Thank you to Net Galley and Repeater Books for this ARC!

The Pictorial Key to the Tarot by AE Waite is a beautifully written reference book to accompany your tarot journey. My favorite part of this book was the foreword! Do not skip it! I will be buying this edition specifically for the foreword by Sereptie. The actual book itself is really written for more experienced tarot users, but if you feel drawn to it earlier on, I would recommend picking it up whenever feels right for you. I enjoyed the emphasis on tarot symbolism lying in the collective unconscious and about how it is to be used less as a fortune telling tool, but more as a tool to open a dialogue with the person having the reading done.

The Pictorial Key to the Tarot is an update of the original. You can find books that are more modern, and some that are more creative, but this book is worth the read. It gives you the original and visual meanings from the actual card meanings.
If you are a student of the tarot, you shouldn't miss this title.

Thank you to Repeater Books and Net Galley for a digital ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

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If you’ve ever wondered how a deck of cards can hold so much mystery, meaning, and maybe even a sprinkle of rebellion, *The Pictorial Key to the Tarot* has your back. This new edition of A.E. Waite’s classic guide not only dives deep into the history and symbology of tarot but also serves up a fresh forward by Sereptie, creator of *The Philosopher’s Tarot*. Together, they explore how these iconic cards can inspire change and reflection in a world that often feels upside down—no reversed card pun intended.

Whether you’re a seasoned tarot reader or just learning how to shuffle without spilling, this book is packed with wisdom to help you understand the Smith-Waite deck’s 78 cards and their many layers of meaning. Plus, the appendix with quick-reference keywords is a lifesaver for those moments when you just can’t remember what the Nine of Swords is trying to tell you (hint: probably time to chill).

This isn’t just a guidebook; it’s a celebration of tarot’s power to unlock creativity, challenge norms, and maybe even spark a little magic in your life. Grab your deck, give it a shuffle, and see where the cards—and this book—take you!

A.E. Waite’s The Pictorial Key to the Tarot is a foundational text for anyone serious about understanding tarot, particularly the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. Published in 1910 alongside the deck he co-created with Pamela Colman Smith, the book explores tarot’s symbolism, history, and divinatory uses. It’s divided into three parts: an introduction to the theory behind tarot, detailed descriptions of each card, and a section on divinatory meanings. While the writing can be dense, the book offers rich insights into the spiritual and symbolic layers of tarot.

For advanced readers, the book’s greatest value lies in its exploration of the Major Arcana. Waite’s interpretations uncover deeper, mystical themes, encouraging readers to see the cards as more than tools for divination—they are keys to spiritual growth. His descriptions of cards like The Fool and The High Priestess reveal a shift in focus toward inner wisdom and archetypal energies. However, Waite’s writing style, filled with archaic language and cryptic phrasing, can make the text hard to follow. He also holds back on explaining some symbols fully, leaving readers to fill in the gaps themselves.

The Minor Arcana receives less attention, and Waite’s divinatory meanings for all cards can feel brief or overly rigid. Despite these shortcomings, the book’s historical importance and its role in shaping modern tarot cannot be overstated. It’s especially valuable for understanding the intent and symbolism behind the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, which remains one of the most widely used tarot decks today.

While beginners may find Waite’s approach too theoretical, experienced readers will appreciate the depth of his interpretations and the insight they offer into tarot’s esoteric roots. For those willing to put in the effort, The Pictorial Key to the Tarot provides a deeper connection to the spiritual and symbolic aspects of the cards. It’s a challenging but rewarding read that continues to inspire tarot practitioners over a century later.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Thank you, Repeater books, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own: As someone who loves tarot, this book has been an incredible addition to my collection. Waite’s explanations of the cards are detailed but easy to follow, making it great for beginners and experienced readers alike.

What really sets this edition apart is the forward by Sereptie—it gives the tarot a whole new layer of meaning, connecting it to activism and social change. I also loved the quick-reference guide in the appendix; it’s super handy when you need a quick keyword during a reading. If you’re into tarot for more than just divination, this book will definitely give you something to think about. If you are a tarot reader this book is a classic, so probably you already have one in your shelf, also I loved the cover. Highly recommend!

I’ve read many books on tarot. I can say that this one was concise, easy to follow, and the authors voice was distinctive. The pictorial key to the tarot is great for new practitioners