Putting the Tarot to Work Mark McElroy a review by Errol McLendon, CTM, CTI

My initial interest in this book started several months before it was published. Its rumored arrival first showed up on a Tarot discussion group. Since Mr. McElroy and I share the same tag line, (Practical, Not Mystical – I am waiting for his lawyer’s phone call) I was particularly interested in seeing his ideas on using Tarot in the corporate workplace. I was very skeptical, to say the least. I had my taste of Tarot in the corporate world when I was in my first years of learning Tarot. To gain experience, I would go to the office on my day off and read for people. There was always a discussion on which conference room would be the “best” (read “least visible) to put me in. I had all types of preconceived ideas of how Mark sneaked the cards into every day corporate America.

The first brilliant move made by Mr. McElroy is to spend the first 55 pages of the book teaching a basic Tarot techniques class to the corporate world. Even though the information is very elementary, I enjoyed every word. Mr. McElroy has a wonderful sense of play and a great sense of humor. His writing makes using the Tarot seem like so much fun, I can’t imaging anyone not wanting to play along.

After this introductory information the reader is offered several areas in which Tarot cards can open up little used creativity and imagination. Everything from brainstorming to planning presentations to conduction employee reviews is approached using Tarot cards. The chapter of setting career goals is worth the price of the book ten times over. For anyone stuck in a job they hate, this chapter offers a variety of ways to use the cards to visualize and create the future you would like.

How about your business relationships? Mark’s chapter on identifying your connection with the people in the workplace uses the Tarot to face some honest truths about yourself. Once you have a solid idea of what your true image is, Mark shows you the way the cards can help you build on positive relationships and heal negative relationships.

Mark includes simple meanings for the cards, but with a specific business flavor. He also includes a list of decks particularly well suited for personal work and for use in a business atmosphere. Finally, I love bibliographies that tell something about the books listed. Mark includes a short paragraph on each book and also suggested web sites and discussion groups. Once again, his casual, inviting style makes the reader want to learn more.

Putting the Tarot to Work by Mark McElroy (IBSN 0-7387-0004-X) is a delightful read. Even though this is a simple introduction into using Tarot in every day life, even seasoned readers will appreciate Mr. McElroy’s depth of knowledge and his talent for making this book enjoyable, humorous and inviting. Get the book and stick a deck in the corner of your briefcase. You will be fascinated by the new perspective you will have on the corporate world.