I am frequently asked which books are the best tarot books to read to learn tarot. I have this (non)exhaustive list that is helpful for you right now. So get started reading about tarot today!

Why are these Tarot Books Here?

The tarot books listed here are in the order I connected with them. I’ll also share why they were important at that point in my tarot journey. Just in case it’s helpful in your decision to use a book at this point or not.  I want to share the insight behind the reason I bought the book at a point in time . I picked these out or they came to me at a certain time in my life.

Tarot books aren’t the only books you should read! Read art history, about art, literature, history, religion, even math (yes).

Check out the video (2018, original post) for more personal antecdotes about why I choose some of these books.

Legend: (B)eginner (I)ntermediate (A)dvanced (BIA) it grows with you as you do

  • (B) Little White Book (LWB) that comes with your first (or any) deck. Usually the first book about tarot that everyone reads. It can give you a beginners mindset with some intermediate and advanced stuff all crammed into one mini pamphlet.

I wanted to learn out more about how to read, the history of tarot, and about the numbers. I really needed some practical help. And if you don’t know your history you’re doomed to repeat it instead of take it to the next level.

History & Interpretation

  • (A) Hermann Haindl: Life|Art|Tarot, Konigsfurt-Urania
  • (A) The Tarot of the Bohemians, Papus (Got historical view and a scientific approach to how tarot works)
  • (BIA) Keywords for the Crowley Tarot
  • (BIA) 78 Degrees of Wisdom, Pollack
  • (BIA) Companion books to Haindl deck, Pollack – my favorite deck
  • (BIA) Tarot Wisdom, Pollack
  • (BI) The Secrets of the Rider Waite Smith, Katz & Goodwin

Practicality & Technique of Tarot Reading

Supplemental Reading:

  • (I) Numerolgy Has Your Number
  • Limitless, Gassner Otting

On my list:

  • Got a recommendation that should be here for 2023? Let me know in the comments!
  • Finding the Fool, Jones-Wall

And check out The Tarot Lady’s lit list here.

Which tarot books are you reading or have you read that you would recommend to others?  Share them in the comments!

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