The Mystique of the Thoth Tarot

The Thoth Tarot deck, created by the famous occultist Aleister Crowley and painted by Lady Frieda Harris, has intrigued tarot readers and scholars alike for decades.

Known for its deep symbolism, unique card imagery, and its connection to Crowley’s esoteric philosophy of Thelema, the Thoth Tarot remains one of the most fascinating and complex tarot systems in existence. In this article, we will explore the history, structure, and significance of the Thoth Tarot, as well as compare its imagery and symbolism with the more widely known Rider-Waite-Smith deck.

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The Thoth Tarot is intrinsically tied to Aleister Crowley’s mystical beliefs and occult practices. Crowley, one of the most controversial and influential figures in the history of Western occultism, designed this deck in the early 20th century. His goal was to create a tarot system that would be based on his system of Thelema, a spiritual philosophy he founded, which emphasizes individual will and spiritual enlightenment. Crowley worked on the Thoth Tarot from 1938 to 1943, collaborating with Lady Frieda Harris, a talented artist and occultist. The deck was not published until after their deaths, in 1969, and has since become one of the most influential tarot decks in the world. The Thoth Tarot’s imagery is rich with layers of symbolism, drawing on various esoteric traditions, including astrology, alchemy, Kabbalah, and ancient Egyptian mythology.

The Thoth Tarot consists of 78 cards, divided into the 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana. While the structure of the deck mirrors that of the Rider-Waite-Smith system, it stands apart with its complexity and depth. Crowley’s intention was to create a deck that would not only be a tool for divination but also a guide for spiritual enlightenment. The Major Arcana of the Thoth Tarot includes the familiar archetypes found in other tarot systems, such as The Fool, The Magician, The High Priestess, and The Lovers. However, the Thoth deck’s Major Arcana is heavily influenced by Crowley’s occult knowledge and his interpretation of the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, which plays a significant role in his understanding of the universe. The images on these cards are rich with symbols, drawn from a variety of ancient traditions, and the names and numbering of the cards reflect Crowley’s unique perspective. The Minor Arcana in the Thoth Tarot, while similar to the structure found in the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, features different names for the suits. The suit of Wands in the Thoth Tarot is renamed Fire, the suit of Cups is renamed Water, the suit of Swords is renamed Air, and the suit of Pentacles is renamed Disks or Discs. This change in terminology reflects Crowley’s emphasis on the elements and their esoteric meanings. The court cards in the Minor Arcana are also renamed, with the Knight becoming the Prince, the Queen staying the same, and the Page being renamed to Princess. Several of the Major Arcana cards also have changed titles compared to the Rider-Waite-Smith system. For example, Strength (VIII) in the Rider-Waite-Smith deck is changed to Lust (XI) in the Thoth Tarot, emphasizing the idea of spiritual ecstasy and divine passion. Similarly, Justice (XI) becomes Adjustment (VIII), representing the balancing of cosmic forces rather than legal fairness. Other cards, such as The Fool and The Lovers, retain their names but are infused with deeper esoteric meaning in the Thoth deck.

The Thoth Tarot is renowned for its highly detailed and intricate symbolism. Each card in the deck is packed with visual references to a wide variety of mystical traditions, from ancient Egypt to alchemy to astrology. Lady Frieda Harris’s artwork on the cards brings Crowley’s vision to life, using a mixture of bold colors, geometric patterns, and symbols that evoke both the mystical and the psychological. For example, The Magician card in the Thoth Tarot features a figure holding a wand and surrounded by symbols representing the four elements—Fire, Water, Air, and Earth. This card is meant to convey the power of will and the ability to manifest one’s desires into reality. By contrast, the Magician in the Rider-Waite-Smith deck is depicted in a simpler, more straightforward manner, with tools laid out on a table to symbolize the four elements, but the emphasis is on the outward manifestation of the magician’s power rather than the complex inner workings of the universe. Another notable card is The Lovers. In the Thoth Tarot, the Lovers card includes astrological and Kabbalistic symbolism, with two figures under the influence of Venus, representing love and attraction, but also choice and the need for spiritual awakening. This interpretation adds a layer of depth, where the card is not just about love, but also the higher spiritual union between the self and the divine.

Pros: • Deep Symbolism: The Thoth Tarot is incredibly rich in symbolism, offering many layers of meaning for experienced tarot readers who wish to dive deep into its esoteric content. • Connection to Crowley’s Teachings: For those interested in Crowley’s system of Thelema, the Thoth Tarot provides a direct connection to his teachings and spiritual philosophy. • Unique Artwork: The artwork by Lady Frieda Harris is visually stunning and offers a unique, artistic perspective on the archetypal images in the tarot. Cons: • Complexity: The Thoth Tarot is not the best deck for beginners, as its intricate symbolism and Crowley’s complex teachings can be overwhelming for those new to tarot. • Esoteric Focus: Because of its deep connection to Crowley’s occult philosophy, the Thoth Tarot may feel too abstract or inaccessible for some readers who prefer a more traditional or simple tarot deck.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Thoth Tarot is Aleister Crowley’s direct involvement in its creation. Crowley was a figure who was as controversial as he was brilliant, known for his unconventional approach to spirituality and his outspoken views on the nature of magic, will, and the occult. His influence on the Thoth Tarot is felt in every aspect of the deck, from its intricate symbolism to the esoteric associations of the cards. Crowley’s work on the Thoth Tarot is often seen as a reflection of his broader mystical philosophy, which sought to break free from traditional religious and social norms and explore new frontiers of spiritual understanding.

The Thoth Tarot remains one of the most influential and mysterious tarot decks in existence, offering a unique, esoteric perspective on the ancient art of divination. With its intricate symbolism, complex philosophical underpinnings, and profound connections to Aleister Crowley’s teachings, the Thoth Tarot is a powerful tool for those willing to explore its depths. While it may not be the most accessible deck for beginners, it offers a fascinating and richly layered experience for those ready to immerse themselves in its world of occult mysteries and spiritual enlightenment. Whether you are drawn to its beauty, its symbolism, or its connection to Crowley’s mystical teachings, the Thoth Tarot is a deck that continues to captivate and inspire tarot readers around the world.