The Tarot Handbook: Practical Applications of Ancient Visual Symbols by Angeles Arrien
Thoth Tarot Deck by Aleister Crowley

Intermediate to Advanced

Tarot is an ancient form of divination, just like astrology. Well maybe not just like astrology. Tarot uses cards, astrologers use circular maps of the heavens (and the computers do the math). But the similarities are striking, especially when you’re using a deck that uses the imagery and symbolism of Planets and Astrological Signs, like the Aleister Crowley deck on which this book is based.

I don’t use tarot a quarter of as much as I use astrology, but everytime I do, I pull out this book. Why? Because we speak the same language, astrology. Maybe I should use it more. Here’s a personal antecdote: As I was getting ready for a first date with my now husband, my tarot deck fell off the bookshelf and the Lust/Strength card landed at my feet. Angeles writes: “As the principle of strength, passion and lustre, the Strength/Lust card is representative of the universal myth known as “Beauty and the Beast.” Here is the princess, riding the back of a Leo, the Lion, the astrological sign of creative power. It certainly described my relationship with my Leo husband, who was then my boss and whom I jokingly “tamed” (yes, he admits this). The princess was riding the back of the Lion, posessing “an inherent faith within herself”. This card still gives me the insight and confidence to pet, soothe and challenge my strong Lion with grace and conviction.