Crowley Tarot Pocket GB New Edition

Crowley Tarot Pocket AGM - the Thoth system in pocket size

This is not a simplified version. The pocket edition of the Thoth Tarot retains all the symbolism, all the colour layers and all the philosophical depth of the original. The format is smaller, the content is not.

Aleister Crowley designed this system between 1938 and 1943 together with artist Lady Frieda Harris. He wanted to restructure traditional tarot based on Thelema, his own magical philosophy. Harris translated his vision into geometric compositions full of astrological symbols, Hebrew letters and alchemical references. The result is abstract, colourful and intellectually demanding.

What you see on the cards

The imagery is not narrative. Where a Rider-Waite card shows a scene, a Thoth card shows a principle. The Ten of Swords is called 'Ruin' here. The Eight of Wands is called 'Swiftness'. Each major arcana card carries astrological symbols, Hebrew letters and colour codes that refer to the Tree of Life system from the Kabbalah.

The colours are vibrant and contrast sharply. Yellow, red, blue and green dominate. Many cards contain geometric patterns: circles, triangles, pentagrams. The style recalls art deco and early modernism, not medieval or Renaissance imagery.

The minor arcana are fully illustrated, but not with people or stories. Instead you see abstract compositions that visualise the energy of number and element.

How this deck stands apart

Crowley adjusted the structure of the tarot. The order of some major arcana has changed. Strength is VIII here, Justice is XI. The court cards are called Knight, Queen, Prince and Princess instead of King, Queen, Knight and Page. Crowley placed the knight above the king in hierarchy, which changes the dynamics of the court.

The philosophical basis is Thelema, a system that revolves around willpower, self-realisation and discovering your 'true will'. The cards do not function as a mirror of everyday situations, but as gateways to deeper layers of consciousness.

Draw one card and read the description in the guidebook. Then place the card in front of you and look for a few minutes without interpreting. The symbolism unfolds slowly.

Who this works for

This deck is designed for people interested in Western esotericism. Knowledge of astrology, Kabbalah or ceremonial magic helps, but is not required. What is needed: willingness to invest time in study. The cards do not give direct answers. They ask questions back.

The pocket format makes the deck portable. The cards measure 103 x 70 mm, which makes shuffling easier for those with smaller hands or those accustomed to standard playing card format. The cardstock is sturdy and has a smooth, glossy finish that shuffles well but is sensitive to fingerprints.

About Aleister Crowley and Lady Frieda Harris

Aleister Crowley (1875-1947) was a British occultist, writer and mountaineer. He founded the religious philosophy Thelema and wrote dozens of books on magic, mysticism and tarot. His reputation is controversial, his influence on modern esotericism is not.

Lady Frieda Harris (1877-1962) was a British artist with no previous experience of tarot or occultism when Crowley approached her. She worked on the cards for five years, made multiple versions of each card and studied the symbolism in detail. Her work is considered one of the highlights of esoteric art in the 20th century.

Specifications

• Number of cards: 78
• Card dimensions: 103 x 70 mm
• Guidebook: 96 pages
• Language: English
• Publisher: AG Müller
• Cardstock: Sturdy, smooth glossy finish
• Design: Aleister Crowley
• Illustrations: Lady Frieda Harris

Questions we often get

Are the images identical to the standard edition?
Yes. All illustrations, colours and details are taken from the original. The only difference is the size of the cards themselves.

Why do some cards have different names than in a classic tarot deck?
Crowley restructured the tarot based on his own philosophical system. He changed the order of some major arcana and renamed the court cards to better align with his vision of hierarchy and elemental forces.