Tarot in Jeans

Books I Swear By

My go to tarot book recommendations for learning tarot, reading in context, and actually understanding tarot history. No theatrics. No fluff. Just books that earn their shelf space.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Learn Tarot

If you want one solid path, start here. These are the books I recommend for building real reading skill and confidence.

Advanced Tarot Secrets

Intermediate Accuracy Technique

By Dusty White When you already read, but want to level up your accuracy, spreads, and decision making mid reading.

See it on Amazon For sharper readings

The Easiest Way to Learn Astrology EVER!!

Bonus Astrology Context

By Dusty White Not tarot, but a strong add on if you want better timing and personality context in your readings.

See it on Amazon Optional, but powerful

Visual History and Collector Brain

These are the books that make deck history click because you can actually see the material.

Tarot and Divination Cards: A Visual Archive

Visual Deck History Collector

By Laetitia Barbier A huge visual reference for comparing styles across eras and spotting what changed, and what stayed.

See it on Amazon For deck comparison

Tarot: The Library of Esoterica

Art Visual Modern

By Jessica Hundley A gorgeous, image rich overview that helps you see tarot as art, culture, and symbolism across time.

See it on Amazon For visual inspiration

Astrology: The Library of Esoterica

Adjacent Astrology Symbolism

By Andrea Richards If you like correspondences, symbolism, and esoteric history, this one pairs surprisingly well with tarot study.

See it on Amazon For symbolism lovers

Reference Library

These are the big ones. If you collect decks, research editions, or want a deep catalog of tarot history, these matter.

The Encyclopedia of Tarot, Volume 1

Reference Decks Kaplan

By Stuart R. Kaplan The start of a legendary reference set. If you want breadth, this is the doorway.

See it on Amazon Volume 1

The Encyclopedia of Tarot, Volume 2

Reference History Kaplan

By Stuart R. Kaplan More decks, more documentation, more context. The set gets addictive.

See it on Amazon Volume 2

The Encyclopedia of Tarot, Volume 3

Reference Deck Archive Kaplan

By Stuart R. Kaplan This is where the collection starts to feel like a museum in book form.

See it on Amazon Volume 3

The Encyclopedia of Tarot, Volume 4

Reference Collector Kaplan

By Stuart R. Kaplan A massive continuation of the archive. If you love deck history, this is pure fuel.

See it on Amazon Volume 4

Occult Tarot History

If you want the real story of how tarot got absorbed into occult tradition, and where the myths came from, start here.

A Wicked Pack of Cards: Origins of the Occult Tarot

Scholarship Origins Occult

By Michael Dummett, Ronald Decker, Thierry Depaulis The essential backbone for separating tarot history from modern occult storytelling.

See it on Amazon For serious tarot history

FAQ

Quick answers, because I know you are probably reading this from your phone.

Do I need all of these books to learn tarot?

No. Pick one beginner foundation book, then add a deeper classic when you want to expand meaning and context.

Which book should I buy first?

If you want structure, start with Easiest Way. If you want depth, start with Seventy Eight Degrees of Wisdom.

Are these affiliate links?

Yes. If you buy through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.