I’m sure it can be used for divinatory purposes, but to really exploit it to its full potential you need to know – at theminimum – astrology, elemental dignities,and kabbalah. Not a perfect work by any means, but considering the ambitious scope I'd say it's fairly successful in setting out a compelling school of interpretation, not only of these cards, but also of ourselves and the world around us. Published for the first time with an index and Cardinal Hans Urs von Balthasar’s afterword, this new English publication of Meditations on the Tarot is the landmark edition of one of the most important works of esoteric Christianity. anyone or work of art whose sole function is to tell us who we are, where we are, what we are and how we are to be.

The author unfortunately, if memory serves, defends certain ideas that are incompatible with Christianity, such as reincarnation and universalism, so the faithful Christian should proceed cautiously if he's not ready to objectively encounter such ideas from an odd, apparently Christian source. This subreddit is a community for the discussion of Classical Hermeticism, a religious, philosophical, and esoteric tradition based primarily upon writings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus ("thrice-greatest Hermes"). Godfrey Dowson s subtle black and white designs emphasize the Golden Dawn s astrological attributes with further sephirotic, angelic, geomantic, numerical, and kabbalistic elements.The elemental symbol for air hovers above one shoulder, and the astrological glyph for Uranus* is emerging from the waves crashing over the edge of the cliff. My main recommendation once you put down the book would be to look further into the works of Bergson, as he ended up being quite the influential figure for certain Continental philosophers (especially my all-time favorite, Gilles Deleuze).

I would say they are not for beginners but if you've done tarot for a while and understand other aspects of these workings they will make a wonderful addition to your divination. By the end of the first chapter, "The Magician," I was fairly satisfied with that decision and curious to read more. No matter which deck I pull out, it’s always a pleasure to see how much care and time was spent in the design of it. If you have been seeking the depths that Sunday School, Sunday Sermons, and Best Selling Inspirational Authors just haven't been able to deliver, this is an excellent, foundational start. For a (positive) traditional Catholic assessment of the work and its author: http://corjesusacratissimum.Complex and stark, the black-and-white images are jam-packed with alchemical, astrological and Qabalistic symbols easily recognized by those familiar with those and other esoteric systems. It is magisterial in its scope and has been a continued source of insight, wisdom, and sacred magic. This is the sort of book you read and read, and then your brain is full and needs some time to digest what it's read.

Internally, there are no markings or inscriptions, and the pages within are neat, crisp and complete. The imagery in the Hermetic Tarot facilitates study of the Tree of Life and the Cabalistic perspective. When I got it and started sifting through the cards to connect with the deck… well, let’s just say I wasn’t very impressed. Now revered as a classic, this deck’s black and white artwork by Godfrey Dowson features intricate detailing that highlights the powerful symbolism. Major arcana containing alchemic and kabbalistic references, plus tonnes of minor fine details that you can keep watching them with a magnifying glass and go WOW!It’s deeply rewarding, and beautifully drawn, but it is not for the faint of heart, and I cannot emphasize that fact enough. He’s standing inside a magic circle, surrounded by the elemental signs and the objects of the four suits. While I found the deck dysfunctional when reading mundane inquiries about the prospects of a romantic relationship or whether a promotion will be given at work, the Hermetic Tarot can be consulted when a seeker needs to channel or tap into greater universal life forces for personal empowerment. Most biographical accounts suggest that Edith was a member of the Golden Dawn, but evidence to support this is rarely cited. In October 1887, Westcott claimed to have written to a German countess and prominent Rosicrucian named Anna Sprengel, whose address was said to have been found in the decoded Cipher Manuscripts.