The Book of Thoth: Major Arcana

The Book of Thoth tarot deck, created by Aleister Crowley with artist Frieda Harris, is a profound and complex system, especially within its Major Arcana. These 22 cards embody deep esoteric, magical, and spiritual knowledge, making them central to the deck’s mystical teachings.

Structure of the Book of Thoth Major Arcana

The 22 Major Arcana cards in the Book of Thoth correspond to the elemental and astrological attributions of the Hebrew alphabet. Each card is linked to specific elements, planets, or zodiac signs, reflecting the complex interplay between these energies and the archetypal forces the cards represent.

Colour Schemes of the Major Arcana

Crowley and Harris incorporated the four Scales of Colour into the Major Arcana, drawing from the Golden Dawn tradition. These scales include King Scale, Queen Scale, Prince Scale, and Princess Scale, each adding layers of symbolic meaning. However, artistic considerations often took precedence, leading to variations that prioritised the card’s overall impact and visual harmony.

Descriptions of the Major Arcana

Crowley’s descriptions of the Major Arcana are dense with references to esoteric, magical, and spiritual systems. He draws upon his extensive knowledge, weaving in quotations from his own writings and other occult sources—often without attribution. This approach challenges the reader to engage deeply with the material, encouraging them to uncover the hidden meanings within each card.

Divinatory Meanings of the Major Arcana

Crowley placed less emphasis on the divinatory meanings of the Major Arcana compared to their symbolic and esoteric significance. However, these meanings can be found in the Book of Thoth on page 253, under “General Characteristics,” where each card is associated with a verse and key phrases that capture its essence.

Mnemonics

To aid in memorising the complex associations of the Major Arcana, Crowley included 22 mnemonics on page 219 of the Book of Thoth. These are intended to help the reader recall the key attributes and symbolism of each card, making it easier to integrate the cards’ meanings into readings and magical work.

Transposition of The Emperor and The Star

One of the intriguing aspects of the Book of Thoth is the transposition of The Emperor and The Star cards. Crowley struggled with maintaining consistency in this switch, and it seems that some of the confusion may have been intentional. When studying these cards, it’s essential to compare their entries carefully to identify any inconsistencies and to understand Crowley’s reasoning behind this deliberate ambiguity.

The Book of Thoth Major Arcana offers a rich and challenging exploration of the tarot, blending traditional symbolism with Crowley’s unique insights. Whether you’re studying the cards for their esoteric depth or using them for divination, the Major Arcana in this deck invites a deep dive into the mysteries of the universe and the self.