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A Description of the Cards of the Tarot — Tarot Divination

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A Description of the Cards of the Tarot

Name: A Description of the Cards of the Tarot
Price: 11.95 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781585093076

✍️ Crowley, Aleister

Reader Score

4.6

(1 review)

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Crowley's *Description* offers an exhaustive exploration of the Tarot's intricate symbolism, extracted from his monumental work, *The Equinox*. This essential guide meticulously dissects each card, providing profound insights beneficial for both seasoned practitioners and curious students. It delves into the astrological significance of the thirty-six decans, their planetary and temporal associations, and a unique framework for interpreting the court cards. Furthermore, the text elucidates how to discern a card's inherent power and concludes with a practical divination system favored by Crowley's own disciples. An indispensable handbook for serious Tarot study.

Crowley, Aleister

📚 all books by this author (48) →

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Tarot & Divination

🏛 Book Tree 📅 2007 📖 80 pages 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781585093076

Fun Fact

Crowley’s *Description* delivers an unparalleled depth of insight into Tarot symbolism, offering practical tools for advanced readers. Its meticulous detail on decans and court cards is invaluable. However, absolute beginners seeking a simplistic introduction to Tarot will find its dense esoteric language daunting. This is not a casual read but a serious academic exploration, cementing its place as a cornerstone text for those committed to mastering the Qabalistic and astrological underpinnings of the cards.

📝 Description: A Description of the Cards of the Tarot

This book originally appeared in Crowley's larger volume, The Equinox, in 1912. In is a complete and thorough study of all the cards of the tarot. Each is presented with a detailed description that is highly useful for those who read the cards or want to understand the symbolism better. Includes sections on the thirty-six decans and their relationship to the planets and days of the week, a special chart of the four characteristics of the court cards, how to determine if a card is strong or weak, and reveals a method of divination in the back that is used by Crowley's students. This is a concise handbook recommended to those serious about understanding the tarot.

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

Crowley’s *Description* is a monumental yet demanding study that demands patience from its reader. While it offers exhaustive symbolism and a unique interpretive framework for court cards, it is not suited for casual readers seeking simple divination or aesthetic appreciation alone. The text requires familiarity with astrological decans and Crowley’s specific philosophical lens to be fully appreciated. It may frustrate those looking for straightforward, easy-to-use instructions without theoretical background. However, for the dedicated occultist, its rigorous dissection of mystical architecture provides unparalleled value, making it a vital, albeit dense, addition to any serious esoteric library.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Serious students of Tarot and practitioners of ceremonial magic will find this text indispensable for its exhaustive exploration of the cards' mystical architecture. Crowley dissects each card with meticulous precision, revealing the astrological significance of the thirty-six decans and their planetary associations. Those interested in a unique framework for interpreting court cards or discerning a card's inherent power will gain profound insights. It serves as an essential guide for both seasoned practitioners seeking depth and curious students desiring a practical divination system favored by Crowley’s disciples, unlocking the cryptic depths of Tarot through unparalleled esoteric insight.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5

★★★★★

If you're a dedicated Tarot practitioner or an aspiring student yearning for a deeper, more sophisticated understanding of the cards, this concise yet profound handbook is for you. It's designed to elevate your interpretive abilities beyond basic meanings.

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

Crowley’s *Description* is a monumental yet demanding study that demands patience from its reader. While it offers exhaustive symbolism and a unique interpretive framework for court cards, it is not suited for casual readers seeking simple divination or aesthetic appreciation alone. The text requires familiarity with astrological decans and Crowley’s specific philosophical lens to be fully appreciated. It may frustrate those looking for straightforward, easy-to-use instructions without theoretical background. However, for the dedicated occultist, its rigorous dissection of mystical architecture provides unparalleled value, making it a vital, albeit dense, addition to any serious esoteric library.

❓ Frequently asked questions

While foundational, its depth assumes some familiarity with Tarot basics. Newcomers might find it challenging without prior exposure to occult or Qabalistic concepts, but it's invaluable for those ready to delve deeper.

No, this work predates the creation of the Thoth Tarot deck. It describes the cards from a traditional Rider-Waite-Smith-like structure, though viewed through Crowley's unique symbolic framework.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Profound Tarot Symbolism

This work meticulously unpacks the rich, layered meanings embedded within each Tarot card. Crowley guides the reader beyond superficial interpretations, revealing the esoteric connections and alchemical principles that give the cards their transformative power. It's an essential text for anyone seeking to understand the deep spiritual language of the Tarot.

Astrological Decans Unveiled

Crowley masterfully connects the thirty-six decans of the zodiac to their corresponding Tarot cards, detailing their planetary rulers and temporal associations. This integration provides a powerful astrological lens for interpreting the cards, enriching their divinatory potential and offering a more nuanced understanding of their cosmic influences.

Advanced Divinatory Practice

Beyond mere description, this volume introduces practical applications for Tarot readers. It includes a unique system for assessing the strength of individual cards, a comprehensive chart for court card characteristics, and reveals a specific divination method taught to Crowley's own students, elevating one's interpretive skills.

📜 Historical context

Originally appearing within the influential pages of *The Equinox* in 1912, Crowley's *Description* stands as a pivotal text in the Western Esoteric Tradition. It reflects his distinctive, often controversial, interpretation of Tarot, building upon Golden Dawn teachings while infusing his unique Qabalistic and Thelemic perspectives, thereby significantly shaping 20th-century occult thought on divination.

📚 Glossary

Decan
The Equinox
Qabalah

📔 Questions to reflect on

How does understanding the astrological decans shift your interpretation of the pip cards in a reading?
Choose a court card and apply Crowley's four characteristics. How does this deepen your grasp of its personality and role?
Reflect on the concept of a card's "strength" or "weakness" as presented. How might this influence your divinatory practice?