What's the difference between traditional Tarot and Crowley's Thoth Tarot?
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mystic.Tide
I've recently picked up the Book of Thoth by Aleister Crowley but haven't started it yet. I've noticed some discussions suggesting that Egyptian Tarot, in its interpretations, is considered superior to traditional decks like the Rider-Waite. I suspect some of this might come from Crowley fans. In the past, I've taken a course on Jewish mysticism where we explored the symbolism found in the Rider-Waite deck, which has made me quite fond of it. I'm curious to hear your thoughts on both styles—are they comparable, or do their differences mean they cater to different approaches?
Answers
Just to clarify, Crowley's Thoth Tarot isn't actually Egyptian tarot. It's named after the Egyptian god Thoth but draws from multiple sources, including Egyptian imagery, Kabbalah, astrology, and Thelema. Unlike the Rider-Waite, which simplifies many aspects for a broader audience, the Thoth deck is packed with more esoteric themes and isn't as linear. Some folks love the deeper complexity, while others feel it's a bit too much. Personally, I enjoy all three main styles—Marseille, Rider-Waite, and Thoth—for their unique attributes!
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Just a heads-up, the original concept of tarot actually came from medieval Italy, not ancient Egypt. Both the Rider-Waite and Crowley’s interpretations have their roots in later occult practices. Neither can claim any ‘higher power’—it's about what resonates with you. Experiment with both and see which one feels right for you!
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I haven't personally used Egyptian Tarot, but from my experience, there isn't one best system to stick with. Tarot works well for me personally, but sometimes I also use a regular playing card deck. It all comes down to what you're comfortable with and how you connect with the images and symbols.
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As others said, the Thoth deck leans more toward abstraction and combines various philosophies. If you dig the detail and deeper meanings, you might appreciate how much Crowley's deck layers on symbolism. I’ve used both the Thoth deck and a variant of the Rider-Waite, like Morgan Greer. Both are amazing in their own ways!
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curious_Bee: Exactly! Each deck has its own flair and purpose. I think everyone's connection to a deck varies, which is what makes tarot so personal.