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NEOPHYTE GRADE: TAROT READING |
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Herein we begin by providing a method of learning the
interactions of the system by keyword and Qabalah that the
Neophyte might gain some technical proficiency in an easily
learned manner. The elucidation provided is specific to the
Thoth Tarot Deck, as it is the most definitive deck thus far
created, and is aligned properly with the formula of the new
aeon.
The Thoth deck is made up of seventy-eight cards being the
twenty-two Major Arcana and fifty-six Minor Arcana. For the
purpose of divination with the tarot, the higher self (mind of
the omni-verse or macrocosm) is broken down and represented by
the Major Arcana. The Minor Arcana represents those things that
have an effect on the higher self through the conscious self and
are expressed as external effects from the material world.
Traditionally, a diviner was not to purchase a deck of cards,
receiving them as a gift. Additionally, readings were done for
others, not for oneself. The Thoth deck, however, is based on
the principle of self-initiation, so that not only is purchasing
them acceptable, but readings for the purpose of self-direction
are required. |
Major Arcana
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Each of the twenty-two cards of the Major Arcana (numbered 0-21)
is placed on one of the twenty-two paths of the Tree of Life and
by extension, represents every aspect and attribution of the
path it is placed on. Every shred of understanding gleaned of
the paths and their interactions will shed more light on the
true essence of each card and their complex interplays.
Learning the Major Arcana does not necessitate memorizing
lengthy, overburdening details. Recalling a few key words for
each card will enable the Initiate to receive vivid visions,
impressions, and feelings and this, coupled with the perfected
symbols of each card visually communicating the intent, will
provide a comprehensible meaning. This is a far better method
than quoting passages. After committing the key words to memory,
further study revolves around the study of the basic
correspondences of each card, such as it placing within the
Hebrew Alphabet, the governing influences, and its
interpretation in the four worlds. The best resource book for
research on the individual cards is, The Book of Thoth, by
Aleister Crowley which is both easy to find and relatively
inexpensive.
What follows is the number, title, and the key words for each
card of the Major Arcana. |
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0.
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THE FOOL
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spirituality, intoxication, folly, unexpected
interference
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I.
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THE MAGUS
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wisdom, skill, understanding, power, internal
interference
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II.
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THE PRIESTESS
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balance, passiveness, change, fluctuation
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III.
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THE EMPRESS
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[mother] pleasure, success, beauty, idleness
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IV.
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THE EMPEROR
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[father] power, dominance,
ambition, rashness
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V.
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THE HIEROPHANT
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inspiration, teacher, highest transformation
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VI.
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THE LOVERS
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attraction, intuition, timing, union of
opposites
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VII.
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THE CHARIOT
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loyalty, temporary success, destructiveness
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VIII.
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ADJUSTMENT
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alteration, balance of opposites, decisions
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IX.
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THE HERMIT
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inner illumination, journey, to withdraw
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X.
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FORTUNE
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positive change and material growth, sudden
fortune, destiny
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XI.
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LUST
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Magick force invoked, inner vitality, sexual
union
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XII.
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THE HANGED MAN
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forced self-sacrifice, redemption, death
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XIII.
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DEATH
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transformation, sudden change, rebirth of the
self
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XIV.
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ART
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union of Magick forces, inner change,
creativity, escape
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XV.
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THE DEVIL
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sexual energy, lust, individuality, obsession
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XVI.
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THE TOWER
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creation from chaos, courage, sudden death
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XVII.
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THE STAR
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spiritual insight, unexpected aid, frustration
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XVIII.
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THE MOON
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deceit, illusion, delusion, sexuality,
impregnation
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XIX.
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THE SUN
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growth, truth, prosperity, manifestation
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XX.
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THE AEON
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definable decisions, a definite ending and new
beginning
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XXI.
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THE UNIVERSE
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clarity of whole situation, resolution,
perseverance
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The Minor Arcana
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Each of the fifty-six cards of the Minor Arcana is placed in one
of the ten sephiroth of the Tree of Life and by extension,
represents the nature of the house where it resides. This is
further simplified by the placing of the numbers into a single
house (the four aces in Kether, the four twos in Chokmah, the
four threes in Binah etc.) and by the unified nature of the four
suits.
Therefore, learning the Minor Arcana (excluding the Court Cards)
is best accomplished by first understanding the nature of the
ten houses and the essence of the four suits. In this way the
meaning of the ‘Two of Disks’ would be solved by defining:
What is the nature of the suit?
What is the nature of the second house?
These two answers and the perfected symbols of each card
visually communicating the intent will provide a comprehensible
meaning. |
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(element + number * symbolism = interpretation) |
Four suits and ten numbers are easily and quickly learned
and provide a rapid method to the immediate deployment of the
cards, delving directly into the work of interpretation.
Attempting anything close to a full understanding before
undertaking the practical study in the form of the readings
would leave the Neophyte in a theoretical abyss of scholarly
learning. A simple foundation, followed by practical
application, and augmentation through continuous study is the
optimal approach.
Below are two charts, the first contains the four suits and the
second contains the ten houses. The symbolism for each card can
be studied, with great depth and insight, in the Book of Thoth. |
The Four Suits: |
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Suit
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Nature
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Positive
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Negative
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Wands
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physical
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energy, action, exploits
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discord, conflict
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Cups
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emotional
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pleasure, satisfaction
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dangerous excess, intoxication
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Swords
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intellectual
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inspiration, problem solving
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sickness, environmental trouble
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Disks
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material
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worldly or mundane matters –
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for better or worse
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The Ten Numbers:
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ACE
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Kether
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Unity
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Elemental root: the pure form of the element
represented in balance. The Ace always shows
purity in what ever suit it is drawn. For
example, if the cards show a great crisis under
way and the Ace of Disks shows, then obviously
the trouble will not be financial ruin or loss
of possessions, but something from a different
emanation
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TWO
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Chokmah
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Duality
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Negative to positive attribution of the root
element, such as success after hardship.
Although always a definite, definable change, a
two's positive or negative qualities are
dependent on the cards around it.
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THREE
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Binah
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Cycle
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Continual success through rotation. Lasting
stability that has the seed to produce something
new. The cycle is dependant on the suit, so with
Cups drawn, it could show fertility (pregnancy),
or with Wands, revolving conflict.
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FOUR
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Chesed
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Quaternary
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Physical aspect of the element. Success and
failure and the positive and negative results
that follow. The fours always appear to be more
than they are. Although it affects everything
around it, this changes little in its
surroundings.
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FIVE
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Geburah
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Evolution
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Non-spiritual events and misfortunes. If
weakness is revealed, could result in spiritual
chaos. Affects the spirit, in spite of the fact
that it is not from the spirit. An infliction
upon the higher by attention from the lower.
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SIX
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Tiphereth
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Illumination
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Positive spiritual growth from within, resulting
in worldly happiness. Any positive attributions
of this card are completely dependent on the
internal state and not environmental causes.
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SEVEN
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Netzach
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Contention
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Internal corruption resulting in eventual
failures. No dramatic defeats and losses, only
continual disappointment.
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EIGHT
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Hod
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Chaos
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Physical failure through inaction. Negative for
Swords and Cups and positive for the Wands and
Disks.
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NINE
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Yesod
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Change
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Success through emotional dominance, inner
feelings, and a compatibility with the current
environment, usually after conflict. Shows many
cycles interweaving, as well as complex and
entangled events.
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TEN
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Malkuth
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Stability
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The best and the worst of any given situation,
often showing the need for compromise and
balance. Typically creates strife for Swords and
Wands and harmony and compliance for Cups and
Disks.
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Court Cards: |
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Court cards represent a person(s), aspiration(s), or the social
environment. Additionally, they sometimes represent influencing
personalities. The diviner must decipher, from the clues
available in the reading, which trait a Court Card currently
represents. The suit of the card can be used in conjunction with
its nature and symbolism to correctly interpret the card.
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The Knight – (father)
represents swift and often violent action, but
not lasting, it passes swiftly.
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The Queen – (mother)
represents material forces, not rapid like the
Knight, but enduring, steadfast, and
unshakeable.
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The Prince – (son)
represents a rapid and enduring influence. This
influence is positive except when in conflict
with a Knight or Queen.
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The Princess – (daughter)
represents aid in the form of advice and
support. She is strong, independent, but lacking
in a sense of direction and therefore easy to
conflict with, or to cause conflict.
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The Knight and Queen compliment each other and almost never
cause conflict. The Princes are usually a positive influence,
except when they conflict with the Knight or Queen. The Princess
can represent an ill influence if in conflict with any Minor
Arcana card.
General Indicators:
Swords and Disks conflict. (air and earth)
Wands and Cups conflict. (fire and water)
Swords, Cups and Wands strengthen.
Wands, Swords and Disks strengthen.
Cards of the same suit generally show positive influences, even
when the cards represent negative events. The Major Arcana
represent unexpected forces or forces not instigated, and
profoundly affect the Minor Arcana. The interplay of the cards
eliminates the need to use reverse meanings. This is a black and
white method of the old-styled tarot decks. The Thoth Tarot
shows every shade of grey. Therefore, all cards are dealt
upright.
Reading the Cards:
The hexagram, blank, and O.T.O. introduction cards should by
removed from the deck and placed to the side. Take the remaining
seventy-eight cards in hand, and shuffling three, six, or nine
times. When a dispassionate and calm feeling is achieved, place
the cards face down, front and centre. Cut the deck into three
piles. Cut to the left. Then, put the cards into one pile, by
gathering them from the right. The three piles represent the
principles of Nuit, Hadit and Ra-Hoor-Khuit. Taking the shuffled
and cut Thoth deck in hand, lay the cards out in the following
order: |
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13 9 5 |
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4 8 12 |
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2 1 3 |
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14 10 6 |
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7 11 15 |
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Card One: shows the current situation and
influences.
Card Two: shows the current state of mind.
Card Three: shows the current environment.
Card Eight: influence or situation of the near
future.
Card Four: state of mind in near future.
Card Twelve: state of environment in near
future.
Card Nine: situation resulting from and after
near future.
Card Thirteen: state of mind resulting from and
after near future.
Card Five: environment resulting from and after
near future.
Card Ten: advice on any situation represented.
Card Fourteen: advice on state of mind of any
situation represented.
Card Six: advice on the environment of any
situation represented.
Card Eleven: probable outcome: situations.
Card Seven: probable outcome: state of mind.
Card Fifteen: probable outcome: state of
environment.
The daily reading: Shuffled and cut as before then laying the
cards out in the following order:
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2 1
3 |
Card One: current situation at hand. Causal
effect.
Card Two: current state of mind. Interior.
Card Three: current environment. Exterior. |
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