The

Pictorial Key

To The

Tarot

Being Fragments of a Secret Tradition

Under the Veil of Divination

By

Arthur Edward Waite

University Books

New York

1959

This book contains an in depth examination of the Tarot, tracing the origins of the cards to the work of Papus while discussing theories such as their possible origins in Egypt. The symbolism of the tarot is viewed as a source of esoteric teaching veiled in the guise of divination. Each card in the major arcana is examined with reference to their astrological and alchemical associations as well as the different representations through different decks over time. The minor Arcana are each represented with their divinatory meanings and the book concludes with a range of spreads for reading.

Contents

Waite’s Last Word on the Tarot

Introduction

Preface

Part I: The Veil and its Symbols

Introductory and General - Class I: The Trumps Major, otherwise Greater Arcana - Class II: The Four Suits, otherwise Minor Arcana - The Tarot in History

Part II: The Doctrine Behind the Veil

The Tarot and Secret Tradition - The Trumps Major and their Inner Symbolism - Conclusion as to the Greater Keys

Part III: The Outer Method of the Oracles

Distinction between the Greater and Lesser Arcana - The Lesser Arcana, otherwise, the Four Suits of Tarot Cards: The Suit of Wands, The Suit of Cups, The Suit of Swords, The Suit of Pentacles - The Greater Arcana and their Divinatory Meanings - Some additional Meanings of the Lesser Arcana - The Recurrence of Cards in Dealing - The Art of Tarot Divination - The Ancient Celtic Method of Divination - An Alternative Method of Reading the Tarot Cards - The Method of Reading by means of Thirty-Five Cards

Note on the Tarot as a Game

Bibliography

Book Format:

Duodecimo, up to 7 ¾" tall. Book is bound in maroon cloth with black lettering to cover and spine; Dust jacket included;

Pagination: 344pp;

Condition:

Very good + condition. Boards and spine are in very good + condition; interior is spotless; Binding is tight.

Dust jacket: good condition; wear to upper part of jacket, especially near folds;

Price: US$66.00

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