The Symbolism of the Tarot
by P.D. Ouspensky
1940
P.D. Ouspensky is a leading and influential figure in occult and mystical thought and philosophy, most famous for his seminal work, Tertium Organum. Here Ouspensky delves into the mystical symbolism of the Major Arcana of the tarot; this book reads more like poetry than a how to book, and will illuminate you imagination with visions that will add depth and meaning to your readings and understanding of the mystery of tarot. Fully Illustrated with the Wirth Tarot.
From the Introduction
No study of occult philosophy is possible without an acquaintance with symbolism, for if the words occultism and symbolism are correctly used, they mean almost one and the same thing. Symbolism cannot be learned as one learns to build bridges or speak a foreign language, and for the interpretation of symbols a special cast of mind is necessary; in addition to knowledge, special faculties, the power of creative thought and a developed imagination are required. One who understands the use of symbolism in the arts, knows, in a general way, what is meant by occult symbolism. But even then a special training of the mind is necessary, in order to comprehend the "language of the Initiates", and to express in this language the intuitions as they arise.
No study of occult philosophy is possible without an acquaintance with symbolism, for if the words occultism and symbolism are correctly used, they mean almost one and the same thing. Symbolism cannot be learned as one learns to build bridges or speak a foreign language, and for the interpretation of symbols a special cast of mind is necessary; in addition to knowledge, special faculties, the power of creative thought and a developed imagination are required. One who understands the use of symbolism in the arts, knows, in a general way, what is meant by occult symbolism. But even then a special training of the mind is necessary, in order to comprehend the "language of the Initiates", and to express in this language the intuitions as they arise.
