Tarot books

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A Tarot book is a title about the theory, history, or practice of working with the cards, with no deck included. Unlike a «deck plus book» set, this is about a deeper, standalone source of knowledge.

The same product gets searched for as a Tarot book, a Tarot guide, a Tarot book for beginners, or a book of Tarot card meanings. The goal is the same — finding a source of knowledge about Tarot itself, not tied to one specific deck.

How a standalone book differs from a set's booklet

The booklet that comes with a deck usually gives a few sentences of meaning per card — enough for first steps, but not enough for a systematic understanding.

A standalone book gives each card its own section, covers several interpretive traditions at once, explains the history of the system, and offers detailed spread techniques — dozens of times the length of a booklet.

That's why a book usually gets bought separately, once a deck is already in hand and the booklet's knowledge runs out — that's exactly the point where a booklet stops answering the questions practice raises.

Why «Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom» is considered the essential Tarot book

Rachel Pollack's book came out in 1980 and has never gone out of print since — a rarity for a title in the esoteric niche.

It's often called the «Tarot bible»: Pollack was the first to systematically pair a psychological reading of the archetypes with the mythology of different cultures, moving past the purely esoteric symbolism earlier authors relied on.

That's exactly why the book still serves as a benchmark: it set the format that new Tarot books still follow today.

What types of Tarot books the catalog carries

A book's purpose sets its format. The catalog covers a few directions.

Type	Catalog example	What it's for
For beginners	«Tarot for Beginners» by Stephanie Caponi, «Tarot Waite-Smith: First Steps»	A first systematic introduction to the cards
Meaning reference guides	«The Big Book of Tarot Meanings»	Quickly looking up a specific card's meaning
Theory of a specific system	Andrii Kostenko's books on Etteilla Tarot, Lenormand, Waite-Smith	In-depth study of one tradition
History and context	«Tarot Original 1909» by Sasha Graham	The origin and development of a specific deck
Psychology and self-knowledge	«Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom», «Power, Purpose, Practice»	Working with the archetypes as a reflection tool

The language varies too: some books are English originals or translations, others are written by Ukrainian- or Russian-speaking authors specifically for a local audience.

Choosing a book by level and purpose

For first steps, pick a beginner's book — it builds understanding step by step, from the deck's structure to a first spread.

If a deck is already in hand and only the meanings are needed, a reference guide is more convenient — a quick lookup without extra theory.

For a deeper study of a specific system, like Etteilla or Waite-Smith Tarot, pick a book dedicated to that tradition specifically.

A consultation can tell you which book fits your level

The catalog carries dozens of titles at different levels — a consultant can help pick a book that actually matches the reader's experience.

Honest advice on a specific title's level of complexity.
Original books only, no pirated copies.
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The loyalty program gives a cumulative discount from one to ten percent, promo codes through the newsletter, and a separate discount on the shop's birthday.
Help figuring out whether a book matches a deck already on hand.

Tarot books at Artifacts of the Vedun get bought both for learning and for deepening knowledge already in place. Price depends on the edition — from 350 hryvnias for a compact book to almost two thousand for a large illustrated edition. If you're unsure which book fits, a consultant can advise in chat before you order.

Questions about Tarot books

Do I need a deck to read a Tarot book?

It helps, but isn't required for the first chapters — theory and history can be read without cards in hand. A deck will be needed for practical exercises and spreads.

Which book is best for a complete beginner?

A title explicitly marked «for beginners» — it leads step by step from the basics, with no prior knowledge required. Reference guides and books narrowly focused on one system are better picked up after that basic understanding.

Is there a difference between a general Tarot book and a book about a specific deck, like Waite-Smith?

Yes: a general Tarot book covers several systems and approaches, while a book about a specific deck goes deeper into one interpretive tradition.

Are there books in Ukrainian in this category?

Yes, for instance Andrii Kostenko's titles are written specifically for a Ukrainian-speaking audience, alongside translated and English-language editions.