BE THE PACK LEADER, BY CAESAR MILAN

                                                    ISBN: 0307381668                                                 

In addition to being a Tarot reader, I am an avid reader of a broad range of subjects. Books that have passionate messages about cultural issues today, yesterday and tomorrow add to my Tarot perspective. Including subjects that talk about how we interact as a human race, what might be in store for us in the future if we do not make important life changes in our habits.

Tarot readers are always dealing with a mix of different life situations and challenges brought to us by our clients. Reaching outside of the usual Tarot books to gain insight in unique ways adds to our view of the world and the people, pets, places and things in it. These insights help us gain new perspectives that can enrich our Tarot readings.

"Be The Pack Leader" by dog rescuer, groomer and trainer, Caesar Milan, demonstrates to us there really is a rich connection to something most of us have in our lives - a dog or a pet of some kind. His mantra, “I train humans and balance dogs.” Before he focuses on the animal’s needs, he speaks of balancing four areas of human lives, which interestingly parallels the four suits of Tarot.

Caesar Milan states, “We are in the process of losing the instinctual sides of ourselves that make us animal first and human second.” He says, “…a healthy human must be balanced in four areas of his or her life. ….(1) the intellectual area (Suite of Swords, element of Air in Tarot Cards, Communication.)….we communicate with one another almost exclusively through language. We send worded messages on the internet and on cell phones. We read, we watch television…and there's lots of education and more information at our fingertips than ever before; allowing some of us to live almost 100 percent of the time in our minds.”

Next, …is the (2) emotional side (Suite of Cups, element of water in Tarot Cards, Flow like a river.)… Caesar says, ” Expressing emotions means we can feel what’s going on inside of ourselves. We are more self aware and understand what’s going on within ourselves and perhaps others." The third area of human balance is the (3) spiritual side (Suite of Wands, element of Fire in Tarot Cards, new beginnings, new ideas.), which can often mean a peaceful respite where we can get in tune with a deeper part of ourselves. This could be going to church or getting up and reading a newspaper. Spirituality takes many forms and it seems to be deeply ingrained as a part of being human that has existed since early civilization.

(4) The fourth area of potential balance is the “….instinctual (Suite of Pentacles, element of Earth in Tarot Cards - down to Earth environmental knowingness.) side of our nature" Caesar says, “To be instinctual means to be clearheaded, open, and aware of the signals we are getting from other people, animals and our environment all the time.” “It means understanding our connection to our natural selves and the natural world, and acknowledging our interdependence with that world.” “It is only through balance that we can become fully realized creatures of Mother Nature.”

Milan states, “The good news is that our instinctual selves are lying deep within us, just waiting to be rediscovered. And our best friends and companions – our dogs or other pets – can be our guides to reawakening our instinctual natures. “

Of course Tarot cards are not pets, but all the same they too can give us symbols that offer guidance. Adding to our knowledge outside of Tarot books can enrich our Tarot card readings. The human journey is about varying degrees of humans either in balance, becoming balanced, going out of balance, being totally out of balance or striving to become balanced once again.

This is a very different book to read for the study of Tarot and working with Tarot cards.  However, it resonates a fresh and unique message of truth, whether you read Tarot cards or love dogs and cats, or both. This fascinating book gives us a message that no matter whom we are or whether we have a dog or cat in our lives, we still have opportunities to become a “balanced” human in so many instinctually-driven ways.

Review By:  Kristin Lee-Gray, CTI - Certified Tarot Master and Instructor
President, CTN - Canadian Tarot Network, Intl.  www.tarotcanada.com

Ceasar Milan