TAROT

Exploring Different Systems of Tarot

Unveiling the Rider-Waite-Smith System

Understanding the Foundational Symbolism and Structure

The Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) system, named after publisher William Rider, artist Pamela Colman Smith, and guide author A.E. Waite, is perhaps the most widely recognized Tarot system in the world. The groundbreaking deck introduced in 1909 was the first to feature full pictorial scenes on the minor arcana cards, which was not a common practice at that time.

The RWS deck is structured into the Major and Minor Arcana, like all traditional tarot decks. The 22 Major Arcana cards represent life's karmic and spiritual lessons, while the 56 Minor Arcana cards reflect the trials and tribulations that we experience daily. The Minor Arcana is further divided into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles, each representing a different element (Fire, Water, Air, and Earth, respectively).

Analyzing the Iconic Imagery of the Rider-Waite-Smith Cards

What makes the RWS system truly stand out is the richness of its imagery. Every card is filled with symbolic elements designed to assist the reader in interpreting the card's message. Take, for example, the Fool card: The character stepping off a cliff symbolizes a leap of faith and the beginning of a journey, the small dog represents loyalty and protection, and the white rose in his hand stands for purity and innocence.

Mastering the Traditional Meanings and Interpretations

In the RWS system, each card carries a set of traditional meanings. The Sun, for instance, represents vitality, enlightenment, and positivity, while the Ten of Swords usually signifies a painful ending or deep betrayal. However, the beauty of the RWS system is its fluidity—readers are encouraged to develop personal interpretations based on the imagery that speaks to them directly.

Unlocking the Mysteries of the Marseille Tarot

The History and Legacy of the Marseille Deck

The Tarot de Marseille is a traditional tarot system that predates the RWS by centuries. Originating in 15th-century Northern Italy and gaining popularity in France, the Marseille Tarot served as the standard tarot deck for centuries and inspired many other decks.

Interpreting the Bold and Minimalistic Artwork

The Marseille Tarot differs from the RWS in its approach to imagery, especially in the Minor Arcana, which feature suit emblems but lack the detailed scenic illustrations seen in the RWS deck. For example, the Seven of Swords shows seven swords with elaborate designs, but no human figures.

This minimalist style calls on the reader to rely more heavily on numerology, color symbolism, and intuition in their readings. Understanding the cards requires a strong knowledge base and an active imagination.

Embracing the Numerological and Elemental Associations

In the Marseille system, the four suits are associated with the four classical elements, and each number carries significant numerological meaning. For example, cards featuring the number three would connect to concepts of creativity, growth, and social interaction, inspired by the spiritual significance of the number.

Deciphering the Thoth Tarot System

Exploring Aleister Crowley's Vision of Tarot

The Thoth Tarot, created by occultist Aleister Crowley and artist Lady Frieda Harris, is a richly symbolic and complex system. Developed over five years and published posthumously in 1969, this deck incorporates astrological, numerological, and Kabbalistic elements and reflects Crowley's own mystical and philosophical system, Thelema.

Diving into the Complex Symbolism and Esoteric References

The imagery of the Thoth Tarot is intricate and layered with esoteric symbolism. Each card was crafted to represent the cosmic truth according to Crowley's understanding. For example, The Magus card in the Thoth deck is not just a conveyer of power (as in other decks) but also represents the primal will to create, symbolized by the presence of various elemental tools and the winged messenger, Mercury.

Unleashing the Spiritual and Mystical Aspects of Thoth

The Thoth Tarot isn't just a divinatory tool—it's a gateway into deep spiritual exploration. Many of the cards tie into the tenets of Crowley's spiritual path, Thelema, offering spiritual lessons and challenging the reader to delve into self-reflection and introspection.

Using the Thoth system often involves a more comprehensive understanding of Western esoteric traditions, including astrology, the Qabalah, alchemy, and numerology. Therefore, it might not be the best choice for beginners, but it's an enriching system for those looking for a deep dive into esoteric wisdom.

While all three Tarot systems—the Rider-Waite-Smith, Marseille, and Thoth—share a common root, each offers a unique approach to the art of Tarot. By exploring these different systems, you can deepen your understanding of Tarot's rich and diverse tradition, and choose the path that resonates most with your intuitive and interpretative skills. Over time you may even create your own style that is an amalgam of all of the things you like most about the systems that reflects your personal tastes.