What a beautiful tarot channel you have James! Very informative! Also, thank you T! Thanks for sharing your book references. Especially on the Thoth tarot deck! You mentioned 6 books that I don't own. Also, what a beautiful name you have Thaddeus! It means a gift from God.
James, what a fantastic book review video. I have all the books you shared through Benebell Wen's SKT guidebooks except Robert M. Place's smaller book. Some of them are still on my TBR list, but your video reminded me how much I love Barbara Moore's writing. Think I'll pull out my Tarot for Beginners and give it a re-read as an easy warm-up. 😊📚 As others have said, I'd love to learn which tarot-related novels you've enjoyed. If you're at all into urban fantasy, I recommend Jenn Stark's *Immortal Vegas* and her *Wilde Justice* series as pure escapist fun. A Council of near-deities inhabit "seats" on a Council by embodying figures from the Major Arcana. Their role is to keep the world safe from magic users. Or maybe to keep all the power for themselves. It could go either way.
Thank you so much ☺️ that means a lot! I will have to set about making a list of novels 😆 and your recommendations sound divine! I am adding them to my own list of novels as I type, many thanks friend 💚💚💚
Wow! Fantastic. Thanks for doing this, it was very thorough, informative and well presented. I have recently published a book specifically on the pentad structure of the Tarot de Marseille major arcana called Quintessential Tarot. It teaches all the correspondences for the majors, as well as the numerology in more detail than other books (for example, why La Lune is 18, and why it couldn't be any other number). There is no astrology, no kabbala, or other external systems, it focuses on the TdM's own internal system. It is most similar to the Flournoy book you talked and the end of your video, which also assigns a pentad structure in the Jungian "Fool's Journey" tradition. I know you mentioned you're a little tired of that specific genre, but I would be happy to send you a free copy of the book if you have an interest. While it's a book for beginners, I think the numerology sections in particular would open up new ways for you to look at the TdM that you have not encountered before. Let me know. Either way, thanks for the great video and I look forward to checking out the rest of your material!
Wow James this was brilliant 👏 🤩 thank you so much for sharing! I particularly appreciate the Thoth and Marseille sections because I have only just dipped my toe a little into studying Thoth reading Lon milo Duquette and I haven't read Crowley yet. I paused with this because I was focusing elsewhere but I do plan to get back to it as some point and starting to study Marseille at some point in the future as well so this is sooooo helpful. What a star 🌟 you are lovely 😘 🙏 Xxxxxx
You are too kind, and I always appreciate your insights on decks and utilizing tarot in thoughtful ways! Sending much love and well wishes your way friend 💚✨💚✨
Yes to books! :), what a fun video. My first books about Tarot were The Tarot Hand Book by Angeles Arrien, Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom but Tarot Wisdom by Rachel Pollack has replaced it and Genius of the Tarot: A Guide to Divination with the Tarot by Vincent Pitisci. I still use and re-read these books and have given some as gifts. They are some of my favorites. Thanks for some great book ideas!
I'm glad to see you back on RUclips, James! :-) It's funny you should say that Camelia and Enrique fall into some kind of tarot avant-garde, most cunning folk in Europe read exactly as they do, give or take a detail or two. If you're ever open to more of Camelia's works, I think a better approach might be to start with What is Not or Towards the Art of Reading. Read Like the Devil trilogy s very interesting and complex, but if you're new to her method, other books might be a better entry.
You know what is funny. When Duquette talks about his Thoth books he always says no matter what you read, you will have to read Crowley's Thoth, his books are no substitute. Thanks for these reviews.
Decided to make the Marseille plunge and been researching for books on Marseille. Afterf all the videos I have been through on RUclips, I came back to this one, which has been the most informative. You DO a marvelous job reviewing books. Thank you!
78 degrees was a bit of a disappointment for me a newbie tarot born, I recommend collecting this book after you’ve gotten the in-depth description and identity with identity keywords and how to understand who each rep of the tarot expresses themselves and into the world. 78 degrees is a bit rambling as an introverted summery of who and how the characters idenify and their reversals, but it’s almost as if she’s speaking another language because she’s referencing things you should already be aware of, and that was where I discovered although yes a great book but not for beginners, this is a great sentimental collection for your shelves to have some introverted out of the box thinking of the tarot identities.
I’m other words don’t buy if you need to understand the main in-depth tarot card, element, and secret in-depth meaning in the symbolisms, you’ll find only a brief summary brought to you in a way assuming you already know who each card represents in Kabbalah and other meanings, no in-depth explanations
Oooh, I can definitely see your point! I hadn't read it as a first book, but imagine myself and others might have a similar experience in picking it up as a first book. Many thanks for offering a, much needed, perspective 💚💚💚
Loved this book review. I am now in a quandary about whether to get the Spirit of the Tarot 400-page book or the 800-page Kaballah book. What to do, what to do.....🤔 what might I be missing if I go for only the Kaballah companion book?
I would say that the 400 page book is, perhaps, the best bet at first! It contains a great deal about the Kaballah as well and lays a great foundation in working with the deck and the tree of life. Regardless, I think you will love both! Best wishes your way 💚💚💚
Okay, so you *know* I was excited when I saw you post this video because I love book reviews. I was glad you included the Wildwood guidebook as I have just recently got that deck; agree with you on it entirely. I appreciate you mentioning the repetition in the Place books because that tells me I can maybe pass on the longer one unless I get one of his decks specifically. Conversely, I'm moving Ben-Dov up my list -- I would like a solid Marseille book on my shelf. If you don't yet have "Tarot Correspondences" by T. Susan Chang I think your research-enthusiasm -- one I share -- would appreciate it. ❤😊
Ooooh, I have been on the fence about T. Susan Chang's "Tarot Correspondences" for AGES, I think you've just swayed me 😆 I'm glad some of the reviews were helpful as well, I feel like we both could probably talk about books for hours 😂🤣 Much love and happy reading your way friend 💖💖💖
Fantastic video! I so appreciate you’re POV given you’ve worked deeply with the three major systems/linages of tarot. I agree that the tarology approach to the cards is beautiful and meaningful but perhaps “a rebel without a cause” in terms of its insistence that occult views have no value. I’ve tried to read books across linage lines so I can see how different people read and view the cards in order to find my own way of reading. While this has been a more complicated approach, I feel more rooted in tarot as a whole. I get the sense that’s how you’ve approach you’re learning process as well.
Thank you so much, you are too kind 😄 And I share some of your sentiments regarding the disregard of any aspect of tarot history! I like the way you think and approach your studies, I try to keep my reading varied and diverse as well. Many thanks for the thoughtful comment friend! ☺️✨
This video was so helpful; thank you! I know this was posted a while ago. Have you read, "Tarot and Psychology: Spectrums of Possibility" by Rosengarten?
@@terriw6116 I haven't started it yet and I was wondering if I should buy it or not. It comes highly recommended by someone else I know, so I was just curious on other people's thoughts! What has been your experience so far?
@@IvyTheOccultist I don't like it!! 🙈🙈 I'm studying psychology and read tarot professionally, so I was super excited for a book that blended the two. But I found it to go round in circles without really getting to the point. Like he spent a lot of time convincing the reader that tarot + psychology work well together, and I already believe that so it was wasted on me. The one part I really liked was when he posted example readings that he did for his therapy clients. I always love getting to see someone else's process.
@@terriw6116 well that's frustrating!! I'm a psych major as well so I was really excited to hear about this book. But yeah... I already believe that tarot and psychology go together well so that will be wasted on me, too 🤣 Bummer! I might check it out to see what he did for his clients though... Thank you for the honest review so far!
@@IvyTheOccultist I thought it would be a way of interpreting the cards based on psych, but the section on the cards is around 20-30 pages out of a total of 250. But also he has a psychological approach to the Celtic Cross that I found interesting, so it's honestly not all bad. I prefer Jessica Dore's book. Did you like it?
So enjoyed this! 🙏 I haven’t read many books on Marseille but currently working through Tarot Trumps by Cherry Gilchrist and loving it. Includes the Fool’s Mirror layout witch uses all 22 Trumps. Heard about it from one of Richard Smoley’s talks on The Theosophical Society RUclips channel. 😽💕
Only just discovered your channel and find it so refreshing, thank you so much. I know from your video that you are not smitten by Jungian views but I recommend the extremely brief but punchy 'Discovering Your Self Through the Tarot' by Rose Gwain if you have not read it. It put things into a very real perspective through a Jungian/Kabbalistic lens for me. In any case, thanks again for sharing such inspiring content.
@Six of Wands Hi Shauna, I could do! I was corner rounding two decks I trimmed a while ago but had left the corners sharp. But they kept poking me, so I rounded the edges. The Tarot de Marseille by Fornier and the Jonathan Dee Tarot.
@Six of Wands Awh, thank you lovely. I've been pretty busy with shop stuff but hoping to hop back on to You Tube some point soon. I seem incapable of handling both my Etsy shop and my channel at the same time. Lol.
Oh how I love when you talk about books!!!! You have a special skill to tell all that is important in a very well rounded way. Thoth secition was ofcourse exact like my book case. And I agree with you with Book of Thoth vs Lon Milo's book. I read them in the way everyone recomends so Lon Milo first...and in highnsight I'd do it the other way. The Marseille books I don't have too many yet so that was most useful tip wise for me! And the Robert M Place bigger book to me is something that every tarot geek should read. I want to know the history as well as we ever can lean fractial parts of past times. But to me history of all things occult; tarot, astrology, witchcraft, alchemy, magic etc is just fundamental and without a solid base it's hard to build a long lasting creation. And you look amazing in your blazer look 🤵🏻
Thank you friend, you always say the kindest things 😌 I'm glad I am not alone in my Lon Milo DuQuette opinions 😂 I would love to know how you have been getting on with Marseille and your thoughts! I also think your fashionable self would rock this blazer 😍
What a beautiful tarot channel you have James! Very informative! Also, thank you T! Thanks for sharing your book references. Especially on the Thoth tarot deck! You mentioned 6 books that I don't own. Also, what a beautiful name you have Thaddeus! It means a gift from God.
Thank you ☺️ And Thaddeus has wonderful recommendations, I couldn't agree more!
Thank you for this indepth review. 9 months later, I'm glad I "found" you.
You are too kind, thank you Tim ☺
James, what a fantastic book review video. I have all the books you shared through Benebell Wen's SKT guidebooks except Robert M. Place's smaller book. Some of them are still on my TBR list, but your video reminded me how much I love Barbara Moore's writing. Think I'll pull out my Tarot for Beginners and give it a re-read as an easy warm-up. 😊📚
As others have said, I'd love to learn which tarot-related novels you've enjoyed.
If you're at all into urban fantasy, I recommend Jenn Stark's *Immortal Vegas* and her *Wilde Justice* series as pure escapist fun. A Council of near-deities inhabit "seats" on a Council by embodying figures from the Major Arcana. Their role is to keep the world safe from magic users. Or maybe to keep all the power for themselves. It could go either way.
Thank you so much ☺️ that means a lot! I will have to set about making a list of novels 😆 and your recommendations sound divine! I am adding them to my own list of novels as I type, many thanks friend 💚💚💚
Enjoyed this very much! Going to add a few new books to my shopping cart from your reviews.
Oh yay 😆 Many thanks friend 💕
A good Thoth book is Tarot Mirror of the Soul
Wow! Fantastic. Thanks for doing this, it was very thorough, informative and well presented. I have recently published a book specifically on the pentad structure of the Tarot de Marseille major arcana called Quintessential Tarot. It teaches all the correspondences for the majors, as well as the numerology in more detail than other books (for example, why La Lune is 18, and why it couldn't be any other number). There is no astrology, no kabbala, or other external systems, it focuses on the TdM's own internal system. It is most similar to the Flournoy book you talked and the end of your video, which also assigns a pentad structure in the Jungian "Fool's Journey" tradition. I know you mentioned you're a little tired of that specific genre, but I would be happy to send you a free copy of the book if you have an interest. While it's a book for beginners, I think the numerology sections in particular would open up new ways for you to look at the TdM that you have not encountered before. Let me know. Either way, thanks for the great video and I look forward to checking out the rest of your material!
hey James! How has that Book of Maps Lulu book holding up? I ask because I have a Lulu printed book that fell apart after a year
I'm confused by your number ratings
Wow James this was brilliant 👏 🤩 thank you so much for sharing! I particularly appreciate the Thoth and Marseille sections because I have only just dipped my toe a little into studying Thoth reading Lon milo Duquette and I haven't read Crowley yet. I paused with this because I was focusing elsewhere but I do plan to get back to it as some point and starting to study Marseille at some point in the future as well so this is sooooo helpful. What a star 🌟 you are lovely 😘 🙏 Xxxxxx
You are too kind, and I always appreciate your insights on decks and utilizing tarot in thoughtful ways! Sending much love and well wishes your way friend 💚✨💚✨
hi, im new on your channel. would you recommend reading liber mundi and skipping the book of thoth? thank u~
Oh my gosh I would love to see a video of the novels that most influenced your tarot journey.
Oooh, well you don't need to twist my arm 😆 I think I might have to make that video, many thanks for watching this one! 💚💚💚
@@jamesfeeney623 I'm twisting to boo
Yes to books! :), what a fun video. My first books about Tarot were The Tarot Hand Book by Angeles Arrien, Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom but Tarot Wisdom by Rachel Pollack has replaced it and Genius of the Tarot: A Guide to Divination with the Tarot by Vincent Pitisci. I still use and re-read these books and have given some as gifts. They are some of my favorites. Thanks for some great book ideas!
What strong books to start out your journey! Many thanks for watching and adding to the compendium of recommendations! 💖
I'm glad to see you back on RUclips, James! :-) It's funny you should say that Camelia and Enrique fall into some kind of tarot avant-garde, most cunning folk in Europe read exactly as they do, give or take a detail or two. If you're ever open to more of Camelia's works, I think a better approach might be to start with What is Not or Towards the Art of Reading. Read Like the Devil trilogy s very interesting and complex, but if you're new to her method, other books might be a better entry.
You know what is funny. When Duquette talks about his Thoth books he always says no matter what you read, you will have to read Crowley's Thoth, his books are no substitute. Thanks for these reviews.
Decided to make the Marseille plunge and been researching for books on Marseille. Afterf all the videos I have been through on RUclips, I came back to this one, which has been the most informative. You DO a marvelous job reviewing books. Thank you!
78 degrees was a bit of a disappointment for me a newbie tarot born, I recommend collecting this book after you’ve gotten the in-depth description and identity with identity keywords and how to understand who each rep of the tarot expresses themselves and into the world. 78 degrees is a bit rambling as an introverted summery of who and how the characters idenify and their reversals, but it’s almost as if she’s speaking another language because she’s referencing things you should already be aware of, and that was where I discovered although yes a great book but not for beginners, this is a great sentimental collection for your shelves to have some introverted out of the box thinking of the tarot identities.
I’m other words don’t buy if you need to understand the main in-depth tarot card, element, and secret in-depth meaning in the symbolisms, you’ll find only a brief summary brought to you in a way assuming you already know who each card represents in Kabbalah and other meanings, no in-depth explanations
Oooh, I can definitely see your point! I hadn't read it as a first book, but imagine myself and others might have a similar experience in picking it up as a first book. Many thanks for offering a, much needed, perspective 💚💚💚
Loved this book review. I am now in a quandary about whether to get the Spirit of the Tarot 400-page book or the 800-page Kaballah book. What to do, what to do.....🤔 what might I be missing if I go for only the Kaballah companion book?
I would say that the 400 page book is, perhaps, the best bet at first! It contains a great deal about the Kaballah as well and lays a great foundation in working with the deck and the tree of life. Regardless, I think you will love both! Best wishes your way 💚💚💚
Okay, so you *know* I was excited when I saw you post this video because I love book reviews. I was glad you included the Wildwood guidebook as I have just recently got that deck; agree with you on it entirely. I appreciate you mentioning the repetition in the Place books because that tells me I can maybe pass on the longer one unless I get one of his decks specifically. Conversely, I'm moving Ben-Dov up my list -- I would like a solid Marseille book on my shelf. If you don't yet have "Tarot Correspondences" by T. Susan Chang I think your research-enthusiasm -- one I share -- would appreciate it. ❤😊
Ooooh, I have been on the fence about T. Susan Chang's "Tarot Correspondences" for AGES, I think you've just swayed me 😆 I'm glad some of the reviews were helpful as well, I feel like we both could probably talk about books for hours 😂🤣 Much love and happy reading your way friend 💖💖💖
Hello Editing James from the future! Haha. X
Haha, I am glad someone recognized me 🤪🤣🤓 Many thanks friend 💚💚💚
Fantastic video! I so appreciate you’re POV given you’ve worked deeply with the three major systems/linages of tarot. I agree that the tarology approach to the cards is beautiful and meaningful but perhaps “a rebel without a cause” in terms of its insistence that occult views have no value. I’ve tried to read books across linage lines so I can see how different people read and view the cards in order to find my own way of reading. While this has been a more complicated approach, I feel more rooted in tarot as a whole. I get the sense that’s how you’ve approach you’re learning process as well.
Thank you so much, you are too kind 😄 And I share some of your sentiments regarding the disregard of any aspect of tarot history! I like the way you think and approach your studies, I try to keep my reading varied and diverse as well. Many thanks for the thoughtful comment friend! ☺️✨
This video was so helpful; thank you! I know this was posted a while ago. Have you read, "Tarot and Psychology: Spectrums of Possibility" by Rosengarten?
Ooh that's what I'm reading currently. What do you think about it?
@@terriw6116 I haven't started it yet and I was wondering if I should buy it or not. It comes highly recommended by someone else I know, so I was just curious on other people's thoughts! What has been your experience so far?
@@IvyTheOccultist I don't like it!! 🙈🙈 I'm studying psychology and read tarot professionally, so I was super excited for a book that blended the two. But I found it to go round in circles without really getting to the point. Like he spent a lot of time convincing the reader that tarot + psychology work well together, and I already believe that so it was wasted on me. The one part I really liked was when he posted example readings that he did for his therapy clients. I always love getting to see someone else's process.
@@terriw6116 well that's frustrating!! I'm a psych major as well so I was really excited to hear about this book. But yeah... I already believe that tarot and psychology go together well so that will be wasted on me, too 🤣 Bummer! I might check it out to see what he did for his clients though... Thank you for the honest review so far!
@@IvyTheOccultist I thought it would be a way of interpreting the cards based on psych, but the section on the cards is around 20-30 pages out of a total of 250. But also he has a psychological approach to the Celtic Cross that I found interesting, so it's honestly not all bad.
I prefer Jessica Dore's book. Did you like it?
So enjoyed this! 🙏
I haven’t read many books on Marseille but currently working through Tarot Trumps by Cherry Gilchrist and loving it. Includes the Fool’s Mirror layout witch uses all 22 Trumps. Heard about it from one of Richard Smoley’s talks on The Theosophical Society RUclips channel. 😽💕
*adds books to list* Those sound divine! Many thanks for the recommendations, and best wishes your way friend 💕
Only just discovered your channel and find it so refreshing, thank you so much. I know from your video that you are not smitten by Jungian views but I recommend the extremely brief but punchy 'Discovering Your Self Through the Tarot' by Rose Gwain if you have not read it. It put things into a very real perspective through a Jungian/Kabbalistic lens for me. In any case, thanks again for sharing such inspiring content.
You are too kind thank you 😄 And many thanks for the recommendation, it sounds interesting, I've added it to my list! Best wishes your way ✨
Loved hearing your thoughts on all these books! I'm inching closer and closer to picking up a marseille book, and this was very helpful 💕🌻💕
Oooh, you will have to let me know which you go with! Many thanks for stopping by, I hope you are well friend 💚💚💚
This was a treat to watch! Thank you James! 👼🙏🌹
Thank you Joey 😄
I enjoyed watching this. You kept me company while I corner rounded a couple of decks I had trimmed.
I am beyond honored 🤭😆 Much love your way friend, I hope the decks turned out well! 💖💖
@Six of Wands Hi Shauna, I could do! I was corner rounding two decks I trimmed a while ago but had left the corners sharp. But they kept poking me, so I rounded the edges. The Tarot de Marseille by Fornier and the Jonathan Dee Tarot.
@Six of Wands Awh, thank you lovely. I've been pretty busy with shop stuff but hoping to hop back on to You Tube some point soon. I seem incapable of handling both my Etsy shop and my channel at the same time. Lol.
Hi James, I was wondering if you knew about magick altman's tarot course on the shiftnetwork. Would love to hear your opinion of it.
Very valuable video! Thank you for sharing these, some are definitely going to my tbr pile 😁
Another wonderful video. Im enjoying very much
Those are some hardcore books.
Haha, some are gentle giants, I promise!
Thanks for mentioning the silly siderism in the reading cards community.
I love your taste.
Thank you! This is a very helpful video for beginners.
I am here for all the books! Bring it on!! 📚 🖤
Aw, thank you!! ☺️💖
Holistic tarot is life changing. I love her!
Nice to have this rated bibliography! Really appreciate the time stamps! Great info!
Dressed so smartly
Oh how I love when you talk about books!!!! You have a special skill to tell all that is important in a very well rounded way.
Thoth secition was ofcourse exact like my book case. And I agree with you with Book of Thoth vs Lon Milo's book. I read them in the way everyone recomends so Lon Milo first...and in highnsight I'd do it the other way.
The Marseille books I don't have too many yet so that was most useful tip wise for me!
And the Robert M Place bigger book to me is something that every tarot geek should read. I want to know the history as well as we ever can lean fractial parts of past times. But to me history of all things occult; tarot, astrology, witchcraft, alchemy, magic etc is just fundamental and without a solid base it's hard to build a long lasting creation.
And you look amazing in your blazer look 🤵🏻
I agree totally with you. And glad you mentioned how good he presents in his jacket.
@@leestreeter7265 I'm blushing! Thank you 🤭☺️
Thank you friend, you always say the kindest things 😌 I'm glad I am not alone in my Lon Milo DuQuette opinions 😂
I would love to know how you have been getting on with Marseille and your thoughts! I also think your fashionable self would rock this blazer 😍