REVIEW: “THE ANCIENT
EGYPTIAN TAROT”
by Crystal Wind

The Ancient Egyptian Tarot is a deck by far my personal favorite. At once, one readily senses a connection of this modern tarot deck to its Ancient Egyptian Mystery School origins. Although it is not known where Tarot actually began, this deck seemingly answers that question.

The deck is beautifully boxed with an accompanying handbook that is a valued addition to anyone’s tarot book library in and of itself. The handbook has basic guidance for the novice reader, yet the experienced reader will delight at the challenge within the deeper wisdom which tantalize throughout the symbols on all 78 cards. Another excellent feature of the handbook is that the cards are clearly defined for easy study and the references to mythology and cultural indications suggest the interpretations in a very understandable manner.

Some people may be disappointed to learn that reversed meanings are not included, but an explanation is given that this deck has enough depth without adding that feature. They are designed for fluidity in reading without the use of reversals and I find this is quite true, although occasionally a situation will warrant them and the reading becomes enhanced by their inclusion. Once one becomes familiar with the Egyptian beliefs and myths depicted on the cards, reversed meanings will become available to those who wish to employ them on a regular basis.

The deck follows the same format as standard decks such as the Rider-Waite Tarot, except that a Princess replaces the Page. The cards are sharply illustrated with clear, bright colors making the symbols easily discernable, in spite of some of the more intricate layers of symbols and details. The backgrounds coloration generally gives the sensation of sand, stone, antiquities, desert heat (Wands and Disks), wind-blown expanses and star-filled skies (Swords), and lush oasis settings and the vital, live-giving Nile River (Cups). Every day life of the ancient Egyptian tells the story on the Minor Arcana cards, which deals with everyday events and human potential as the realm of personal experience. The interpretations of the Minor cards are abstractions, not physical actions or states. In particular, Ten of Swords shows tomb robbers – to the ancients, this was the ultimate desecration and things can’t get much worse.

The Major Arcana demonstrates the mythology and interaction of the Neteru (Gods/Goddesses) who provided examples for spiritual aspiration and morality to the Ancient Egyptians. They were not worshipped as Gods, but rather archetypes that taught lessons through parables, much as those of today’s Bible. The Journey of the Fool begins with Atum on the Primordial Mound at creation (now that is a new beginning!), and continues until creation is perfection and completed at the end of time with the union of the soul and the universe with Nuit, the Egyptian Mother of the World and Lady of the Stars. When the energy is feminine (such as The High Priestess, The Empress, The Star, etc.), the Major Arcana card depicts a Goddess such as Isis, and when it is Masculine (such as The Hanged Man, The Sun, The Hierophant, The Magician) it is shown as a male God such as Osiris. The Devil is the antithesis Set, and cards related to death and destruction includes Anubis, the god of embalming.

It is very helpful to have a working knowledge of Ancient Egyptian mythology, but not necessary, in order to read from this deck. The theme follows the standard tarot aspects well and after working with these cards and reading the companion guide, the reader will find themselves expanding their tarot skills easily utilizing the new interpretations which come alive through the imagery from this ancient civilization that flourished thousands of years ago and lives today in modern hearts, artifacts, and dreams.

If you have a desire to fly off to Egypt, here’s your ticket, complete with a Visa that allows you access back through time. I highly recommend this deck as a passport to the time when the pharaohs ruled and an incredibly advanced civilization built pyramids and temples which are incomparable today.