Guide to the Book of Thoth

The Book of Thoth Tarot deck, created by Aleister Crowley and artist Frieda Harris, is one of the most iconic and influential tarot decks ever made. First published in 1944 in war-torn London, this deck is steeped in rich symbolism, esoteric knowledge, and the mystical insights of Crowley’s vast occult studies.

The Creation of the Book of Thoth

Aleister Crowley and Frieda Harris began work on the Book of Thoth deck in the late 1930s, continuing their efforts even as London endured the Blitz during the early years of World War II. This period of intense creation under dire circumstances adds to the deck’s powerful aura, reflecting both the chaos and the resilience of the times.

Secret Societies and the Book of Thoth

Many tarot decks, particularly those created by members of secret societies, serve as tools to promote the organization behind them. The Book of Thoth is often associated with the Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.), an organization Crowley was part of. However, the deck is primarily dedicated to Crowley’s own Argenteum Astrum (A.A.) society, which has a different focus.

This distinction is significant. While figures like A.E. Waite used tarot to hint at hidden knowledge within their secret societies—knowledge that would only be revealed as students progressed (and paid dues)—Crowley’s Argenteum Astrum encouraged individual study. Crowley had already published much of the Golden Dawn’s teachings in his Equinox volumes, making the material more accessible to the serious student. The Book of Thoth itself reveals many secrets, some related to the O.T.O., but it also stands as a more faithful representation of the Golden Dawn’s tarot tradition than many modern interpretations.

Structure of the Book of Thoth

The Book of Thoth Tarot deck consists of 78 cards, organized into three main groups:

  • Major Arcana: The 22 cards that represent profound spiritual lessons, archetypes, and significant life events.
  • Minor Arcana: The 56 cards that depict everyday experiences, divided into four suits:
    • Fire or Wands: Representing willpower, action, and creativity.
    • Water or Cups: Symbolising emotions, intuition, and relationships.
    • Air or Swords: Associated with intellect, conflict, and clarity.
    • Earth or Disks: Relating to material concerns, stability, and the physical world.
  • Court Cards: These cards represent various aspects of personality and roles within the suits. The Aces, while technically separate, are often grouped with the Court Cards for their role in representing the pure essence of each element.

Divinatory Meanings in the Book of Thoth

Unlike many modern tarot guides, Aleister Crowley and A.E. Waite didn’t place a heavy emphasis on divinatory meanings in their writings. In the Book of Thoth, Crowley included the meanings of the Major Arcana at the back of the book, listing them only by number, without titles, assuming the reader’s familiarity with the order of the cards.

A common myth about the Book of Thoth is that it doesn’t use reversed cards. However, this isn’t entirely true. While Crowley didn’t focus on reversals, the deck contains visual clues that can guide the orientation and interpretation of each card.

The Book of Thoth is more than just a tarot deck; it’s a comprehensive system of esoteric wisdom and spiritual insight. Whether you’re drawn to its rich symbolism, its deep roots in the Golden Dawn tradition, or Crowley’s unique perspective on the tarot, this deck offers a profound tool for self-discovery and magical practice.