Favorite Companion Books

[EmpyreanKnight]

Which are your favorite companion books among your decks collection? It might be due to its sheer volume, the depth of its scholarship, its physical beauty, how useful it proved to be or how it made you see its twin deck in a more meaningful and intimate light, its rarity or price, etc.

[katrinka]

The Book of Thoth.

For TdM, Ben Dov and Jodo.

For RWS-style, Karen Mahoney's.

[Rose Lalonde]

 

My favorite is Book M: Liber Mundi, companion to Tabula Mundi, for scholarship and usefulness. Most beautiful would be the almost-coffee-table-book sized Tarot ReVISIONed, with larger art than the deck of the same name.

 

 

[EmpyreanKnight]

As for me, first and foremost for me would be The Secrets of the Tarot by Barbara Walker. Its stories, legends, myths, and anecdotes were not only interesting, it made me form a closer bond with one of my all-time favorite decks, knowing where their creator was coming from when she made those images. I know there are some issues regarding the veracity of the scholarship behind some of the things detailed in the book, but honestly, the alternative facts only made the cards even more fascinating.

 

The Phantasmagoria by Ian Daniels is one of the most critically acclaimed Tarot companion books there is, and rightfully so. Its insightful and truly creative take on the cards of the Tarot of Vampyres is nothing short of brilliant. His discourses on the Qabalah especially on its aspects in the different cards are easy to understand. But I think the best part of the book is in how he tackled the shadow aspects of each card. It's not surprising that there is a great focus on this since the vampire theme of the deck is a dark one after all, but I have to say, his discussions on the darker side of the Tarot are really quite inspired.

[Little Fang]

Animal Wisdom Tarot has a brilliant book!

[Lantana]

I really like the Slow Holler's booklet, but I think my favorite is She is Sitting in the Night by Oliver Pickle, written as a fresh take on the Thea's Tarot.

[teaandtombstones]

I am in the middle of Holistic Tarot, by Benebell Wen, and I am loving it. It is a large book, but she covers many things that I have yet to find in other books. For example: she writes about the best business licensing for your business. To me, this is golden knowledge because I am studious enough to find, or know where to find the meanings of the cards. I know where to track down symbolism, and cultural references. I have a harder time with the business and marketing aspect of my tarot business. This book is accessible to anyone's skill level too. I am in the middle of a building my tarot business, and although I am no longer a beginner, it is a book I wish I had when I was and I still find use in her tarot card meanings. It is a lovely read.

[EmpyreanKnight]

I would've thought that Waite's Pictorial Key to the Tarot is the companion book for the RWS. But Holistic Tarot is such a great book, it specifically deals with RWS images only, and is such a fitting companion to the deck that I'm left with no choice but to agree.

[EmpyreanKnight]

I'm going to add A Renaissance Tarot by Brian Williams along my faves, as well as The New Golden Dawn Ritual Tarot by the Ciceros, inasmuch as it gave me a painless intro to the world of the Qabala especially as it applies to the cards.

[Lantana]

I really like the Slow Holler's booklet, but I think my favorite is She is Sitting in the Night by Oliver Pickle, written as a fresh take on the Thea's Tarot.

 

Gotta update my answer with the Delta Enduring booklet (subtitled A Meditation on Southern Cartomancy). First guidebook I ever sat with and read cover to cover!

[tarottreat]

I don't have many decks, but my favorite companion book so far has been The Raven's Prophecy by Maggie Stiefvater, it was really helpful to me when I was first starting out and I still enjoy reading some of her card meanings sometimes!

[Jewel]

One of my favorite companion books is the companion to the Wizards Tarot.  It pulled me in right away by making it a course with tarot as the teacher.  In the majors section includes a detailed description of the key symbols, gives a practical magic section for those interested, and each major arcana has its own spread.  I have been working through this book since September (I am on the Hermit now), and I really like the spreads.  As you get into the minor arcana you have small descriptions of each suit (schools of magic), information on numbers 1-10.  Each minor card has a section on magic power, magic charm, and key symbols.  The final section of the book is The Royal Families - the court cards - and includes a description of who that court card is.  I find this companion different that most and very engaging.

 

The Magic Realist Press deck companion books have also always ranked really high on my list of favorites.  I find them very informative, and love the insight into the cards they provide.

 

Another favorite is the companion to the Fifth Tarot.

[Starlight]

The Mythic Tarot hardback guide book, with a purple cover. The wealth of information in it, explaining the myths and the psychological aspects involved, was so juicy and something I could dive deep into. Sometimes it was SO deep that I was in way over my head, so it's a book that I can grow into. :) Actually, it will be interesting to see how it reads now, nearly 20 years on.

[EmpyreanKnight]

I also love the Mythic, Starlight! It was my very first deck, and my mom gave it to me so it has a high personal value. I have the old edition drawn by Tricia Newell that has the black softcover companion book with cream pages. I'd love to rediscover it again too. :)