i enjoyed your essay MWB, and while i have had a Tarot deck since i was 17, you suggest some new ideas, thanks for sharing. I wish there was more discussion of Tarot in the Craft, it is one key that can unlock many symbols in our system.
I think that it is something that a great many Masons are interested in, but which very few talk about. Perhaps this little post can lead to some positive change in that direction.
Oct 10, 2022·edited Oct 10, 2022Liked by Cameron M. Bailey
Would it be safe to assume that Astrology can be processed or experienced in the same way you recommend for Tarot Cards? Wikilink = https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarot
I think so, but I must defer to others who know much more about astrology than I do. I'm afraid that other than hearing a couple of lectures, and a tiny bit of reading, I know very little about astrology, and its connections to our Craft.
I might suggest that you check out the books of Jamie Paul Lamb on the subject:
I read something a while back that stuck with me and maybe it helps. You’re probably familiar with the principle of as above so below yeah? So the two directions of that are also the macro and the micro. Astrology is the macro exploration of the universe and alchemy the micro. Or put another way, alchemy is the system by which you refine yourself and the smaller world and astrology was meant as the other direction, your place in the universe and relation to it.
MW, thank you for a very interesting read. I recall reading your previous forays into the Tarot and enjoying them. I find the idea of using Tarot to open up my Masonic journey to be very interesting. Could you suggest a few books on Tarot. Thank you for your thought provoking essays and topics of discussion. They keep me connected to my Washington Masonic roots.
Thank you Brother. I hope that this was better than my previous attempts. There is much that could be filled in, but I think this one covered all of the bases.
I'm very pleased to recommend some books.
Assuming that you are going to be using one of the versions of the Rider-Waite-Smith, or a deck based on its symbolism I'd recommend the following:
The Pictorial Key To The Tarot by AE Waite. This is the book by the man who drove the creation of the most widely used deck. A lot of folks don't like his writing style, but call me odd, I rather enjoy it. In any event, it is the source so to speak:
I really enjoy an earlier work The Tarot Of The Bohemians. It isn't specific to this deck, but it doesn't need to be. In the public domain, it can be read online, or if you prefer, Amazon does sell hard copies:
Complete Book Of The Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot. In my view, this gives a very good overview, no matter what your specific interests might be at any given time. Don't feel like it has to be read front to back, it is well suited to jumping around as questions come up or rabbit holes change:
I'd recommend 'standard' size, and I like both the plain old Rider-Waite and the Smith-Waite Centennial. The only real difference is that the second has more muted coloring.
Tarot Arts is a good place to buy from in my experience.
When you are done with those, Tarot Spells is an interesting primer you can use to take the work further. Its got plenty of new-age woo-woo, so you may want to do a good bit of separating the wheat from the chaff as you read, but there are gems in there.
If you wanted to work with that deck, I would recommend Crowley's own book about it, and Don Milo Duquette Understanding Aleister Crowley's Thoth Tarot. Both available from Amazon.
My wife has used Tarot cards for some time for inspiration for writing her novels. I am planning to follow up with "pick a card" in Lodge. I will hold up the deck in a fan like pattern an choose a brother to "pick a card". Then I will read the suggesting meaning of that card and then open up a discussion on how that meaning relates to anyone's past experiences, present situation or future plans. Not only will this help us to get to know each other a little better but will demonstrate how they might be used in everyday situations. My wife enjoyed reading your essay on the subject and she has one of the decks you mentioned.
I'm glad that your wife enjoyed the essay, and I think your plan for picking a card in Lodge sounds like a lot of fun! And as you say, a good way for us to get to know our Brothers a bit better.
I do not forget how much fun we had years ago when the Lodge went camping and we declared Bro. Kkyle 'The Redneck Swami.' I'm not sure that his Tarot readings were very accurate (as I recall, we were all going to die in some of the most horrible ways imaginable) but we sure had a wonderful time, and friendships certainly grew!
Incredible clever, balanced and useful essay about Tarot, well done brother. I would only feel the urge to ask you to add a paragraph, between De Gebelin and Waite, introducing several Masons that built the history of the esoteric Tarot, starting with Etteilla and mentioning Wirth and Papus, authors of the very first decks intended for divination (the former) and of remarkable books dedicated to this matter (the latest)
Thank you Brother. I appreciate your very kind words. I did, while writing the essay, realize that I had a large gap in the history of Masonic involvement, but was trying to keep things short for a Masonic rather than a Tarotist audience. I guess what I'm saying is that I was trying to not let my interest in Tarot to overwhelm the Masons here who are not interested in it.
I've written a couple more essays about Tarot, but have placed them elsewhere than on Emeth in an attempt to solve that concern.
But, I think you are right, I should have fleshed out the history a bit further. Indeed, while Papus was not the first author I read concerning Tarot, his Tarot Of The Bohemians was the book that truly sparked my interest, an interest that has continued for decades now.
Alas, I've been thinking recently that I need to read Tarot Of The Bohemians again, but I'll have to snag another copy. Mine was 'borrowed' some years ago, along with a number of other Tarot books, by one of the daughters. As you can imagine, I've not seen it since. ;-)
Very useful essay that taught me some things, thank you MW. Might I humbly suggest that things like this are part of the antidote to what ails the fraternity. It's not that everyone needs to get into Tarot. It's the exploration of topics with deeper meaning that fills the "meaning void" in a lot of people these days. If Tarot isn't there thing that is well and truly fine, but having the space to explore such topics and try on such ideas is certain to be mind-expanding to many new master masons, who didn't get into the craft for the green beans, as delicious as they might be.
I am presently working with a catechism candidate who is hungry for this sort of thing and I'll be sharing it with him. We've discussed how one of his tasks (not everybodys but perhaps his) is to find the subset of brothers within the craft that share his interests, to deepen his exploration of what brings him meaning in Masonry. You clearly show yourself to be one of that sort. I understand your hesitance to share some of these ideas, I just want you to understand on the other side that it's helpful and ought be considered a mark of distinction in the right circles.
First off thank you for that, it was a great read and it helped put some things into words I don’t always have. On the topic of why are masons reluctant to talk about these things; I can only draw on my own experiences. Firstly I think tarot gets a bad rap because of charlatans and fortune tellers and as such people tend towards ignoring it or dismissing it outright. For my part I try to remind people that most of masonry was kept secret because of vulgar people; the kinds of people that would turn something meant for self improvement into something to gain profit or power over others, are exactly the reason these things have bad connotations as well as require guidance and teaching. In short it’s why this knowledge is considered occult.
This really applies to everything that people know as the occult. Masonry is designed to enable mentorship and guidance, something that I constantly remind myself of when brothers seek my council. A sacred duty to do what’s right and do my best by them. Tarot doesn’t tell your fortune, it’s a tool box for understanding your own mind, inclinations, potential outcomes, hidden meanings and more. The more I’ve studied the symbolism and framework of tarot and the tree of life I have found it to be a mirror world of my own mind and making, and like you said ‘know thyself’.
So I would pontificate that many masons who have an interest in tarot or other aspects of esoterica often find themselves afraid that they may not have the ammunition or inclination to try and explain themselves or their ideas without straying into “the Ugga bugga”, and that most especially in this country, Christianity and Faith practiced by many people here isn’t that far off from the witch trials.
However it isn’t just the rigid Christian cults of America that are the only source of trouble, there is also the cult of extreme rationalism which cannot accept or make room for anything that isn’t clearly and purposefully defined.
Secondly I think it also has a lot to do with how those of us who understand the symbolism realize that you need to let a person do their own work with the symbolism lest you taint their world view and outcome. This is why the mysteries are taught in symbolism and it’s why you need a guide, it’s also why it’s so powerful and universal. It is also why it’s dangerous, because vulgar people who desire nothing more than power over others can use it as a vehicle to further those goals or it could be a road to self delusion if not kept within due bounds.
Also I have read and agree with many authors that if you really want to get the most from tarot you should learn the symbolism using a blank set, that is make or buy a simple blank set of cards with nothing more than the name of the card on it. Use them as flash cards to learn the meanings of each in their simplified form. Then after you can identify each at the drop of a hat, then you should go back and think about the meaning of each and draw or paint your own set. This is in large part the reason there are so many sets. It demonstrates mastery of the material. I’m currently in the process of this myself. Also a reminder that your skill in art shouldn’t be a hindrance to this work, it doesn’t matter if your painting is crude. The process and symbolism is all that matters.
Very interesting, thank you MW.
I'm glad you liked it!
i enjoyed your essay MWB, and while i have had a Tarot deck since i was 17, you suggest some new ideas, thanks for sharing. I wish there was more discussion of Tarot in the Craft, it is one key that can unlock many symbols in our system.
I think that it is something that a great many Masons are interested in, but which very few talk about. Perhaps this little post can lead to some positive change in that direction.
Wonderful read! Thank you so much for this in depth history. Mind blown!!!!
Thank you. I'm glad that you found value in it. Plus it was great seeing you on Rummer & Grapes this evening!
Would it be safe to assume that Astrology can be processed or experienced in the same way you recommend for Tarot Cards? Wikilink = https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarot
Br. George Brooks, Tampa, FL
I think so, but I must defer to others who know much more about astrology than I do. I'm afraid that other than hearing a couple of lectures, and a tiny bit of reading, I know very little about astrology, and its connections to our Craft.
I might suggest that you check out the books of Jamie Paul Lamb on the subject:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=jaime+paul+lamb&i=stripbooks&crid=3GMZVECU83SM4&sprefix=jaime+paul+lamb%2Cstripbooks%2C126&ref=nb_sb_noss_1
He is extremely knowledgeable about astrology and the Craft.
I read something a while back that stuck with me and maybe it helps. You’re probably familiar with the principle of as above so below yeah? So the two directions of that are also the macro and the micro. Astrology is the macro exploration of the universe and alchemy the micro. Or put another way, alchemy is the system by which you refine yourself and the smaller world and astrology was meant as the other direction, your place in the universe and relation to it.
MW, thank you for a very interesting read. I recall reading your previous forays into the Tarot and enjoying them. I find the idea of using Tarot to open up my Masonic journey to be very interesting. Could you suggest a few books on Tarot. Thank you for your thought provoking essays and topics of discussion. They keep me connected to my Washington Masonic roots.
Thank you Brother. I hope that this was better than my previous attempts. There is much that could be filled in, but I think this one covered all of the bases.
I'm very pleased to recommend some books.
Assuming that you are going to be using one of the versions of the Rider-Waite-Smith, or a deck based on its symbolism I'd recommend the following:
The Pictorial Key To The Tarot by AE Waite. This is the book by the man who drove the creation of the most widely used deck. A lot of folks don't like his writing style, but call me odd, I rather enjoy it. In any event, it is the source so to speak:
https://tarotarts.com/collections/books/products/the-pictorial-key-to-the-tarot-book
I really enjoy an earlier work The Tarot Of The Bohemians. It isn't specific to this deck, but it doesn't need to be. In the public domain, it can be read online, or if you prefer, Amazon does sell hard copies:
https://www.sacred-texts.com/tarot/tob/index.htm
Complete Book Of The Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot. In my view, this gives a very good overview, no matter what your specific interests might be at any given time. Don't feel like it has to be read front to back, it is well suited to jumping around as questions come up or rabbit holes change:
https://tarotarts.com/collections/books/products/llewellyns-complete-book-of-the-rider-waite-smith-tarot
Of course you'll need a deck too:
https://tarotarts.com/pages/rider-waite-smith
I'd recommend 'standard' size, and I like both the plain old Rider-Waite and the Smith-Waite Centennial. The only real difference is that the second has more muted coloring.
Tarot Arts is a good place to buy from in my experience.
When you are done with those, Tarot Spells is an interesting primer you can use to take the work further. Its got plenty of new-age woo-woo, so you may want to do a good bit of separating the wheat from the chaff as you read, but there are gems in there.
https://www.amazon.com/Tarot-Spells-Llewellyns-New-Age/dp/0875426700
In my view the most beautiful deck is Crowley's Thoth, although I've never worked well with it. I do adore the imagery though:
https://tarotarts.com/products/crowley-thoth-tarot-deck-large?_pos=2&_sid=191058698&_ss=r
If you wanted to work with that deck, I would recommend Crowley's own book about it, and Don Milo Duquette Understanding Aleister Crowley's Thoth Tarot. Both available from Amazon.
Finally how about a video from Jaime Paul Lamb:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2qNe2RBC3Q
My wife has used Tarot cards for some time for inspiration for writing her novels. I am planning to follow up with "pick a card" in Lodge. I will hold up the deck in a fan like pattern an choose a brother to "pick a card". Then I will read the suggesting meaning of that card and then open up a discussion on how that meaning relates to anyone's past experiences, present situation or future plans. Not only will this help us to get to know each other a little better but will demonstrate how they might be used in everyday situations. My wife enjoyed reading your essay on the subject and she has one of the decks you mentioned.
I'm glad that your wife enjoyed the essay, and I think your plan for picking a card in Lodge sounds like a lot of fun! And as you say, a good way for us to get to know our Brothers a bit better.
I do not forget how much fun we had years ago when the Lodge went camping and we declared Bro. Kkyle 'The Redneck Swami.' I'm not sure that his Tarot readings were very accurate (as I recall, we were all going to die in some of the most horrible ways imaginable) but we sure had a wonderful time, and friendships certainly grew!
Incredible clever, balanced and useful essay about Tarot, well done brother. I would only feel the urge to ask you to add a paragraph, between De Gebelin and Waite, introducing several Masons that built the history of the esoteric Tarot, starting with Etteilla and mentioning Wirth and Papus, authors of the very first decks intended for divination (the former) and of remarkable books dedicated to this matter (the latest)
Thank you Brother. I appreciate your very kind words. I did, while writing the essay, realize that I had a large gap in the history of Masonic involvement, but was trying to keep things short for a Masonic rather than a Tarotist audience. I guess what I'm saying is that I was trying to not let my interest in Tarot to overwhelm the Masons here who are not interested in it.
I've written a couple more essays about Tarot, but have placed them elsewhere than on Emeth in an attempt to solve that concern.
But, I think you are right, I should have fleshed out the history a bit further. Indeed, while Papus was not the first author I read concerning Tarot, his Tarot Of The Bohemians was the book that truly sparked my interest, an interest that has continued for decades now.
Alas, I've been thinking recently that I need to read Tarot Of The Bohemians again, but I'll have to snag another copy. Mine was 'borrowed' some years ago, along with a number of other Tarot books, by one of the daughters. As you can imagine, I've not seen it since. ;-)
Very useful essay that taught me some things, thank you MW. Might I humbly suggest that things like this are part of the antidote to what ails the fraternity. It's not that everyone needs to get into Tarot. It's the exploration of topics with deeper meaning that fills the "meaning void" in a lot of people these days. If Tarot isn't there thing that is well and truly fine, but having the space to explore such topics and try on such ideas is certain to be mind-expanding to many new master masons, who didn't get into the craft for the green beans, as delicious as they might be.
I am presently working with a catechism candidate who is hungry for this sort of thing and I'll be sharing it with him. We've discussed how one of his tasks (not everybodys but perhaps his) is to find the subset of brothers within the craft that share his interests, to deepen his exploration of what brings him meaning in Masonry. You clearly show yourself to be one of that sort. I understand your hesitance to share some of these ideas, I just want you to understand on the other side that it's helpful and ought be considered a mark of distinction in the right circles.
First off thank you for that, it was a great read and it helped put some things into words I don’t always have. On the topic of why are masons reluctant to talk about these things; I can only draw on my own experiences. Firstly I think tarot gets a bad rap because of charlatans and fortune tellers and as such people tend towards ignoring it or dismissing it outright. For my part I try to remind people that most of masonry was kept secret because of vulgar people; the kinds of people that would turn something meant for self improvement into something to gain profit or power over others, are exactly the reason these things have bad connotations as well as require guidance and teaching. In short it’s why this knowledge is considered occult.
This really applies to everything that people know as the occult. Masonry is designed to enable mentorship and guidance, something that I constantly remind myself of when brothers seek my council. A sacred duty to do what’s right and do my best by them. Tarot doesn’t tell your fortune, it’s a tool box for understanding your own mind, inclinations, potential outcomes, hidden meanings and more. The more I’ve studied the symbolism and framework of tarot and the tree of life I have found it to be a mirror world of my own mind and making, and like you said ‘know thyself’.
So I would pontificate that many masons who have an interest in tarot or other aspects of esoterica often find themselves afraid that they may not have the ammunition or inclination to try and explain themselves or their ideas without straying into “the Ugga bugga”, and that most especially in this country, Christianity and Faith practiced by many people here isn’t that far off from the witch trials.
However it isn’t just the rigid Christian cults of America that are the only source of trouble, there is also the cult of extreme rationalism which cannot accept or make room for anything that isn’t clearly and purposefully defined.
Secondly I think it also has a lot to do with how those of us who understand the symbolism realize that you need to let a person do their own work with the symbolism lest you taint their world view and outcome. This is why the mysteries are taught in symbolism and it’s why you need a guide, it’s also why it’s so powerful and universal. It is also why it’s dangerous, because vulgar people who desire nothing more than power over others can use it as a vehicle to further those goals or it could be a road to self delusion if not kept within due bounds.
Also I have read and agree with many authors that if you really want to get the most from tarot you should learn the symbolism using a blank set, that is make or buy a simple blank set of cards with nothing more than the name of the card on it. Use them as flash cards to learn the meanings of each in their simplified form. Then after you can identify each at the drop of a hat, then you should go back and think about the meaning of each and draw or paint your own set. This is in large part the reason there are so many sets. It demonstrates mastery of the material. I’m currently in the process of this myself. Also a reminder that your skill in art shouldn’t be a hindrance to this work, it doesn’t matter if your painting is crude. The process and symbolism is all that matters.