Lee
I had started a thread in Using Tarot Cards about the court card system used in this book. Freyja of V asked a question about the book itself, and rather than take that thread off-topic, I thought I'd start this thread to reply to Freyja's question.
Technically speaking, I don't really regard one person's card meanings as truer than another person's. When I judge an author's meanings, I look at things like is the author internally consistent, do the meanings and general approach seem well-thought-out, and, more subjectively, does the system of meanings work for me in readings.
I don't find Jodorowsky's interpretations to be well-thought-out or consistent. For example, he's worked out a system of interpretation that explains why each trump card is facing the way it is. However, as is common when people try to make tarot fit into some system, there's always at least one or two cards that can't be made to fit. In this case it's the Hermit. In Jodorowsky's system, the TdM Hermit should be facing right, but, inconveniently for Jodorowsky, he's facing left. Jodorowsky explains this by saying that therefore the Hermit must be walking backwards.
It's this kind of thing that I don't appreciate. I don't want you to think I approach the tarot with deadly seriousness -- quite the opposite, I prefer a light approach with a healthy dose of humor. But to me, Jodorowsky's concepts and writing betray a lack of respect for his audience which rubs me the wrong way.
You might find this previous thread interesting, as it touches on some of these issues.
Hi Freyja,Do you feel that Jodorowsky isn't truthful regarding history only or other things as well such as card meanings?
Technically speaking, I don't really regard one person's card meanings as truer than another person's. When I judge an author's meanings, I look at things like is the author internally consistent, do the meanings and general approach seem well-thought-out, and, more subjectively, does the system of meanings work for me in readings.
I don't find Jodorowsky's interpretations to be well-thought-out or consistent. For example, he's worked out a system of interpretation that explains why each trump card is facing the way it is. However, as is common when people try to make tarot fit into some system, there's always at least one or two cards that can't be made to fit. In this case it's the Hermit. In Jodorowsky's system, the TdM Hermit should be facing right, but, inconveniently for Jodorowsky, he's facing left. Jodorowsky explains this by saying that therefore the Hermit must be walking backwards.
It's this kind of thing that I don't appreciate. I don't want you to think I approach the tarot with deadly seriousness -- quite the opposite, I prefer a light approach with a healthy dose of humor. But to me, Jodorowsky's concepts and writing betray a lack of respect for his audience which rubs me the wrong way.
You might find this previous thread interesting, as it touches on some of these issues.