Take your study and mastery of Tarot to the next level with these advanced Tarot books I picked from my collection. These are my favorites for anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of the Tarot.
- Who Are Advanced Tarot Books For?
- Best Advanced Tarot Books
- A Walk Through the Forest of Souls: A Tarot Journey to Spiritual Awakening
- History, Analysis and Secret Tradition of the Tarot: Esoteric Classics
- Tarot and Divination Cards: A Visual Archive
- The Qabalistic Tarot Book
- The Kabalistic and Occult Tarot of Eliphas Levi
- Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom: A Tarot Journey to Self-Awareness
- Book of Thoth: Egyptian Tarot by Aleister Crowley (1981-02-19)
- Understanding Aleister Crowley's Thoth Tarot: New Edition
- The Way of Tarot: The Spiritual Teacher in the Cards
- The New Golden Dawn Ritual Tarot: Keys to the Rituals, Symbolism, Magic and Divination
- The Tarot: A Key to the Wisdom of the Ages
- The Pictorial Key To The Tarot: Classic Literature
- Advanced Tarot Book Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best advanced Tarot books for experienced readers?
- Which Advanced Tarot books provide in-depth knowledge of the symbolism and themes?
- What are some of the most comprehensive Tarot books for learners?
- Which Tarot books offer a unique perspective on the cards and their meanings?
- What are the best Tarot books for beginners?
Tarot reading is an excellent tool for gaining insight into one’s life and exploring the mysteries of the universe. Mastering the art of Tarot opens the door to curiosity about the mystical arts and esoteric knowledge. That’s where advanced tarot books truly enrich your quest.
Who Are Advanced Tarot Books For?
Advanced Tarot books are best for people who have mastered the basics of tarot reading and want to take their skills to the next level. These books provide in-depth knowledge about the symbolism and interpretation of tarot cards and advanced techniques and philosophies. They are an excellent resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Tarot and its history.
When looking for the best advanced Tarot books, paying attention to the author’s credentials and content is essential. The author should have a deep understanding of Tarot reading and be able to convey their knowledge clearly and concisely. The content should be well-organized, easy to understand, and provide practical advice that can be applied to real-life situations.
I have spent countless hours reading advanced Tarot books and identified the ones that provide the most value to my readers. In this article, I’ll share my top picks for the best advanced Tarot books and explain why they’re worth adding to your collection.

Best Advanced Tarot Books
I’ve scoured my library to bring you the top advanced Tarot books that will take your readings to the next level. Whether you’re an experienced reader or just starting, these books will deepen your understanding of the Tarot and help you unlock its hidden meanings. From exploring the history and symbolism of the cards to learning advanced techniques for interpreting them, these books are a must-have for any serious Tarot enthusiast. Here are my top picks for the best advanced Tarot books.
A Walk Through the Forest of Souls: A Tarot Journey to Spiritual Awakening
If you’re looking for an advanced Tarot book that offers deep spiritual wisdom, then A Walk Through the Forest of Souls: A Tarot Journey to Spiritual Awakening by Rachel Pollack is a must-read.
Pros
- Provides a deep spiritual understanding of the Tarot
- Offers hidden gems for Tarot enthusiasts of all levels
- Helps release preconceived ideas of the Tarot and opens up new possibilities
Cons
- May not be suitable for beginners
- Some readers may find the spiritual focus too intense
- The book is relatively short at only 288 pages
A Walk Through the Forest of Souls is a deeply insightful and spiritual journey. It provides a unique perspective on the Tarot that is both refreshing and enlightening. Pollack’s expertise in Tarot shines through on every page, revealing her depth of knowledge and passion.
The book takes you on a journey that helps you release preconceived ideas of the Tarot and opens up a new world of magic and possibilities. I found the hidden gems in this book to be invaluable, no matter what level of Tarot knowledge you have.
However, we would caution that this book may not be suitable for beginners, as it assumes some prior knowledge of the Tarot. Additionally, some readers may find the spiritual focus of the book too intense for their liking. Finally, the book is relatively short, at only 288 pages, which may leave some readers wanting more.
I highly recommend A Walk Through the Forest of Souls: A Tarot Journey to Spiritual Awakening for anyone looking to deepen their spiritual understanding of the Tarot. With its unique perspective and invaluable insights, this book will surely become a treasured addition to your Tarot library.
History, Analysis and Secret Tradition of the Tarot: Esoteric Classics
I highly recommend History, Analysis and Secret Tradition of the Tarot: Esoteric Classics for those wanting to deepen their knowledge of Tarot.
Pros
- Comprehensive analysis of Tarot’s history and symbolism
- Easy to read and understand
- Provides insights into Tarot’s secret tradition
Cons
- Only 60 pages long
- Lacks practical exercises for readers
- Might be too advanced for beginners
This book offers a comprehensive analysis of Tarot’s history and symbolism, making it an excellent resource for those wanting to deepen their knowledge. The author’s writing style is easy to read and understand, making this book accessible to many readers. Additionally, the book provides insights into Tarot’s secret tradition, which will fascinate even the most seasoned Tarot enthusiasts.
However, the book is only 60 pages long, which might not be enough for some readers who are looking for a more in-depth exploration of Tarot. Additionally, the book lacks practical exercises for readers, which might be disappointing for those who want to apply their newfound knowledge of Tarot. Finally, the book might be too advanced for beginners, as it assumes a certain familiarity with Tarot.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive analysis of the Tarot’s history and symbolism, then History, Analysis and Secret Tradition of the Tarot: Esoteric Classics is worth checking out. However, if you’re a beginner or looking for more practical exercises, you might want to consider other options.
Tarot and Divination Cards: A Visual Archive
As an avid collector and enthusiast of tarot and divination cards, I recently acquired the hardcover edition of “Tarot and Divination Cards: A Visual Archive.” This book has exceeded my expectations in many ways, making it a cherished addition to my collection.
Pros
- The first thing that struck me was the build quality. It’s a well-made, solid book that feels durable and is designed to last.
- The illustrations in this book are simply stunning. They’re not just limited to tarot card images; there’s a rich variety including photographs and art reproductions that add depth to the content.
- The book is very well-written, providing insightful information that’s both enlightening for beginners and enriching for seasoned practitioners.
Cons
- Due to its solid build and quality materials, the book is quite heavy and large. This might be a downside for those who prefer more portable books
- The high quality and extensive content come with a higher price tag, which might not be accessible to all enthusiasts.
- While the book is informative, the sheer amount of information and the variety of visuals might be overwhelming for those new to tarot.
The combination of beautiful visuals and comprehensive information makes it a standout in its category. It’s an ideal book for anyone interested in the art and practice of tarot and divination.
With its extensive collection of hundreds of images sourced from over 100 decks, including many that are rarely published and have been long forgotten in library archives, this book stands as a first-of-its-kind exploration into the rich and varied world of tarot imagery.
The Qabalistic Tarot Book
The Qabalistic Tarot is a must-have if you want to deepen your understanding of Tarot’s mystical philosophy.
Pros
- Provides an excellent introduction to the Tree of Life/Kabbalah system of Tarot
- Offers deep write-ups and their association with the Tree of Life
- Has diagrams that are easy to follow and understand
Cons
- Can be a bit hard to follow at times if you’re not already adept in the subject matter
- Some readers may find it too intellectually inclined
- Quality of proofreading could be improved
The Qabalistic Tarot is an incredibly informative and comprehensive guide to the subject matter. Another masterpiece by Robert Wang, the book covers the connections between Tarot and Kabbalah and briefly introduces the Tree of Life system. The diagrams are particularly helpful in understanding the subject matter.
While the book can be challenging to follow, it’s well worth the effort if you’re serious about deepening your understanding of Tarot and Kabbalah. The author’s writing style is clear and concise, and the book assumes no prior knowledge of the subject matter.
I highly recommend The Qabalistic Tarot Book to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Tarot and its mystical philosophy.
The Kabalistic and Occult Tarot of Eliphas Levi
Another classic gem I highly recommend is The Kabalistic and Occult Tarot of Eliphas Levi for advanced readers looking to deepen their knowledge of Tarot symbolism and history.
Pros
- The book explores the Tarot from a Kabalistic and occult perspective, providing a unique and comprehensive understanding of the cards.
- The author, Eliphas Levi, was a renowned occultist and tarot expert, making this book a valuable resource for serious tarot readers.
- The book includes detailed explanations of each card and illustrations, making it easy to follow and understand.
Cons
- The book is quite dense and may be overwhelming for beginners or those seeking a more casual read.
- Some readers may find the author’s writing style dry or academic.
- The book is quite long, at 332 pages, and may require a significant time commitment to digest fully.
The Kabalistic and Occult Tarot of Eliphas Levi goes deep into the symbolism and history of the tarot, providing a unique perspective that will fascinate advanced tarot readers. The author’s expertise and attention to detail make this book a must-read for those seeking to expand their knowledge of the tarot.
Levi’s writing style can be dense and academic, which may not be for everyone. However, this book is an invaluable resource for those willing to put in the time and effort to absorb the material fully. I highly recommend The Kabalistic and Occult Tarot of Eliphas Levi to serious tarot readers looking to take their practice to the next level.
Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom: A Tarot Journey to Self-Awareness
Another Rachel Pollack must-read, I recommend Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom: A Tarot Journey to Self-Awareness for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Tarot and themselves. Encyclopedic and thorough, this is a must-have book.
Pros
- Provides a thorough description of each tarot card and its symbolism
- Offers insight into the history of tarot and its symbols
- Takes a psychological and spiritual approach to tarot interpretation
Cons
- May not be suitable for intermediate or advanced readers
- Some readers may not find themselves reading it cover-to-cover
- Binding may not be very durable
Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom: A Tarot Journey to Self-Awareness is an in-depth exploration of the tarot and its meanings. The book provides a detailed description of each card and its symbolism, as well as insight into the history of tarot and its symbolism. The author takes a psychological and spiritual approach to tarot interpretation and is a great resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of themselves and the world.
One of the biggest pros of this book is the thoroughness of the descriptions. The author leaves no stone unturned, comprehensively analyzing each card and its symbolism. This makes it easy for readers to understand the meanings behind each card and how they relate to one another.
Another pro of this book is the author’s approach to tarot interpretation. By taking a psychological and spiritual approach, the author encourages readers to look within themselves and use the tarot as a tool for self-discovery.
I highly recommend Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom: A Tarot Journey to Self-Awareness for anyone looking to deepen their self-understanding.
Book of Thoth: Egyptian Tarot by Aleister Crowley (1981-02-19)
The Book of Thoth: Egyptian Tarot by Aleister Crowley is a must-have for anyone interested in deepening their knowledge of the Thoth Tarot and its history. Crowley doesn’t disappoint in his writing on this beautiful topic.
Pros
- Provides a comprehensive guide to the Thoth Tarot deck
- Offers detailed explanations of each card and its symbolism
- Includes Crowley’s unique insight into tarot and the occult
Cons
- Can be technical and difficult to understand at times
- Some readers may find Crowley’s writing style to be dense and challenging
- The Kindle version is not user-friendly and may be hard to read
The Book of Thoth is a valuable resource for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of the Thoth Tarot. Crowley’s writing is clear and concise, and his insights into the Tarot are remarkable.
In this book, Crowley provides a detailed guide to the Thoth Tarot deck, explaining each card and its symbolism. He also delves into the history of Tarot, its use in divination, and its connections to the occult. If you’re willing to try to understand Crowley’s writing, you’ll be rewarded with a deep understanding of tarot and its symbolism.
If you love the Thoth Tarot, I recommend the Book of Thoth: Egyptian Tarot. Just be prepared to work to understand Crowley’s writing fully.
Understanding Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot: New Edition
If you’re looking for a compelling book about the Thoth Tarot, this is a great option if you find Crowley difficult to comprehend. Understanding Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot: New Edition is comprehensive and insightful in its approach to the Thoth Tarot.
Pros
- Provides a deep understanding of the Thoth Tarot
- Written by a well-known expert in the field
- Includes beautiful illustrations and detailed explanations
Cons
- May be overwhelming for beginners
- Some readers may find the content too esoteric
- Not focused on card interpretations
This book is a fantastic read and resource for anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge of the Thoth Tarot. The author, Lon Milo DuQuette, is a well-known expert in the field of Tarot and provides a comprehensive and insightful approach to the Thoth Tarot.
The book covers many topics, including the history and symbolism of the Thoth Tarot, the Tree of Life, and the Qabalah. It also includes detailed explanations of each card and several spreads and exercises to help you deepen your understanding of the Tarot.
One thing to keep in mind is that this book is geared toward more advanced readers. If you’re a beginner, the content may be overwhelming or too esoteric. However, if you’re looking for a deep dive into the Thoth Tarot, this book is worth checking out.
The Way of Tarot: The Spiritual Teacher in the Cards
From the first chapter of The Way of Tarot: The Spiritual Teacher in the Cards, I knew I was reading a special and personal account that would deepen my understanding of the Tarot. I love this book and highly recommend it!
Pros
- Comprehensive guide to the tarot with 552 pages of information
- Provides a spiritual perspective on the tarot, making it a unique and valuable resource
- Includes detailed information on the Marseille Tarot, which is not covered in many tarot books
Cons
- Some readers may find the book too dense or difficult to follow
- The spiritual perspective may not appeal to everyone
- Not a beginner-friendly book
The Way of Tarot: The Spiritual Teacher in the Cards has a deep and spiritual perspective on the Tarot and a very personal perspective from a prolific Tarot deck collector.
One of the biggest pros of this book is its length and comprehensiveness. With 552 pages of information, it covers a wide range of topics related to the tarot, making it a valuable resource.
Another unique aspect of this book is its spiritual perspective. The Way of Tarot: The Spiritual Teacher in the Cards provides a deeper, more spiritual perspective on the tarot.
One potential downside of this book is its density. Some readers may find it difficult to follow or too dense to read cover-to-cover.
I recommend The Way of Tarot: The Spiritual Teacher in the Cards for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Tarot’s spiritual side. Amazing read!
The New Golden Dawn Ritual Tarot: Keys to the Rituals, Symbolism, Magic and Divination
The New Golden Dawn Ritual Tarot is perfect for readers looking to deepen their understanding of the Golden Dawn tradition.
Pros
- Provides a comprehensive guide to the Golden Dawn ritual and divination
- Offers a unique perspective on the symbolism and magic of Tarot
- Written by experienced authors in the field
Cons
- May not be suitable for beginners due to its advanced content
- Some readers may find the book’s language and concepts challenging to understand
- The book focuses on the Golden Dawn tradition
The New Golden Dawn Ritual Tarot is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the Golden Dawn tradition and its association with Tarot. The book offers a comprehensive guide to the rituals, symbolism, magic, and divination of the Golden Dawn and is written by experienced and renowned authors Chic and Sandra Cicero.
The book is divided into two parts: The first part introduces the Golden Dawn tradition and its connection to Tarot. The second part offers a detailed guide to the ritual and divination practices of the Golden Dawn, using the Ciceros’ Tarot deck as a tool.
One of the strengths of The New Golden Dawn Ritual Tarot is its unique perspective on the symbolism and magic of Tarot. The book provides deep insights into the meaning of each card. This makes it an excellent resource for advanced Tarot readers looking to deepen their understanding of The Golden Dawn.
The New Golden Dawn Ritual Tarot is a valuable resource for advanced Tarot readers interested in the Golden Dawn tradition. It offers a comprehensive guide to the rituals, symbolism, magic, and divination of the Golden Dawn and provides a unique perspective on the Tarot.
The Tarot: A Key to the Wisdom of the Ages
If you’re looking for a comprehensive and insightful guide to the Tarot, then The Tarot: A Key to the Wisdom of the Ages is a great book written by a well-known master of the Tarot.
Pros
- The book is written by Paul Foster Case, founder of the Builders of the Adytum, one of the world’s oldest and most respected Tarot schools.
- The writing is concise and insightful, offering great information on each key.
- The book covers the first 22 cards of the deck (major arcana) in great detail.
Cons
- The illustrations are in black and white, which may be disappointing for some readers.
- The book is focused on Kabbalism and numerology, which may not be everyone’s preferred way of reading the Tarot.
- The book is not for those looking for simple interpretations to do Tarot readings.
The Tarot: A Key to the Wisdom of the Ages is a valuable resource for serious Tarot students. The book is well-written and full of insights that can help deepen your understanding of the Tarot.
The book covers the first 22 cards of the deck (major arcana) in great detail, providing a comprehensive guide to their meanings and symbolism. The writing is concise and insightful, offering much information on each key without being overwhelming.
The book is focused on Kabbalism and numerology, which may not be everyone’s preferred way of reading the Tarot. Additionally, the illustrations are in black and white, which may be disappointing for some readers.
The Tarot: A Key to the Wisdom of the Ages is valuable to any Tarot student’s library. This book is worth reading if you’re looking for a comprehensive and insightful guide to the Tarot.
The Pictorial Key To The Tarot: Classic Literature
If you’re looking for a historically important text on the Rider-Waite-Coleman Tarot deck, then The Pictorial Key To The Tarot: Classic Literature is a great choice.
Pros
- Written by the man who designed the cards.
- Succinct texts on each card.
- Excellent quality of the book.
Cons
- Dated language.
- Flowery prose.
- Product of its time.
I’ve been studying the Tarot and doing readings for over 25 years and can say that The Pictorial Key To The Tarot: Classic Literature is a must-have book for Tarot enthusiasts. The author, Arthur Edward Waite, was the designer of the Rider-Waite-Coleman Tarot deck, and this book is his description of the deck. The book is well-written, and the texts on each card are succinct and informative.
However, it’s important to note that the book was written in 1910 and reflects the language and attitudes of that time, which may be off-putting for some readers.
If you’re interested in the history of the Rider-Waite-Coleman Tarot deck, then The Pictorial Key To The Tarot: Classic Literature is a great resource. However, if you’re looking for a modern interpretation of the Tarot, you may want to look elsewhere.
Advanced Tarot Book Buying Guide
When looking for the best advanced Tarot books, remember a few key features to ensure you’re getting the most out of your purchase. Here are some factors to consider:
Level of Experience
First and foremost, consider your level of experience with Tarot. Are you a beginner looking to expand your knowledge, or are you already familiar with the basics and ready to delve deeper? Make sure the book you choose is appropriate for your skill level.
Content
Next, consider the content of the book. Does it cover the topics you’re interested in learning about? Is it focused on a particular aspect of Tarot, such as spreads or symbolism? Look for a book that aligns with your interests and goals.
Writing Style
The writing style of the book can also be a crucial factor. Some books may be more academic and dense, while others may be more approachable and conversational. Consider what style works best for you and your learning style.
Reviews
Finally, take a look at reviews of the book before making a purchase. What do other readers have to say about the book’s content, writing style, and overall usefulness? This can provide valuable insight into whether the book is right for you.
Considering these factors, you can find the best advanced Tarot book for your needs and take your Tarot practice to the next level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best advanced Tarot books for experienced readers?
For those who have already mastered the basics of Tarot, some of the best advanced Tarot books are those written by Rachel Pollack, Robert Wang, Chic Cicero, and Aleister Crowley.
Which Advanced Tarot books provide in-depth knowledge of the symbolism and themes?
If you want a deeper understanding of Tarot symbolism and themes, I recommend “The Book of Thoth” by Aleister Crowley and “The Tarot: A Key to the Wisdom of the Ages” by Paul Foster Case.
What are some of the most comprehensive Tarot books for learners?
For learners who want a comprehensive guide to Tarot, I suggest Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom: A Tarot Journey to Self-Awareness.
Which Tarot books offer a unique perspective on the cards and their meanings?
I suggest The Way of Tarot: The Spiritual Teacher in the Cards if you want a unique perspective on Tarot cards and their meanings.
What are the best Tarot books for beginners?
I made a list of the best Tarot books for beginners filled with many of my favorite ones.