Revelations of Divine Love - Julian of Norwich
- This is a must-read for everyone. Even if you're not Christian (which I am not), you can read it allegorically, and it's still incredibly moving and thought-provoking.
The Book of Thoth - Aleister Crowley
- If you're going to attempt using the Thoth Tarot deck, you MUST buy this book. Crowley insisted that the deck and book be sold together. Why they actually aren't is a mystery to me.
The Book of the Law - Aleister Crowley
- Also fairly required if using the Thoth deck if only to understand Crowley's cosmology. I appreciated many things said in this book, though frankly, other things made me uncomfortable. Of course, his purpose was to break you out of conditioned spiritual beliefs, but I would still advise you to read this at your own discretion.
The Tree of Life - Israel Regardie
- Great introduction to Golden Dawn interpretations of the Sephiroth and its magical uses. Also a great introduction to magic in general. Regardie's attempted use of comparative religion is always admirable.
Pearl - anonymous
- A medieval classic, this 14th century English poem may be one of my favorites. If you can read it in the original Middle English, definitely do so!
In Defense of Food - Michael Pollan
- Yes, this book has nothing to do with this blog, but if you live in America (especially), then this is a must read. Puts diets totally into perspective, and once and for all exposes mainstream nutrition paranoia for what it is.
Tarot 101 - Kim Huggens
- I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Was entertaining, well-written, and thoughtful. Huggens pushes you to thoroughly contemplate the cards, and provides you with all the tools necessary for further study and personal development, as well as wise practical advice for those who wish to be more professional.
The Thoth Companion - Michael Osiris Snuffin
- Granted, the man's "middle name" is... eclectic. However, this is an incredibly helpful book for really understanding some of the admirably tedious symbolism of the Thoth deck. I found this book FAR more helpful than Lon Milo Duquette's book on the deck, though I recommend reading that too for more general background of the cards. Snuffin's work is far more in depth and practically useful for interpreting the cards personally.
Tarot and the Magus - Paul Hughes-Barlow
- As much as I found this book confusing, I thought it was an interesting new way of looking at the infamous Opening of the Key spread of the Golden Dawn. With this book, one really understands all the potential ways one can use that spread to its full potential, while only actually using the first operation (the spread is actually five operations long). Some warning, the book is somewhat difficult to get your hands on.
Tarot for Yourself - Mary K. Greer
- For the individual who believes reading for yourself is impossible. This book will teach you a myriad of ways to use the Tarot for things besides divination, and will help you use it to grow and discover yourself. Well written, sensitive, profound, and motivating. Mary Greer, as usual, delivers.
21 Ways to Read a Tarot Card - Mary K. Greer
- I can't mention the above book without mentioning this one as well. Greer is simply a fantastic teacher, and gets you to see the art of Tarot reading in a whole new way. Brilliant for the cartomancer whose style is particularly empathetic and therapeutic. Downplays the need to have psychic accuracy in readings, and emphasizes the importance of empowering the querent in their situation.
The Mystical Origins of the Tarot - Paul Huson
- Even though I disagree with certain things in here, and the scholarship is admittedly sketchy, I found his theories on the origins of the Tarot very intriguing. Huson may exaggerate the role of morality plays in the creation of the trumps, but it was still a brilliant connection. Furthermore, the information in the book on the progression of the Tarot's cultural meaning as it moved into the 18th and 19th centuries. Anyone interested in historical spreads and reading practices from these periods should check this book out.
