THE REVELATION OF THE TRUE COLOURS OF THE THOTH TAROT

The AGM Urania Edition ushers in a new dawn for this timeless classic.

The Thoth Tarot deck occupies a hallowed space, blending intricate symbolism, deep occult knowledge, and a visionary artistic approach. Born from the collaboration between Aleister Crowley and Frieda Harris, is not merely a tool for divination but a work of art that encapsulates profound spiritual insights. The recent unveiling of the AGM Urania edition marks a significant milestone in the Thoth Tarot’s storied existence, bringing to light the original splendour of Harris’ artwork through new scans of all 78 cards, a feat made possible by an extensive restoration project of the original paintings.

The Journey of Restoration

The original paintings of the Thoth Tarot, rendered on watercolour paper with a thick backing, faced the ravages of time and preservation challenges. A 2006 report highlighted the discolouration of borders and, to some extent, the paintings themselves, attributed to the acidity of the backing material. Additionally, the paintings bore the brunt of minor tears and required meticulous cleaning.

A comprehensive conservation plan was set in motion to address these issues. It included cleaning the surfaces, removing the acidic backing while preserving the original inscriptions, reusing the hand-painted window mats, and replacing the overlays with acid-free, museum-quality paper. Spearheaded by Susan Campion, the in-house specialist at the Warburg Institute (custodians of the paintings), the restoration project was completed in 2011. Its success was publicly acknowledged when some of the restored paintings were exhibited at the Venice Biennale in 2013, offering a glimpse into the rejuvenated beauty of Harris’ creations.

A much younger version of myself in front of The Moon at the Venice Biennale in July 2013.

It should be noted that the restoration effort was fully funded by Ordo Templi Orientis. For all their many failings, which I have chronicled here and elsewhere, this project stands as their sole valid contribution to the world so far. I am not holding my breath for anything else, however.

The AGM Urania Edition: A New Dawn

The new AGM Urania edition of the Thoth Tarot emerges as a revelation, starkly distinguishing itself from previous iterations, including the widely acclaimed 2012 US Games edition. This edition is groundbreaking, primarily because it is the first to utilise scans from the recently restored originals, offering an unparalleled visual experience that captures the essence of Harris and Crowley’s original vision.

Here are a couple of examples: the bigger card is the new AGM Urania 2023 edition, and the smaller one is the US Games 2012 edition. Bear in mind I don’t even remotely have the proper lighting setup to photograph them accurately. You will have to see them with your eyes to fully appreciate the changes.

The difference is immediately noticeable; the colours are vivid yet not overpowering, allowing the intricate details and the finesse of Harris’ brush strokes to shine through. This newfound clarity invites a deeper appreciation of the symbolic richness embedded in each card, revealing subtleties that may have been obscured in earlier editions. It is as if the deck has been reborn, offering a fresh lens through which to explore the profound depths of its imagery and meanings.

Faithful to the Original Vision

A critical aspect of the Thoth Tarot is its adherence to the Hermetic Qabalah’s theory of colours, an integral part of Crowley’s and Harris’ intention in creating the deck. The restoration and the subsequent AGM Urania edition honour this intention, presenting the colours as the creators envisioned them. This fidelity is not merely a matter of aesthetic preference but a fundamental requirement for the deck’s use in esoteric practice, where colour symbolism holds significant interpretative power.

The AGM Urania edition, therefore, is not just a visually enhanced version of the Thoth Tarot; it is a restoration of its spiritual essence. The deck now offers a more authentic tool for divination and meditation, deeply rooted in the original teachings and intentions of its creators. For practitioners and enthusiasts, this means engaging with the Thoth Tarot in a manner that is closer to experiencing the deck as Crowley and Harris would have intended.

Beyond Aesthetic: A Deeper Engagement

The unveiling of the AGM Urania edition invites both seasoned tarot readers and newcomers to engage with the Thoth Tarot in a deeper, more meaningful way. It encourages a re-examination of the deck’s rich tapestry of symbols, myths, and teachings. With the restored clarity and vibrancy of the cards, users are likely to find new layers of meaning and insight, enriching their practice and personal journey.

Moreover, the edition serves as a testament to the enduring power of collaborative creativity and spiritual exploration. Crowley’s vast knowledge of occult traditions and Harris’ artistic genius, combined with the meticulous restoration work, underscore the Thoth Tarot’s significance as a cultural and spiritual artefact.

The AGM Urania edition of the Thoth Tarot is a triumph of art restoration, restoring the deck to its original glory. It offers a window into Aleister Crowley and Frieda Harris’s true vision, marked by a fidelity to symbolic depth and colour theory that enhances the deck’s aesthetic appeal and esoteric accuracy. For tarot enthusiasts and spiritual seekers, this edition represents an opportunity to connect with the Thoth Tarot in its most authentic form, promising a richer, more profound exploration of its timeless wisdom.