Cascade_Jon
OK, after having given this book a great deal of contemplation, I have to say that this book is both insightful and frustrating, all at the same time. Did anyone else have this reaction? Ziegler does such a wonderful job describing the symbolism present in the cards themselves (although he fails miserably in explaining the numerological significance of the Minor Arcana). But his interpretations are amazingly optimistic in every case. This is especially true of the Majors: each and every one of the Major Arcana is described in glowing light! Even a card like the Tower, which refers clearly to massive internal chaos, has this negative implication brushed aside in favor of focusing on its role in promoting spiritual improvement. True enough, but why not mention the more negative side as well?
He does this consistently, always seeing the optimistic side of the cards and downplaying the more complex reality. The Heirophant is a sign of spiritual mastery (what about its associations with stifling tradition?!), the Devil has nothing to do with materialism, selfishness or suppression and instead refers only to "not letting people demonize you"(?!!!), the Fortune is stripped of its connection with chance and instead merely refers to winning, hell even the Moon, while his keywords include references to illusions and dreams, he claims it indicates only a need to "be careful." What kind of advice is this? Tarot symbolism has to be more profound than the sort of advice your mother gave you about crossing the street!
Why are there no deep books on the Crowley tarot? Doesn't the deck deserve it's own 78 Degrees of Wisdom?
He does this consistently, always seeing the optimistic side of the cards and downplaying the more complex reality. The Heirophant is a sign of spiritual mastery (what about its associations with stifling tradition?!), the Devil has nothing to do with materialism, selfishness or suppression and instead refers only to "not letting people demonize you"(?!!!), the Fortune is stripped of its connection with chance and instead merely refers to winning, hell even the Moon, while his keywords include references to illusions and dreams, he claims it indicates only a need to "be careful." What kind of advice is this? Tarot symbolism has to be more profound than the sort of advice your mother gave you about crossing the street!
Why are there no deep books on the Crowley tarot? Doesn't the deck deserve it's own 78 Degrees of Wisdom?