I want to start this review with a heartfelt apology. Mark Lewis has been a faint blip on my radar for years, but I never paid him much attention. I saw him in his YouTube videos, wearing his oversized glasses and frumpy wardrobe, and I unfairly dismissed him as just another irritating magic nerd. I judged someone’s worth based only on their looks, and I’m ashamed of myself for being so shallow.
Tarot cards are a fascinating art form, from the illustrations to the occult symbolism. Over the years, I’ve read plenty of books on the subject, and they all had one thing in common: they put me fast to sleep. Their dull and plodding writing always sent me into a narcoleptic trance.
Then I read Streetwise Tarot, cover to cover, without yawning once. Mark is a gifted writer, an entertaining raconteur, and a witty, self-deprecating imp. In the first part of the book, he speaks openly about his shady past, telling some wildly funny stories about his early days as a two-bit hustler in the psychic trade, fleecing the public without remorse.
And it was this first chapter that got me hooked. I soon realized Mark was no nerd—he’s a kindred spirit, a charming rogue. In my opinion, he’s magic’s answer to Snoop Dogg or Ice-T. Whether it's doing psychic readings, performing hypnotism, doing card magic at trade shows, or pitching Svengali decks at county fairs, Mark is a stone-cold hustler out for the big score, looking to line his pockets fat with dead presidents while still being true to his art.
Consequently, it's this sly, shifty, “Streetwise” approach that separates him from every other garden-variety tarot reader. His unorthodox memory system gives readers a more practical and realistic view of Tarot, rather than the usual confusing hippie-dippy nonsense found in other, more serious books.
With this versatile method, you'll find yourself giving full-length readings sooner rather than later. You’ll have the meanings of all 78 cards memorized in just a matter of weeks, instead of giving up in frustration after months or years of intense, confusing occult study.
The book also dedicates entire chapters to the ethics of Tarot reading—a topic seldom explored in other works. Mark Lewis emphasizes the importance of sympathy and compassion, two qualities he believes are essential for every Tarot reader. He also shares practical advice on making money as a Tarot reader in various settings, such as psychic fairs, flea markets, and private practice. Once you’ve learned the basics and developed your skills, you’ll be ready to put them to profitable use.
What truly sets this book apart is not only the information Mark shares, but the engaging way he presents it. His personality shines through every page. I found the book light, breezy, and thoroughly enjoyable—a rare treat in this genre. For anyone picking up their first Tarot deck, Mark’s book offers far more than most others on the market.
There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of books written about the Tarot cards. But if you want to become a successful Tarot reader, this one is essential reading.
