The Book of Thoth: A Short Essay on the Tarot of the Egyptians

by Aleister Crowley and The Master Therion

Book Overview

The occult classic study of the tarot and as a key to all Western mystery traditions. Used for many years by students of the occult for study of the tarot and as a key to all Western mystery... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0913866121
• ISBN13: 9780913866122
• Release Date: June 1977
• Publisher: U.S. Games Systems
• Length: 287 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.0" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

The Universe in a deck of cards...

Brilliant! Eloquent and detailed exposition on the symbols of the Thoth Tarot deck, and the Universe itself. Not only an invaluable resouce for those studying magick and the occult but also those in the fields of anthropology, psychology and theology (Christian mystics may find the discussions of the Fool, The Hanged Man and Death in particular interesting.) Familiar (and not-so familiar) symbols are discussed in-depth, revealing their origins, and true nature. Contains detailed and tables of correspondences including the Qabala, I-Ching, Planets, Astrology etc An absolute "MUST HAVE" for students of Magick and the Tarot Can not reccomend this book highly enough.

A Masterful & Thorough Exposition of The Mysteries of Tarot

Crowley sets his whimsical, humorous (notorious?) writing style aside, to take a deep, reverent look at The Tarot. This book contains more information about The Tarot and the Creation of The Tarot than numerous other books combined. This is not a "fluffy" book for amateurs, but a well-written and researched work connecting The Tarot with The Qabalah and Astrology.If the tiny booklet in the Tarot package left you wanting, this is the book you desire to fulfill your hunger and thirst for more knowledge. I have been reading books about The Tarot for ten years and "The Book of Thoth" has quenched my thirst.However, I also recommend purchasing "The Tarot Handbook: Practical Applications of Ancient Symbols," by Angeles Arrien ("Tarot Symbols from a Psychological, Mythological, and Cross-Cultural Perspective"). "The Tarot Handbook...." by Arrien, uses Illustrations of "The Thoth Deck," by Crowley and Lady Frieda Haris to explain the Jungian Psychology of the system, and gives a Helpful Overview of Interpreting the Thoth deck.So-far, "The Thoth Deck" is the BEST deck I have ever found (I collect Numerous decks) aside from "The Ceremonial Magick Deck" (by Lon Duquette) & "The Masonic Tarot" (which is hard to find). Nearly every Serious Tarot User/Student I know uses The Thoth Deck, with wonderful & Accurate Results.I do suggest, however, finding the Palm-sized Thoth deck, as opposed to the Oversized Deck--which is harder to manipulate. The cards work on a principle of Psychokenisis combined with Jungian Psychology. But, whatever works for you, personally."The Book of Thoth" is a great asset to any Tarot Library and a good place to start studying the System. However, many people need to begin with a simple deck, such as Rider-Waite, before delving into the in-depth study of Crowley's works.

Not for Tarot Readers

This book is a good book for those who are working their way on the Tree of Life. It explains, in a lot of detail, why the symbols are the way they are. Crowley uses the Scientific method to get his point across and uses alot of mathematics to describe his formulas, so be prepared to think about what you are reading. Also, keep in mind, he was writing at the begining of this century. This is not an easy read, however, but once you understand some of the basics, you realize how the tarot fits into all of this. This book is not for normal tarot readers in search of how to read tarot, but it can help you along those lines if you pay close attention to the work. This book is more along the lines of self-discovery. This is described as that each card correlates in some way to the Tree of Life and that it shows it's true nature through the cards, thus allows the reader to work with the Tree of Life via the Tarot. You do not need the tarot to work on the Tree of Life, but it helps. Kind of like sign posts on the way to the Kether.If you are interested in evolution of the soul and enlightenment, this book will help. (It also might help with your mathematical skills! :) ) Keep an open mind, and genuinely think about everything that Crowley is saying, and you will reap alot of information from this book. This is a definite MUST READ for those who are searching for enlightenment!

The definitive treatise on the Qabalistic Tarot

The Book of Thoth is Aleister Crowley's masterwork on the Qabalistic symbology of the Tarot. Written and published in the latter years of his life, this book synthesizes and crystalizes his thought and philosophy on the Qabalah and Thelema in one neat package. Rarely was his writing so down to earth and engaging as in this book. As such, this might perhaps be the best Crowley book for the beginner. His discussions of the root mythos surrounding the symbology of each of the 22 Major Arcana cards is as enlightening as it is entertaining, and the overview of the Qabalistic meaning attributed to the 56 Lesser Arcana is nothing less than an authoritative primer on the Qabalah. Highly recommended.