Author: Dustyn Deerman

A common misconception about reading tarot cards is that they can tell your future. While many of us crave knowledge of our future, tarot is a tool for spiritual guidance. Through readings, you can better understand what you need to know about a particular situation or relationship. 

The path you’re on is determined by the actions you’ve taken in the past — and the circumstances you find yourself in now. Tarot cards unlock your inner wisdom to make the best possible decisions to move forward.

Whether you’re new to tarot or you’ve been reading tarot for years, you know there’s always opportunity for growth in your practice. While there’s no right or wrong way to read tarot, there are ways you can get the most out of your experience. 

And diving into books on pagan rituals and practices is an excellent way to deepen your practice.

Through books about tarot, pagan practices, and more, you can discover new ways to expand your tarot readings. You can explore connections and insights you gain along the way, giving yourself the guidance you seek. 

Elevate your tarot practice by adding these 7 books on paganism to your personal library.

Llewellyn’s Sabbat Essentials (8 book series) by Llewellyn

This series came to life in the 2000s and has since become a beloved publication in the pagan book scene. Each book featured in Llewellyn’s Sabbat Essentials individually covers each of the 8 sabbats, starting with Ostara, also known as the Spring Equinox. 

All 8 titles are packed with information and ideas for celebrating each sabbat. Discover new rituals, spells, crafts, invocations, prayers, and mediations you can do during each pagan holiday. You can collect each one as you move through the Wheel of the Year!

Another useful publication by Llewelyn is their yearly almanac that covers all sabbats throughout the year. 

Get Llewellyn’s series on the sabbats >

The Tarot Revealed: A Beginner's Guide by Paul Fenton-Smith

The Tarot Revealed has a bit of everything for tarot readers of all levels. Those just setting out on their tarot journey will appreciate the insights Fenton-Smith provides on each card’s meaning. Through anecdotes and examples of previous readings, they help make interpreting the tarot feel more accessible. 

The book also features 2 sets of colorful page inserts and 32 bonus charts. Novice tarot practitioners will also find value in the information provided on reversed cards, which is not offered in all tarot books.

Fenton-Smith also offers a more comprehensive tarot guide, aimed at deepening your understanding of the tarot.

Start your tarot journey today with this tarot book for beginners >

Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom by Rachel Pollack

Published in 1980, Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom is a staple on many readers' shelves. It’s been referred to by some as the “Tarot Reader’s Bible.” The book examines each card and provides perspective on how to discover yourself through your readings.

Pollack uses a blend of mythology, astrology, numerology, psychology, history, and symbolism in her writing. Because of the differing aspect she provides, readers gain a deeper understanding of the major and minor arcana and tarot’s place in the world. 

Add more of Pollack’s works to your library — ranging from fiction to spiritual teachings and other tarot handbooks. 

Broaden your knowledge of the tarot with this beloved classic >

Tarot and Astrology: Enhance Your Readings with the Wisdom of the Zodiac by Corrine Kenner 

Kenner’s Tarot and Astrology is a user-friendly tarot guidebook that helps build the bridge between the art of tarot and the science of astrology. 

Starting with the basics, you’ll work your way through understanding each card’s archetypal symbolism, the 12 signs of the zodiac, and each of the planets’ influence on your daily life. Through your learning, you’ll add a new layer of interpretation to your readings.

Along with building your tarot knowledge, you’ll pick up how to read an astrological chart, pair planets with their corresponding tarot cards, and find practical astrological spreads. Kenner also offers a fun application of the tarot by doing readings of famous figures including Salvador Dali and Marilyn Monroe. 

Kenner’s other works include practicing tarot as a writer and crystals for beginners. 

Discover the connection between astrology and tarot with this tarot book >

Reading the Runes by Kim Farnell

Reading the Runes is a practical introductory guide to learning the historical significance of runes and their use for divination and guidance. 

Passed down through the ages by Northern Traditions of Europe, Runes make up an ancient alphabet known as the Futhark. They contain a magical energy that can bring positive and powerful changes to your life. 

Farnell offers traditional rune spreads and advice on how to energize your runes in between readings. She also gives steps for how you can make your own runes at home! Once you have a grasp of reading runes, you can start to implement tarot readings. 

Explore the magic of runes with this beginner’s guide >

The Crystal Tarot by Philip Permutt

Crystals have been used for centuries as a means of healing and divination. In this boxed set, The Crystal Tarot provides a connection between the energies of crystals and the use of tarot. 

Each card features an image of a crystal along with a traditional tarot image. Permutt provides this imagery in order to enhance the meaning of each tarot symbol. The High Priestess, for example, is paired with the lapis lazuli crystal — linking her spiritual truth and intuition with the crystal’s healing powers of deep peace, harmony, and self-awareness. 

Within the set’s book, you’ll find spreads to try out with your deck and ways to elevate your tarot practice with crystals. 

Bring the beauty of crystals into your tarot practice >

Holistic Tarot: An Integrative Approach to Using Tarot for Personal Growth by Benebell Wen

At over 873 pages, Holistic Tarot has everything you need for practicing tarot reading, and then some. Wen provides an in-depth guide not only into the tarot itself but on topics like shuffling and dealing the cards and the role of mediation in your practice. 

The visually-minded will appreciate the book’s 500+ graphs and illustrations that break down each card. You’ll also discover a wide variety of spreads that can serve you in improving relationships, professional developments, and building personal resilience. 

As a complete compendium of tarot study, this is one of the best books about tarot you can add to your library. 

Pick up this comprehensive guide to the tarot >

Learn More About Pagan Practices 

Practicing tarot is only one aspect of paganism, albeit an important one. While tarot provides insight into the “how” and “why” of your daily experiences, there are other ways to tap into the energies of the world and harness their power. 

Paganism is a sundry of beliefs and practices that celebrate the natural world and what she gives us. Throughout the year there are opportunities to honor the world, the gods and goddesses, and the growth we experience from season to season. 

Understanding the rich histories of paganism and the many practices that make up its belief system takes time, but it’s an exciting journey to embark on.

Learn more about pagan practices and how to incorporate them into your life >

 

About the Author

Dustyn Deerman

Dustyn Deerman (she/her/hers) is an educator, copywriter, and ceramist based in Denver, Colorado. She has been studying Witchcraft and practicing Tarot since 2017. She’s a sucker for comedy, a good charcuterie board, and the puppy eyes her dogs give her.