Unlocking the Tarot: Create Your Own Keys by Lisa Papez
out Tuesday, October 8th 2024
I was first introduced to Lisa Papez the way most of us were: through the realm of TarotTube (the YouTube Tarot Community). I was first getting my footing when it came to learning to read tarot for myself, and with that came the wide world of tarot deck collecting. It dawned on me one day that there MUST be videos or pictures up to get a closer look at decks before I bought them, which led me to one of Lisa’s magnificent walkthroughs. Before I knew it, I was about 15 videos deep purely watching for the enjoyment of Lisa’s enthusiasm and curiosity when it came to the many different ways we can interpret the tarot. It will be no surprise to hear that it is a true and utter honor to be able to review Lisa’s first published book all these years later!
Unlocking the Tarot is a beginner-friendly tarot book that aims to give a unique perspective around the idea that the meaning of each card in the tarot can be encapsulated through one keyword. In this book, we are taken card-by-card first through the major arcana and then through the numbered minors. For each of these cards, Lisa guides the reader through her own process of selecting a keyword while also providing us with two to three more possibilities if her own choice doesn’t personally align. We are also given an insight into how Lisa interprets the cards through the assigned keyword. The court cards are singled out following the rest of the cards to offer a bit of a different method- relating a pop culture figure and a sliding scale between two opposing keywords rather than just one. This allows us to see the courts through a lens of duality rather than trying to box them in with one trait.
Along with this keyword method, Lisa also takes the reader through some concepts I previously personally found a bit hard to grasp all at once: elemental and numerological associations. At the end of each section, we are also offered a series of spread possibilities to further explore all we have learned. All of these elements put together create the recipe for what I believe is the perfect book for both beginners and those of us who may be a bit more seasoned.
The way Lisa can provide us, as readers, with so much information within one book, while still remaining cohesive and approachable, is a true testament to her skill and knowledge. What I have always admired about Lisa is her adventurous nature. Her willingness to try new things and create discussion around tarot always makes us as the viewer feel like peers rather than strictly students. I think, at least in the realm of tarot, this is such an enriching approach. It shows us that no step we take is a wrong step, and that no matter what there’s always farther to go. If you’re familiar with Lisa through YouTube, you can expect your reading experience to feel just like you’re watching one of her videos. The conversational style in which Lisa writes makes this book completely approachable, and honestly just downright fun!
Now, this is usually the part of a book review in which I share any dislikes I may have had. Honestly though, I can’t think of a single one. I won’t even say “at the risk of sounding like a fan girl” because that’s exactly how I want to sound. Lisa is a truly brave, intelligent, sunshine-beam of a human being that I am so glad to have encountered. She has inspired me in innumerable ways, and this book is no exception. I truly believe this book leaves something for every tarot reader to gain!
Where to preorder:
https://www.llewellyn.com/product.php?ean=9780738776651
https://www.amazon.com/Unlocking-Tarot-Create-Your-Keys/dp/0738776653