An Occult Guide to the Tarot – Travis McHenry

An Occult Guide to the Tarot by Travis McHenry reveals the hidden wisdom, symbolism and spiritual science that shaped the tarot we know today. This richly detailed book explores the astrological, Kabbalistic and magical correspondences of each card in both the Major and Minor Arcana, guiding readers toward a deeper understanding of how tarot connects to the greater mysteries of the universe.

Drawing on the teachings of the Golden Dawn, Thelema and other esoteric traditions, McHenry shows how the tarot functions not only as a divinatory tool but as a living map of consciousness. Each chapter traces the links between the cards and ancient systems of magic, from planetary energies to Hebrew letters and elemental forces. Whether you read intuitively or study symbolically, this guide helps you bridge the gap between intuition and occult philosophy.

What You’ll Discover

• The secret history of the tarot’s evolution from medieval playing cards to an initiatory path.

• How astrological signs and planets shape the meanings of the Major Arcana.

• The relationship between the Tree of Life and the four suits of the Minor Arcana.

• Ritual and meditation practices to strengthen your connection to each card.

Each section of An Occult Guide to the Tarot blends scholarship with accessible language, making complex ideas clear and engaging. McHenry writes with the insight of a practising magician and the warmth of a teacher who remembers what it’s like to start exploring the cards for the first time.

About the Author

Travis McHenry is an occultist, ceremonial magician and tarot creator best known for The Occult Tarot and The Angel Tarot. His background in comparative religion and mysticism gives him a rare ability to weave history, symbolism and practical application into one clear, comprehensive narrative.

Why You’ll Love It

This isn’t just a book about tarot meanings — it’s a doorway into the philosophy that underpins every spread and reading. You’ll learn to see the cards as dynamic forces at work within yourself and the world around you. Whether you’re deepening your magical studies or simply want to understand where tarot’s imagery truly comes from, An Occult Guide to the Tarot will enrich every reading.

• Published by Rockpool Publishing, this beautifully presented 272-page guide is perfect for tarot enthusiasts, occult students, and anyone who loves exploring the spiritual systems behind the cards.
• Pairs perfectly with the Thoth Tarot Deck, Marseille Tarot, or any deck rooted in traditional occult symbolism.
• Discover more inspiring titles in our Tarot Books Collection

A Practical Guide for Modern Readers

Unlike many historical studies of tarot, An Occult Guide to the Tarot stays practical. McHenry bridges the gap between classic ceremonial magic and modern tarot reading, showing how ancient symbols still hold power in everyday life. Readers will discover ways to interpret the cards beyond prediction, using them instead for reflection, meditation and spiritual growth.

This book sits beautifully alongside beginner-friendly guides as well as advanced occult studies, making it a flexible addition to any reader’s library. Whether you read for yourself, study symbolism, or teach tarot to others, An Occult Guide to the Tarot offers insight, depth and inspiration that lasts a lifetime.

“For anyone building a library of serious tarot study, An Occult Guide to the Tarot offers lasting insight.”

“If you’re drawn to the deeper symbolism of the cards, An Occult Guide to the Tarot belongs on your shelf.”