Entries from January 1, 2007 - February 1, 2007

Understanding Aleister Crowley's Thoth Tarot

Posted on 01-3-2007 by Registered CommenterEditor | CommentsPost a Comment

 

 


Thoth-Tarot-Book-low.gifLon Milo DuQuette again takes the complex and mystical and gives access to all seekers. Both the intermediate "beginner" and the advanced Thoth Tarot enthusiast will benefit from this precise, easy-to-use yet informative tool, arguably the best book yet written on the Thoth Tarot.



  • Paperback: 352 pages
  • Publisher: Weiser Books (November 2003)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1578632765
  • ISBN-13: 9781578632763

Review

1096325-1007372-thumbnail.jpgThis book is not quite for everyone, although nearly anyone will be able to benefit from the read if they are interested. Thoth Tarot enthusiasts will find this to be the best book yet written on the brilliant deck, a better sit-down read than Aleister Crowley's own Book of Thoth. In plain language, magickal bestseller Lon Milo DuQuette makes Crowley's methods and Lady Harris's imagery easy to comprehend. This is no "Thoth for Dummies", but for the first time an author manages to educate, illuminate and help move the seeker forward without unecessary jargon or incomprehensible theories. All of Crowley's theories and methods are contained more-or-less in this accessible book, without the broad assumptions of prior knowledge or the impenetrable cloud of mystical coding. Mr. DuQuette is not only an expert on Thoth, he makes the reader feel as if he or she can become an expert as well. And making the gorgeous imagery of the Thoth tarot accessible for everyone is a noble mission. Major kudos to Lon DuQuette. 

Rating MAGICIAN! 



 

1096325-1007187-thumbnail.jpgWise Tarot Ratings

Generally, "major arcana" card ratings trump Aces. Aces are the most likely overall best ratings, with slightly different "personalities" between the suites. Twos are typically very good, threes good, fours are fair and fives dissapointing.

World — The Ultimate Synthesis, a perfect rating!
Magician — The Ultimate rating for magickal applications!
Fool — The Ultimate rating for new seekers: bravely combines ease-of-use with artistry


Ace Wands — A near-perfect rating, a deck with real vibrant energy and force.
Ace Cups — A near-perfect rating, a pleasure in every way to use.
Ace Swords — A near-perfect rating, an inspired deck, revolutionary rather than evolutionary.
Ace Pentacles — A near-perfect rating, practical and successful in every tangible way.

Two Wands — A very good rating, successful and likely to do well (dominate competitors)
Two Cups — A very good rating, evokes an emotional and positive feeling 
Two Swords — A good rating, but not entirely harmonious, somewhat contradictory or awkward 
Two Pentacles — Pleasant and harmonious, but not perfect

Three Pentacles — Good, likely to succeed, but a little forced or unoriginal
Four Swords — Needs work,  incubation or meditation and development

Five of Cups — Dissapointing
Five of Pentacles — Unimaginative