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Recommended Esoteric, spiritual, and Occult reading 

The 15 Best Tarot Books for Beginners and Beyond

11/15/2019

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By Amber C. Snider, w/ book recommendations by Stacy Rapp & Carmen Pouerie

​Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned reader, here’s a roundup of our favorite classic and new books on tarot to help pique your intrigue and develop your divination skills. 
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The origin story of the Tarot may be shrouded in mystery, but the oldest surviving deck in the world dates back to 15th century Milan. The Visconti-Sforza tarot deck – a beautiful, stylized painted design – contains many of the major archetypes we know today, even though only fragments remain. Fast forward several centuries later. In 1910, illustrator Pamela Colman Smith and mystic A.E. Waite created what is now the most popular deck in the English-speaking world: the Rider-Waite tarot deck (also known as the Rider-Waite-Smith deck). The Rider-Waite remains a staple divination tool for many and has influenced hundreds of other versions and reinterpretations to-date.

Over the course of 500 years, the Tarot still manages to capture our intrigue – not only for its mysticism and artwork, but also for its practicality. Whether it’s to study archetypes in the human psyche, come to terms with grief and loss, understand behavioral patterns and desires, or divine the future, people are still drawn to these mystical 78 cards. Even modern day psychologists are using the Tarot to help understand, clarify, and uncover deep rooted psychical patterns in their patients. 

Below, we’ve compiled some of our favorite books on Tarot to help you navigate all the material out there. 

​For beginners and beyond:
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​Learning the Tarot, by Joan Bunning 

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A 'how-to' book with 19 lessons and numerous exercises, beginning with the basics and gradually moving into advanced concepts so that you can learn to read the tarot at your own pace. Includes interpretations for all the cards. The author first presented this course on the Internet, and continues to provide website support for students with questions. 178 illustrations using the popular Waite deck."  – From the publisher, Red Wheel/ Weiser


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Tarot for Yourself, by Mary K. Greer 

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This tarot classic by Mary K. Greer was the first book to promote reading the cards for your own insight, revolutionizing tarot through a combined emphasis on self-teaching techniques and personal growth. Tarot for Your Self uses meditations, rituals, spreads, mandalas, visualizations, dialogues, charts, affirmations, and other activities to help you establish your own relationship with the cards. Tarot for Your Self covers interpretations for the major and minor arcana, reversed card meanings for all 78 cards, and enlightening information on your shadow/teacher cards." –– From the publisher, Red Wheel/ Weiser


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​Tarot for Beginners, by Barbara Moore 

"This all-new edition of the popular Tarot for Beginners makes it simpler and more enjoyable than ever to learn how to read and interpret tarot cards. Award-winning tarot expert Barbara Moore clearly explains every aspect of the tarot so you can perform readings with ease and confidence.
Discover the core divinatory meanings of all seventy-eight cards, clearly broken down by Major and Minor Arcana, suit, and number. A variety of spreads and sample readings will help you develop essential skills and ultimately create your own unique style." –– From the publisher, 
Llewellyn


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​The Crowley Tarot Handbook, by Akron & Hajo Banzhaf 

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The Crowley Tarot Handbook provides a thorough guide to the background and methodology of tarot reading with the Crowley Thoth Tarot deck. For those who are ready to delve even deeper into the meanings of the cards created by Lady Frieda Harris and Aleister Crowley, this handbook offers detailed analysis of the rich symbolism and the myriad correlations in the fields of astrology, art and music, mythology, Tree of Life, the Runes, elements, and other archetypal correspondences." –– From the publisher U.S. Games Systems
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Modern Tarot, by Michelle Tea 

​Beloved literary iconoclast Michelle Tea reinvents tarot for a new generation in this guide to using the Tarot as a twenty-first-century tool for connecting with our higher selves. Based on over twenty-five years of experience and a deep and abiding love of the cards, Modern Tarot brings the full force of Tea’s unique insight, inviting pop sensibility, and wicked humor to bear on the tradition of the Tarot in a fascinating journey through the cards that teaches us how to use this tradition for radical self-growth." –– From the publisher, Harper

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​Tarot for Troubled Times, by Shaheen Miro & Theresa Reed. Read our interview the authors here. 

"Each of us has a shadow that darkens our inner and outer lives. In Tarot for Troubled Times, Shaheen Miro and Theresa Reed show us how working with the shadow—facing it directly, leaning into it rather than away—releases power that can free ourselves from negative mental habits and destructive emotions to find healing ourselves and others. Tarot, as the authors show, offers a rich and subtle path for this profound transformation." –– From the publisher Weiser
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​Ultimate Guide to the Rider-Waite Tarot, by J. Fiebig & E. Burger 

​"Discover everything you ever wanted to know about the world's most popular tarot deck. The Ultimate Guide to the Rider Waite Tarot details the ten most important symbols on each and every card in the deck complete with hundreds of illustrations for easy use. In addition to an explanation of the symbols, each card is given a brief interpretation by topic, [including] primary meaning, spiritual meaning, love and relationship meaning, daily meaning, and more." –– From the publisher Llewellyn

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​Tarot Plain and Simple, by Anthony Louis

"Tarot Plain and Simple by Anthony Louis is the book you've been waiting for! As the title indicates, this book presents the Tarot in clear language that anyone can understand. If you've had trouble learning the Tarot, this book gives the meaning of each and every one of the 78 Tarot cards—both in simple terms and in-depth ones, both upright interpretations and those for when a card is drawn reversed. Illustrations are from the elegant and mystic Robin Wood Tarot." –– From the publisher Llewellyn
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Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom, by Rachel Pollack

"The bestselling tarot classic in a new edition with a new preface by the author. When it was first published nearly 40-years-ago, Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom was an instant classic and inspired generations of tarot students. Often referred to as the 'bible of tarot books' it has now helped to launch the 'tarot renaissance' we’re seeing today. Drawing on mythology and esoteric traditions and delving deeply into the symbolism and ideas of each card, the book offers a modern psychological interpretation of the tarot archetypes rather than a system of esoteric symbolism." –– From Publisher Weiser
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​21 Ways to Read a Tarot Card, by Mary Greer 

"Drawing on nearly forty years of tarot experience, Mary K. Greer has developed a new energizing approach-made up of twenty-one stimulating techniques to interpret or deepen your understanding of each card. Just as the twenty-six letters of the alphabet can be combined to form billions of words, Greer's twenty-one methods can be used in any combination for gaining amazing new insights and perspectives." –– From the publisher Llewellyn



Intermediate and beyond:

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​Tarot Card Combinations, by Dorothy Kelly 
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"Tarot Card Combinations is a unique, comprehensive, and highly practical presentation of interpreting the tarot that has helped thousands master the ancient divination. Dorothy Kelly's easy-to-understand approach shares everything one needs to know to unlock the story presented when the cards are drawn. What makes this book unique is Kelly's presentation of cards in endless combinations, revealing how the cards relate to each other and endowing each card with richer meaning and more subtle nuances than when considered alone."  –– From the publisher, Weiser

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Keywords for the Crowley Tarot, by Hajo Banzhaf 
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"​This easy-to-use reference provides a handy dictionary and overview so you can readily check card meanings and interpret the symbols for different occasions. Included are the number, glyph, astrological attribute, general meaning, what the card encourages what it warns against, and how you can use it if you draw it as your card for the day or card for the year. sure to become a classic in every tarot library!" –– From the publisher, Weiser

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Rachel Pollack's Tarot Wisdom, by Rachel Pollack 

"Offering an abundant array of new ideas mixed in with enlightening discussions about Tarot's checkered past, this tarot guidebook features innovative ways to interpret and use Tarot, and a wealth of original spreads to try for yourself—including spreads for predictive, psychological, magical, and spiritual readings. All seventy-eight cards are explored from fresh angles: history, art, psychology, and a variety of spiritual and occult traditions, using cards from seven diverse decks so you can easily contrast and compare." –– From the publisher, Llewellyn


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​Understanding Aleister Crowley's Thoth Tarot, by L.M. Duquette 

"Originally published in 2003, Understanding Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot has proved to be the essential guide to accessing the unique symbolism and meaning of Aleister Crowley's remarkable tarot deck along with the deeply textured artwork of Lady Frieda Harris. Crowley authority Lon Milo DuQuette starts by providing an insightful historical background before delving into descriptions of each card in depth, from a tarot perspective and from an expanded, magickal point of view. This unique guide has been updated with a new introduction that provides information on the unicursal hexagram cards included with the deck but never explained." –– From the publisher Weiser

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​Ultimate Guide to the Thoth Tarot, by J. Fiebig & E. Burger 

"Discover everything you ever wanted to know about the Thoth Tarot with this incredibly detailed and illustrated guide. The Ultimate Guide to the Thoth Tarot presents the ten most important symbols on every card in the deck complete with hundreds of color illustrations for easy use. In addition to an explanation of the symbols, each card is given a brief interpretation by topic. Writing in a convenient format designed for simple reference, tarot experts Johannes Fiebig and Evelin Bürger also provide facts, hints, and lore to improve your reading skills right away." –– From the publisher Llewellyn

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Visit the Enchantments store to purchase books in-person or visit our store website here.  For more stories on Tarot, check out our exclusive interview with authors of Tarot for Troubled Times here. 
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Best Magic Books for Kids

11/12/2019

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By Enchantments Staff

A roundup of our favorite magical, pagan-friendly books for the young person in your life. 
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Image © Enchantments/ Victor Castro

​Finding age-appropriate magical books for children isn’t always an easy task (and no, we’re not talking about sleight of hand magic, but the spiritual kind). The reality is, there’s just not that much out there on the subject for younger folks. But it’s not that the demand isn’t out there. 

At Enchantments, we’ve spoken to countless families who not only want to learn more about their childrens’ innate spiritual gifts, but also want to offer pagan-friendly reading material for their little one. Here are some of our favorite kid-friendly magical books to get your started on your reading journey.

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​A Kid's Herb Book, by Leslie Tierra​

Penned by nationally licensed acupuncturist and herbalist Lesley Tierra, A Kid's Herb Book is a creative blend of activities, color-in artwork, stories, activities, projects, and practical herbal tidbits. It also describes 17 commonly used herbs that are great for children's ailments and includes the medicinal use of flowers and plants – most of which are already found right in your kitchen or grown in your backyard. The book teaches how to make natural toothbrushes, homemade cough medicine, culinary feats such as "Basil Pesto" and "Rose Petal Jam," and ways to grow your own window herb box. 


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​Wee Witches Children’s Book –– Hands down the most delightfully perfect children’s book on the market, Wee Witches is richly illustrated ABCs book complete with pagan symbolism and earth-loving messages for the little witch in your life. Limited autographed author copies available in-store. ($14.95)
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Image © Enchantments/ Victor Castro

Series: Young Person's School of Magic & Mystery (Volumes 1 - 6), by Ted Andrews​

​Welcome to the Young Person's School of Magic and Mystery, where you can learn what every magician, priest, priestess, shaman, witch and wise one through history had to learn. You will start to understand the power of imagination and belief. You can begin to develop your psychic abilities, if you wish. As you work the exercises in this second volume in the series, you will come to realize that you truly are more magical and more wonderful than you ever dreamed!

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​The Magickal Family
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 by Monica Crosson 

​"A hands-on guide to raising a magickal family in the modern world. The Magickal Family is a real-life guide for those who want to practice magick and simplicity but need a little nudge to take a break from the workaday world. Filled with tips, ideas, stories, and projects to bring you and your family closer to nature and to celebrate the God and the Goddess, this book shows how to be true to your magickal self while raising little Witchlings—or helping others with theirs. Discover how to create the life you want through gardening, Kitchen Witchery, DIY projects, and celebrations based on the Wheel of the Year. Includes more than 65 rituals, blessings, recipes, crafts, and activities." –– From publisher, Llewellyn

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​Kids Who See Ghosts: How to Guide Them Through Fear
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 Caron B. Goode, Ed.D., NCC


"Ghosts can be children’s best friends, and fear of ghosts can be a providential opportunity for parents and kids to face fears and become empowered. Is my child psychic? Do all psychic children see ghosts? Are stress and seeing ghosts related? How can we help them not be afraid?

Kids Who Sees Ghosts takes an up close and personal look at kids who see ghosts, the parents who want to help them, the science of perception, and how kids are affected. This is a book that answers questions and offers real tools and guidance. Many children and parents are afraid, some to the point of physical illness. Cautious and concerned parents worry for their children’s fears and educate themselves on how to handle the situation. But Goode teaches that it doesn’t matter whether parents believe in ghosts to know how to help children through frightening experiences." –– From the publisher Weiser

All books can be purchased at the brick-and-mortar Enchantments store located at 424 East 9th Street in New York City. 
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Want to learn how to make a magical wand or a Sweet Dreams Spell? Click here for our Magic for Kids section. 
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Recommended reading for Hecate: Goddess of the moon, Crossroads, Witchcraft

11/4/2019

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For our new series, we uncover the origins and mythos behind cross-pantheon Gods and Goddesses from around the world. For further reading, check out our recommendations below.

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The most complete anthology of Hecate in the 21st century, Hekate, Her Sacred Fires, features a collection of essays and artworks on the Goddess from writers and practitioners from all over the globe. With an introduction by editor Sorita d'Este, the 300+ page book explores ways to work with and honor the primordial Triple Goddess, as well as rituals, historicities, timelines, incantations, and personal narratives associated with her. A surprisingly thorough tome with magical deep dives into the Queen of Witches. 

You can order the book direct from the publisher here or visit the Enchantments shop. 

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In this 2017 book published by Llewellyn, Stephanie Woodfield uncovers the "many faces of the dark goddess" that lead to personal transformation and change. Woodfield's book is a practical guide organized in three sections (descent, challenge, and rebirth) and looks at misconceptions surrounding Hecate. Focusing on shadow work, healing, and renewal, Dark Goddess Craft includes rituals, offerings, and invocations for the Goddess. 

You can purchase the book directly from the publisher here or visit the Enchantments shop. 

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​A more compact version of the anthology above, Hekate, Keys to the Crossroads features a collection of personal essays, invocations, recipes, and rituals from twenty modern witches and Priestesses. This 156 page book edited by Sorita d'Este offers a comprehensive study of the history, mythology, and power of the multi-faceted, key-bearing Goddess of the Night. 


According to d'Este, "Wherever you look, be it in the texts of Ancient Greece and Rome, Byzantium or the Renaissance, the Greek Magical Papyri or the Chaldean Oracles, you will find Hekate." You can purchase the book directly from the publisher here or visit the Enchantments shop. 

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​Hekate, Liminal Rites,
penned by Sorita d'Este and David Rankine, retraces the Goddess of the Crossroads' ancient provenance and origin stories that reach back through the millennia. According to the authors, Hecate's "magical powers were considered so great that even King Solomon became associated with her, she was incorporated into Jewish magic, and merged with other goddesses including Artemis, Selene, Bendis and the Egyptian Isis." This nearly 200 page book published by Avalonia draws from a wide range of sources, including historical and magical research, that paint a deeper, more nuanced picture of the Goddess and her mysteries. 

To read our brief history of Hecate from our new Gods and Goddess series, check out this story. 
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