Golden Dawn Magical Tarot - Kabbalistic, astrological and alchemical symbolism in one system
Not every tarot deck sets out to be a complete magical system. This one does. The Golden Dawn Magical Tarot by Chic and Sandra Tabatha Cicero focuses on the visual and symbolic teachings of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, an esoteric order active in Great Britain in the late nineteenth century.
The Ciceros designed each card according to the original notes and descriptions of the order. That means the symbolism is not arbitrary. Every colour, every symbol, every position corresponds with a path on the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, an astrological influence or an alchemical principle.
What you see on the cards
The imagery is rich and detailed. The major arcana contain Hebrew letters, astrological symbols and colour codes that align with Golden Dawn teachings. The minor arcana show the elemental weapons of the order: wands, cups, swords and pentacles, each with its own colour scheme.
The illustrations are not minimal. There is a lot to see, and that is intentional. Those who work meditatively with the cards notice new layers over time. The two versions of the Temperance card are an example of how the order allowed different approaches within one archetype.
Who this deck is designed for
This deck assumes an interest in the Western esoteric tradition. The symbolism is not explained on the cards themselves. You need to read the guidebook, or already be familiar with the Golden Dawn correspondence systems.
The deck is used for divination, but also for meditation and ritual work. The cards function as visual entry points to specific archetypal forces. Those who want to use the deck only as a fortune-telling tool can do so, but the depth lies in the layering.
Draw one card and place it in front of you during meditation. Look at the symbols without checking anything. Note what stands out. Then check the correspondence table in the guidebook.
About Chic and Sandra Tabatha Cicero
Chic and Sandra Tabatha Cicero are authors and teachers within the Golden Dawn tradition. They have written several standard works on the ritual practice of the order and give workshops on ceremonial magic. Their work focuses on making the original teachings accessible without losing depth.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 79, including two versions of Temperance
- Format: 70 x 120 mm
- Finish: sturdy cardstock with durable coating
- Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
- Language: English
- ISBN: 9780738723396
- Creators: Chic and Sandra Tabatha Cicero
Questions we often get
Why does this deck contain 79 cards instead of 78?
The deck contains two different versions of the Temperance card. This is based on instructions within the Golden Dawn tradition, where different ritual approaches were applied to this archetype.
Do I need to know the Golden Dawn teachings to use this deck?
No, but it helps. The guidebook explains the correspondence systems. Without that context, much of the symbolism remains unclear.
