Best Books for RWS Symbolism

[DanielJUK]

I'm really interested in the symbolism in tarot and my readings come from the symbols in the cards.

 

For my reference library, I wanted some great books about the symbolism in RWS, to refer to if I ever need to research symbols. Something more meaty and for reference than books about reading the tarot.

 

So, do you have a fave or best RWS book like this?

 

From looking on google, I know there is.....

 

The Ultimate Guide to the Rider Waite Tarot by Evelin Burger and Johannes Fiebig (this seems to be from a quite Christian perspective according to reviews)

Llewellyn's Complete Book of the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot by Sasha Graham

 

I don't own any apart from the Pictorial Key in print, so any suggestions / recommendations/ reviews welcome 🙂 

[Raggydoll]

This one was a fun read! 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Waite-Smith-Tarot-Worlds-Popular/dp/0738741191

[FindYourSovereignty]

I don't have this book and I hear different opinions on these authors, but this book does interest me.

 

Spiritual Key to the Tarot Tali Goodwin and Marcus Katz

 

I don't actually know the current status of its publication. It isn't here in the states.

[katrinka]

6 hours ago, Raggydoll said:

This one was a fun read! 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Waite-Smith-Tarot-Worlds-Popular/dp/0738741191

Yes, that one is actually decent. They explain things like the snail on the 9 of Pentacles. (And no, there's no deep occult significance. PCS drew most of her inspiration from the theater.)
 

6 hours ago, FindYourSovereignty said:

I don't have this book and I hear different opinions on these authors

Their work can go either way. The book Raggy mentioned is good. Their Lenormand book, OTOH, is complete and utter garbage.
I've only read those two, so I couldn't tell you anything about the book you mention.

[Raggydoll]

What @katrinka said about those two authors, some of their books are worthwhile and others are best avoided! The Secrets of the Waite-Smith tarot surprised me in a positive way, maybe because I had low expectations. There were however several interesting tidbits in there, and - if I remember correctly- some far fetched theories as well. 

[psi-search]

I actually have an app for Android called Galaxy Tarot and it has an "encyclopedia" section which lists a pretty good list of symbols. I refer to it whenever I do a layout and need deeper meaning or more clarity. I don't think it's available for the iPhone though. 

[Twiggalina]

Secrets of the Waite-Smith tarot is a really good book!