Compare and develop your own definitions of the Tarot cards using the links below.
Each definition starts with the Golden Dawn version, which does not have a reversed meaning for the Minor Arcana. Then we move to A.E. Waite, supposed originator of the Rider-Waite deck. A.E. Waite was an Adept within the Golden Dawn, so his definitions are derived from the Outer Order Teachings. McGregor Mathers was one of the Founders of the Golden Dawn, and his definitions are somewhat shorter and succinct than the GD and Waite versions. We finish with the Etteilla, the French fortune teller and his rather verbose keyword selection.
In terms of history, Etteilla is of course the oldest, then McGregor Mathers, then the Golden Dawn, and finally A.E. Waite. Ultimately you have to find your own meanings that work for you, and they may well contain a selection from some or all of the sources outlined here. You may of course use the definitions that come with your favourite deck, and now you have the opportunity to see if the creator of your deck used the historical definitions, or came up with her own.
I have not included my favourite deck, the Book of Thoth by Aleister Crowley, principally because he changed the names and order of various cards, which complicates the tabulations.
Work with another student as in the previous exercises. Hold up a card and give the divinatory meaning without looking at your notes.
Repeat the exercise above, but try to combine the attributes of the cards from the previous lesson with the divinatory meanings of this lesson.
Major Card Meanings |
Wands |
Cups |
Swords |
Disks |
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