I’m an experienced Tarot reader and teacher and I rarely review recently published books about the subject because few have something new to say. That is not the case with Lane Smith’s 78 ACTS OF LIBERATION.

Not only did this book make me re-think everything I knew about the history of Tarot, but it also forced me to question why I was so quick to accept certain narratives over others. That is what I love about this book — how it challenges biases you didn’t know you had about Tarot and about the communities who claim it.

“The main point I want to highlight about the influence of the occultists is that there was a concerted effort to divorce Tarot from its lower-class usage as a divination tool and claim it as the exclusive property of “high magicians” doing ritual work and ceremonial magic within the enclaves of secret societies.” -Lane Smith, 78 ACTS OF LIBERATION

It’s also refreshing to read about Tarot past its pop psychology applications. Smith brings divination back to its roots — as a tool for the oppressed. They position Tarot as a survival trade of the past and present. This reminded me of my mentors, talented and experienced cartomancers who taught because they struggled to pay the rent.

This isn’t primarily a book about card interpretations; it’s about turning outward as much as we turn inward, the meanings we make of larger collective events and community interactions, and how we move from understanding to action. -Lane Smith, 78 ACTS OF LIBERATION

This is the reference book for community-minded tarot readers. Smith’s interpretations of the cards expand the scope past ourselves and onto the greater world. For example: the suit of Wands is typically about our passions. In their interpretation, Smith asks us to think about the following:
-“Are there cultural influences and power dynamics in our lives that promote certain passions and not others? Who is served by those priorities?”
-“How would I use my energy if I didn’t have to spend so much of it on survival?”

For the suits of Pentacles, typically about material life, they ask us to consider:
-“What is being sustained or what do we want to sustain and what is needed, in practical terms, to keep it going?”
“-How accessible are the materials, comforts, pleasures, and kinds of work that we find fulfilling?”

Spirituality is not static. Like myths and superstitions, it evolves with the new fears and challenges of the community. The occult is the same. Tarot is the same. This book is not for everyone and Smith recognizes this in their introduction. This book is for tarot readers who are not afraid to see Tarot evolve and serve the new challenges of modern-day life while finally honoring the contributions of oppressed communities who influenced the practice in the first place.

This is a must-read for tarot readers, especially if you read for members of your community in exchange for money. If you set your ego and preconceived notions aside, this book will transform your practice.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

When I first learned that author Lane Smith was writing this book, I was stoked; their "Tarot & Politics" posts on Instagram were thought-provoking and always gave me something new to think about in my relationship with the tarot. I knew the book was going to be amazing, and I was not disappointed.

Smith is an engaging writer, and even though the material is sometimes challenging on a personal level (which is its intent), the way it is presented makes me, as the reader, want to lean in and learn. The first part of the book deals with the history of tarot and the structure of the deck. I was tempted to skip over it to get to the "good stuff" in Part 2; even though I'm not a tarot scholar by any means, I read extensively and I felt fairly knowledgeable about tarot's history. I'm glad I didn't give in to that impulse, though, because it turns out I maybe didn't know quite as much as I thought! I found new perspectives and information I was previously unfamiliar with here, so I encourage you to read through Part 1, even if you feel like you already know it all.

The real meat of this book comes in Part 2, dealing with the cards themselves. I love how the author breaks things down numerologically, grouping related cards - it gives an entirely new way of understanding them in relation to each other, and also when doing a reading. I love the examples/stories chosen to illustrate the author's understanding of the cards, as they provide a tangible example for relating the cards to our lives. It's a title that belongs on the shelf of every tarot reader. I have already ordered a physical copy, and I'm looking forward to going back through it with page flags and a highlighter, as this is a book I see myself referring back to again and again.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

Lane Smith’s “78 Acts of Liberation” is a beacon of insight and action, inviting readers to explore Tarot as a catalyst for community engagement and social change. Through seventy-eight cards, Smith illuminates not only our inner lives but also the collective power we hold to transform the world.

Smith delves into the often invisible power relationships behind Tarot and the world. By examining Tarot through the lens of power, readers gain a deeper understanding of power dynamics in their own lives and society.

The book organizes the cards numerologically, linking each number to a specific type of action. From Acts of Initiation (Ones) to Acts of Generation (Tens), Smith encourages us to clarify our values and put them into action.

Major Arcana cards are illustrated with examples from social movements, demonstrating how timeless archetypes can inspire action today. Minor Arcana cards are linked to practical terms and skills for personal reflection and social consideration.

“78 Acts of Liberation” is a potent, smart, and ridiculously readable guide. Smith’s exploration of truth and action resonates deeply. Whether clarifying our core values, engaging socially, or sustaining ourselves over time, this book offers inspiration for joyful, freeing, and empowering action.

For those seeking to harness the power of Tarot beyond individual readings, this book is a must-read. Let truth propel us into transformative action—one card at a time.

Remember, sometimes the cards we hold can change the world. 🌟🃏

This volume is perfect for a library collection that leans into social justice and active engagement. While not a guide for readers looking for a quick "how to" book on Tarot, 78 Acts of Liberation is ideal for anyone who is interested in the history of social justice movements as well as interested in deepening their personal commitment to intersectional activism through the lens of Tarot. The Introduction and History sections are fascinating and far reaching on their own, and each card is presented within a framework of a related social justice movement that continues the reader's education in both activism and Tarot. Questions and prompts for self reflection and active engagement with the community at large are woven through the entire book, and readers can either work their way through the deck or skip to specific causes or concerns. Thank you to NetGalley for access to this amazing arc!

I was extremely impressed after reading "78 Acts of Liberation", by Lane Smith. The book inspired me to use my deck through new eyes. This Tarot book is a gem, and I can't wait to buy a copy for my library.

Overall I liked the book, but I did not really like it. The strength really lies in the second part after they present their Tarot structure in Part One then get to the card entries. I found the practical elements more useful. For the whole book there are some parts that I liked more than others, but this is still a useful resource overall.

Having said that, I can see how this book may be useful and appeal to some of our activist students here who may also read Tarot and do cartomancy. This is a book that I would order for our library, especially if a patron requests it. This book can also be good for those who do the work who also want to expand their vision for Tarot.

(Detailed review on my blog soon.)