| Specific Tarot readings will be affected by the Tarot | | | | cards of the minor arcana as well as many major |
| card deck you have chosen. Because of this | | | | arcana. In addition to the traditional Latin symbolism |
| fundamental reason, it is important to know and | | | | of the Rider-Waite deck, Crowley introduced ancient |
| understand the differences inherent in different | | | | Egyptian and Chinese symbolism in the Thoth. This |
| decks. While some decks may be popular and others | | | | broadens the mystical tradition which the cards draw |
| obscure, all hold power and insight. Knowledge is | | | | upon, and enable more people to connect with them |
| always important, and knowing the fundamentals | | | | personally. The Thoth deck also has an authoritative |
| about the Tarot decks which are out there will help | | | | text by Crowley which explains the meanings of the |
| you interpret your reading. | | | | cards - the Book of Thoth. |
| The Rider-Waite Tarot Deck | | | | Hermetic Tarot Decks |
| The Rider-Waite Tarot deck is one of the most | | | | The Hermetic tradition differs from the previous two |
| popular decks in the Americas. This deck was initially | | | | in that it seeks to use the Tarot cards to explore |
| published in 1909 by the Rider company. The | | | | hidden truths buried within the subconscious and the |
| visionary behind the cards was Arthur Edward Waite. | | | | imagination. The Hermetic deck uses the archetypes |
| He took the popularized Tarot de Marseille from | | | | within each Tarot to draw upon ancient and modern |
| France and, with the help of the talented illustrator | | | | knowledge to do so. |
| Pamela Colman Smith, enhanced their symbolism and | | | | Oracle Tarot Decks |
| meaning through colorful illustrations. This deck is | | | | These are more modern Tarot incarnations which |
| comprised of 78 cards with four suits of minor | | | | draw upon other sources of mysticism for their |
| arcana as well as the classic major arcana, and is the | | | | symbolism and occult power. This includes use of |
| foundation from which many recent variations have | | | | power animals, angels, Greek gods and goddesses, |
| been modeled. The Rider-Waite deck is iconic and has | | | | etc. |
| led to many interpretations including Eden Gray's | | | | Pop Culture Decks |
| story of the Fool's Journey. | | | | The latest version of Tarot cards is merely a spin on |
| The Thoth Tarot Deck | | | | one of the more established traditions. These decks |
| The other major Tarot deck in the Americas is the | | | | simply replace the illustrations of Rider-Waite or |
| Thoth deck, which was the product of Aleister | | | | Thoth cards with images from pop culture like comic |
| Crowley's efforts in the middle of the twentieth | | | | book heroes or heroines. This may appeal to a |
| century. This deck differs from the Rider-Waite in a | | | | broader audience, but removes much of the thought |
| variety of ways. For one, the names of many of the | | | | and symbolism which mystics like Waite and Crowley |
| cards have been changed. This includes the court | | | | put into their work. |