Understanding Aleister Crowley's Thoth Tarot

by Lon Milo DuQuette, Aleister Crowley (Contributor), Frieda Harris (Illustrator)

Originally published in 2003, Understanding Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot has proved to be the essential guide to accessing the unique symbolism and meaning of Aleister Crowley's remarkable tarot deck along with the deeply textured artwork of Lady Frieda Harris. Crowley authority Lon Milo DuQuette starts by providing an insightful historical background before delving into descriptions of each card in depth, from a tarot perspective and from an expanded, magickal point of view. He first describes the tarot meaning of each card in detail and then explains all the other attributions Crowley intended.

This unique guide has been updated with a new introduction that provides information on the unicursal hexagram cards included with the deck but never explained. Replaces eISBN 9781609257347

Genres: Tarot, Occult, Nonfiction, Magick, Thelema, Divination, Spirituality

349 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2003

About the author

Lon Milo DuQuette is an American singer-song writer, author, lecturer, and occultist, best known as an author who applies humor in the field of Western Hermeticism.

Born in Long Beach, California and raised in Columbus, Nebraska, he was an aspiring studio musician and recording artist in the 1970s, releasing two singles and an album, Charley D. and Milo, on the Epic Records label.

He married to his high school sweetheart, Constance Jean Duquette. They live in Costa Mesa, California and have one son, Jean-Paul.

Since 1975 he has been a National and International governing officer of Ordo Templi Orientis, a religious and fraternal organization founded in the early part of the 20th century. Since 1996 he has been the O.T.O.'s United States Deputy Grand Master and one of the most visible members of the Order. He is also an Archbishop of Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica, the ecclesiastical arm of O.T.O.

Reviews

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

I owned the Thoth Tarot and The Book of Thoth for almost 20 years. Every time I tried to dive into it, I was enchanted by Lady Frieda Harris' beautiful imagery of the deck and so wanted to use it. However, each time I cracked open the companion Book of Thoth, I was left confused and frustrated. I tried and tried but could make very little sense of the Book of Thoth. I knew the deck was rich in symbolism, but understanding what was going on seemed insurmountable with Crowley's 'short essay' (Ha!). Plus it seemed as though you needed a deep understanding of Qabalah, astrology, alchemy, Thelema, various mythologies, etc. So I always just stuck to my tried and true Rider-Waite Deck. At the beginning of this year I decided to give it another shot. This time I got "Understanding Aleister Crowley's Thoth Tarot." This book is unbelievably helpful in cracking the code present in the Book of Thoth. Couple of items worth noting. Lon Milo Duquette's writing style is approachable, clear and funny. He is clearly a scholar of Crowley, Thelema and Tarot, and can deliver scholarly wisdom directly. Second, Lon describes his evolving relationship with the Thoth Tarot. He then outlines all the things he wished he had when he started out. Each background material is given a chapter to give you a brief, but solid background on Qabalah, hermetic symbolism, and the basics of Thelema and Aleister Crowley. Once you actually dive into the cards you have a solid background on what is coming. This is incredibly helpful. Plus, the book is filled with footnotes; if you want to dive deeper, there are plenty of clearly mapped paths you can go down. I now feel I have a solid grasp of the deck and am able to get rich readings from it. I have not looked back to my Rider-Waite deck since. Also, after reading, I feel I actually understand The Book of Thoth to a degree, meaning I can read it and can figure out what is being said through the symbolism. Highly recommend.

[Princessjay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a necessary beginner's primer on the Thoth Tarot.

I'd been immolating my brain upon Aleister Crowley's original accompanying text The Book of Thoth, Dion Fortune's Mystical Qabala, and Robert Wang's Qabalistic Tarot -- all of which contain immensely valuable information and will require much re-reading to absorb -- yet this process could have been 10x easier had I just started off with DuQuette. He provides just enough background understanding on astrology, Thelema, and Crowley's personal symbolism, in clear and simple prose, to launch one upon an easier exploratory course into esotericism than the one I just endured.

Highly recommended!

[Aleksandar · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a valuable book, that delivers what it promises - it explains the core concepts of a very complex topic, that includes multiple other tools and philosophies.

I've learned a lot from the book and changed my opinion on Crowley a bit. He was a disturbed man, who did a lot of bad things, but he was also a very hard worker and a very gifted man. He intentionally created controversy and was one of the edgiest men in history, but his work is immense and most of it is very interesting and makes you contemplate controversial topics. Much can be learned from his writing, but you need experience and proper discernment to separate truth and lie.

Back to the book, it would be a good book even for a beginner, DuQuette's style of writing is very relaxed, understandable and humorous.

I still think (or better said I'm 100% sure) that knowledge of Tarot, Qabalah and Astrology isn't needed to spiritually advance and reach new highs of consciousness, but a person should understand and have basic knowledge of multiple different paths and systems, so he can choose from a variety of methods when helping others understand life and it's purpose, which is my interest and part of my mission.

[Krapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

[EDIT] Rereading this book, I found it helped me more than I thought it had, and helped more the second time. The below review doesn't reflect that. There are many useful facts about the Thoth Tarot herein that everyone ought to know, who uses that deck. I'm very un-Thelemic, personally, and DuQuette's tone gets on my nerves. That's doesn't detract from the usefulness and quality of this book, which I'd underestimated. Now 4 stars, up one from before.

There's nothing particularly wrong with by Lon Milo DuQuette, it's merely unnecessary. You can learn about Crowley's Tarot from it, true. But if you learn the little "white book" that's in the box (that's Tarot-speak for the instructions), you will be able to use Aleister Crowley's Thoth Deck after some practice, unless you happen not to like it. Then, if you enjoy over top prose and, well, the voice of Aleister Crowley, then read The Book of Thoth: A Short Essay on the Tarot of the Egyptians. It's not a very difficult book. Crowley—maybe despite, maybe because of—the porphyry of his prose as well as its high quality and the strange and unique voice of the man coming at you through the written word is almost a great writer. DuQuette teaches (always amiably) a dumbed-down version of Crowley. Do you need a dumbed-down version? Honestly? You'll be missing a lot.

Be warned: everything Crowley or DuQuette (and hundreds of others say about the Hebrew or Greek languages is tripe. It's all truly embarrassing.

DuQuette himself is amusing, entertaining, avuncular. His books (the ones I've read) may be omitted. Go buy something worth the money.

[Martin Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dense book, but very accessible for those willing to trudge through the rich and complex symbolism of the Thoth Tarot. This subject, given its intricate esotericism, can't very easily be simplified concisely. But DuQuette somehow finds a way to come about as close to this as one can without losing much in terms of integrality. The book offers a fun and rewarding trek through the inner workings of one of the most provocative tarot decks in history. I would definitely recommend it to anyone new to the Thoth Tarot who is willing to put in some study hours but doesn't want to be stricken numb with mountains of incomprehensible Theosophic jargon.

[二六 侯]

介紹原作者如何創作的內容相當有趣。總覺得托特是表現主義，偉特則是新藝術，托特比偉特更神祕學，也更常被動漫畫所用，死神和世界的意象不就在惡魔城第四季登場了嗎？

[Kathryn Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had taken a deep dive into tarot starting with the Rider Waite in October 2019 and then I found Astrology. I neglected my tarot lessons and binged on Astrology until my brain hurt and when I returned to tarot and finished the my lessons with the Tarot Empress I felt brave enough to pick up another deck. This deck was recommended to by Sajah Popham at the start of my enrollment in his Evolutionary Herbalism course. Everything started to click into place and I was able to start making the connections between EVERYTHING... I have so much more to learn but I am absolutely amazed because it transformed my vision of who I thought I was going to be in my future into something way BETTER. I highly recommended it.

I am still working through it because its never ending knowledge...

[Starlon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely invaluable book on the tarot and Crowley's Thelemic system. Although I am relatively indifferent to Crowley and his robust eccentricities, this book not only shows a glimpse of Golden Dawn's system but also shows how much Crowley's outlook not only derived from these ideas but were transmuted and reinscribed with his own personal lexicon and experiences. If you are interested in the Kabbalah's correspondence with the tarot (Thoth Tarot or even Marseilles) I cant recommend this book enough. Will be on the look out for more of Duquette's easy going wisdom.

[Queer · Rating 1 out of 5]

This may be one of the first books that I absolutely hated that I will hold onto for a little while longer. Mostly I just wanted the card reference but I suffered through the terrible conversational yet obscure rants of DuQuette. Admittedly I am a skeptic. The only chapter I appreciated was his discussion of guardian angels as it seemed to make some sense. The chapters on colors, qabbala, tree of life, etc. are completely incomprehensible.

[Conner · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is nothing to be found here outside of over-simplified rewordings of Crowley's Book of Thoth and a hyper-authoritative list of the card's "meanings". To me, Tarot is inherently personal -- you must develop a close relationship with the symbol set and determine what each individual piece means in your cosmology. While DuQuette occasionally hints at this, I still find that he is strong-arming his views on the symbol set in a way that may be harmful to those just beginning to work on divination. Despite this, I still have to respect DuQuette's attempts at a beginner friendly and accessible explanation of the Thoth deck. I just strongly worry that DuQuette's works too closely blur the lines between accessibility and oversimplification.

[Kerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well this is interesting and all in a hyper intellectual kind of way. I would have appreciated the symbolism much more when I was younger and was really into brain power kinds of things.

However my impressions now after all the radicalization I've gone through in the past couple of years are more negative than positive. I come away from reading this thinking Crowley was a rather arrogant, cultural appropriator that over thought things to the extreme. And that all the various symbolisms embedded in this deck come from older civilizations and therefore widen our gap from living as authentic human beings in harmony with the natural world rather than closing it. These symbols and ancient ideas were part of our falling from our natural state and trapping ourselves in this nightmare world we now live in. As Zerzan says, the advent of symbolic and abstract thought is the true fall from the proverbial "garden of eden."

I've had this particular deck since I was seventeen and I still find it extremely beautiful but I doubt very much I'll be attempting any fortune telling with them in the future.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some pros:

The author clearly clarifies some obscure ideas from the book of Thoth, which seems like an ambitious and difficult task based on the excerpts provided.

Regarding the trumps, I particularly appreciated DuQuette's suggestion that they are 'a universal alphabet of images ... bound to spell something' (92) as we're ‘hardwired to respond to archetypal images' (86). He beautifully describes them as 'one master play with twenty-two modular acts that can be performed in an infinite number of ways' (93) and I loved the idea that tarot allows for ‘an infinite source of meditations’ given that 'Each trump is a world all its own', each ruling 'an entire set of fifty-six Minor Arcana cards' arguing that 'there are really 2,232 (22 x 56) tarot cards'.

On that note, I enjoyed the attention given to the astrological dimension of the deck, especially with regards to the Minor Arcana’s small cards, which all correspond to a combination of a planet and a zodiac sign that DuQuette explores. He relates this to the inevitably negative side of certain small cards as, in his words, ‘we are bound to have some planets happy in their zodiacal homes and some zodiacal home happy to host their planets. Conversely, some planets are decidedly unhappy in their zodiacal homes and some zodiacal homes are equally unhappy to host their planets. This astrological harmony or disharmony is a major factor in determining the characteristic meaning of a small card’ (210).

Lastly, I was intrigued by his association of court cards with personality types from a psychological viewpoint and might look up the two authors he mentions who have written on that topic: Linda Gail Walters and Arthur Rosengarten.

Some cons in my opinion (this is mainly for myself):

Duquette brings attention to some of the cards' symbols and their general meanings I wouldn't have noticed by myself with fascinating insights (this is what you would expect the book’s primary task to be based on the title). For that reason, I will refer back to some of these descriptions in the future.

That being said, while he started off being very thorough (i.e. descriptions of the first trump cards), I noticed that as the analysis progresses, many symbols get completely ignored. For each card description, the author dedicates a lot of space to repeatedly refer us to a separate chapter for the cards’ divinatory meaning (each time) and to list its visible colors and the numerous colors corresponding to the different cabalistic/planetary/original Golden Dawn elements that aren’t even present on the card itself, even listing the court cards’ hair/eye colors that don’t match the cards’ actual illustrations.

Listing the colors of the cards we have in front of us seems like an unnecessary observation that we can already make ourselves. I think it would’ve been more interesting to dedicate this space (at least a good extra page) to further analyse/interpret what is actually in front of us as the descriptions felt rather brief, even cryptic at times.

In line with this, after a while, although the symbolic explanations mainly made sense on their own, some card descriptions (particularly for some of the trump and ace cards) started going in many different directions without giving us a clear or summarised conclusion of what the card actually stands for on its own/as a whole or what it could actually mean in a reading. For some cards, this personally left me feeling even more confused rather than enlightened, although this was less of an issue for some of the small cards.

For instance, I understand his point that the ace corresponds to Kether/Nothingness and the seed that precedes the first manifestation of a particular element, but it would’ve been useful to hear what that actually means in a reading according to him.

I feel like the author could’ve been more curious about some of the symbols he just considers to be an unexplainable mystery. For instance, he has no idea what the black crescent shape represents in the Universe card. Instead of leaving it there though, why not at least giving a few suggestions based on all of the kabbalistic elements that are discussed at length throughout the book and in the card descriptions themselves (i.e. could that shape not represent the lunar aspect of Yesod which this trump card leads to, or perhaps the ‘black’ color from Saturn/Binah (another aspect of the moon) and its relationship to Chokmah (the snake?) as an echo of the ‘supernal’ union between Binah and Chokmah reflected down in the material world/universe as suggested by Alan Moore in his Bumper book?)

He makes an interesting and valid point about the cards' interconnectedness, but here too, I’m not sure if it was more confusing than enlightening to make so many lengthy connections between the trump cards in their respective descriptions (analysing trumps in depth that haven’t been brought up yet in advance in another trump’s description), rather than focusing more on the individual trumps themselves one at a time to make it easier for the reader to follow a more linear ‘story’.

I personally didn’t think the divination chapter was needed with its unexplained (as mostly repetitive) list of simple keywords that were usually already mentioned in the descriptions.

There were quite a few typos (i.e. referring to the six of swords as the six of disks! (247)).

While the author does indeed acknowledge that he probably ‘slipped in a few places here and there’ and ‘struck a little too much DuQuette’ (274) and I don’t mind the overall subjective tone of the book, I’m still not sure why it would be useful for us to know which cards match his own chart, his wife’s or his son’s (we’re not told anything about them other than this).

Lastly, I was glad to read him essentially saying that the chauvinistic old times were flawed, but then I was bothered by his suggestion that the princesses of the deck were the most beautiful because of their status as the ‘pin-up girls’ of the deck (an unnecessary sexualisation?). On that note, he also predominantly lists men as pop culture references when comparing the court cards to famous people (i.e. the Queen of cups were all men). Just something to be aware of but nothing too major.

[Stella · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want something to clarify Crowley's book, this is the one to go with. While Duquette does seem to be promoting a kinder, gentler Beast at times, the book never degenerates into new age blather. Duquette does have the chops and everything is explained in a clear, well-organized manner. This should be read in addition to Crowley, however, not instead of, obviously.

[AL · Rating 1 out of 5]

This should instead be called “The Moron’s Guide To The Thoth Tarot.” It’s value to me was to expose my foolishness in consulting it. The author is a fine mind, and I hope this was a profitable money grab. Consult the Master directly for true enlightenment.

[Thomas Pinneck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lon Milo DuQuette's Understanding Aleister Crowley's Thoth Tarot stands as an essential companion for anyone seeking to delve into the complexities of one of the most enigmatic tarot decks ever created. This book offers a deep and comprehensive examination of the Thoth Tarot, unraveling the intricate layers of symbolism embedded within each card by Aleister Crowley and artist Lady Frieda Harris. DuQuette's expertise shines through every page, providing readers with clarity and insight into the profound teachings that Crowley wove into this deck.

The Thoth Tarot is renowned not only for its stunning artwork but also for the dense esoteric knowledge it encapsulates, drawing from astrology, Qabalah, magick, gematria, numerology, and alchemy. While Crowley's original Book of Thoth serves as a foundational text, its complexity can be daunting to modern readers. DuQuette bridges this gap by presenting the material in clear, accessible language without sacrificing the depth of Crowley's original intent. His ability to distill complex occult concepts into understandable terms makes this guide invaluable for both newcomers and seasoned practitioners.

One of the remarkable aspects of this book is how DuQuette provides detailed descriptions of each card, not just from a traditional tarot perspective but also incorporating the expansive magical correspondences that Crowley intended. He meticulously explores the symbolism, shedding light on the subtle nuances that might otherwise be overlooked. Readers gain a richer understanding of how the cards interrelate within the broader framework of the deck and the esoteric systems it draws upon. This holistic approach enhances the reader's ability to interpret the cards intuitively and intellectually, deepening their connection to the deck.

DuQuette also offers insightful historical context, tracing the development of the Thoth Tarot and the collaborative relationship between Crowley and Harris. This background enriches the reader's appreciation of the deck as not only a tool for divination but also as a work of art and a repository of esoteric wisdom. By understanding the intentions and creative processes behind the cards, readers can engage with the Thoth Tarot on a more meaningful level.

Another strength of the book lies in DuQuette's engaging writing style. His tone is both scholarly and approachable, often infused with humor and personal anecdotes that make complex subjects more relatable. He does not merely present facts; he invites readers on a journey of discovery, encouraging them to explore the mysteries of the Thoth Tarot with curiosity and openness. His passion for the subject is palpable, inspiring readers to delve deeper into their own studies.

For those interested in the intersections between tarot and other occult systems, this guide serves as an invaluable resource. DuQuette seamlessly weaves connections between the Thoth Tarot and various esoteric traditions, illuminating how the deck can be used as a gateway to broader magical practices. This integration of knowledge empowers readers to expand their understanding beyond the cards themselves, fostering a more comprehensive grasp of occult studies.

Understanding Aleister Crowley's Thoth Tarot is a treasure trove of wisdom that elevates one's tarot practice to new heights. DuQuette's dedication to elucidating the complexities of the Thoth Tarot makes this book an indispensable addition to any tarot enthusiast's library. Whether you are captivated by the deck's mesmerizing artwork or intrigued by the profound esoteric teachings it embodies, this guide offers the tools and insights necessary to unlock its full potential. Through this work, readers are granted access to the depths of Crowley's magnum opus, guided by one of the most respected authorities on the subject.

[Ray Welt · Rating 5 out of 5]

DuQuette continues to not disappoint. While there's plenty in here specific to Crowley's Thoth Tarot with references to his Book of Thoth and the cards painted by Frieda Harris, what this book really does well is present a path to understanding the Tarot. It's specific to the Thoth deck, but includes details about the Golden Dawn designs that predate Thoth. Really, the bulk of the information here is about Tarot in general, with insights into Crowley's ideas about it.

The first Part of the book, "Little Bits of Things You Should Know Before Beginning to Study Aleister Crowley's Thoth Tarot" (the first 80 pages), is an excellent primer on all things Crowley. DuQuette mentions in his introduction that since writing the first edition of the book, it has become his prime teaching tool in his lectures due to this section. It covers a lot about Crowley, including his background with the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, the origins of the Book of the Law, information on the Tree of Life, and an introduction to the concept of the Holy Guardian Angel. Anyone wanting to know more about Crowley and his teachings could do much worse than start here.

Of particular mind-blowing concepts is the chapter that dissects the image on the back of each card of the Thoth deck: the Rose Cross. This chapter goes in detail into the ways in which many esoteric arts overlap (including Alchemy, the Zodiac, the Astrological Planets, the Tree of Life, the Elements, Sacred Geometry, and, of course, the Major and Minor Arcana of the Tarot), and they're all graphically represented in this one image. The interplay here is just jaw-dropping.

The rest of the book goes into more detail about the cards, but primarily the imagery and symbolism contained therein. General divinatory meanings aren't covered until the last 20 or so pages. DuQuette starts with the Major Arcana, or the Trumps or Keys. When he gets to the Minor Arcana, he breaks from traditional books about Tarot by addressing the four Aces first, then the sixteen Court cards, then the remaining small cards (2 through 10). Most resources cover the Court cards first, since they "rule" each suit. Why does DuQuette deviate? Because the Aces contain all the other cards of their suit, including the four Court cards. In fact, as he puts it, if you examine each Ace with a mystical microscope, the first thing you'd find are the four Court cards of the suit, which themselves contain the remaining small cards.

Those interested in Tarot of any sort should pick this book up. It's easy enough to discard the bits specific to Thoth, as most of the information applies to the very concept of Tarot regardless of design. And where Crowley deviates, DuQuette does his best to explain why. This book is a great journey into Tarot and the ways in which all the different disciplines intermingle.

[Sylvia Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lon Milo DuQuette’s Understanding Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot is an absolute must-have for anyone serious about working with the Thoth deck. DuQuette has a rare talent for breaking down the complex layers of Crowley’s magickal and philosophical systems into something not just understandable, but deeply engaging. This book is far more than just a guide to Tarot—it’s an essential key to unlocking the intricate symbolism Crowley and Lady Frieda Harris embedded in the Thoth deck.

What stands out most is DuQuette’s ability to balance clarity with depth. He doesn’t shy away from the challenging aspects of Crowley’s work—astrology, Qabalah, alchemy, and gematria are all present—but his writing is approachable without ever feeling simplified. Each card is given a thorough examination, with DuQuette unpacking its traditional Tarot meanings alongside Crowley’s esoteric intentions. This allows you to not only read the cards, but also truly understand their deeper, magickal significance.

I found DuQuette’s historical context on the deck especially helpful. His insights into the collaboration between Crowley and Harris bring a new appreciation for the artistry and symbolism of the Thoth deck. Whether you’re interested in the cards from an occult perspective or as a Tarot reader, DuQuette provides a well-rounded understanding that enhances any approach.

For anyone who’s ever felt intimidated by the Thoth Tarot, this book is the perfect guide. It transforms what might seem like an impenetrable system into something accessible and meaningful. DuQuette honors the depth of Crowley’s work while making it approachable for modern readers, offering a guide that’s both insightful and practical. If you’re working with the Thoth deck, this book is indispensable.

[Jake Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lon Milo DuQuette is one of the most informative and entertaining writers on the subject of the Western Mystery Tradition. His uncanny ability to deliver both "Aha!" moments and "Haha!" moments is m0st brilliantly on display in his exegesis of any work by Aleister Crowley, and this is no exception.

Understanding Aleister Crowley's Thoth Tarot: An Authoritative Examination of the World's Most Fascinating and Magical Tarot Cards is an essential read for anyone working with Crowley's Thoth Tarot Cards. It succeeds in elucidating what Crowley leaves obscure in The Book of Thoth, his own companion text to the Thoth Tarot.

[jüri]

if you’re at all inclined towards mysticism - especially with regards to cartomancy and the prickly, highly contentious legacy of aleister crowley - this is not only helpful as a legible, even no-nonsense guide to the beliefs of the ordo templi orientis and the frankly rather confusing cosmology of sefirotic symbolism in the thoth deck, but a downright indispensable refresher course on crowley and the o.t.o. and the lasting legacy of the order of the golden dawn, written in a sprightly and delightfully conversational tone.

the coverage of both major and minor arcana is resplendent in depth and detail, moreso than perhaps any book i’ve found, and carefully represents and explicates the exquisitely delicate detail in lady frieda harris’ illustrations; but an added bonus is also the excerpts of the harris-crowley dialogue. harris is a delightful foil to crowley’s rather dense and pragmatic, but no less charming personality. methinks a film about crowley and harris’ friendship could be the only feel-good film about the esoteric occult.

[Rose Alexander · Rating 2 out of 5]

Probably an unpopular opinion, but I was disappointed in this book. It seems to be the most widely suggested book for beginners to Thoth, but I mostly found it uninspiring. The first few chapters going over the Guardian Angel and the Tree of Life were insightful but the subsequent chapters on the individual cards were brief and added nothing new. Most of the book was simply taking Crowley's thoughts on the cards from his Book of Thoth and rewording it without really explaining it. The divinatory meanings provided in the back of the book were incredibly brief and essentially just pulled from the Liber T Tarot Symbolism and Divination book published by the College of Thelema (which is readily available in PDF form on their website). I just feel there are better resources online that break down the symbology, alchemy, astrology, and divinatory significance of the cards in greater depth and for free that might be of better use to a true beginner.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A guidebook through occult relationships

Getting to know Crowley's Thoth tarot means getting to know the same occult lores Crowley knew: Qabalah, Astrology, Hermeticism. Then there's color theory and some general semiotics in the mix. Add to that Crowley's enjoyment of being generally obtuse, and you might think you'll never be able to hack it.

Mr. DuQuette provides an overview of those major theories, bringing each back in as we visit each card. The book is, admittedly, of limited use as something to just read and put down, just as Mr. DuQuette describes the Book of Thoth, but as a reference to go back to again and again as you start trying to understand the tool you're working with, it's invaluable.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though not a replacement for the original companion book, it highlights information from that book and lifts parts of other pieces, only to blend them together in a quite revealing manner.

It's not a one sitting kind of book and one needs to summon concentration to pull through at times but the pay off is great. I understand better why tzaddi צ is not The Star, how the back of the cards is construed of the rosecrucian cross etc. The nice tidbits of correspondence between Crowley and Harris are also interesting and often provide a pathway into a card's meaning. I loved how well cited it is, and also how the systematic overview of each card highlights some of the symbolic elements inherent in it.

[Edward Stafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

As is the case with everything Lon Milo Duquette writes, this is excellent. But I'd dare say this work goes above and beyond anything else I've read by him. His love of the subject shines through the entirety of this tome. In less capable hands, this could be very dry and, as with many esoteric tomes, a bit over-the-top and self-indulgent. Not here. The history of the making of this deck alone is worth the price of admission. But Duquette explains the Kabbalistic processes that make the Thoth deck unique with clarity and a sense of humor. If you are interested in the Thoth Tarot, this book is your cheerful and willing companion as you study it. But it's also perfect if you're just looking for some insight into Crowley's thoughts and process. A great read, a magnificent reference.

[Gabriela Ventura · Rating 2 out of 5]

De uma forma geral, o livro é instrutivo, pincelando a relação das cartas com astrologia e árvore da vida - e é um bom começo para quem está tentando entender como funciona o Tarot de Thoth. Gosto especialmente das explicações sobre o estilo de Lady Frieda Harris. Porém existe um tom cuidadoso ao longo do livro que é muito irritante: "leitor, não pense que pentagramas invertidos são coisas do diabo", "leitor, não fique chocado com as menções à Babalon"... querido, a pessoa que tá tentando entender o tarot do Crowley espera um nível mínimo de profanidades, ou ficaria só com o tarot das fadas.

Mas apesar do tom condescendente e apaziguador, é uma introdução ok, sim.

[Nuno Rosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

DuQuette is a wonderful story writer, when you read his work you feel that you are part of something and he's revealing it veil by veil. This from the author point of view is an attempt at helping those unfamiliar with Crowley and his background to get an in-dept peek into the foundation of the Thoth Tarot and he succeeds.
The cards clearer up when you understand that the Priestess is a high facet of the Moon, instead of a bare explanation where the Hanged Man means you'll die tomorrow. But my practical divination problems remain unsolved, when I'm looking for my car keys and I get the Aeon, does it mean I should buy a new car?

[Ltopo McFly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoy DuQuette's airy and humorous writing style and the book delivered on its titale and premise but bizarre and illogical ideas are explained so-matter-of-fact that I couldn't get into most of what he was saying. There was no defense of Crowley's radical and dated revisions except over-complication for the heck of it. While its interesting to know more of the Thelema and HOGD context of Crowley's ideas, none of this seems to add anything to Tarot divination besides flashy and faux-mystical artwork that I think is pretty overrated. The best bits were just explanations of the regular Tarot and Kabbalah. Most of this is just flowery filler.

[McCalla Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like a 3.9. The entire first part was incredibly informative and worth a reread however the section on the actual cards was lacking in the depth I was looking for, though I did appreciate the insight on the formula for the pip cards. Left me something fun to play with on my own.

That being said, this book is an invaluable resource and definitely worth the read. Especially if you intend to read Crowley's Book of Thoth and are interested on the potential for mystical meditation on the cards.

[S. Spelbring · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is exact kind of book that every time you read it you learn something new.

The author does such a good job of getting you involved with all the detail and meaning that is depicted in this tarot deck. And there is a lot of information and detail here. There's a brief look into Aleister Crowley, his life, his work, and his belief system. There is information here derived from the Qabalah, Thelema, The Order of the Golden Dawn, Christianity, and a ton of Egyptian Mythology.

There is numerology, Hebrew, color theory, symbolism, naming systems, and quite possibly the meaning of life, the universe, and everything buried here in these cards. And that's before we even get to the reverse side of the cards!

My brain is still playing around with all of the information even though I've settled down to just drawing a daily card and not pondering the mysteries of existence.

[Xóža Hňabaj · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book to accompany Crowley's "short essay" aka The Book of Thoth. Grab a copy of TBoT as well. On its own LMD book feels too condensed. One of the biggest flaws here are the card descriptions - this section feels like it was written in a rush and could use more care.

Thoth tarot draws on astrology and kabbalah, these are two pillars the whole thing stands on. I have a very limited knowledge of the former and sentences like "Jupiter in Gemini exalted" made me feel like I was jumping on one leg while trying to understand quantum physics lecture. Get a 101 in both even if you are going to dabble here.

The book also contains a short intro into philosophy & concepts of Thelema and DuQuette (as usual) does a GREAT job explaining it in a sober, down-to-earth manner. I can definitely recommend this to people new to the subject.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want an in depth primer on Aleister Crowley's masterpiece of the Thoth deck, then look no further. I especially liked the synthesis of so many historical and esoteric disciplines that were all spun together within the deck. While the author's style is engaging and greatly enhances the read, I sometimes found it came at the expense of more depth or detailed analysis. Knocked a star off for this, and the fact that despite being an updated edition there are still a surprising amount of typos and editorial errors within the text.