76 books like Mind Mirror Close Encounters with Yourself

By Rufus C. Camphausen,

Here are 76 books that Mind Mirror Close Encounters with Yourself fans have personally recommended if you like Mind Mirror Close Encounters with Yourself. Shepherd is a community of 9,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Man and His Symbols

By Carl Jung,

Book cover of Man and His Symbols

Vanessa Decort Author Of Sun and Moon Tarot

From the list on tarot and its many facets.

Who am I?

Since I was a teenager, I have been attracted to astrology, Jungian psychology, synchronicity, symbolism, alchemy, and Jewish esotery. Someone gave me my first Tarot deck as a present. Since then I collect old and new decks from the entire world and created my own Sun and Moon TarotI continue to deepen my knowledge of tarot and all the systems associated with it. At times I focus more on the Sefiroth and Kabbalah. Sometimes I’m more interested in different ways of interpreting tarot. I've been illustrating Astrological Learning Cards for a while now, trying to better understand the different astrological archetypes and to make art.

Vanessa's book list on tarot and its many facets

Why did Vanessa love this book?

As a visual artist, I adore symbols, it’s unbelievable how a symbol can evoke emotions through its associations and meanings. Each Tarot card has its own character and many symbols. These reveal more than their immediate meaning and they visualise human experiences, behavioural patterns and developmental patterns. These archetypal images, as Jung calls them, are stored in our collective unconscious and can be found all over the world in our fantasy, dreams, mythology, religion, literature, fairy tales and other forms of art.

In Tarot and other oracle systems, the concept of synchronicity would explain how they "work" as a kind of mirror of the psyche. The symbols and illustrations are thus the language with which the tarot can make the unconscious in our psyche conscious. They mirror what happens from the inside to the outside. So the cards would reflect your inner state at that time. 

In this book, CG…

By Carl Jung,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Man and His Symbols as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The landmark text about the inner workings of the unconscious mind—from the symbolism that unlocks the meaning of our dreams to their effect on our waking lives and artistic impulses—featuring more than a hundred images that break down Carl Jung’s revolutionary ideas

“What emerges with great clarity from the book is that Jung has done immense service both to psychology as a science and to our general understanding of man in society.”—The Guardian
  
“Our psyche is part of nature, and its enigma is limitless.”
 
Since our inception, humanity has looked to dreams for guidance. But what are they? How can…


Connecting with Coincidence

By Bernard Beitman,

Book cover of Connecting with Coincidence: The New Science for Using Synchronicity and Serendipity in Your Life

Vanessa Decort Author Of Sun and Moon Tarot

From the list on tarot and its many facets.

Who am I?

Since I was a teenager, I have been attracted to astrology, Jungian psychology, synchronicity, symbolism, alchemy, and Jewish esotery. Someone gave me my first Tarot deck as a present. Since then I collect old and new decks from the entire world and created my own Sun and Moon TarotI continue to deepen my knowledge of tarot and all the systems associated with it. At times I focus more on the Sefiroth and Kabbalah. Sometimes I’m more interested in different ways of interpreting tarot. I've been illustrating Astrological Learning Cards for a while now, trying to better understand the different astrological archetypes and to make art.

Vanessa's book list on tarot and its many facets

Why did Vanessa love this book?

Coincidences and synchronicity fascinate me endlessly. I have been collecting books on this subject since 2000. With synchronicity, there’s a connection between your inner state and a physical outer event. And I believe that’s what we evoke while doing readings with tarot cards!

I agree with Dr. Beitman when he says that a meaningful coincidence can lead us to think completely differently about the nature of reality. Sometimes they are little hints that make us suspect that there is a reality where everything is connected to everything. They are lifting ‘The Veils of Maya’, the illusions that prevent us from seeing ‘actual reality’.

Bernard Beitman MD has been studying coincidences all his life and he’s the first psychiatrist since Carl Gustav Jung to attempt to systematise the study of coincidences. He explains how they could be activated and how we can use them to solve problems and to make choices.…

By Bernard Beitman,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Connecting with Coincidence as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

We've all experienced or heard of surprising events and unexplainable coincidences-money that seems to come from nowhere, a spontaneous idea that turns into a life-changing solution, meeting our soulmate on a flight we weren't supposed to take, or families being reunited by "accident" after years of separation.

Often these coincidences are explained as being controlled by a higher power or pure chance. But for the first time since Carl Jung's work, comes bold new research that explains scientifically how we can identify, understand, and perhaps even control the frequency of coincidences in our everyday lives.

Bernard Beitman, a leading expert…


Book cover of The Complete Illustrated Guide to Tarot

Vanessa Decort Author Of Sun and Moon Tarot

From the list on tarot and its many facets.

Who am I?

Since I was a teenager, I have been attracted to astrology, Jungian psychology, synchronicity, symbolism, alchemy, and Jewish esotery. Someone gave me my first Tarot deck as a present. Since then I collect old and new decks from the entire world and created my own Sun and Moon TarotI continue to deepen my knowledge of tarot and all the systems associated with it. At times I focus more on the Sefiroth and Kabbalah. Sometimes I’m more interested in different ways of interpreting tarot. I've been illustrating Astrological Learning Cards for a while now, trying to better understand the different astrological archetypes and to make art.

Vanessa's book list on tarot and its many facets

Why did Vanessa love this book?

I like many of Rachel Pollack's books, but this was one of the first tarot books I read. This kind of book is perfect for me to learn something. It reads very easily, more like a course than a book with pages full of text. The layout is light and each page is richly illustrated with colour photos including tarot cards from all over the world, so you can compare and get a good idea of ​​the character of each card.

All facets of tarot, which you can delve into later, are discussed: origin, history & the different traditions, symbols & colours, the Tree of Life & the Hebrew letters, numbers & the paths of the Sefiroth, Kabbalah & astrology, the journey of the fool through the Major Arcana, different readings & card spreads, different ways to use the tarot cards: to meditate, to work with dreams, games, storytelling and…

By Rachel Pollack,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Complete Illustrated Guide to Tarot as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The tarot is an ancient system of wisdom, using a deck of 78 illustrated cards, which is designed to enhance both daily life and spiritual development. This reference includes information on the origins, history and structure of the tarot, the symbolism of the cards, and how to do a reading.


Book cover of Histoire du tarot - Origines - Iconographie - Symbolisme

Vanessa Decort Author Of Sun and Moon Tarot

From the list on tarot and its many facets.

Who am I?

Since I was a teenager, I have been attracted to astrology, Jungian psychology, synchronicity, symbolism, alchemy, and Jewish esotery. Someone gave me my first Tarot deck as a present. Since then I collect old and new decks from the entire world and created my own Sun and Moon TarotI continue to deepen my knowledge of tarot and all the systems associated with it. At times I focus more on the Sefiroth and Kabbalah. Sometimes I’m more interested in different ways of interpreting tarot. I've been illustrating Astrological Learning Cards for a while now, trying to better understand the different astrological archetypes and to make art.

Vanessa's book list on tarot and its many facets

Why did Vanessa love this book?

When you delve into different facets of the tarot, you come across quite a few different models or systems with different assignments of numbers, Hebrew letters, paths, astrological signs…which can be very confusing! I was quite confused myself when I was looking for the correspondence between the 4 Tarot ‘suits’ and those of a regular card game and find different contradictory correspondence with the pips of regular playing cards.

In a lecture, Isabelle explained to me very clearly with many examples how the 4 elements or colour symbols of the 4 suits in the regular card game originated and changed over the years and how they evolved in different systems of the tarot cards.

Isabelle Nadolny has done a lot of research working as a historian in the National Library of France and has compiled her findings, based on multiple references and documented resources, in this thick and very richly…

By Isabelle Nadolny,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Histoire du tarot - Origines - Iconographie - Symbolisme as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

L’histoire du tarot est fort méconnue. Si de nombreux livres abordent sa pratique ou ses significations, les rares publications historiques existantes circulent peu en dehors du cercle des chercheurs. Isabelle Nadolny entend y remédier en proposant au grand public un vaste panorama du tarot à travers les siècles. Cette présentation est assortie d’illustrations issues des fonds de la Bibliothèque nationale de France, de collections privées ou publiques, qui, pour certaines, sont publiées ici pour la première fois. Toute personne ayant prêté attention à ces cartes à la fois simples et mystérieuses est naturellement amenée à se poser quelques questions :…


Tarot Deciphered

By T. Susan Chang, M.M. Meleen,

Book cover of Tarot Deciphered: Decoding Esoteric Symbolism in Modern Tarot

Angelo Nasios Author Of Tarot Tracker: A Year-Long Journey

From the list on tarot books to own.

Who am I?

I found the tarot at the age of fourteen. Like many teenagers exploring the spirit world, I was curious about witchcraft, prophecies, numerology, astrology – it was a matter of time until I found the Tarot and fell in love with the cards. From studying Tarot, I branched out into Gnosticism, Kabbalah, and finally coming home to my culture’s Hellenic Tradition (Hellenism). I went on to college to receive a B.A. in Religion and later a M.A. in Ancient History.  I give the Tarot large credit to all my later achievements in life. Those 78 cards opened my eyes to a whole world of mysteries to be unlocked.  

Angelo's book list on tarot books to own

Why did Angelo love this book?

The Tarot is littered with symbols and occult references. You do not have to go deep into esoteric corresponds if you do not want to, but if you do I recommend Tarot Deciphered. This book gets down and dirty into all the symbology of the Rider-Waite Smith Tarot, the Thoth Tarot, and other decks which share its symbols. This book is probably not for beginners unless of course, you want to dive deep into Tarot and occult symbology fast. 

By T. Susan Chang, M.M. Meleen,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Tarot Deciphered as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Tarot Deciphered is an in-depth voyage into the esoteric roots that underlie the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot, the Thoth Tarot, and the myriad of decks that share their symbology. This card-by-card analysis reveals detailed insights drawn from the multi-layered traditions of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, the magical order that most strongly influenced modern tarot. For each card, you will discover how astrology, mythology, alchemy, the elements, and Qabalah contribute to the card s overall meaning. Authors T. Susan Chang and M. M. Meleen, cohosts of the popular Fortune s Wheelhouse podcast, decipher the symbols and stories of tarot and…


Tarot for Change

By Jessica Dore,

Book cover of Tarot for Change: Using the Cards for Self-Care, Acceptance, and Growth

Claire McMillan Author Of Alchemy of a Blackbird

From the list on for the tarot curious and the tarot maven.

Who am I?

I started studying the tarot ten years ago with no thought that I would ever write about it. I took an introductory class in the back of a local metaphysical shop and went down a rabbit hole of books and teachings. I also enjoy readings myself - from quick fifteen minute reads at sidewalk fairs, to hour long readings in person with renowned readers, from an hour on Zoom with a famous reader, to a reading in a shop in Salem, Massachusetts during the chaos that is October in that town - I’ve benefited from them all. It has been a delight to include this interest in my latest novel.

Claire's book list on for the tarot curious and the tarot maven

Why did Claire love this book?

Jessica Dore’s book is a revelation.

Coming from a psychological view of the cards, Dore incorporates ideas from different psychological schools of thought such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as well as Greek myth, Arthurian legend, folklore, fairy tales, and more.

Dore offers a unique, modern, and very personal approach to the cards and their meanings. A fascinating example for anyone building their own tarot practice and figuring out what tarot means to them on a personal and individual level.

By Jessica Dore,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Tarot for Change as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Unlock the transformative power of tarot with this unique investigation into the psychology of its secrets, symbols and stories.

Symbols have been used in modern psychology for generations, from the interpretation of fairy tales to inkblot tests. Although tarot is often thought of as a spiritual tool for divination and fortune-telling, it too contains a set of symbols that can help us better understand our selves and align with our values. In this book, Jessica Dore reveals years of secrets and insights about how to work with tarot to activate your potential.

You'll discover:
* the importance of choosing the…


The Esoteric Tarot

By Ronald Decker,

Book cover of The Esoteric Tarot: Ancient Sources Rediscovered in Hermeticism and Cabalah

Peter Mark Adams Author Of The Game of Saturn: Decoding the Sola-Busca Tarocchi

From the list on the Esoteric Tarot.

Who am I?

I have been a tarot devotee since my early teens and have offered both training and divinatory sessions using the tarot. My book on the fifteenth-century tarot deck known as the Sola-Busca, The Game of Saturn, was nominated The Best Esoteric Book of the Year and was reviewed in two of the world’s leading academic journals. My non-fiction is published by Inner Traditions and Scarlet Imprint; literary prose and poetry by Corbel Stone Press and Paralibrum. My essays on energy healing appear in the peer-reviewed Paranthropology Journal and the Journal of Exceptional Experiences and Psychology as well as on my academia.edu page.

Peter's book list on the Esoteric Tarot

Why did Peter love this book?

Tarot scholar and art historian, Ronald Decker, provides a solid and up-to-date grounding in the history and esoteric sources that informed the design of the earliest tarot decks. Decker balances the demands of historical scholarship with esoteric insights derived from Hermeticism, Neoplatonism, and the Kabbalah to provide a foundational text in the various traditions underpinning the notion of an esoteric tarot.

By Ronald Decker,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Esoteric Tarot as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

That the Tarot originated in ancient Egypt as a divinatory tool is a romantic misconception. Ron Decker's meticulous scholarship will surprise practitioners and academics alike, revealing the Tarot's true evolution and meanings as its inventor(s) understood it.

The Tarot consists of the Minor Arcana, four suits of cards similar to our modern deck, and the Major Arcana, twenty-two allegorical or "trump" cards. Decker says the four-suit deck was invented in Asia Minor before AD 1000; Italian courtiers added the trumps in the 1400s. But Tarot was first used as a game. Tarot divination was only created in the 1700s by…


Book cover of Tarot and the Gates of Light: A Kabbalistic Path to Liberation

Angelo Nasios Author Of Tarot Tracker: A Year-Long Journey

From the list on tarot books to own.

Who am I?

I found the tarot at the age of fourteen. Like many teenagers exploring the spirit world, I was curious about witchcraft, prophecies, numerology, astrology – it was a matter of time until I found the Tarot and fell in love with the cards. From studying Tarot, I branched out into Gnosticism, Kabbalah, and finally coming home to my culture’s Hellenic Tradition (Hellenism). I went on to college to receive a B.A. in Religion and later a M.A. in Ancient History.  I give the Tarot large credit to all my later achievements in life. Those 78 cards opened my eyes to a whole world of mysteries to be unlocked.  

Angelo's book list on tarot books to own

Why did Angelo love this book?

What I love about this book is that it proves the old saying that there is nothing new under the sun to be wrong. Mark Horn’s Tarot and the Gates of Light blends together two traditions already closely linked; Tarot and Kabbalah. While it is Hermetic Qabalah that is mostly applied to Tarot, Mark Horn introduces a unique way to use the Tarot to practice Counting the Omer. This will be the most unique tarot book to have on the shelf as it offers you a rare transformative practice. 

By Mark Horn,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Tarot and the Gates of Light as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

An innovative, spiritual workbook that integrates the Tarot and the Kabbalistic tradition of Counting the Omer

* Explores the origins and meaning of the 49-day Kabbalistic meditative practice of Counting the Omer and how it can lead to spiritual revelation, personal insight, and connection with the Divine

* Reveals the correspondence of the Tarot's minor arcana with the Sephirot of the Tree of Life and explains how both relate to the Omer meditation

* Provides a daily practice workbook that explores the related Sephirot and Tarot cards for each day, examines their Kabbalistic and spiritual meanings, and provides questions for…


The Poet Tarot Guidebook

By Two Sylvias Press,

Book cover of The Poet Tarot Guidebook

Tania Pryputniewicz Author Of Heart's Compass Tarot

From the list on tarot improvisation for writers and artists.

Who am I?

I’m a poet, tarot muse, and artist whose childhood experiences with vivid night-time dreams and a handful of years on a commune in the cornfields ignited my passion for exploring inner imagery. I read voraciously from science fiction to fairytales to channelings. I discovered tarot in my twenties, using it to read for others, mend my broken heart, and get squared away enough to apply to graduate school for poetry in the heartland at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. Ever since, tarot is my favorite mirror for self-reflection. Author of two poetry collections, I wrote a workbook to help others apply the tarot in joyful, healing ways through writing and art.

Tania's book list on tarot improvisation for writers and artists

Why did Tania love this book?

As a poet, I love the Poet Tarot, for which Two Sylvias Press matched Major Arcana and Court Cards with deceased British and American poets. The Guidebook offers a mini history lesson about each poet’s strengths and weaknesses, including psychological wellbeing, journey to publication, and sources of inspiration. Each chapter ends with suggested actions: “Remember and honor the inspirational women in your life,” (Gwendolyn Brooks as the Queen of Muses / Cups) and prompts: “Is there a project I’ve been afraid to undertake—why?” (ee cummings as The Fool). Taken collectively, the prompts provide a roadmap for a rich self-reflective inventory and the chance to write new poems based on the themes of each poet’s work. I love to use the exercises in the poetry workshops I teach.

By Two Sylvias Press,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Poet Tarot Guidebook as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Guidebook to accompany The Poet Tarot deck. Deck not included.


Book cover of The True Nature of Tarot: Your Path To Personal Empowerment

Kirsten Weiss Author Of The Mysteries of Tarot: A Work of the Imagination

From the list on how to read Tarot.

Who am I?

When I joined the Peace Corps in the early nineties, I wasn’t allowed to take much luggage. I decided to bring a Tarot deck, figuring I’d finally have time to learn it while parked in an Estonian forest. That Tarot deck opened up a world of Renaissance mysticism and magic, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Tarot cards and readings feature prominently in many of my cozy mystery novels, not the least of which are the Tea and Tarot mysteries. Now my imaginary Tarot reader from that series, Hyperion Night, has recently written his own Tarot guidebook, The Mysteries of Tarot.

Kirsten's book list on how to read Tarot

Why did Kirsten love this book?

When I was first learning to read Tarot, one of my big challenges was understanding how the cards worked together.

I eventually came up with my own method. But if I’d had this book when I was starting out, I would have figured things out much more quickly. 

Diane Wing goes into all the basics of Tarot reading, including some of the more metaphysical elements. But this book’s strength is the extensive Tarot combinations section.

If understanding how the cards fit together is something you’re struggling with, this is your book.

By Diane Wing,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The True Nature of Tarot as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Learn the Tarot to Bring Divine Guidance to Your Daily Life

Tarot empowers those who connect with its wisdom. As a tool of enlightenment, it guides, reveals hidden insights, and reflects the hopes, fears, and energies of the practitioner and seeker. Based in Universal Law, the cards form a book of metaphysics. Their interpretations change with your level of understanding to help you navigate your life path and generate alternatives. It is a boundless tool that allows you to tap into ancient wisdom that promotes deep transformation of the self and the way in which you experience interactions with the…


5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in tarot, the Kabbalah, and tarot cards?

9,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about tarot, the Kabbalah, and tarot cards.

Tarot Explore 52 books about tarot
The Kabbalah Explore 25 books about the Kabbalah
Tarot Cards Explore 11 books about tarot cards