Thoth Tarot
Aleister Crowley, a prominent English occultist, mystic, and ceremonial magician, had a significant influence on the practice of tarot divination. His seminal work, “The Book of Thoth,” provides a comprehensive guide to the Thoth Tarot, a deck he co-created with Lady Frieda Harris. Throughout his writings, Crowley offers insights into the tarot's symbolism, divinatory meanings, and practical applications.
Éliphas Lévi, a French occultist and influential figure in the esoteric tradition, provided a vivid metaphor for the power of tarot in his work “Transcendental Magic: Its Doctrine and Ritual.”
“An imprisoned person with no other book than the Tarot, if he knew how to use it, could in a few years acquire universal knowledge, and would be able to speak on all subjects with unequalled learning and inexhaustible eloquence…” (Lévi, 1854).
In “The Book of Thoth,” Crowley emphasises the significance of tarot as a system of knowledge, writing, “The Tarot is a pack of seventy-eight cards, and on these cards are symbols which constitute a complete pictorial representation of the Universe” (Crowley, 1944). He suggests that the tarot acts as a symbolic language through which practitioners can access and understand the cosmic forces that shape human existence.
Crowley also highlighted the importance of approaching tarot divination with the right mindset, stating that “The serious student will…discover that the Tarot is a living and articulate being, whose language is intelligible only to those who have taken the trouble to learn its grammar” (Crowley, 1944). This statement underscores the necessity of dedicating time and effort to mastering the symbolic language of the tarot in order to unlock its true potential for divination.
Regarding the actual process of tarot reading, Crowley advised that “The divinatory method is simplicity itself. It consists of a careful analysis of the cards and their symbols, and the synthesis of their meanings” (Crowley, 1944). He urged practitioners to focus on the symbols and their interrelationships, rather than relying on memorised meanings or prescribed interpretations.
Crowley's views on the tarot's role in self-discovery are apparent when he states, “The origin of the Tarot is very ancient. It is not merely a device for fortune-telling, but the keys of the Royal Art, the links between the macrocosm and the microcosm, the means whereby the Universe may be interpreted in terms of the human Ego and vice versa” (Crowley, 1944). Here, he describes the tarot as a tool for exploring the self and understanding one's place within the larger cosmic context.
Throughout the creation of the Thoth Tarot, Aleister Crowley and Lady Frieda Harris exchanged numerous letters discussing the development, symbolism, and artistic choices involved in designing the cards. Their correspondence demonstrates a collaborative and dynamic working relationship, in which both parties contributed ideas and perspectives to refine the deck's visual and symbolic elements.
In one particular exchange, Crowley and Harris discussed the artistic direction for the card “The Lovers.” Harris initially conceived the card's imagery based on the traditional depiction of a man standing between two women, representing the choice between vice and virtue. However, Crowley challenged this concept and proposed a more complex interpretation, drawing from Kabbalistic and astrological symbolism. He suggested that the card should portray the union of opposites, embodying the concept of duality and harmony.
Among the 78 cards in the deck, the Tarot Trump Card “Death” stands out for its profound symbolism and powerful imagery. The letters exchanged between Harris and Crowley provide an insightful glimpse into their creative process and artistic vision. The sample correspondence here regarding the Death trump card demonstrates their level of dedication to the work:
Letter 1: Frieda Harris to Aleister Crowley
London, 2nd February 1941
Dear Mr. Crowley,
I have been working diligently on the design for the “Death” trump card and have studied your notes carefully. As per your suggestions, I have incorporated the scythe as the central element and included the white rose to symbolise transformation and renewal. However, I feel that further guidance is necessary to ensure the composition is as powerful as intended.
Would you be able to offer more detailed direction on how to integrate the more esoteric aspects of the card's meaning into the artwork?
Yours sincerely, Frieda Harris
Letter 2: Aleister Crowley to Frieda Harris
London, 8th February 1941
Dear Lady Harris,
Thank you for your diligent efforts on the “Death” trump card. Your incorporation of the scythe and white rose is in perfect harmony with the card's symbolism.
To further the impact of the composition, consider adding a skeletal figure as the personification of Death. This figure should be depicted as a triumphant conqueror, signifying the unstoppable force of transformation. Around Death, please include the disintegrating forms of a king, queen, and bishop, symbolising the dissolution of worldly power in the face of change.
Moreover, I suggest adding a setting sun in the background, representing the cyclical nature of life and death.
Yours truly, Aleister Crowley
Letter 3: Frieda Harris to Aleister Crowley
London, 15th February 1941
Dear Mr. Crowley,
I am most grateful for your invaluable guidance. I have made the necessary additions to the “Death” trump card, incorporating the skeletal figure and disintegrating forms, as well as the setting sun. The imagery is indeed powerful and resonates with the profound meaning of the card.
Please find enclosed a preliminary sketch of the updated design. I eagerly await your feedback and any further suggestions you may have.
Yours sincerely, Frieda Harris
Letter 4: Aleister Crowley to Frieda Harris
London, 22nd February 1941
Dear Lady Harris,
The revised sketch of the “Death” trump card is truly remarkable. You have successfully captured the essence of the card's symbolism and the transformative power of change.
The composition is now complete and I believe we have achieved a potent representation of the “Death” archetype. I look forward to our continued collaboration on the remaining cards in the Thoth Tarot Deck.
Yours truly, Aleister Crowley
Harris, acknowledging the depth of Crowley's esoteric understanding, embraced his proposal and adapted her artistic vision accordingly. She crafted an intricate and visually striking image that fused the symbols of the zodiac, the Tree of Life, and the mythological figures of Adam, Eve, and Lilith. The final card showcases a harmonious marriage of artistic and mystical elements, exemplifying the synergistic nature of their collaboration.
Dear Lady Frieda Harris,
I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your marvelous work on the creation of the Crowley-Tarot Cards. Your artistic skills have brought my vision to life in a way that surpasses my wildest expectations.
I am particularly pleased with the way you have interpreted the symbolic language of the cards, giving each symbol a unique and powerful resonance that brings the tarot experience to a whole new level.
The colors you have used are also particularly vibrant and striking, imbuing the cards with a sense of energy and vitality that is truly remarkable.
I will forever be grateful for your tireless dedication to this project, and I look forward to sharing the beauty and wisdom of your artwork with the world.
With deepest appreciation,
Aleister Crowley
Online Resources
- Aeclectic Tarot (https://www.aeclectic.net/tarot) - A comprehensive portal for all things tarot, Aeclectic Tarot provides an extensive collection of Thoth Tarot card images, interpretations, and comparative analysis alongside other tarot systems.
- The Tarosophy Tarot Association (https://www.tarotassociation.net) - A global organisation devoted to the study and promotion of tarot, the Tarosophy Tarot Association offers a wealth of resources, including an online library of articles and a network of experienced Thoth Tarot readers and teachers.