Even though I am not a big fan of Crowley or the Thoth deck, I couldn't help but find this deck creators insight a bit interesting. For most folks, either you connect with the Thoth and Thoth clones, or you don't. Even if you don't, it's interesting to peek in every once in a while to look at the contrast and consider the significance.
The creator of the Bifrost Tarot, Jeremy Lampkin, seems to be deeply influenced and inspired by Crowley. Lampkin says, "It is not my place to judge, but only to reflect this sphere of influence. Many important occultists or discoveries have come forth since Crowley's time......His presence has altered the course of history in ways we can not yet fully comprehend."
So take a minute to think about it and share your thoughts. What does the differences between the RWS and Thoth really mean to you? Why do you prefer one to the other? Or, do you find enlightment in both?
My feelings on the Book of Thoth were "I like it, but I don't get it" for the longest time. I've tried reading with it, but got nowhere. Part of the problem was that illustrated Minors are easier because they show me what's going on, while the more abstact Thoth cards did not speak to me at all. But after reading about Crowley (he does not offend me) and some books about the Thoth cards, I began to appreciate the cards more.
And then the other day, (oddly after finishing reading "Jesus and the Lost Goddess" by Timothy Freke and Peter Gandy, and wanting something "Gnosticish" or anything close) I tried the Thoth cards again, and shockingly enough, they "spoke" to me. First time ever. I guess I just was not ready for them yet, or I just needed a change of thought. (Or maybe all my practicing just payed off.) I guess I will keep on working with the cards and see what becomes of it.
Posted by: Erin | July 18, 2007 at 11:19 PM
After the RWS deck, The Thoth is the deck I most intensely worked with. (Long before I knew of any controversy swirling around Crowley. Which, IMHO, I think is beside the point. A tool is simply that, a tool. It depends on the user, not the maker.) Some part of my mind is still, after over 30 years of infrequent use, very tuned to its images. I return to it as to a familiar old lake to take a dip in, that is refreshing and leaves me ready to move on....
I rarely read with the RWS, though it's images act for me in my thinking as the Tarot's "traditional" ones. The Thoth images are fabulous (and for me familiar) art. I find both RWS and Thoth images helpful and enlightening.
Posted by: Patricia (a/k/a Roswila) | July 19, 2007 at 02:43 PM