The Book of Thoth

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in reply - book of thoth - Rated
Indeed! Book of Thoth...my copy was unfortunately burnt!...girlfiends! but along with a transalted copy of Rimbauds works, this was my bible during the 1980's. Easy to read & full of info & def. the best thing he did...along with the deck - the only one i use...bought them both in Manchester c. 1983...& i need a new -or sec.hand copy - one day...yup; buy it & stoke the fire.

An excellent work - Rated
I would say this book will appeal to those who are willing to look at the Tarot for what it is. The beginner or the more experienced reader will both feel the deep insights this book has to offer, if they read it with an open mind. I know there are some that think this book is complicated and difficult to understand, however I would disagree. My advice would be to read it through once in a relaxed way, without trying to remember anything or understand all the details, then read the sections that appeal to you in more depth as you feel necessary. That way you will get the most from this excellent book. If you consider the Tarot an important and revelant subject you will need to read this book. I also highly recommend buying the deck itself.

Not for beginners - Rated
This is an excellent book for those interested in the works of Aleister Crowley although, as with most of his works, it is not for beginners. This Tarot system is one of the more complicated.

For those that can follow the terminoloy and the esoteric references it can provide a powerful divination system, for all his faults Aleister Crowley wa a powerful man.

The Tree of Life is a map of the Universe. - Rated
Most importantly small black and white pictures of the 'Thoth Tarot' are included as well as several full size colour prints. And, needless to say, the Tarot deck itself is required for a chance at full understanding. Readers should remember the book was written very late in Crowley's career and represents, in some senses, the culmination of his Magick. For those interested in the Qabalistic side of things, the 'Book of Thoth' can be supplemented beautifully by '777'. It is complex, even for Crowley. I am unsure if one could call it a reference manual or if '...perusal may be omitted with advantage.' as the introduction states. Of most of the people I meet, into Crowley, it seems to be the popular favourite.

The will to love is the law to live.

Heavy going and very deep. - Rated
Unless you already have an indepth knowledge of occult matters and esoteric doctorines, you may find this book intelligable.

It is obviously highly thought of by many students of Tarot and the occult, but for most, I believe it will only serve to confuse and bewilder.

For example, a short quotation, 'One important interpretation of Tarot is that it is a Notariqon of the Hebrew Torah, the Law; also of ThROA, the gate. Now, by the Yetziratic attributions...this word may be read The Universe-the new-born Sun-Zero.'.

If your interest is pureley Tarot based, I have found 'Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom' by Rachel Pollack to be an informative and enjoyable study of the traditional Tarot. And for total beginners 'Learning the Tarot' by Joan Bunning an excellent start.