The Aleister Crowley Thoth Tarot Deck

Brief overview of The Thoth Tarot

The Thoth Tarot is a powerful and enigmatic deck of tarot cards created by Aleister Crowley and Lady Frieda Harris. Known for its complex symbolism and vivid imagery, this deck is often used for spiritual guidance and self-discovery. With its blend of Egyptian, astrological, and Qabalistic influences, The Thoth Tarot offers a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the human experience, and whether you are a seasoned tarot reader or a newcomer to the practice, this deck encourages you to explore the depths of your subconscious and unlock the wisdom within.

"The primary use of the Thoth Tarot includes divination, psychological symbolism, ancient Egyptian wisdom from the book of Thoth, the link between tarot and the Jewish Kabbalah, alchemy, astrology, numerology, connection with freemasonry, and more. It serves as an esoteric image of other cultures, a feminine neo-pagan medium, an artistic tool for inspiration and literature, an occult decoration, and an object of academic and historical study. [1]. (Faivre, n.d.)(Ivtzan, 2007)

"The Thoth Tarot differs from other tarot decks by incorporating ancient Egyptian wisdom from the book of Thoth, linking with the Jewish Kabbalah, alchemy, astrology, and numerology, as well as having connections with freemasonry and new social settings. It also serves as an esoteric image of other cultures, a feminine neo-pagan medium, an artistic tool for inspiration and literature, an occult decoration, and an object of academic and historical study [1]." (Faivre, n.d.)(Ivtzan, 2007)(Faivre, n.d.)

Mention of Aleister Crowley's involvement in its creation

Aleister Crowley's involvement in the creation of The Thoth Tarot deck is a significant aspect of its history and influence. As a prominent occultist and ceremonial magician, Crowley infused the deck with his esoteric knowledge and spiritual beliefs. His collaboration with Lady Frieda Harris, a talented artist and fellow practitioner of the occult, resulted in a deck that is both visually outstanding and deeply profound. The symbolism and imagery found in The Thoth Tarot reflect Crowley's understanding of the mystical traditions he studied and practised, making it a powerful tool for divination and introspection.

Importance of the Book of Thoth in the development of the deck

The Book of Thoth, written by Crowley himself, served as a guide for the creation and interpretation of The Thoth Tarot. It provided a comprehensive explanation of the symbolism and meanings behind each card, as well as instructions on how to use the deck for divination and spiritual growth. The book also delved into the philosophical and esoteric principles that underlie the Tarot, offering a more profound understanding of its mystical significance. As a result, the Thoth Tarot is not just a deck of cards but a profound and transformative tool for those who are willing to delve into its mysteries.

Lady Frieda Harris

"The unconventional alliance between Liberal peer and Chief Whip Frieda Harris and notorious occultist Aleister Crowley produced a seminal work on Tarot in the 20th century. Without putting themselves in danger, many middle-class married ladies dabbled with occultism. Frieda Harris stands out due to her unwavering dedication to the Book of Thoth and her friendship with Crowley, even if it could jeopardise her social position, marriage, and husband's political career. When examining societal cultural currents in 1972, sociologist Colin Campbell came up with the idea of seekership as a unifying factor for those who were disillusioned with traditional religious and philosophical systems. Looking at how her pursuit of esoteric enlightenment affected her life, this chapter compares and contrasts Harris with two of her contemporaries, Annie Besant and Florence Farr."[48] [59]." (., n.d.)
Additionally, the chapter explores the impact of their beliefs on society at the time. tab

Versions of the Thoth Tarot deck

The Aleister Crowley Thoth Tarot deck has been released in multiple editions since its initial publication. The first full-colour edition was issued in 1969 by Samuel Weiser. Subsequent editions have been published by various companies, including U.S. Games Systems and A.G. Müller, each featuring distinct characteristics such as box design, card borders, and included materials. Some editions, for instance, include three variations of the Magus (Magician) card. Due to the numerous printings and variations over the years, it is challenging to provide an exact count of all editions. For a detailed comparison of major editions available in North America, you can refer to the edition comparison table provided by Tarot Garden.

 

The Pagan Art Thoth Tarot deck is a small card-size version of the Three Magus/Magician cards. 

This excellent deck is available from Pagan Art. You can view the deck from this link Thoth Tarot.

 

 

References

Faivre. (n.d.). 315326. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-67906-4_12

Faivre. (n.d.). Reflections on the Various Uses of Tarot. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-67906-4_12

Ivtzan. (2007). Tarot cards a literature review and evaluation of psychic versus psychological explanations. https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=585e615ae75daaafec0587929c54304b4f9025ce

. (n.d.). 255280. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-76889-8_11