The mystical world of tarot is vast and filled with a variety of decks, each offering its unique perspective on life’s journey. The Hermetic Tarot and Thoth Tarot are two prominent decks that have captured the attention of tarot enthusiasts worldwide. This article delves into the intricacies of Hermetic Tarot vs Thoth Tarot, exploring their origins, key differences and similarities, pros and cons, and situations where one deck may be better suited than the other. With this knowledge, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right path for your tarot journey.
Who is Hermetic Tarot and who is Thoth Tarot?
The Hermetic Tarot is a black and white deck inspired by the esoteric traditions of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a late 19th-century secret society that explored occultism and spiritualism. This deck was created by Godfrey Dowson in the late 20th century and is known for its intricate symbolism, astrological associations, and Kabbalistic references.
Thoth Tarot, on the other hand, is a colorful and captivating deck created by Aleister Crowley, a prominent member of the Golden Dawn, and illustrated by Lady Frieda Harris. This deck was developed over several years and completed in 1943. It is deeply rooted in Crowley’s unique system of Thelema and incorporates elements of astrology, alchemy, Kabbalah, and Egyptian mythology.
Key differences between Hermetic Tarot and Thoth Tarot
- Artwork and Aesthetics: The Hermetic Tarot features black and white illustrations, with intricate and detailed line work that creates a sense of depth and mystique. In contrast, the Thoth Tarot is characterized by its bold colors, abstract shapes, and surrealistic imagery, making it visually striking and more accessible to modern sensibilities.
- Number of Cards: The Hermetic Tarot follows the traditional 78-card structure found in most tarot decks, whereas the Thoth Tarot has 80 cards, with three versions of the Magus (or Magician) card and an additional card called the Aeon, which replaces the traditional Judgment card.
- Card Names and Associations: The Hermetic Tarot uses traditional tarot card names and associations for the most part, while the Thoth Tarot has some significant changes in card names and their meanings, reflecting Crowley’s unique interpretation and system.
- Divinatory Meanings: The Hermetic Tarot’s divinatory meanings are heavily influenced by the teachings of the Golden Dawn and can be considered more traditional in nature. In contrast, the Thoth Tarot’s meanings are derived from Crowley’s Thelema and often take on a more psychological and transformative tone.
- Complexity of Symbolism: The Hermetic Tarot is dense with esoteric symbolism, including astrological, alchemical, and Kabbalistic references that require in-depth study to fully comprehend. The Thoth Tarot, while also rich in symbolism, is more visually intuitive and can be easier to read for some people.
Key similarities between Hermetic Tarot and Thoth Tarot
- Golden Dawn Influence: Both decks are heavily influenced by the teachings and esoteric knowledge of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, making them ideal choices for those interested in exploring the deeper aspects of tarot and occultism.
- Astrological Correspondences: Both decks incorporate astrological correspondences into their card meanings and symbolism, providing an additional layer of interpretation for readers familiar with astrology.
- Kabbalistic Elements: The Hermetic Tarot and Thoth Tarot both integrate Kabbalistic elements, such as the Tree of Life, and the connections between the tarot and the Hebrew alphabet. This shared foundation offers a more profound understanding of the tarot for those well-versed in Kabbalistic teachings.
- Complex Symbolism: While the specific symbols may differ, both decks are known for their complex and multi-layered symbolism. Studying and understanding the symbolism in both decks requires dedication and a willingness to delve into esoteric knowledge.
- Divinatory System: Both the Hermetic Tarot and the Thoth Tarot utilize a divinatory system that goes beyond simple fortune-telling. They encourage a more introspective approach to self-discovery and personal growth through the exploration of the unconscious mind and spiritual realms.
Pros of Hermetic Tarot over Thoth Tarot
- Traditional Structure: The Hermetic Tarot adheres more closely to the traditional tarot structure, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a classic approach or are just starting their tarot journey.
- Intricate Artwork: The black and white, detailed line work in the Hermetic Tarot appeals to those who appreciate intricate artwork and the sense of depth it provides.
- Deep Esoteric Symbolism: The Hermetic Tarot is ideal for individuals interested in studying the esoteric connections between tarot, astrology, alchemy, and Kabbalah, as it is densely packed with relevant symbols and references.
- Strong Golden Dawn Roots: For those drawn to the teachings of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, the Hermetic Tarot is a faithful representation of the order’s tarot system and can serve as a valuable tool for deepening one’s understanding of the group’s philosophy.
- Accessible Card Meanings: While still requiring study, the divinatory meanings of the Hermetic Tarot are more traditional and can be more easily grasped by those with a basic knowledge of tarot.
Cons of Hermetic Tarot compared to Thoth Tarot
- Limited Visual Appeal: The black and white artwork of the Hermetic Tarot may not be as visually engaging or appealing to some readers as the vibrant colors and abstract imagery found in the Thoth Tarot.
- Steep Learning Curve: The dense symbolism and esoteric references in the Hermetic Tarot can make it challenging for beginners to read and interpret the cards without extensive study.
- Less Psychological Depth: Compared to the Thoth Tarot, the Hermetic Tarot’s divinatory meanings may not delve as deeply into psychological and transformative themes, which some readers may find limiting.
- Less Flexibility: The Hermetic Tarot’s adherence to traditional tarot structure and meanings may make it less flexible and adaptable to individual interpretations or personal systems.
Pros of Thoth Tarot over Hermetic Tarot
- Striking Visuals: The Thoth Tarot’s vibrant colors, abstract shapes, and surrealistic imagery make it a visually engaging and memorable deck, which can be more appealing to some readers.
- Unique System: The Thoth Tarot’s distinct system, incorporating elements of Crowley’s Thelema, offers a fresh and alternative perspective on tarot, which can be enriching and inspiring for those seeking new insights.
- Psychological Depth: The Thoth Tarot’s divinatory meanings delve deeply into psychological and transformative themes, making it an excellent tool for self-discovery and personal growth.
- Intuitive Reading: While still rich in symbolism, the Thoth Tarot’s imagery can be more visually intuitive, allowing for a more fluid and spontaneous reading experience, even for those less familiar with the deck’s specific symbols and references.
- Adaptability: The Thoth Tarot’s unique system and non-traditional card meanings allow for greater flexibility and adaptability, enabling readers to develop their personal interpretations and approaches to reading the cards.
Cons of Thoth Tarot compared to Hermetic Tarot
- Non-Traditional Structure: The Thoth Tarot’s deviations from traditional tarot structure, such as the additional cards and altered card names, may be confusing or off-putting for some readers, particularly those new to tarot.
- Controversial Creator: Aleister Crowley, the creator of the Thoth Tarot, is a controversial figure in the world of occultism. Some individuals may feel uncomfortable using a deck created by him due to his reputation.
- Less Accessible Symbolism: Although more visually intuitive, the Thoth Tarot’s unique symbolism and system can still be challenging to understand without in-depth study, making it less accessible to some readers.
- Less Focus on Esoteric Connections: While still incorporating elements of Kabbalah and astrology, the Thoth Tarot places less emphasis on traditional esoteric connections, which may be a drawback for those interested in exploring these aspects of tarot in depth.
Situations when Hermetic Tarot is better than Thoth Tarot
- Traditional Tarot Study: The Hermetic Tarot is an excellent choice for individuals interested in studying traditional tarot systems and the esoteric connections between tarot, astrology, alchemy, and Kabbalah.
- Golden Dawn Enthusiasts: For those passionate about the teachings of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, the Hermetic Tarot offers a faithful representation of the order’s tarot system and serves as a valuable learning tool.
- Beginners Seeking a Classic Approach: The Hermetic Tarot’s adherence to traditional tarot structure and meanings makes it a suitable starting point for beginners who prefer a more classic approach to tarot.
- Spiritual and Occult Exploration: Individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of spiritual and occult practices may find the Hermetic Tarot’s rich symbolism and esoteric references particularly rewarding.
Situations when Thoth Tarot is better than Hermetic Tarot
- Alternative Tarot Systems: The Thoth Tarot is ideal for those interested in exploring alternative tarot systems and perspectives, particularly those based on Crowley’s Thelema.
- Psychological and Transformative Readings: For readers seeking a deeper exploration of psychological and transformative themes, the Thoth Tarot’s unique divinatory meanings offer an engaging and introspective approach.
- Artistic Appeal: Individuals who are drawn to vibrant colors, abstract shapes, and surrealistic imagery may find the Thoth Tarot more visually appealing and engaging than the Hermetic Tarot.
- Intuitive Reading Style: The Thoth Tarot’s visually intuitive imagery allows for a more fluid and spontaneous reading experience, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a less structured and more intuitive approach to tarot reading.
Hermetic Tarot vs Thoth Tarot Summary
The journey of choosing between the Hermetic Tarot and Thoth Tarot is a deeply personal one, as both decks offer unique insights, experiences, and opportunities for growth. By considering their origins, key differences, and similarities, along with their respective pros and cons, you can make a more informed decision about which deck resonates most with your tarot journey. Ultimately, the right path is the one that feels true to your intuition and aligns with your spiritual and personal growth aspirations.
| Aspect/Feature | Hermetic Tarot | Thoth Tarot |
|---|---|---|
| Artwork and Aesthetics | Black and white illustrations, intricate and detailed line work | Bold colors, abstract shapes, surrealistic imagery |
| Number of Cards | Traditional 78-card structure | 80 cards (includes three versions of the Magus card and an additional Aeon card) |
| Card Names and Associations | Traditional tarot card names and associations | Significant changes in card names and meanings |
| Divinatory Meanings | Influenced by the teachings of the Golden Dawn, more traditional | Derived from Crowley’s Thelema, more psychological and transformative |
| Complexity of Symbolism | Dense with esoteric symbolism (astrological, alchemical, Kabbalistic) | Rich in symbolism, more visually intuitive |
| Pros | Traditional structure, intricate artwork, deep esoteric symbolism, strong Golden Dawn roots, accessible card meanings | Striking visuals, unique system, psychological depth, intuitive reading, adaptability |
| Cons | Limited visual appeal, steep learning curve, less psychological depth, less flexibility | Non-traditional structure, controversial creator, less accessible symbolism, less focus on esoteric connections |
| Ideal Situations | Traditional tarot study, Golden Dawn enthusiasts, beginners seeking a classic approach, spiritual and occult exploration | Alternative tarot systems, psychological and transformative readings, artistic appeal, intuitive reading style |
