The Pictorial Key to the Tarot By Arthur Edward Waite Illustrations By Pamela Colman Smith. [1911]

Although there were many Tarot decks prior to the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, and many after, none has gripped the popular imagination as much as this set. Waite covers the significance and deeper implications of each card, and gives practical instructions as to how to conduct a reading. The symbolism of the Rider-Waite-Smith deck is based on profound occult studies by Waite, and his exposition in this book of its use and meaning is unexcelled. This is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the Tarot.--J. B. Hare

Part I: The Veil and its Symbols

Part II: The Doctrine Behind the Veil

Part III: The Outer Method of the Oracles