L'origine delle carte non è nota; ma secondo alcuni lo stesso Ermete Trismegistro le ispirò ai saggi che le disegnarono, mentre secondo altri esse racchiudono, nei loro simboli, il libro della conoscenza dei sacerdoti dell'antico Egitto. I tarocchi, così come sono conosciuti nella forma odierna, risalgono al 1600 circa e consistono in 78 carte divise in due gruppi: 22 carte definite Arcani Maggiori e 56 dette Arcani Minori, divise in quattro serie di "semi" o "colori" diversi. Un posto particolare occupano i Tarocchi di Aleister Crowley, mago e occultista inglese. Le carte da lui ideate, sono frutto di sue visioni particolari.
Banzhaf's book is more for those who want to pick their Thoth Tarot and read with it right now. In Duquette's book he really introduces you to the background behind the deck and talks about a few symbols on the cards, but he almost completely leaves out the divinatory aspects of the cards that you have to dig at the end of the book. Banzhaf him he puts both at the same place, he mentions the meanings of the symbols of the cards but he also gives many clues on how to interpret the cards in different angles: personal, work and relationship. I still think Duquette's book is a must for a beginner but once you've finished reading it and you want to do readings with the Thoth Tarot Banzhaf is more it.
I just looked at my copy and saw "December 1998" inscribed next to my lousy seventh grade signature on the inside cover of this book! It is um, obviously my favorite tarot book.
I use the Crowley Thoth deck so this book has been amazing in learning them all. highly recommend it to anyone trying to grasp a deeper understanding of tarot.
This is my favorite resource for learning my Thoth deck. Everything is laid out clearly so that it is easy to find what I'm looking for without endless skimming.
If you use the Crowley deck, this is a must-read. However, I prefer Gerd Zigler's interpretations. Crowley's life story is interesting. I rarely use this deck because so many other's resonate on another dimension.