The Book of Seshet: Guide to the Rosetta Tarot

by M.M. Meleen

The Book of Seshet is the companion book to the Rosetta Tarot, and also is a good introductory guide to aspects of Astrology and Qabalah as relating to Golden Dawn and Thoth-based tarot systems. 240 pages with black & white scans of each card plus 6pg color insert.

Genres: Tarot, Divination

228 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Gaze Santos · Rating 3 out of 5]

As this guide was written for the Rosetta Tarot, the only real reason to read this book is if you own the Rosetta tarot. It is very much a very thick "Little White Book." The book format does allow M.M. Meleen to go further in depth with her explnations for each card, and why she chose to go with the imagery she did for them. At the beginning of the book, she also includes a crash cource on the Qabalah and Astrology and how it pertains to the cards. The book says that the info included pertains to all Golden Dawn influenced tarot decks, and not just this particular deck. As this particular deck was highly inspired by Crowley and Lady Harris' Thoth Tarot, they have more than a few features in common. She even quotes from "The Book of Thoth" quite liberally. The book is almost a simplified and less technical version of Aleister Crowley's "Book of Thoth." But she also often refers to features and details that are really only obvious in the Rosetta Tarot, and so not all of the ideas carry over to other decks as some of them are M.M.Meleen's personal interpretations. This is especially evident in her treatment of the Disks suit, as well as some of her trumps. It is clear the M.M.Meleen is very well versed in Ceremonial magick, most obviously Golden Dawn and Thelema, and she sheds some interesting insight of her own to the Tarot. Those familiar with Crowley's "Book of Thoth" won't find much new in "The Book of Seshet," but the Rosetta Tarot itself is definitely more than just a Thoth clone. A lot of thought went into the design to make it more accessible, while still keeping true to the original source material (which was atually Book T from the Golden Dawn papers and NOT "The Book of Thoth"). Even the medium used for each suit was chosen purposefully. It was certainly a labour of love. And those who want the creator's insight on the thought that went into each card should give this book a read.