures to do the same thing.

I can see why some tarot types won't like this book. It should have been called Business Brainstorming Games. Its not all about tarot reading. It never tries to be. Instead its a book about using the cards to answer questions faster and map out what to do. Once you try it, you're hooked.

The twenty two ideas in twenty minutes game alone is worth the price. It will give you an edge over people who don't know how to brainstorming with the cards. Buy it now while so few people know about this!!!