The Thoth Companion: The Key to the True Symbolic Meaning of the Thoth Tarot [Paperback]

I got this book as I am trying to work with the Thoth tarot more, being a novice at tarot, I wanted a book which would have a good explanation of the Thoth tarot. I've had the Thoth tarot for years, but have never felt connected with it.

This will be a great book for experienced readers of the Thoth deck, and those who are progressing with learning it. But if you're a beginner struggling to learn the Thoth tarot, then I think you'll struggle with this book. The reason is, you need to have some background of the tarot, astrology and kabbalah first.

However I do think it's a really good book, and I have put it away until the time I feel ready to pick it up again, when I am more advanced in tarot, and ready to learn the Thoth deck. This book has lots of charts in it, to help you with the cards etc.

I have found this book one of the most easy to read books on the subject of the Thoth that references Crowley's own materials and works. It is clearly laid out and covers all the main symbols on each card.

The introduction does clearly point out that this is not a beginners book and indeed, if you have never met the Qabala or the language of Thelemic magic, you may find the book hard going. However, there is a very good glossary of terms at the end of the book and several of the tables of correspondences in an appendix which, if used, can answer all your questions in a brief, but clear way.

Each card has its own section during which the various symbolic attributes of the card are discussed and their intended symbolism shown. There is more symbolism discussed in this book than I have seen in other similar types of books, though the discussions are kept to a few clear sentences rather than going into great detail - I feel this is a positive point as it is easier to see the meanings from an image rather than getting lost in in-depth discussion.

I found the interpretation section of each card a bit weak, though the book doesn't profess to be a handbook to interpretation - rather a handbook of symbolism which can be used to assist in pathworking or journeying, which it does well.

The chapter at the end of the book has some basic ideas about how to go about a tarot reading, and how to develop your intuition and, like the rest of the book, it is clearly and simply put and makes a good start for someone heading in this direction with the cards. But, if you are looking for some more depth to the processes involved here, you will need to find another source of information.

I feel someone wishing to follow Crowley's intentions with these cards in an in-depth way may find this book disappointing, but it is a great book as a starting point for this endeavor. To approach the Book of Thoth after a grounding with this book would enhance the Book of Thoth's accessibility considerably, I feel. A basic understanding of the Qabala would assist the reading of this book too.

I feel in essence this book has a lot to offer, its symbolism is great, clear and simple, and it touches on a lot of complex subjects in a way that is undaunting. However, in doing this there is a trade off of a lack of depth and detail in what is said. I do feel this book fills a gap though, much literature is out there focusing on the depth and details as well as on interpretations and intuition development. I feel Michael successfully introduces some concepts to people that will enable a greater understanding of the more in-depth material out there.