When it comes to tarot, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why I’m sharing the best tarot books for beginners.

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Original photo by Kathryn Trattner

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I use tarot cards. I’ve done readings in the hospitality room at conferences, and just this past weekend I did some readings at Paranormal Fest at a local library.

(Did you know you can book a tarot reading session from me? To find out more about my tarot readings and when I offer them, click here.)

There are a lot of free resources out there when it comes to tarot. I recommend the Tarot for the Wild Soul podcast if you’re interested in soul-centered tarot reading. And Biddy Tarot is a great website to start learning the meanings behind the cards.

But with that being said, I personally believe that your own interpretations of the cards are the most important. Tarot exists outside the patriarchal system that we’re used to.

I personally believe that your own interpretations of the cards are the most important. Tarot exists outside the patriarchal system that we're used to. Click To Tweet

So follow your heart. Don’t look for certifications.

If the cards speak to you in a certain way, listen.

There is no cut and dry answer about the meaning of a card.

But, if you’re like me, you learn best from books, and reading the interpretations and spread ideas others have has always been really helpful to me.

I’m not saying it’s the only way. But it’s a great way to get started.

(And if this post is your jam, may I suggest this post on books for developing intuition?)

Also, just a little note: I use the Smith Rider Waite deck. I know this isn’t the cool one and everyone is all over the Wild Unknown.

If that deck works for you, it works for you.

But I cut my teeth on western medieval literature, because it was the most exotic thing my Oklahoma brown girl hands could pull from the library. So, Smith Rider Waite speaks to me.

But more important than the books is finding the deck that works for you.

Personally, I own this Smith Rider Waite deck, this Hobbit deck, and this Lord of the Rings deck. And I’ve been coveting this Holly Simple deck.

The Best Tarot Books for Beginners

The Ultimate Guide to Tarot by Liz Dean

This is the book I used when I first got into tarot. It gives in-depth information about each card, including zodiacal, numerological, and Kabbalah meanings and relationships with each card.

It also shows what this card can mean in relationship to other cards that show up in a spread.

But the best part? It talks about how this card could be read in multiple contexts. So if you’re looking for the meaning when it comes to money, home, or relationships, this book has you covered.

WTF is Tarot and How Do I Do It? by Bakara Wintner

I think this is perhaps one of the most approachable books on tarot, and is a great way to get into it.

Like Dean’s book, it gives tons of information about each card, but feels less like drinking from the firehose. And Wintner’s casual style is great.

The central thesis of the book is that you don’t need to learn tarot, because on some level, you already know it.

Wintner uses anecdotes that makes the meanings of these card make sense to the modern tarot reader, and I love how she demystifies the tarot.

The Creative Tarot by Jessa Crispin

If you’re a bookish tarot girl, then you’ve probably heard of Jessa Crispin.

Known online for her feminist writing and her work with Bookslut.com, Crispin’s book is a great way for creatives to incorporate tarot into their practices.

If you’re looking for inspiration or a way to approach your next project, this book encourages you to look to the tarot. Crispin guides you through the process, and makes it easy.

And the best part? There’s just some good old-fashioned advice for creatives in this book.

The Ultimate Guide to Tarot Card Meanings by Brigit Esselmont

Remember when I mentioned the Biddy Tarot website earlier? Well, this is written by that blogger.

It’s a great guide for all the information you might need, though I will note that it’s stuff that’s probably already on her site.

But again, if you’re like me, you learn best from books.

So if you need a book that covers card meanings for both upright and reversed cards, as well as possible interpretations given the specific situation, this book will do right by you.

Tarot Card Meanings Workbook by Brigit Esselmont

Okay. So. Remember when I said there’s no cut and dry answer about the meaning of a card? This is the workbook for you if you feel the same way.

This workbook is a place where you can record the meanings of cards that you discern from your deck.

Or, I could see some people using it to study a book of meanings.

Either way, this is a great resource for you to record what resonates with you about each card.

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Do you use the tarot?

What’s your favorite tarot resource? Where do you get all your tarot information? What books have helped you the most in your tarot journey?