Thoth, or Djehuty, dazzles in ancient Egyptian mythology as the god of wisdom, writing, magic, and the moon. With the head of an ibis or baboon, he personifies knowledge and communication. As the heart and tongue of Ra, the sun god, Thoth is vital in upholding cosmic order and balance.

Key Symbols Associated with Thoth

The symbolism surrounding Thoth is extensive. Here are some primary symbols associated with him:

The Book of Thoth by Aleister Crowley

Aleister Crowley’s Egyptian tarot deck, illustrated by Lady Frieda Harris, dazzles with its esoteric art and wisdom. Each of the 78 cards bursts with vibrant imagery, weaving ancient archetypes, occult insights, and raw human truths. This deck is a thrilling journey for tarot enthusiasts, igniting and elevating your practice. Unlike the familiar Rider-Waite, the Thoth deck is a daring, intricate system that challenges you to explore its depths. Crowley’s blend of occult philosophy, Egyptian imagery, and Qabalistic concepts saturates each card with profound meaning, while Harris’s vivid artwork turns every card into a captivating puzzle. Dive deep and awaken your inner wisdom with this extraordinary deck.

The Heart of Thoth’s Imagery

The Thoth deck draws from deep esoteric traditions, inviting anyone to connect with its vivid symbols. Each card weaves a compelling narrative, creating a powerful tapestry. Here are some key elements and their evocative magic:

• Crescent Moon: Seen in cards like The High Priestess or The Moon, it hints at intuition, cycles, and the pull of the subconscious. It’s a quiet call to trust what lies beneath the surface.
• Serpents: Winding through The Magus or The Aeon, they embody transformation, primal energy, and hidden wisdom—like a spark that drives change.
• Scales: In Adjustment (the Thoth version of Justice), scales stand for balance, truth, and the weight of choices, perfect for moments when fairness matters most.
• Geometric Patterns: Spirals, pentagrams, and grids appear across the deck, linking the cards to cosmic order and grounding the mystical in structure.

These elements aren’t just decoration; they’re the deck’s language. When The Fool leaps across a canvas of green spirals and golden flames, it’s not just a new beginning; it’s the raw, chaotic energy of creation calling you to take a risk.

“The cards are a map of the soul and the stars; each image unlocks a piece of both.” —Aleister Crowley

Spotlight on Key Cards

The Thoth deck’s 78 cards form a universe of meaning, but let’s focus on a few to see how their imagery comes alive:

• The Fool: A burst of green and gold, with a carefree figure teetering on a cliff. It’s the thrill of new beginnings, the courage to leap, and the chaos of possibility. The crocodile lurking below? A reminder that freedom comes with risks.
• The Magus: Electric with energy, this card shows a winged figure juggling tools amid serpents and Mercury’s glow. It’s about harnessing your will, mastering words, and turning ideas into reality.
• The High Priestess: Draped in lunar blues, she holds a bow and arrow, guarding the mysteries of intuition. Her serene presence urges you to listen to your inner voice.
• Adjustment: This card, with its scales and sword, commands balance and accountability. Its sharp lines and perfect symmetry demand clarity in tough decisions.

Every card in the Thoth deck connects the mundane with the mystical, transforming it into a potent tool for deep reflection and discovery.

Book of Thoth Card Meanings

Index of extended card meanings from The Book of Thoth by Aleister Crowley; click the cards below to explore.

Major Arcana

Minor Arcana

Pip Cards

	W	C	S	P
Ace
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Court Cards

	W	C	S	D
Princess
Prince
Queen
Knight

Making the Thoth Deck Your Own

You don’t need to be an occult expert to work with the Thoth deck, just an open mind and a curious heart. Here’s how to bring its imagery into your tarot practice:

• Linger on the Art: When you draw a card, soak in its details. What do the colours or shapes stir in you? Let the imagery guide you before checking a guidebook.
• Keep a Tarot Journal: Capture what each card’s symbols mean to you. Soon, you’ll craft a personalised map of the deck’s secrets.
• Meditate with a Card: Draw a card each day, like The Aeon, and immerse yourself in its imagery. Let its energy guide your thoughts and decisions.
• Play with Spreads: Lay out a three-card spread—past, present, future—and watch the symbols come alive. The Thoth deck truly dazzles when its cards converse.

Watch Out: Don’t get lost in decoding every detail like it’s a puzzle to solve. The Thoth deck balances intuition and intellect; let the cards’ energy flow naturally.

Why the Thoth Deck Resonates

The Book of Thoth isn’t just a deck; it’s a gateway to the mind’s mysteries and the universe’s secrets. Each card bursts with vivid imagery and profound meaning, revealing insights from fleeting emotions to life’s grand quests. Need clarity or inspiration? The Thoth deck delivers. Crafted by Crowley and Harris, it challenges yet rewards. Not for the timid, but for those who dare, it unveils a treasure trove of wisdom. Shuffle, draw, and let the images speak.

The Role of Thoth in Egyptian Mythology

Thoth, the divine scribe, infuses order into the cosmos and chronicles the deeds of the dead. Creator of hieroglyphics and guardian of scholars, his wisdom spans science, mathematics, and magic, crafting a rich tapestry of knowledge. Credited with devising the 365-day calendar, Thoth’s grasp of time and cycles anchored Egyptian society and revolutionised agriculture.

Thoth’s Influence Across Cultures

Thoth’s influence extends beyond Egyptian mythology, shaping diverse cultures and spiritual traditions. Here’s how Thoth’s attributes compare to similar deities worldwide: