Tarot Book - Learn Tarot
The System of Symbols
A practical way to understand Tarot
In this book Toni Allen unlocks the secrets of Tarot so that everyone can understand it. It explains why the cards have the interpretations they have and shows how anyone can learn to work with them.
The book explains not only what the cards mean, but why they have those meanings. It is intended to make the mystery of Tarot easier to understand and to help readers work with the cards for themselves.
The System of Symbols,
a new way to look at tarot
This is my flagship book on Tarot.
For over 30 years I worked as an international tarot reader and astrologer, performing readings for clients from all walks of life. The System of Symbols came about from teaching notes I created for my students, and ever since it’s become a mainstay for everyone I teach.
This volume covers tarot symbolism, interpretations, Vedic numerology, real life examples and how to associate tarot with the Bach Flower Remedies. Reversed interpretations are also included, as well as many examples of how combinations of cards work together. It’s illustrated throughout with my own tarot designs.
If you’re looking for a ‘cookbook’ of instant interpretations, then this isn’t the book for you. If you want to sincerely study the art of reading tarot and understand the cards through their original symbolism, then you’ll find my book a useful addition to your library.
Suitable for beginners and more advanced tarot readers.
Now also translated and published in Italian
Learn the system
Why the cards work together
In a Tarot reading every card changes according to what is next to it. To understand the depth of a spread, it helps to know the meanings behind each number, symbol and element.
Toni draws on more than 20 years of Tarot reading and teaching. Rather than relying only on illustrated meanings, the book explores the underlying patterns of the cards, the four suits and the numbers so that your own intuition can develop with confidence.
Many students begin with an illustrated Waite-style pack and learn individual meanings by rote. The book takes a different approach: it explains the relationships between the numbers, suits and Major Arcana so that a spread can be read as a connected pattern.
Stripping Tarot back to the basic images of swords, batons, cups and coins makes the rhythm of a spread easier to see: which numbers repeat, which suit is missing, and how the pattern moves from one card to the next.
For students of Tarot
A complete reference for readings
For the serious student of Tarot, the book includes the 22 Major Arcana, the 56 Minor Arcana and full Tarot reversals. It is designed to support both learning and practical readings, with a clear system that can be used as a reference.
The writings of Aleister Crowley are also an important part of Tarot history. Toni recommends The Book of Thoth for readers who want to explore that tradition further.
Inside the book
A thorough guide to Tarot symbolism
The System of Symbols explains what each number means, the essence of each suit and its association with the Major Arcana. Each card is described through its symbolic meaning, how it can appear in a reading, and examples from real readings and client feedback.
The book also includes Tarot keywords for quick reference and associations with Bach Flower remedies, offering a way to connect the cards with practical help and healing.
It is available as a 416-page printed book or e-book, with black-and-white images throughout showing Toni’s own Tarot designs. The designs can also be viewed in full colour at Tarot Astrology.
Continue exploring
Read what others have said
Read feedback about The System of Symbols, Toni’s Tarot work and personal readings.
Testimonials and book reviewsReviews
'Toni Allen fm the UK has quite a bit of Tarot experience. All her interpretations have little vignettes or stories to emphasize certain points. I LOVE THAT. I've been playing with the Tarot for over 25 years, and this is the best book yet. Worth the money! You will not be disappointed.' ~ Golden Hawk, Amazon review
'This fascinating and comprehensive book is surely a must for all Tarot enthusiasts and also, I'd suggest, for those interested in numerology, symbols and patterns in Nature, Bach Flower Remedies, developing one's intuition...and more! No emphasis is placed upon necessarily being 'psychic' to perform a reading - all the tools are given here to understand what the symbols and patterns are suggesting, and so the reader can simply interpret and 'say what they see'. The book's reader-friendly content and format are illustrated with black and white images of the author's own attractive deck, which is another bonus. Highly recommended as an addition to any Tarotist's library/collection.' ~ Julia J b Clasby, Amazon review
Where to Buy
Discounted paperback copy direct from my publisher Lulu
Learn with Toni
Tarot workshops and the Tarot club
Toni also runs one-day Tarot workshops and a Tarot club for people in the Guildford and Farnham area. Workshops explore a particular aspect of Tarot through practical and interactive work, while the club gives like-minded people an opportunity to meet and practise together.
To ask about future workshops or join the mailing list, please contact Toni about a reading or enquiry.