5 Books Every New Reader Should Own

post may contain affiliate links

​When you are just starting out reading the tarot it can be really daunting. There are SO many books out there that it can seem like you are drowning in choices. Well fear no more, check out my guide for 5 of the books that every new reader should have in their library! 

1.  Tarot Fundamentals by Tali Goodwin 

​I cannot say enough good things about this book. It started out as a Kickstarter campaign and is the first of a set of three books. This book has a sturdy, beautiful hardcover. However it is what is inside on the 600+ pages that really makes it incredible.  There are hundreds of full color representations from a variety of different decks, and experts from all over the field of tarot helped contribute. There is everything from the history of tarot to spreads and detailed info on each of the cards in a deck.  Here are a couple pics from inside the book: 

purchase a copy of tarot fundamentals

2.  Tarot Made Easy by Barbara Moore

​There are two really great things going for this one. The first is that it is a complete kit with guidebook AND a tarot deck. The second is that it is written by Barbara Moore, who I consider to be something of a goddess when it comes to tarot. She is really good at writing in a simple down to earth manner that really anyone can connect with. Her book is designed to show you how to not only read with the included deck but with ANY deck. And she really delivers on that promise as she explains familiar aspects of cards as well as some that aren't always as obvious. The only complaint about this set is that the cardstock is a little flimsy, but for $16 it's still a really great deal (prices subject to change)

purchase a copy of tarot made easy

3. Essential Tarot Kit by Rosalind Simmons

​This is another all in one kit great for beginners, and it generally runs about $15! This set includes both a 112 page guide book, but also a copy of the Hanson-Roberts tarot deck.  The book is hardcover and has a little dust jacket (the whole set is not huge so keep that in mind if you happen to have difficulty with small print.) The magnetic closure on the box makes this one of those boxes that you can actually really use for storage. Mary Hanson-Roberts has illustrated not only the deck but the book as well, and her style is beautiful and really pops. In addition to covering the basics of tarot reading, the book also covers each card in detail and shows a number of spreads for the novice reader. I think that not only is this one of the sets that is perfect to add to your collection, but if you know someone who is getting interested in the tarot then this also makes a great gift that is thoughtful without costing a fortune.

purchase a copy of the essential tarot kit

4. Ultimate Guide To Tarot by Liz Dean

​This is a meaty volume to be sure. This is really less like a book to casually read and more like a dictionary or even an encyclopedia. It is incredibly detailed and covers a lot. If you want an incredible reference book then this is a great one to have. It does focus on the imagery of the Rider-Waite deck (and those similar) so if you are looking for a guide to the Thoth or Crowley decks this one isn't it. You'll learn about the basics of tarot, how to cleanse your deck, all the cards covered in depth and some great spreads. It even touches on chakras and the Kabbalah. Some books don't cover reversals when talking about tarot basics, but this one does a great job of looking at the reversal meanings too. 

purchase a copy of the ultimate guide to tarot

5. The Complete Tarot Kit by Susan Levitt

​This kit is amazeballs! It really is the complete kit, that comes in a sturdy box with a magnetic closure. It has a 250 page color book that covers card meanings and the basics of reading the tarot. There is also a tarot journal, which if you are new to tarot is a great thing. For more information on tarot journaling check out this post HERE.  It comes with a stand-up reference chart (double sided) and TWO tarot decks - yep, you heard me - two decks. You get a copy of the Rider-Waite deck as well as a Thoth deck. It's a really great way to get exposed to both decks as you are learning. Finally it has a fold out spread sheet so that you can start practicing with a basic spread. For around $35 (at the time of this post) it is a lot of good stuff packed in this box! 

purchase a copy of the complete tarot kit

So there you have it, my list of five of the best books to have if you are just starting out. Did we miss any that you think should have been included? Share your thoughts in the comments below!