Divination: A Comprehensive Resource for Tarot

Today is Day Nine of our Samhain countdown and I want to call your attention to the number “9” and the topic I have chosen for today and tomorrow’s post. The numerology of nine is one of endings and beginnings-death and rebirth. This is the space of crossing into the liminal nature of existence and in many ways the re-opening of our subtle senses and awareness.

Divination or the action of seeking information from the subtle realms, higher SELF, ancestors or other sources is a common practice at Samhain. The tools of choice are varied and highly personal in selection and may include Tarot Keys, Runes, Bones, Water, Fire, and more. This time of the year is particularly potent as the veils have thinned. Access to the Ancestors is more readily available and there is a palpable sense of depth, energy and “more than” in the air.

Today’s post makes use of the art of Tarot and the following book review is an offering of a reading tool to inform your practice. Tomorrow’s post will be a Tarot Spread I created to explore as we move closer to Samhain…. Enjoy

Tarot Deciphered: Decoding Esoteric Symbolism in Modern Tarot by T. Susan Chang and M.M. Meleen

Tarot Deciphered is an in-depth voyage into the esoteric roots that underlie the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot, the Thoth Tarot, and the myriad of decks that share their symbology. This card-by-card analysis reveals detailed insights drawn from the multi-layered traditions of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, the magical order that most strongly influenced modern tarot.… From the Publisher

Tarot Deciphered: Decoding Esoteric Symbolism in Modern Tarot by T. Susan Chang and M.M. Meleen is a massively informative text containing every correspondence and point of reference you would most likely find of use and then the authors treat the reader to even more. In this case the use of the word “massive” is a nod to the 672 pages that serve as the distributors of a wealth of research, cross connection and interpretation beyond the ordinary standards.

Each card is defined through the esoteric disciplines of Astrology/Element, Mythology/Alchemy, Hermetic Qabalah, Rider-Waite Smith Symbolism and Thoth Symbolism. The Related Cards within the tarot keys and Advanced Concepts for Further Exploration complete the chapter. Being a teacher of Hermetic Qabalah and reader that prefers the imagery of the Thoth Tarot deck, I especially appreciated the incorporation of these tools ion a one-stop source vs. reliance of individual texts and meanings to draw greater conclusion from.

The Introduction gives the reader ample information about the inclusion of the Thoth Tarot deck as a point of reference for each of the cards. This is not a deck traditionally used other than those aligned with Aleister Crowley’s teachings and the understanding of multi-layered systems of Qabalah and ceremonial magick. Another interesting discussion is the influence of the Golden Dawn on the cards of the Major Arcana.

The offerings at the beginning of each of the Tarot Key’s chapters include the Card Number, Element, Hebrew Letter, Hebrew Letter Meaning, Path (of the Qabalistic Tree) Color Scale in the Four Worlds and other Themes and Keywords. This provides a nice quick look for easy reference and sets the tone for the more in depth discussions by topic within the chapter itself.

The approach of synthesis taken by T. Susan Chang and M.M. Meleen in Tarot Deciphered: Decoding Esoteric Symbolism in Modern Tarot ensures that the reader will come away with a better understanding of the multiple disciplines that compromise a diverse and well-rounded practice.

Would I Recommend:

Tarot Deciphered: Decoding Esoteric Symbolism in Modern Tarot by T. Susan Chang and M.M. Meleen is an absolute must for anyone seriously interested in Tarot studies and exploring the common threads found in all of the esoteric disciplines. On the scale of cost for most books these days, this title is a bit pricey, but the compendium of resources gathered in one reference will more than validate the cost.

Tarot Deciphered: Decoding Esoteric Symbolism in Modern Tarot by T. Susan Chang and M.M. Meleen is a well written and user friendly book from cover to cover. This book is definitely one that I will be adding to my library. And, be returning to frequently to explore new perspectives and fresh interpretations.

About the Authors:

T. Susan Chang (Springfield, MA) is the author of Tarot Correspondences and the co-host and producer of the Fortune’s Wheelhouse tarot podcast. She reads tarot weekly at the Inspirit Crystals shop and offers an ongoing online tarot course called Living Tarot.

M. M. Meleen (Worcester, MA) is the illustrator/creator of the Tabula Mundi Tarot, the Rosetta Tarot, and the Pharos Tarot, as well as the author of Book M: Liber Mundi, The Book of Seshet, and Spectrum Fari: The Keys of Pharos. She is the co-host and cocreator of the Fortune’s Wheelhouse tarot podcast.

Check back for tomorrow’s post:

The Witch’s Year Tarot Spread

More About the Numerology and Number “9”:

0-9: The Esoteric Meaning of Numbers

Numerology: The Art and Science of Numbers-Part One

More About Tarot: 78 Keys of Tarot

My Youtube Channel- The Inner Chamber – 10-Minute Tarot

Read More About Divination here: Year and A Day on the Wiccan Path

Lesson Ten: Divination and Spell Work

Access the online course: A Year and A Day on the Wiccan Path