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An Introduction to the Study of the Tarot — Tarot Divination

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An Introduction to the Study of the Tarot

Name: An Introduction to the Study of the Tarot
Price: 14.41 USD
Availability: InStock
Author: Case, Paul Foster
ISBN: 9781936690831

✍️ Case, Paul Foster

Reader Score

4.5

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Delve into the seminal work of Paul Foster Case, a pivotal 20th-century American occultist, as he unveils the profound mysteries of the Tarot. This foundational text stems from Case's lifelong exploration, sparked by childhood lucid dreams and a fateful encounter with Claude Bragdon, who challenged him to uncover the true origins of playing cards. His subsequent discovery of the Tarot as "The Game of Man" ignited a journey leading to the creation of the Builders of the Adytum (B.O.T.A.) and a "corrected" interpretation of the Rider-Waite deck. This introduction offers a unique gateway to understanding the symbolic language of the cards.

Case, Paul Foster

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Tarot & Divination

🏛 Ancient Wisdom Publications 📅 2012 📖 66 pages 📔 Hardcover 📐 Hardcover ISBN: 9781936690831

Fun Fact

Case's "Introduction" excels at providing an unparalleled foundational understanding of the Tarot’s esoteric architecture, particularly its deep Qabalistic roots. It’s a must-read for serious students, offering intellectual rigor rarely found elsewhere. However, those seeking a light, intuitive guide or quick divinatory methods may find its academic depth challenging. This book remains a timeless classic, indispensable for anyone committed to mastering the Tarot as a spiritual discipline and philosophical tool.

📝 Description: An Introduction to the Study of the Tarot

Paul Foster Case was an American occultist of the early 20th century and author of numerous books on occult tarot and Qabalah. Perhaps his greatest contributions to the field of occultism were the lessons he wrote for associate members of Builders of the Adytum. The Knowledge Lectures given to initiated members of the Chapters of the B. O. T. A. were equally profound, although the limited distribution has made them less well known. Case was early on attracted to the occult. While still a child he reported experiences that today are called lucid dreaming. He corresponded about these experiences with Rudyard Kipling who encouraged him as to the validity of his paranormal pursuits. In the year 1900, Case met the occultist Claude Bragdon while both were performing at a charity performance. Bragdon asked Case what he thought the origin of playing cards was. After pursuing the question in his father's library, Case discovered a link to tarot, called 'The Game of Man, ' thus began what would become Case's lifelong study of the tarot, and leading to the creation of the B. O. T. A. tarot deck, a "corrected" version of the Rider-Waite cards. Between 1905 and 1908 (aged 20-24), Case began practicing yoga, and in particular pranayama, from what published sources were available. His early experiences appear to have caused him some mental and emotional difficulties and left him with a lifelong concern that so called "occult" practice be done with proper guidance and training.

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

Case’s introduction serves as a seminal gateway for those committed to the Builders of the Adytum methodology. The text excels in unveiling the symbolic language of the cards through the lens of lifelong exploration and childhood lucid dreams. However, it does not suit casual diviners seeking quick answers or those uninterested in rigorous esoteric theory. Readers expecting standard Rider-Waite interpretations without the 'corrected' magical context may find the depth overwhelming or irrelevant. It is a dense, foundational work requiring patience and a willingness to delve into the profound mysteries of Tarot history and usage.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

This book is essential for serious students seeking more than surface-level card meanings. Readers who appreciate deep symbolic analysis and historical context will find Case’s lifelong quest inspiring. It offers a unique gateway into the 'Game of Man,' appealing to those interested in the esoteric origins of playing cards. If you seek a corrected interpretation of the Rider-Waite deck grounded in rigorous study, this text provides the foundational insights necessary for true mastery. It is ideal for occultists ready to engage with profound mysteries and structured magical frameworks.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.5/5

★★★★★

If you seek to move beyond superficial interpretations of the Tarot and engage with its profound spiritual architecture, this book is for you. Ideal for dedicated students of Western Esotericism, Qabalah, and anyone aspiring to unlock the deeper, transformative power encoded within the cards.

Reader rating

4.5

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

Case’s introduction serves as a seminal gateway for those committed to the Builders of the Adytum methodology. The text excels in unveiling the symbolic language of the cards through the lens of lifelong exploration and childhood lucid dreams. However, it does not suit casual diviners seeking quick answers or those uninterested in rigorous esoteric theory. Readers expecting standard Rider-Waite interpretations without the 'corrected' magical context may find the depth overwhelming or irrelevant. It is a dense, foundational work requiring patience and a willingness to delve into the profound mysteries of Tarot history and usage.

❓ Frequently asked questions

While an "introduction," Case's depth may challenge absolute novices. It's best suited for those serious about studying the Tarot's esoteric dimensions rather than just learning basic card meanings. A foundational understanding of occult concepts will enhance the experience.

Case uniquely integrates the Tarot with Qabalistic principles, particularly the Tree of Life, more systematically than many contemporaries. He also sought to "correct" what he considered inaccuracies in popular decks, offering a refined, structured interpretation rooted in mystical tradition.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Tarot's Esoteric Origins

Explores the historical and symbolic roots of the Tarot, moving beyond mere fortune-telling to reveal its deeper philosophical and spiritual dimensions. Case posits the deck as "The Game of Man," a profound system for self-discovery and cosmic understanding, tracing its lineage back to ancient wisdom traditions and universal principles.

Qabalistic Connections

Illuminates the intricate relationship between the Tarot and the Qabalah, particularly the Tree of Life. Case demonstrates how each Major Arcana card correlates with specific Qabalistic paths and sephiroth, providing a structured framework for interpreting the Tarot's complex symbolism through a mystical and intellectual lens.

Corrected Tarot Interpretation

Presents Case's unique and refined approach to Tarot symbolism, often seen as a corrective to earlier interpretations like the Rider-Waite. He offers insights gleaned from his extensive research and personal mystical experiences, guiding readers towards a more precise and potent understanding of each card's inner, alchemical meaning.

📜 Historical context

Published during a vibrant resurgence of Western Esotericism in the early 20th century, Case’s work stands as a cornerstone in the evolution of modern Tarot studies. It bridges earlier occult traditions with a systematic, Qabalistic approach, significantly influencing subsequent generations of practitioners and scholars. His "correction" of existing decks aimed to restore what he perceived as lost or obscured symbolic integrity.

📚 Glossary

Qabalah
Builders of the Adytum (B.O.T.A.)
The Game of Man

📔 Questions to reflect on

How does understanding the historical and esoteric origins of the Tarot change your perception of its potential uses beyond simple divination?
Consider a Major Arcana card you know well. How might its meaning deepen if viewed through a Qabalistic lens or as part of "The Game of Man"?
In what ways do you believe a "corrected" or refined interpretation of symbolic systems can enhance personal insight or spiritual practice?