In <u>Tarot Outside the Box</u> Sim informs the reader up front that it is assumed that one already has a certain familiarity with the Tarot. It is expected that the reader knows the basic meanings of the seventy-eight cards, several spreads and is already comfortable with at least one deck.

Comparative Tarot, a method Sim named, if not invented, is mentioned frequently and forms the basis for most of the methods described in this work. Of the comparative method itself, Sim affirms: `Cards that I had previously found to be relatively "flat" in meaning frequently came alive by this method. Cards that were previously somewhat mute screamed for my attention' (pg 8). Essentially, what Comparative Tarot breaks down to is comparing the cards of a reading with one or more different decks to see the variances in meaning, and interpret the reading thusly. The myriad of variations on the theme one can come up with present the reader with a deeper, or at least different, take on the cards' meanings.

In addition to this, Sim also includes several activities and Tarot spreads which make use of more than one deck on the outset, and several suggestions for exploring the Tarot in uncommon ways.

While the beginning chapters are well-written and innovative, the second of half the book is mostly comprised of spreads, and, after a brief note on creative writing with the Tarot, appendices - including a twenty-eight page story that seems to have absolutely nothing to add to the book itself. After such a promising beginning, I found the book to be ultimately disappointing.

For those stuck in a rut with Tarot, this book may bring fresh activities to help liven up one's exploration of the cards, but ultimately I wouldn't recommend this book, there are others which offer more.

Tarot Outside The Box is a guidebook written for enthusiasts of Tarot cards. Intended more for those who are already familiar with the basics of Tarot readings and seek advanced ways to apply their technique or add creative twists, Tarot Outside The Box includes how to read without a querent, interactive readins, original spreads, creative writing with the Tarot, comparative Tarot methods, combination Tarot, and much more. Diagrams and anecdotes help illustrate this marvelously clear-minded, inspirational guide.