I think I was slightly put off by Ms Venturi's online presence which to me seems remote and wholly focused on attracting students to her Italian Cartomancy school. I was also put off by the cost of the book, which is rather expensive for a paperback. It turns out I was pleasantly surprised by the book. In my opinion, it is well worth the price I paid (almost $50), and I'm very glad I decided to buy it.
My prior resources for the Sibilla meanings include lessons from actual Italian card readers in both Italy and here in the US. I was worried that Ms Venturi's meanings would not be compatible with what I have come to regard as authentic and traditional.
I need not have worried. The meanings that Ms Venturi shares, which she states were passed down to her from her grandmother, are very similar to the meanings I have learned from other Italian masters of the Sibilla. Naturally each master has his or her own personal style, but there is an overall unity that speaks of a true Italian Sibilla tradition.
I have put together a list of pros and cons for this volume to help you decide if the book is worth purchasing for your own Sibilla study.
Pros:
- It is a good quality paperback, better than some other self-published books I own.
- The book is nicely written, and user friendly. The cards are introduced in a logical order, and the table of contents helps to pinpoint any specific card.
- The book provides a detailed history of the Italian Sibilla that I have not seen elsewhere.
- Historical and cultural notes are provided for many of the card images and symbols.
- The card meanings are quite thorough, and include both upright and reverse interpretations.
- Some common card combinations are introduced.
- Health meanings are provided for each card in both the upright and reversed positions.
- The book includes a personal history of Ms Venturi's journey with the Sibilla, as well as some anecdotes regarding her personal experience with the cards.
- The book features black-and-white images of a vintage Sibilla deck that was passed down to Ms Venturi from several generations.
Cons:
- The book does not address how to actually read the cards. No techniques are provided for shuffling or laying out the cards.
- No card spreads are provided, and no sample readings are presented.
- No in depth information regarding card combinations.
- Throughout the book Ms Venturi advises the reader that spreads and combinations will be covered in volume 2 of the book, which is only available to students of her Italian Cartomancy school.
There are ample free resources online to help with learning traditional techniques and spreads. If you do not read Italian, remember that Google Translate is your friend.
If you are serious about mastering the Sibilla, you will not find a more comprehensive guide to the card images, symbols and meanings, that remains true to the ancient Italian tradition of cartomanzia.
