Best book for Waite Sybolism?

[linabeet]

I want and authoratative source that has accurate information on all the symbolism in the RWS, if there is such a thing.

I've seen a few books noted here about symbolism and I wonder what kind they are talking about and who's interpretation it is?

I want a book I can open to find out - what does the 3rd sword to the right mean on this card, Why is her dress red? etc.

Is there such a thing?

[Makamu]

Linabeet,

I am a newbie and have not been working with the Tarot for long but I would recommend "Pictures from the heart" (Aeclectic review here: http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/books/tarot-dictionary/index.shtml/tarot-dictionary/index.html) though I have not got it myself yet, I have heard very good things about it and am confident in making the recommendation :)

Otherwise you could try "78 Degrees of Wisdom" by Rachel Pollack. I cannot recommend that book enough times.

Maka

[linabeet]

I also am a dedicated fan of the old 78'.

I think what I'm more looking for is a dictionary book of symbolism, that contains as much as possible about seach card in accessible format.

I do so like a reference library.

lb

[Sulis]

I want a book I can open to find out - what does the 3rd sword to the right mean on this card, Why is her dress red? etc.
I don't think you'll ever find a book like this one you describe because the meaning of the cards aren't static. That 3rd sword on the right may mean one thing in one reading and something completely different in another.

If you want a good general book on symbolism, I like 'Pictures from the heart - a tarot dictionary' by Sandra Thomson http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0312291280/aeclectictaro-21/

Another good one is 'Tarot Symbolism' by Robert O'Neill - available from jmd's site: http://association.tarotstudies.org/symbolism.html

Love Sulis xx

[Lee]

You can find a lot of interesting information on RWS symbolism here:

http://www.tarotpassages.com/old_moonstruck/oneill/index.htm

-- Lee