mike gleason

Cards of Destiny by Sharon Jeffers © 2006 Crossing Press ISBN
1-58091-076-5 232 pages Hardbound $14.95 (U.S.)

This is, in the words of the author, ".just an introduction to a very deep
body of knowledge." Now, I have used various divination systems, most of
which have used cards of some sorts (most notably a variety of Tarot decks),
and I have always been fascinated by the use of a standard deck of playing
cards for divination. I'm well aware that many "Gypsy" card readers use a
standard playing card deck, but I didn't really understand how it worked.

This book offers some insight into that system of divination. It is, as
most introductory divination books are, designed merely to provide a basis
for further explorations and personalizations. It also provides a set of
illustrations for a deck that I had never seen before.

Of course, it isn't possible to evaluate the accuracy of the divination
aspects of this book without giving it an extended run, but the "Birth card"
descriptions, based on my own immediate family, seem to be fairly accurate
(85% or more), so that presents a reasonable expectation for the accuracy of
the remainder of the book. Ms. Jeffers offers ways of determining
"relationship" cards as we; as determining the reader's individual card of
the day as well as the general card for each day of the year.

She does not make clear how she assigns cards to each day of the month, nor
why certain cards are NOT part of the normal rotation, although she does
reference a few books which she drew upon for background, so that
information may be available in them. Regardless the source of her
information (previous books, studies of numerology and astrology, or
personal spontaneous knowledge) it all ties together quite nicely.

The book is well designed and put together; it is a convenient size and, in
my opinion, a good value for the money.