As a tarot reader, I love learning more about the symbolism in the cards. My passion for tarot led to an interest in learning about symbols since tarot is so rich in symbolism. This list of the best books on symbols and their meanings covers a diverse slate of symbolism books. You’ll find more than one great dictionary of symbols, famous books about symbolism, and books about symbols that are specific to one culture or ideology. I wrote this list because when I went searching for this information, many of the books listed in roundups of the best symbolism books were stuffy and out of print. My goal for this list of the best books on symbology was to introduce some newer voices into the dialogue, so there’s a focus on books published within the last decade or so. I hope you’ll find there’s a meaning for every symbol you can possibly imagine within the pages of these books.
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And now for the best books on symbols and their meanings…
The Book of Celtic Symbols by Joules Taylor
Celtic heritage is full of interesting symbols, and in The Book of Celtic Symbols, Joules Taylor explains them all. This book is especially focused on the Druids who lived and breathed in ancient times. The Celtic Wheel of the Year, the significance of trees and mistletoe, ogham (the Celtic alphabet), and animal guides are just a few symbols analyzed in this book.
How to read it: Purchase The Book of Celtic Symbols on Amazon
A Dictionary of Literary Symbols by Michael Ferber
This highly unique dictionary of symbols is unusual. While most symbolism dictionaries draw on religion, art, and myth, to name a few sources, this book is the first to be based solely on symbols in literature. The dictionary contains close to 200 entries about symbolism in literature, including quotations and cross-references. Some of the symbols discussed in this book are swans, goats, roses, leaves, dust, the moon, and gold. Drawing on a range of literature, this dictionary examines famous books with symbolism.
How to read it: Purchase A Dictionary of Literary Symbols on Amazon
A Dictionary of Symbols: Revised and Expanded Edition by Juan Eduardo Cirlot
A Dictionary of Symbols is an authoritative guide to symbols across cultures, art, religion, and mythology from Juan Eduardo Cirlot, a poet, influential art critic, musician, and mythologist. This book is now reprinted through the New York Review Books publishing house. Writing in The Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism, Catherine D. Rau situates Cirlot’s book within the greater cultural and literary context by saying: “[Cirlot’s] book is not merely a reference work for students of symbology, but a book to be read at leisure. It does indeed provide informative and interesting reading. The longer entries can be read as independent essays, but it is only by reading through the volume steadily that one can become aware of the intricate interrelations of symbolic meanings.” If you’re looking for intellectual and interdisciplinary books on symbols and their meanings, pick this one up.
How to read it: Purchase A Dictionary of Symbols on Amazon
The Element Encyclopedia of Secret Signs & Symbols by Adele Nozedar
If you only buy one dictionary of symbols, it should be this one. The Element Encyclopedia of Secret Signs and Symbols collects symbols from across cultures, histories, art, and religion. In a simple to follow “A-Z” organization, Adele Nozedar has compiled hundreds of entries on topics as varied as fauna, flora, numbers, sacred sounds, and secret signs. What sets this book apart from the other best books on symbology is the vast sources the author has assembled, drawing from esoterica, the Masonic, Native American mythology, Indian religion, the occult, and so much more.
How to read it: Purchase The Element Encyclopedia of Secret Signs & Symbols on Amazon
Illustrated Dictionary of Symbols in Eastern and Western Art by James Hall
Looking for a complete symbolism dictionary that focuses on Eastern and Western art? You’re in luck. James Hall’s masterful Illustrated Dictionary of Symbols in Eastern and Western Art has you covered. Any list of the best books on symbolism in art would definitely include Hall’s treasure trove of fascinating details on symbols in the history of art. Some of the categories of symbolism that Hall explores are abstract signs, animals, artifacts, earth and sky, and so many more. As the title suggests, this Illustrated Dictionary draws on global art history, meaning not just European art but also Egyptian art, art from the ancient Near East, and the art of the Far East. The result is one of the best books on symbology.
How to read it: Purchase Illustrated Dictionary of Symbols in Eastern and Western Art on Amazon
A Little Bit of Symbols by Henry Reed
If you don’t want to splurge on an extensive (and, admittedly, at times expensive) dictionary of symbols and imagery, you can likely still afford Henry Reed’s A Little Bit of Symbols. I love the “Little Bit” series, which stretches to 28 titles to date. I totally get why we need more books on symbols and their meanings that are not so overwhelming, which is why I recommend A Little Bit of Symbols, which packs a lot of punch in its 128 pages. What makes this book unique is how Reed goes beyond just listing symbols with a brief meaning. Instead, Reed also addresses the theory behind symbols and the power of symbolism. We’re all obsessed with symbolism, but what do symbols mean in a larger sense? You’ll find out here in A Little Bit of Symbols.
How to read it: Purchase A Little Bit of Symbols on Amazon
Magical Symbols and Alphabets by Sandra Kynes
Sandra Kynes’ Magical Symbols and Alphabets is among the best books about symbolism you’ll find. This book is specifically for using symbols and alphabets in your witchcraft practice. In Kynes’ book, you’ll learn how to incorporate symbols for Wiccan and pagan rites and rituals. For example, Kynes teaches how to work with constellations and the astrological symbols, how to divine with runes (and be sure to check out this blog’s guide to the best books about runes), and how to use magical alphabets for spells, rites, and rituals. A must-have for any pagan, Magical Symbols and Alphabets will help you harness the power of symbolism for your personal religious craft.
How to read it: Purchase Magical Symbols and Alphabets on Amazon
Man and His Symbols by Carl Jung
Up there with the best books about symbolism is psychologist Carl Jung’s Man and His Symbols. This groundbreaking study of symbolism has become a classic text to consult when you’re looking for a deeper understanding of symbols. Jung’s book concerns itself with how our unconscious connects to archetypal symbols through the power of dreams. (If you’re looking for books on interpreting dreams, check out this blog’s list of the best books about dream interpretation.) Man and His Symbols is supplemented with case studies and a plethora of examples of symbols from religion, art, philosophy, myth, even fairy tales. And as a bonus, the book is generously illustrated with photographs, images, and artwork.
How to read it: Purchase Man and His Symbols on Amazon
Peace: The Biography of a Symbol by Ken Kolsbun
It’s all well and good to talk about symbolism through brief entries in a dictionary of symbols, but sometimes it’s helpful to take an iconic symbol and really explore it in depth. Enter Peace: The Biography of a Symbol. This book was produced by National Geographic, and the result is a lavishly illustrated history and analysis of the peace sign. You’ll learn about the height of its dominance as a symbolism of pacifism to its recycling as a meaningless symbol you’ll find on mass-produced clothing, therefore turning into part of the capitalist culture it originally critiqued in the hippy movement. Peace is an engrossing deep dive into one symbol that has lessons for symbolism in general.
How to read it: Purchase Peace: The Biography of a Symbol on Amazon
The Penguin Dictionary of Symbols by Jean Chevalier and Alain Gheerbrant
A leading dictionary of symbols and imagery, The Penguin Dictionary of Symbols ranks among the best books on symbols and their meanings. You’ll find a bevy of entries on symbols as diverse as each letter will allow. For example, for the letter “A,” you’ll find the meaning of symbols like “abracadabra,” “abstinence,” “abyss,” “acrobat,” and “Adam.”. At over 1,000 pages, The Penguin Dictionary of Symbols is perhaps the best symbol dictionary because it is so comprehensive.
How to read it: Purchase The Penguin Dictionary of Symbols on Amazon
Sacred Geometry and Magical Symbols by Iva Kenaz
According to this book, “Sacred geometry is a teaching that focuses on geometric proportions and patterns in nature.” In other words, sacred geometry prescribes symbolic and sacred meaning to geometric shapes and geometric proportions. Churches, temples, mosques, and other religious structures, along with sacred spaces like pagodas and holy wells, use sacred geometry in their design. In Sacred Geometry and Magical Symbols, author Iva Kenaz shows how we can incorporate this special set of symbols in our everyday lives in magical ways. Some of the sacred geometry symbols explored in this book are the mandorla, the square and cross, and the Tree of Life. This eye-opening book belongs on anyone’s list of the best books about symbols for beginners.
How to read it: Purchase Sacred Geometry and Magical Symbols on Amazon
Signs and Symbols by DK and Miranda Bruce-Mitford
The best books about symbolism dissect the meanings of symbols through an interdisciplinary range of sources. Signs and Symbols definitely qualifies as an essential dictionary of symbols and imagery, with over 2,000 entries about symbols as wide-ranging as the Earth, the human body, flags, Meso- and South American deities, and nature. Since this is a DK book, you’ll get exactly what you expect from this publisher: a generous inclusion of illustrations, photographs, and works of art to accompany the meanings on the page. This book is definitely a nice coffee table book to pick up and put down.
How to read it: Purchase Signs and Symbols on Amazon
Signs and Symbols of the World by D. R. McElroy
Among the best books on symbols and their meanings is D. R. McElry’s Signs and Symbols of the World. This book is not only one of the most authoritative books about symbols, it’s also beautifully illustrated. What distinguishes this book is it draws on a variety of symbols, not just your standard fare but also symbolism specific to politics, gestures, currency, emoji, and random icons you see but never know what they mean, like Ω. You’ll find more than 1,001 entries, exploring symbols like alchemy, chemistry, medical, music, sex and gender, and writing and publication in this dictionary of symbols and imagery.
How to read it: Purchase Signs and Symbols of the World on Amazon
Symbols of the Occult by Eric Chaline
If you’re looking for good books about symbols, try Eric Chaline’s Symbols of the Occult. This book includes entries for more than 500 occult symbols and their corresponding meanings. Fans of esoterica will find much to love about Symbols of the Occult, which features a ton of symbol organized into broad chapters, like astrology, the natural world, sacred writings, and occult sciences.
How to read it: Purchase Symbols of the Occult on Amazon
The Woman’s Dictionary of Symbols and Sacred Objects by Barbara G. Walker
The last entry in this list of books on symbols and their meanings is definitely one of the best books about symbolism. Barbara G. Walker’s The Woman’s Dictionary of Symbols and Sacred Objects is specifically focused on woman-related symbols from nature, religious deities, and more. You’ll find symbols both broad (birds, stones, shells) and singular (the cosmic egg, the tongue in Asia). Undeniably a feminist approach to symbolism, this book is more than your conventional dictionary of symbols and imagery.
