Thoth tarot deck facts for kids

The Thoth tarot deck is a special set of cards. It was painted by an artist named Lady Frieda Harris. She created it for a writer and mystic named Aleister Crowley. Crowley also wrote a book about the deck. He called his book The Book of Thoth. This book helps people understand and use the cards.

What is a Tarot Deck?

A tarot deck is a set of cards. It has 78 cards in total. These cards are often used for games or for telling stories. Some people also use them for personal reflection. Each card has a unique picture and meaning.

The Major and Minor Arcana

A tarot deck is split into two main parts. These parts are called the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana.

• The Major Arcana has 22 cards. These cards show big life events or important ideas. They often represent a journey or a lesson.
• The Minor Arcana has 56 cards. These cards are like regular playing cards. They have four suits. The suits are Wands, Cups, Swords, and Disks. Each suit has cards numbered from Ace to Ten. They also have four court cards: Page, Knight, Queen, and King. These cards often show everyday events.

Who Created the Thoth Deck?

The Thoth tarot deck was made by two people. The ideas came from Aleister Crowley. He was a famous writer and mystic. The beautiful artwork was done by Lady Frieda Harris. She was a talented artist. They worked together for many years. Their goal was to create a modern tarot deck.

Aleister Crowley's Vision

Aleister Crowley wanted a new tarot deck. He felt older decks did not fit his ideas. He had many thoughts about magic and symbols. He shared these ideas with Lady Frieda Harris. He wanted the cards to show these complex concepts.

Lady Frieda Harris's Art

Lady Frieda Harris was a skilled painter. She took Crowley's ideas and made them into art. She used bright colors and unique designs. She painted each card by hand. Her artwork brought the Thoth deck to life. The deck is known for its detailed and symbolic images.

The Book of Thoth

Crowley wrote a book to go with the deck. He named it The Book of Thoth. This book explains the meaning of each card. It also shares Crowley's ideas about the tarot. Many people use this book to learn about the Thoth deck. It helps them understand the symbols and messages.

Images for kids

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  Display of the Thoth tarot cards in a museum.