Tarot & Books

Tarot and books have a long history together, with Tarot decks often featuring literary themes and book lovers incorporating tarot into their reading practices. Many Tarot readers use books as a tool for interpreting the symbolism and meanings of the cards, while others use this system as inspiration for their writing. From classic literature to occult texts, the connection between Tarot and books is undeniable. Whether you're seeking guidance from the cards or indulging in a good book, these two timeless pursuits can bring a sense of mystery and magic into your life.

Major Arcana & Literature 

In Tarot, the Fool represents new beginnings and taking risks. It signifies fearlessness and naivety, urging the individual to embrace their inner child-like spirit. The Fool is often depicted carrying a small sack, symbolizing the light burden they bear as they journey forth into the unknown. In literature, characters who embody the spirit of the Fool include Alice from Alice in Wonderland and Gump from Forrest Gump. Though Winston Groom, Forrest Gump’s creator, was a writer who didn’t plan his stories ahead of time, nor used divination tools whatsoever, he preferred to let his thoughts evolve as he wrote, and believed that language is incredibly important to storytelling. He stated that each word should be chosen carefully to convey the most meaning possible. Groom also believed that writers should have a sense of humor and not take themselves too seriously, as storytelling is ultimately about entertaining and engaging readers, not about stressful rules. Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland carries a strong metaphysical message, challenging the assumption of a fixed reality and exploring the concept of identity and self-discovery. Carroll employed various writing techniques to convey this message, such as wordplay, satire, and absurdity. The book's structure follows a dream-like logic, further reinforcing the idea that reality is subjective. Carroll's use of symbolism and allegory also adds depth to the story, inviting readers to interpret the hidden meanings behind the characters and events. Overall, Alice in Wonderland remains a timeless masterpiece of literature, enticing readers and scholars to ponder its philosophical themes and literary techniques. The Fool also appears in various forms in movies, such as the character of Tyler Durden in Fight Club. Many independent writers have also used the symbolism of the Fool in their debutant works.

The Magician card in tarot represents manifestation, creation, and potential. The Magician holds all the tools necessary to turn dreams into reality. In literature, this archetype is often portrayed as a skilled craftsman or a master of magic. Examples of this can be seen in the character of Merlin in Arthurian legends or Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings. Writers who embody this archetype are able to weave words into limitless possibilities, conjuring up vivid worlds and characters for readers to immerse themselves in.

The High Priestess in Tarot represents intuition, secrets, and mystery. She is often associated with books, stories, and writers who delve into the unknown and mysterious, uncovering hidden truths and revealing hidden knowledge. She is often depicted holding a Tora, a scroll containing ancient wisdom and secrets. This symbolizes the idea that the High Priestess is a keeper of hidden knowledge and ancient traditions. Through meditation and introspection, the High Priestess taps into her intuition and accesses this wisdom, inspiring others to do the same. Characters such as Hermione Granger from Harry Potter, Lisbeth Salander from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and Nancy Drew embody the qualities of the High Priestess, using their keen intuition and intelligence to solve mysteries and uncover secrets. Writers who explore mysterious and esoteric themes, such as H.P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allan Poe, are also closely associated with the High Priestess. Some books and classics of literature related to intuition are The Power of Intentional Thinking by Tony Dovale, The Art of Intuition by Sophy Burnham, The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown, You Are Psychic by Debra Lynne Katz, and Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes. The Tora also represents the power of written language and the importance of preserving wisdom for future generations. These books explore the concept of intuition and how it can be developed and used in various aspects of life, including personal growth, decision-making, and creativity.

In Tarot, The Empress card represents nurturing, abundance, creativity and fertility. She is often depicted as a motherly figure full of compassion and strong maternal instincts. In literature, The Empress can be seen in characters such as Molly Weasley from the Harry Potter series or Marmee March from Little Women. They both embody the nurturing and supportive mother figure. The Empress can also be seen in stories that focus on growth and abundance, such as The Secret Garden or The Giving Tree. Writers who portray the Empress archetype in their work include J.K. Rowling, Louisa May Alcott, Oprah Winfrey, and designer Diane von Fürstenberg, who also writes and loves books.

The Emperor represents authority, power, and leadership. It is often associated with a father figure or a person in a position of control. In books, stories, movies, or writers, the Emperor may represent a king, a strong leader, or a ruthless dictator. Examples include King Arthur in Arthurian legends, Darth Vader in Star Wars, or Napoleon Bonaparte in historical fiction. The Emperor also symbolizes discipline and structure, making it suited for stories about military commanders, CEOs, or politicians. In its reverse sense is perceived as a tyrannical system like George Orwell's 1984.

The Hierophant in Tarot represents tradition, structure, and institutionalized belief systems. It can symbolize a teacher or mentor figure who imparts wisdom through established methods. In literature, this archetype is commonly seen in stories of coming-of-age, where a character seeks guidance from an authoritative figure. Examples include Dumbledore in Harry Potter or the Jedi Masters in Star Wars. The Hierophant can also relate to books on spirituality or religious texts that offer guidance and insight into established belief systems like The Holy Bible.

The Lovers often symbolizes a choice between two paths or two potential partners. In literature, this card can be seen in stories where the protagonist must decide between two love interests or two different life paths. Examples include Twilight, where Bella must choose between Edward and Jacob, and Romeo and Juliet, where the star-crossed lovers choose each other despite their feuding families. This card can also represent the theme of love and relationships in books such as Pride and Prejudice or The Notebook. Writers such as Nicholas Sparks or André Aciman often explore the complexity of relationships in their work, reflecting the deep meaning behind the Lovers card in Tarot.

The Chariot Tarot card symbolizes victory, control, and determination. It often represents a journey or a mission, and the need to stay focused and disciplined in order to achieve success. In literature, the Chariot can be seen in epic tales of heroes embarking on quests, such as the Odyssey by Homer. It can also be seen in more modern stories, such as Star Wars, where Luke Skywalker must find and destroy the Death Star to save the rebellion. Authors who embody the spirit of the Chariot in their writing include J.K. Rowling, Stephen King, and Ernest Hemingway.

The Strength card in Tarot represents courage, inner strength, and perseverance. It represents the ability to overcome obstacles and challenges through patience and determination. In literature and media, this theme is often portrayed through characters who face adversity and overcome it through their inner strength. Examples include Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games, Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird, and Frodo Baggins from The Lord of the Rings. Writers can use this theme to inspire readers to persevere through difficult times and seek their inner strength.

The Hermit represents introspection, solitude, and wisdom. It signifies a time for reflection and seeking answers from within oneself. In literature and movies, the Hermit archetype can be seen in characters who retreat from society to gain clarity and understanding, such as Gandalf in Lord of the Rings or Yoda in Star Wars. In books, the Hermit can also represent the wise mentor figure, like Dumbledore in Harry Potter. Writers themselves can embody the Hermit archetype as they often spend long periods of time in isolation to focus on their craft.

The Wheel of Fortune Tarot card represents the cycle of life, luck, and fate. It often symbolizes the ups and downs of life and the need to accept change. In literature, this card could be related to characters who experience sudden shifts in their circumstances or unexpected turns of events. It could also be applied to stories with themes of destiny or characters who are of humble origins and rise to great heights. Additionally, the Wheel of Fortune could be associated with writers who had unexpected or dramatic success, such as J.K. Rowling's rise to fame with the Harry Potter series.

Justice in Tarot symbolizes balance, fairness, and equilibrium. In literature, stories that explore the theme of justice often depict characters who are seeking what is right and just, whether it be through fighting for their own rights or justice for others. Writers who focus on justice often challenge readers to consider the consequences of their actions and how they can contribute to a more just society. Popular examples include To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, The Trial by Franz Kafka, and the Marvel movie Black Panther.

The Hanged Man represents surrender and sacrifice for a greater purpose. In literature, this archetype can be seen in characters who willingly put themselves in difficult situations for the greater good, such as Frodo Baggins in Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter sacrificing himself for the wizarding world. The Hanged Man can also represent a change in perspective or a willingness to let go of old ways, seen in stories like The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. Writers who embody this archetype may be willing to take risks and make personal sacrifices for their art or a message they wish to convey.

In Tarot, Death symbolizes the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. It does not necessarily mean physical death, but rather a transformation or a significant change. In literature, death is often used as a metaphor to represent major plot twists or character arcs. Writers may also use death as a tool to explore the themes of mortality, grief, and acceptance. Some famous examples include The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Tolstoy, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by Rowling, and The Book Thief by Zusak.

Temperance in Tarot symbolizes balance, moderation, and self-control. It relates to books, stories, movies, and writers by showing how characters struggle with their desires and have to find balance to achieve their goals. Characters like Harry Potter who had to control his anger to defeat Voldemort, Scarlett O'Hara who became temperate after her experiences in Gone with the Wind, and Atticus Finch whose balanced nature guided him in To Kill a Mockingbird all showcase the essence of temperance in literature. Similarly, authors like Paulo Coelho, who preach about the moderation of desires in their books, often embody the Temperance card in their writing.

The Devil card represents temptation and addiction, reminding us that we can become enslaved by our own desires. This theme has been a popular one in literature, art, and film throughout history. From Goethe's Faust to Stephen King's Needful Things, the devil is often portrayed as a cunning manipulator who entices people into making risky deals that ultimately lead to their downfall. In many stories, books, and movies, the devil symbolizes the darker aspects of human nature and the dangers of unchecked ambition.

The Tower card in Tarot represents sudden upheaval and destruction, as a bolt of lightning strikes a tall tower. In literature and other forms of storytelling, this symbolism can hint at dramatic plot twists or unexpected shifts in character development. Writers may draw inspiration from the Tower card to inject a moment of chaos into their work, or to signal a major turning point in their narrative. The Tower can also serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and hubris, reminding us that even the strongest foundations can crumble in an instant.

In Tarot, the Star is a symbol of hope, inspiration, and guidance. It represents a beacon of light shining in the darkness, promising a better future. This symbolism has been used in countless books, stories, articles, movies, and by writers to convey a sense of optimism or to depict a character's journey towards enlightenment. The star can also represent the idea of destiny, suggesting that everything happens for a reason and that the universe has a plan for us all. Overall, the star is a powerful symbol that has been used to inspire and uplift readers and viewers for generations.

The Moon represents mystery, intuition, and the subconscious. This symbolism is often seen in literature, art, and film, where the moon is used to create an eerie or otherworldly atmosphere. Many stories and characters, particularly those with magical or supernatural elements, are associated with the moon. Additionally, the moon's phases and cycles often parallel the emotional or psychological journeys of characters. Writers may use the moon as a symbol of feminine power, creativity, and spirituality, as well as a tool to create mood and tension in their work. Several books and stories have been inspired by the Moon, reflecting humanity's longstanding fascination with our nearest celestial neighbor. Some notable examples include Jules Verne's From the Earth to the Moon, which tells the story of a group of astronauts attempting to travel to the Moon; H.G. Wells' The First Men in the Moon, which explores the discovery of a civilization on the Moon; and Margaret Atwood's The Year of the Flood, which incorporates lunar symbolism into its dystopian narrative. The Moon has also been the subject of countless poems, songs, and other works of literature throughout history.

In Tarot, the Sun represents enlightenment, vitality, and positivity. It symbolizes inner strength and represents achievements, both physical and emotional. The sun is also a powerful symbol in many cultures, inspiring various books such as The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield. These books draw on the sun's significance as a source of energy, renewal, and spiritual awakening, highlighting its ability to shed light on our true path in life. Overall, the sun is recognized as a universal symbol of hope, positivity, and life-giving energy. The power and significance of the sun in all cultures have inspired numerous books, delving into its symbolism and importance in various mythologies and religions. The Sun is seen as a source of life, energy, and renewal, and often associated with deities such as Ra, Apollo, and Helios. It is a symbol of light, enlightenment, and positivity, representing hope and growth.

Judgement in Tarot represents rebirth, renewal, and a spiritual awakening. It signifies letting go of the past and overcoming obstacles to move forward towards a brighter future. The card is often associated with a transformative experience or realization that leads to a significant change. Several books are inspired by the power and significance of Judgement, including The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, which focuses on being present in the moment, and The Alchemist too, which emphasizes the importance of following one's dreams and destiny.

The World card in Tarot represents completion, fulfillment, and achievement. It is seen as a positive card, indicating that the querent has achieved their desired outcome or goal. The significance of the World is not limited to Tarot; many cultures recognize the importance of a cyclical view of the universe, with the World representing the ultimate completion of that cycle. In Hinduism, the concept of samsara represents the cyclical journey of birth, death, and rebirth, ultimately leading to moksha, or liberation. In Buddhism, the concept of the Wheel of Life represents the cycle of existence and the path to enlightenment.

There are various books available on Tarot as well. A few popular ones include The Ultimate Guide to Tarot Card Meanings by Brigit Esselmont, Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom by Rachel Pollack, The Modern Witchcraft Book of Tarot by Skye Alexander, The Tarot Bible by Sarah Bartlett, Reading and Understanding the Marseille Tarot by Marsucci/Aloi, and The Tarot Revealed by Paul Fenton-Smith. These books provide insights into the history, symbolism, and interpretation of tarot cards and can help beginners as well as advanced readers in their tarot practice.

WORDS: @ALFREDOTAVA / ZIPHRONE