Fans pick 98 books like The Book of Thoth

By Aleister Crowley, Frieda Harris (illustrator),

Here are 98 books that The Book of Thoth fans have personally recommended if you like The Book of Thoth. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of The Way of Tarot: The Spiritual Teacher in the Cards

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

From my list on the Esoteric Tarot.

Why am I passionate about this?

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

Peter Mark Adams Why did Peter love this book?

The famed filmmaker and esotericist, Alejandro Jodorowsky, has poured decades of profound spiritual and divinatory understanding into this text to create one of the most significant systems for using the cards as a divinatory tool. Based on the Tarot d’Marseilles - arguably the stylistic form that constitutes the tarot’s most fundamental iconography - the text includes a comprehensive training system that can be used to provide a foundation for professional divinatory work.

By Alexandro Jodorowsky, Marianne Costa,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Alejandro Jodorowsky's profound study of the Tarot, which began in the early 1950s, reveals it to be far more than a simple divination device. The Tarot is first and foremost a powerful instrument of self-knowledge and a representation of the structure of the soul. The Way of Tarotshows that the entire deck is structured like a temple, or a mandala, which is both an image of the world and a representation of the divine. The authors use the sacred art of the original Marseille Tarot--created during a time of religious tolerance in the 11th century--to reconnect with the roots of…


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 my list on the Esoteric Tarot.

Why am I passionate about this?

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

Peter Mark Adams 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 The Alchemical Tarot

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

From my list on the Esoteric Tarot.

Why am I passionate about this?

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

Peter Mark Adams Why did Peter love this book?

This truly great, visionary re-conceptualisation of tarot imagery combines profound mystical insight with inspired artistry to render familiar tarot imagery through the transformative lens of alchemy. The Alchemical Tarot deck is one of the most outstandingly beautiful and inspiring decks in existence. Based on my own initiatory experience I can confirm that The Alchemical Tarot is an inspired, true, and faithful transmission of the esoteric current underpinning the notion of an esoteric tarot.

By Rosemary E. Guiley,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Robert Place's Tarot deck, beautifully illustrated in the style of original Renaissance alchemical art, takes you deep into the alchemical mysteries--and unlocks their secrets.


Book cover of Meditations on the Tarot: A Journey Into Christian Hermeticism

Claire McMillan Author Of Alchemy of a Blackbird

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

Why am I passionate about this?

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

Claire McMillan Why did Claire love this book?

Written in 1967 and not published until the early eighties after the anonymous author’s death, this tome of a book (it’s thick) takes a Christian, esoteric view of the tarot. 

It’s a deep dive into the principles of hermeticism with the use of the Bible, the Buddha, Plato, and many others to illustrate the points. It covers only the major arcana and each card is presented as a letter to an imaginary friend. 

By Anonymous, Anonymous, Robert Powell (translator)

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Now in a fully corrected edition, one of the true spiritual classics of the twentieth century.

Published for the first time with an index and Cardinal Hans Urs von Balthasar’s afterword, this new English publication of Meditations on the Tarot is the landmark edition of one of the most important works of esoteric Christianity.

Written anonymously and published posthumously, as was the author’s wish, the intention of this work is for the reader to find a relationship with the author in the spiritual dimensions of existence. The author wanted not to be thought of as a personality who lived from…


Book cover of Tarot for Your Self: A Workbook for Personal Transformation

Susan Levitt Author Of Introduction to Tarot

From my list on skills for the art of tarot card reading.

Why am I passionate about this?

I've always been interested in fortune telling, and how the mysteries of life are revealed. I was especially interested in ancient Greece and the oracle of Delphi. When I was 17, a neighbor in Chicago read my tarot cards. Everything the cards indicated came true! So I got a tarot deck and started playing around with the cards. When I moved to California 10 years later, people asked me to read their cards. I obliged, it was fun, and my tarot business was born. When asked to teach tarot, I started classes. The class notes became my book Introduction to Tarot.

Susan's book list on skills for the art of tarot card reading

Susan Levitt Why did Susan love this book?

If you journal or want to write, I highly recommend this book.

For journal keepers and writers, this is your next step in learning tarot after reading my Introduction to Tarot. Especially powerful is writing down your first impression of the cards, what Mary calls "Entering A Card" on pages 23 - 25. Fun and revealing about your inner values is "The Court Card Party" on pages 77 - 80. Most powerful for me was the "Turning Points" worksheet on page 128 to see the big picture of your life.

Plus, it contains many different types of tarot spread that can inspire you to create your own tarot magic. Bring your tarot understanding and awareness to the next level with Tarot for Yourself.

By Mary K. Greer,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Originally published in 1984, this is a classic in its field. Not only is it the first book to promote reading the cards for your own insight, but it also shows you exactly how to do so. It revolutionizes learning Tarot through a combined emphasis on self-teaching techniques and personal insight.

Never before has a Tarot book so comprehensively linked the many areas of New Age thought. You will find journal writing, mythology, psychology, self-help, relationships, prosperity and right livelihood, crystals, channeling, astrology, numerology, poetry, art, and occult metaphysics--all explored and integrated with the Tarot.

This revised edition features:
Expanded…


Book cover of The Artwork & Times of Pamela Colman Smith: Artist of the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck

Susan Levitt Author Of Introduction to Tarot

From my list on skills for the art of tarot card reading.

Why am I passionate about this?

I've always been interested in fortune telling, and how the mysteries of life are revealed. I was especially interested in ancient Greece and the oracle of Delphi. When I was 17, a neighbor in Chicago read my tarot cards. Everything the cards indicated came true! So I got a tarot deck and started playing around with the cards. When I moved to California 10 years later, people asked me to read their cards. I obliged, it was fun, and my tarot business was born. When asked to teach tarot, I started classes. The class notes became my book Introduction to Tarot.

Susan's book list on skills for the art of tarot card reading

Susan Levitt Why did Susan love this book?

The most popular tarot deck in the world is illustrated by the artist Pamela Coleman Smith, yet very little is known about her. She was a fascinating woman, born in 1878 in Middlesex, England, and raised in London, New York, and Kingston, Jamaica.

In London in 1903, she joined the Order of the Golden Dawn, and in 1909, under the guidance of Arthur Edward Waite, she created a series of 78 allegorical paintings that became the Rider-Waite tarot deck. Pamela Coleman Smith died penniless and unknown in 1951, unaware of the success of her tarot deck illustrations.

This 100 page book offers a wonderful view of Pamela's creativity in many fields, and is illustrated with her beautiful and whimsical illustrations that inspire millions to this day.

By Stuart R. Kaplan,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Artwork & Times of Pamela Colman Smith as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Features insights into Pamela Colman Smith's inspirations, friendships, and collaborations, as well as an extensive selection of her artwork beyond the area of tarot.


Book cover of Essence of Tarot: Using Essential Oils, Magic, and Rituals to Empower Your Readings

Susan Levitt Author Of Introduction to Tarot

From my list on skills for the art of tarot card reading.

Why am I passionate about this?

I've always been interested in fortune telling, and how the mysteries of life are revealed. I was especially interested in ancient Greece and the oracle of Delphi. When I was 17, a neighbor in Chicago read my tarot cards. Everything the cards indicated came true! So I got a tarot deck and started playing around with the cards. When I moved to California 10 years later, people asked me to read their cards. I obliged, it was fun, and my tarot business was born. When asked to teach tarot, I started classes. The class notes became my book Introduction to Tarot.

Susan's book list on skills for the art of tarot card reading

Susan Levitt Why did Susan love this book?

If you want to create a sacred space with specific scents and love aromatherapy with organic essential oils, this book is for you! Mary correlated each of the 78 tarot cards with a scent. Some you will understand immediately, such as rose, vanilla, and ylang-ylang for The Empress card.

But what of the Hanged Man and The Tower? They, too, have a fragrance. A fun and fascinating read that is highly recommended for a different perspective on tarot.

By Mary K. Greer,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Empower Your Tarot Readings with the Use of Sacred Fragrances
 
The ancient art of perfumery and fragrance have long been a component of magical and spiritual rituals.
 
In Essence of Tarot, tarot master Mary K. Greer demonstrates how this primordial art can be used to enhance modern tarot practices, whether for divination, meditation, or affirmations. Learn how to create a more magical life through the union of tarot and aromatherapy. Greer, among the world’s foremost authorities on the topic, demonstrates how essential oils can enrich the tarot experience, as well as empower tarot readers.
 
No previous experience with essential oils…


Book cover of Divination for Beginners: Reading the Past, Present & Future

Susan Levitt Author Of Introduction to Tarot

From my list on skills for the art of tarot card reading.

Why am I passionate about this?

I've always been interested in fortune telling, and how the mysteries of life are revealed. I was especially interested in ancient Greece and the oracle of Delphi. When I was 17, a neighbor in Chicago read my tarot cards. Everything the cards indicated came true! So I got a tarot deck and started playing around with the cards. When I moved to California 10 years later, people asked me to read their cards. I obliged, it was fun, and my tarot business was born. When asked to teach tarot, I started classes. The class notes became my book Introduction to Tarot.

Susan's book list on skills for the art of tarot card reading

Susan Levitt Why did Susan love this book?

Over the years, when I taught tarot classes, there were always a few students who were interested in the divination aspect of tarot, but tarot was just not the right oracle for them. For animal lovers, I recommended the simpler and more direct Medicine Cards: The Discovery of Power Through the Ways of Animals by Jamie Sam's and David Carson because animal totems resonated with them. 

I recall a student who was of Norwegian ancestry who found tarot overwhelming, but the right oracle for him was The Book of Runes by Ralph H. Bloom. Even if tarot is your path, it's interesting to know of the many forms of divination that can be available to everyone.

By Scott Cunningham,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Divination for Beginners as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Anyone can practice divination. You don't need to be psychic, or believe that a higher power controls the cards. Anyone can learn to predict the future using the methods described in this book. Learn how to choose the methods that works best for you, and ask the right questions so you get accurate answers. Discover the secrets of a wide variety of methods, from Tarot cards and the I Ching to crystal gazing, palmistry, and even reading signs and omens in the world around you.

The real value of divination is in planning and prevention. If you like the answers…


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 my list on how to read Tarot.

Why am I passionate about this?

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

Kirsten Weiss 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…


Book cover of Guided Tarot: A Beginner's Guide to Card Meanings, Spreads, and Intuitive Exercises for Seamless Readings

Laura Perry Author Of The Minoan Tarot

From my list on to make Tarot seem less intimidating.

Why am I passionate about this?

I began reading Tarot in high school – or at least, trying to. Like most people, I was pretty intimidated starting out. It took several teachers, a stack of books, and a lot of years before I understood that Tarot cards are simply repositories for symbols of the human experience. That’s how they continue to be so popular: they speak to something deep within us all. It was only natural that my art endeavors and my passion for the ancient Minoans would eventually dovetail with my love of Tarot. The end result was The Minoan Tarot, which I’m delighted to share with you along with these excellent Tarot books.

Laura's book list on to make Tarot seem less intimidating

Laura Perry Why did Laura love this book?

Guided Tarot is a how-to book for Tarot readings: how to lay out the cards and get some sense out of them. There’s more to Tarot than just memorizing the card meanings, and this book walks you through the process of developing your own card reading style. If you can’t figure out which spreads to use, or if you’re having trouble trusting your intuition and letting the reading flow, this book will take you through exercises to figure out the answers to those questions so you become a more powerful Tarot reader and can take the training wheels off, so to speak.

By Stefanie Caponi,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Your essential guide to reading tarot cards seamlessly--with confidence and ease

Each of us holds gifts deep within and, with tarot, we have the power to unlock those gifts and make transformative discoveries. For beginner tarot readers, learning the cards--all 78 of them--and understanding how to use spreads may seem daunting. Tarot expert Stefanie Caponi explains that interpreting the cards is a blend of knowing the card meanings, listening to your heart, and trusting your intuition. In her fully-illustrated book, Guided Tarot, she offers easy exercises to nurture and grow your intuition, not only to understand the cards' universal meanings,…


Book cover of The Way of Tarot: The Spiritual Teacher in the Cards
Book cover of The Esoteric Tarot: Ancient Sources Rediscovered in Hermeticism and Cabalah
Book cover of The Alchemical Tarot

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Interested in tarot, tarot cards, and Western esotericism?

Tarot 71 books
Tarot Cards 15 books