A Feminist Tarot

In 1976 A Feminist Tarot became the first publication of the newly-launched lesbian-feminist press in Watertown, Massachusetts, called Persephone Press. From then until 1981 when Persephone ceased publication, it went through four editions. Alyson Publications (of Boston, and more recently of Los Angeles) has shepherded the book through two more editions (1981 and the present 1997 edition) in addition to its Dutch translation published in 1985 by Uitgeverij Ankh-Hermes bv, Deventer. In contrast to the explosion of women’s Tarot decks and interpretations of the 1980’s and 90’s, A Feminist Tarot uses the images of the traditional Waite Tarot deck, presenting and unveiling them from the perspective of cultural feminist thought. It casts an expanded interpretation upon each card of the Major and Minor Arcana, offering both upright and reversed meanings, and a summary of traditional meanings as well. It includes a history of and a commentary upon the Tarot itself, illustrated lay-outs and common uses of the Tarot, as well as a brief bibliography.