Essence of Tarot

Judika Illes is the bestselling author of numerous books devoted to spells, spirits, and witchcraft, including the Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells and Encyclopedia of Spirits, as well as Pure Magic, Daily Magic, Encyclopedia of Witchcraft, Encyclopedia of Mystics, Saints, and Sages, and Witches: A Compendium. A lifelong student, lover, and practitioner of the magical arts, Judika is also the creator of two oracle decks, Magic Spells Oracle and Protection Spells. The editor and curator of two books of mystical fiction, The Weiser Book of the Fantastic and Forgotten and The Weiser Book of Occult Detectives, Judika was among the contributing authors to Taschen’s Witchcraft, part of The Library of Esoterica series. She has been a professional tarot card reader for over three decades and is a certified aromatherapist. A native New Yorker, Judika teaches in the US and internationally, live and virtually. Follow her on Instagram @judikailles and on Facebook at facebook.com/AuthorJudikaIlles/.

“As one of our preeminent tarot scholars and teachers, Mary K. Greer has done it again. In Essence of Tarot, Greer unearths new levels of detail and outlines accessible ways to connect with your tarot deck. Whether you are brand new in developing your tarot practice or decades in, Greer effortlessly engages with her audience and reminds us all of the magic within that tarot can help unlock. I consider Mary K. Greer to be my tarot fairy godmother and I’m delighted for her to become yours.”—Rachel True, author of True Heart Intuitive Tarot“Brimming with magic, Essence of Tarot teaches the reader to harness the supernatural power of their olfactory senses by combining plant energies with tarot archetypes. This process results in a deeply intuitive system of manifestation and psychic pathworking. Mary K. Greer’s masterful work belongs on every tarotist’s bookshelf!”—Sasha Graham, author of 365 Tarot Spreads and The Dark Wood Tarot“Pamela Colman Smith, the visionary artist behind the Waite-Smith deck, possessed the gift of synesthesia, transforming sound into vivid, mystical imagery. In Essence of Tarot, a landmark work, now at last republished, Mary K. Greer transcends yet another sensory frontier, inviting us into the world of sacred fragrance—where the scent of oils unveils secret correspondences and deepens the mysteries embedded within the tarot. This extraordinary book offers a transformative approach to engaging with the cards, nose first. One that will resonate profoundly with many, reaffirming tarot as a magical and deeply sensual art form. Greer’s unparalleled legacy continues to illuminate our path, inspiring a reimagining of tarot as a multisensory tool.”—Laetitia Barbier, author Tarot and Divination Cards“Essence of Tarot is a true treasure for any reader looking to deepen their experience with the tarot. It masterfully combines the sacred art of essential oils, magic, and rituals with the world of tarot. . . . Whether you’re a seasoned tarot reader or just beginning your journey, this book will open new doors of insight, clarity, and empowerment in your readings. A must-have for anyone who seeks to bring more intention and magic into their practice.”—Ethony Dawn, author of Tarot Grimoire“Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a curious beginner, Mary K. Greer’s insights into the use of essential oils for divination, meditation, and spiritual practices will deepen your craft. Her expert knowledge on the alchemical properties of herbs and oils, alongside practical tarot interpretations, make Essence of Tarot an indispensable guide for anyone seeking to enrich their magickal journey. A must-have for your metaphysical library!”—Theresa Reed, author of The Cards You’re Dealt—How to Deal When Life Gets Real“Whether you’re just beginning with tarot or have been practicing for years, Essence of Tarot serves as an essential guide for those wanting to strengthen their bond with the cards, guided by one of tarot’s most trusted and knowledgeable experts.”—Mat Auryn, author of The Psychic Art of Tarot, Psychic Witch, and Mastering Magick“Mary Greer has a true gift that shines through all her writing. It’s her ability to understand the power of tarot that guides us on our physical and spiritual paths and eases us through emotional situations. In Essence of Tarot, she also taps into the healing aspects of aromatherapy and its use of aromatic plants and essential oils. Her intuitive sense of using both tarot and aromatherapy for personal transformation creates the perfect marriage. Greer artfully blends these two healing arts together as she guides the reader into fascinating new dimensions of tarot that you will want to add to your skillset. I especially love the clear writing style and attention to detail to the history, symbolism, and creative uses of tarot and aromas. The result is a very unique book that will open new doors into your appreciation of tarot.”—Kathi Keville, director of American Herb Association and author of Aromatherapy, The Complete Guide to the Healing Art, and Essential Oils and Aromatherapy for Dummies  “To me, Mary K. Greer is the undisputed Queen of Tarot; much of what I learned for my own practice came from her books. So you can imagine my excitement when she combined tarot with two of my other favorites—rituals and essential oils. This book takes the tarot to the next level, and I for one can’t wait to try out many of the treasures that lie inside.”—Deborah Blake, author of Everyday Witch Tarot and Everyday Witchcraft