General Book of the Tarot

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

—

Title

General Book of the Tarot

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

A. E. Thierens presents a systematic guide to the Tarot, centering on the correspondence between the seventy-eight cards and astrology. This esoteric text explores the structure of the arcana, offering upright and reversed meanings alongside zodiacal and planetary associations for each card.

Summary up to 500 words

In *The General Book of the Tarot*, A. E. Thierens constructs a comprehensive esoteric framework that links the Major and Minor Arcana to astrological principles. The work begins by surveying the history of Tarot interpretation, contrasting the sober historical facts presented by Court de Gebelin with the visionary, often invented traditions of Éliphas Lévi and Papus. Thierens argues that the Tarot is a cosmic symbolism adapting universal principles to human life, specifically utilizing astrological attributions largely absent in previous literature. The text is divided into two main sections. The first addresses the Doctrine and Significance of the cards. Thierens details the Greater Arcana, associating each Trump with a specific planet and zodiac sign. For instance, The Fool represents Earth and unconsciousness, while The Hanged Man is linked to Jupiter and renewal. He provides unique interpretations, such as viewing The Hanged Man not as a victim but as a symbol of ideals and the generative force of the earth. The World card connects to Neptune, representing the cosmic ocean and the union of macrocosm and microcosm. The second section covers the Lesser Arcana, applying a similar astrological logic to the suits of Wands, Pentacles, Cups, and Swords. Thierens explains the traditional meanings of each card before deriving significance from his astrological theory. He addresses the concept of 'reversed' cards, interpreting them not merely as upside-down images but as the pathological or weaker side of a card's influence. The book concludes with an epilogue affirming the practical utility of this astrological key in divination, asserting that the system works for serious students of the ancient mysteries.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.globalgreyebooks.com/ebooks/a-e-thierens_general-book-of-the-tarot.epub

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Categories

• Occult
• Tarot
• Divination
• Astrology