Pictorial Key to the Tarot

The Pictorial Key to the Tarot by Arthur Edward Waite is a classic book on the tarot. It was first published in 1911, and it is still considered to be one of the most authoritative books on the subject.

The book is divided into two parts. The first part provides an overview of the history of the tarot, the symbolism of the cards, and the different ways that the tarot can be used. The second part provides detailed interpretations of each of the 78 cards in the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck.

The Pictorial Key to the Tarot is a well-written and informative book. Waite does a good job of explaining the symbolism of the cards, and he provides a wealth of information about the history and use of the tarot. The book is also beautifully illustrated with images from the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck.

However, there are a few weaknesses to The Pictorial Key to the Tarot. One is that the book can be a bit dry at times. Waite’s writing style is informative, but it is not always engaging. This can make the book a bit of a slog to read at times.

Another weakness is that the book is a bit outdated. Some of the information in the book is no longer accurate, and some of the techniques that Waite describes are no longer recommended. This can be a bit frustrating for readers who are looking for up-to-date information.

Overall, The Pictorial Key to the Tarot is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning about the tarot. The book is well-written and informative, but it can be a bit dry at times.

Here is a summary of the pros and cons of the book:

Pros:

• Well-written and informative
• Beautiful illustrations
• Explores the symbolism of the tarot

Cons:

• Dry at times
• Outdated information

Overall, I would recommend The Pictorial Key to the Tarot to anyone who is interested in learning about the tarot. However, I would also recommend that readers supplement the book with other resources that are more up-to-date.

Here are some additional thoughts on the book:

• The book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck. Waite’s interpretations of the cards are the classic interpretations, and they are still used by tarot readers today.
• The book is also a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in the history and symbolism of the tarot. Waite provides a wealth of information about the origins of the tarot, and he discusses the symbolism of the cards in detail.
• However, the book is not without its flaws. As I mentioned earlier, some of the information in the book is outdated. Additionally, Waite’s writing style can be a bit dry at times.

Overall, The Pictorial Key to the Tarot is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning about the tarot. However, it is important to keep in mind that the book is over 100 years old, and some of the information in it is no longer accurate.