Book of Thoth

Book of Thoth is a book by Aleister Crowley that was first published in 1944. It is a comprehensive guide to the Thoth tarot deck, which Crowley designed himself. The book covers everything from the history of the tarot to the symbolism of the cards to how to read tarot spreads.

Crowley’s book is divided into three parts. The first part, “The History of the Tarot,” provides a brief overview of the tarot’s history, from its possible origins in Egypt to its development in Europe. The second part, “The Symbolism of the Tarot,” discusses the meaning of the symbols on the Thoth tarot deck, both individually and in combination. The third part, “How to Read the Tarot,” provides instructions on how to give and interpret tarot readings.

Crowley’s book is well-written and easy to understand. He does a good job of explaining the tarot’s symbolism in a way that is accessible to beginners. However, the book is also very detailed and complex, so it may be more suitable for experienced tarot readers.

Here are some of the pros and cons of Book of Thoth:

Pros:

• Comprehensive and in-depth
• Well-written and engaging
• Packed with symbolism and esoteric knowledge
• Features the Thoth tarot deck

Cons:

• Can be overwhelming for beginners
• Some of the information may be outdated
• Not as user-friendly as some other tarot books

Overall, Book of Thoth is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about the Thoth tarot deck. The book is comprehensive and in-depth, and it provides a solid foundation for understanding the deck’s symbolism and interpretation.

However, it is important to note that the book is also very detailed and complex, so it may be more suitable for experienced tarot readers. If you are a beginner, you may want to start with a different book before reading Book of Thoth.

Here are some additional thoughts on the book:

• I appreciate that Crowley takes the time to discuss the history of the tarot, as well as its different interpretations. This helps to put the tarot in context and gives readers a better understanding of how it works.
• I also appreciate Crowley’s clear and concise explanations of the concepts and symbols taught in the book. He does a good job of breaking down complex topics into easy-to-understand terms.
• I also appreciate the book’s focus on the Thoth tarot deck. This is a beautiful and well-illustrated deck that is perfect for those who are interested in learning more about the esoteric symbolism of the tarot.

Overall, I think Book of Thoth is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about the Thoth tarot deck. The book is well-written and easy to follow, and Crowley is a clear and engaging teacher. However, the book is a bit outdated, so you may want to supplement your reading with other books or resources.