British occultist, author, and ceremonial magician Aleister Crowley lived from 1875 to 1947. He has been called “The Great Beast” and “The Wickedest Man in the World” and is widely regarded as a divisive figure in the occult community. Incorporating tarot cards into his magickal practice, Crowley was profoundly influenced by their use.
Crowley’s fascination with tarot cards developed at a young age. He learned about the tarot’s symbolism as a young man from the writings of French occultist Eliphas Levi. Crowley was instantly fascinated by the cards and began to learn everything he could about them.
Crowley thought tarot cards could be used for introspection and development. He believed that one could gain insight into their psyche and subconscious by using the cards. In addition, he thought the cards could be used to contact and receive advice from enlightened beings.
Crowley released the Thoth Tarot, his deck of tarot cards, in 1938. Lady Frieda Harris, a painter and fellow member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, provided the artwork for the deck. Crowley considered the Thoth Tarot the best representation of its symbolism because it encapsulated his life’s work.
The intricate and complex imagery of the Thoth Tarot deck is well-known. There are many hidden meanings and layers of symbolism in each card. Crowley’s magical methodology, called Thelema, was a significant inspiration for the deck. According to the teachings of Thelema, everyone has their own true will that they must find and follow to reach enlightenment.
The 22 Major Arcana cards are a prominent feature of the Thoth Tarot because they represent the archetypal forces that shape the human experience. As a result, these cards are rife with symbolism and allusions to different mythologies and religions, such as those of ancient Egypt and Greece.
His controversial personal life damaged Crowley’s reputation, but he made significant contributions to the tarot community. However, he was notorious for his drug use, hedonism, and ties to the dark arts. As a result, Crowley was accused of being a Satanist and had his teachings and practices roundly condemned by the general public.
It is only possible to study tarot by acknowledging Crowley’s contributions. The Thoth Tarot deck he created is still widely used and highly influential. Occultists and tarot readers worldwide find endless inspiration in the deck’s intricate artwork and wealth of symbolism.
In sum, Aleister Crowley was a divisive figure who advanced the field of tarot research. His Thoth Tarot deck represents his magickal philosophy and faith in the efficacy of symbolism. Crowley’s impact on the development of tarot is undeniable, despite the controversy surrounding his own life. Crowley’s tarot can provide a rich and rewarding experience for those of all levels of experience in the study of magick and symbolism.
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