Mica Sage Tarot

It’s no secret that learning or deepening your understanding of tarot is a tricky task at best, and can feel Sisyphean at worst. Where to begin? Is this author credible? How do I know who to trust? And on, and on, and on…

While you are the greatest authority in your relationship to the cards, I can certainly understand wanting to dig deeper, gain different perspectives, or needing a guide to navigate you through the maze of studying. That’s why I compiled this list of books that come recommended by myself personally or those whose practices I trust. Topics cover everything from the basics of tarot to neurology-made-easy to the geological foundations of crystals to protecting yourself from pesky people.
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Tarot Books

WTF is Tarot… And How Do I do It? Bakara Witner
“You do not need to learn the Tarot because you already know it.” It is from this radical jumping off point that WTF Is Tarot breaks down the ancient art of cartomancy. This fresh, accessible, and sometimes cheeky guide sheds a holistic light on how to read tarot, from the foundation of magic itself to understanding those tricky court cards to offering readings to others.”

Kitchen Table Tarot Melissa Cynova
“For years, Melissa Cynova has been sitting down with friends and neighbors who are curuios about the tarot. She’s heard all the questions and misconceptions that can confuse newcomers (and sometimes more experienced readers, too). Kitchen Table Tarot was written as a guide for anyone looking for no-nonsense lessons with a warm, friendly, and knowledgeable teacher.”

Queering The Tarot Cassandra Snow
“Tarot is a tool of self-discovery,  empowerment, and liberation. And yet the Tarot archetypes and their interpretation as they’ve been passed down to us presuppose a commonality that is white, European, and heterosexual.  But humanity is vast and diverse — culturally, spiritually,  sexually… Snow explores themes of sexuality, coming out, gender, sources of oppression and empowerment, and related topics.”

Seventy Eight Degrees of Wisdom Rachel Pollack
“Often referred to as the “bible of tarot books” it has now helped to launch the “tarot renaissance” we’re seeing today. Drawing on mythology and esoteric traditions and delving deeply into the symbolism and ideas of each card, the book offers a modern psychological interpretation of the tarot archetypes rather than a system of esoteric symbolism.”

Crystal Books

Crystal Basics Nicholas Pearson
“In this in-depth yet easy-to-follow guide, crystal healing teacher Nicholas Pearson offers a full-color compendium of 200 crystals and gemstones as well as a hands-on practical handbook on crystal healing, perfect for those just beginning their crystal journey as well as long-time stone lovers seeking an all-in-one reference.”

Crystals For Karmic Healing Nicholas Pearson
“Nicholas Pearson hits the perfect balance of spiritual knowledge and scientific validation in his book Crystals for Karmic Healing. He becomes a personal instructor–sharing his knowledge and standing beside you, guiding you through specific crystals and how they will aid, and sharing step-by-step instructions on crystal layouts for karmic healing. Includes amazing photos and layouts. I highly recommend!”–Kristi Hugs, author of Crystal Speak and Crystal Application

Healing Books

The Body Keeps The Score Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk
“In The Body Keeps the Score, [Van Der Kolk] uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma literally reshapes both body and brain, compromising sufferers’ capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. He explores innovative treatments–from neurofeedback and meditation to sports, drama, and yoga–that offer new paths to recovery by activating the brain’s natural neuroplasticity.”

Eastern Body, Western Mind Anodea Judith
“Arranged schematically, the book uses the inherent structure of the chakra system as a map upon which to chart our Western understanding of individual development. Each chapter focuses on a single chakra, starting with a description of its characteristics and then exploring its particular childhood developmental patterns, traumas and abuses, and how to heal and maintain balance.”

Boundaries and Protection Pixie Lighthorse
“Pixie Lighthorse is the author of five books centered on self-healing through intimate relationship with the natural world. She is an enrolled member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and writes as Lighthorse to honor the unheard voices of her ancestors.”