Deck Interview: Crowley Thoth

Deck: Crowley Thoth

Question: An interview of the deck

Spread:             6
                       4 5
                        1
                       2 3

Cards:
1) Characteristic of the deck: 4 of Wands (Completion)
2) Weakness of the deck: The Moon
3) Strength of the deck: Princess of Wands
4) What the deck can teach me: Adjustment
5) How can I best learn from the deck: 10 of Wands (Oppression)
6) Outcome of using the deck: 5 of Wands (Strife)

Interpretation: The 4 of Wands in describing the deck is clear: the deck is complete, bearing images and symbols which can describe any occurrence in the universe, the characteristic of any good tarot deck. This tells me the Thoth was the right choice.

The Moon, in describing the deck's weaknesses, tells me a few things. On the surface level, I see two people, represented as the jackals. Both of them are encased in towers, and are unable to connect consciously. Only subconsciously, as shown by the waves underneath them. I get the feeling that I cannot really read into people using the Thoth, not now at least. From Mirror of the Soul, the jackals are described to be guardians of the narrow path, the path to knowledge. What this means to me is that the knowledge of the Thoth is very subtle, as I have read, and requires me to break through many intellectual barriers to get to them.

The Princess of Wands is probably the only court card in the Thoth that I am confident in reading. The princess slays the tiger, and grows feathers on her head. This is symbolic of overcoming of fear (tiger), which leads to increased energy and perception (feathers growing). Being in the element of fire, I believe the Thoth can help me discover and overcome some of my fears and rediscover the fire element within me, allowing me to tap into its energy and breaking free from depression.

Adjustment is also quite clear here. The Thoth can teach me how to find balance between dual sides, such as integrating intellect with creativity, conscious and unconscious, logic and intuition.

On the 10 of Wands, the power of the 8 of Wands is being held down by two wands, similar to those of the 2 of Wands. A lot of energy is being suppressed, as a result of fear of that energy. The deck has told me that it is complete in the sense that it comprises the totality of the universe, and hence, to fully learn the secrets of the Thoth, I have to break through that fear and realise the totality in myself. Only then can I connect with the deck on the highest level. I could use its strength in the Princess of Wands to free myself from such fear as well. Seeing how the lesson the deck claims it will teach me is balance, it makes sense that I have to free this suppressed side of me and integrate it with my open side in order to achieve a balance.

The 5 of Wands is similar in design to the 10 of Wands. Based on just pictorial feelings, I could say that fewer wands being suppressed, and only 1 wand is left to suppress it. It is, in fact, a direct half of the previous suppression. Being an outcome, this assures me that the energy suppressed within me can find some form of expression. However, there is still the other half that remains suppressed. Perhaps they require other practices besides the Thoth to be released, perhaps another Tarot system or spiritual endeavor.