“The Tarot is a pictorial representation of the forces of nature as conceived by the Ancients according to a conventional symbolism.” — Aleister Crowley
Dearest Seeker of Shadows and Stars,
There are books that inform… and then there are books that initiate.
Today we dive into one of the most formidable, complex, and electrifying tomes in the world of tarot and the occult: The Book of Thoth by the notorious and legendary Aleister Crowley.
A grimoire cloaked in symbol, number, myth, and magic, The Book of Thoth is not merely a tarot manual—it is an arcane transmission, a cosmic mirror, and a philosophical labyrinth for the serious student of the Mysteries.
What Is The Book of Thoth?
This monumental work was written by Crowley as the companion to his Thoth Tarot Deck, illustrated by the visionary artist Lady Frieda Harris. Together, they channeled an esoteric tarot unlike any other—rich with Qabalah, astrology, alchemy, Egyptian gods, Thelema, and Hermetic magic.
The book itself is part manual, part metaphysical dissertation. It breaks down each of the 78 cards in staggering detail, linking them to Hebrew letters, planetary correspondences, magical formulae, and more.
But be warned: This is not a beginner’s tarot guide. It is a portal.
Why It’s a Masterwork for the Advanced Practitioner
The Book of Thoth does not spoon-feed. It initiates.
This is the kind of book that reshapes the way you think about tarot. The cards stop being just archetypes and start becoming living entities, forces of nature, and gateways to inner and outer universes. For those on the path of magical development, this book is a teacher, a mirror, and at times, a riddle.
It is especially potent for:
- Kabbalists
- Ceremonial magicians
- Chaos witches
- Tarot scholars
- Devotees of Egyptian or Hermetic traditions
- Thelemites and Crowley-curious mystics
What I Loved
Depth & Density – Every page is an unfolding; you could study one paragraph for weeks and still feel the resonance deepening.
Symbolism-rich Descriptions – The interpretations go beyond surface meanings into multi-dimensional metaphysical analysis.
Integration of Magical Systems – This book is a fusion of tarot, numerology, astrology, the Tree of Life, and Egyptian lore.
Crowley’s Voice – Witty, arrogant, dazzling. Like being taught by a mad alchemical professor whose class is part ritual, part riddle, part roast.
A Few Words of Caution
This is not light reading. Crowley’s writing can be dense, elliptical, and riddled with obscure references. But the reward is worth the labor.
You may need to cross-reference with other sources (such as DuQuette’s Understanding Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot) to fully unpack some of the concepts.
The book reflects Crowley’s unique philosophy (Thelema) and worldview. If you’re not aligned with it, treat it like a spellbook from another tradition—valuable, but requiring discernment.
Final Thoughts
The Book of Thoth is not for the casual reader. It is for initiates, for those whose souls stir at the scent of incense, the whisper of glyphs, and the shuffle of arcana under moonlight.
It’s not just a tarot book. It’s a map of the universe encoded in symbol and spirit, and a challenge: Are you ready to go deeper?
Perfect for:
• Advanced tarot readers
• Magical scholars
• Qabalistic pathwalkers
• Those building their own magical system
• Students of Crowley, Thelema, and High Magick
Have you dared open the Book of Thoth? Which card haunts your dreams—or illuminates your path?
In the shadow and the flame,
May your cards speak true, and your magic be unstoppable.
Love High Priestess Agape Covens