The Golden Dawn Tarot

The Golden Dawn Tarot - ritual symbolism according to the Mathers tradition

Not every tarot deck is designed to be studied. This one is. The Golden Dawn Tarot by Robert Wang is built on the secret instructions of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, one of the most influential esoteric orders of the late nineteenth century.

For this deck Wang worked closely with Dr. Israel Regardie, former member of the order and one of the few who were permitted to publish the original documents. The result is a tarot in which every colour, every symbol and every position has been laid down according to strict ritual rules.

What you see on the cards

The imagery follows the system of MacGregor Mathers, one of the founders of the order. Every detail refers to a layer within Western esotericism: the Kabbalah, astrology, elements, planets, paths on the Tree of Life.

The colours are not decorative. They are linked to specific energies and grades within the Golden Dawn system. Even the small symbols in the corners of the cards have a function within the whole.

The cardstock is sturdy and matte, the format is standard (70 x 120 mm). The images are printed clearly, so the symbolism remains legible.

Who this deck works for

This is not a starter deck if you are looking for intuitive images or quick answers. It asks for study time. You need to be willing to dig into the background.

Many people use this deck alongside a Rider-Waite-Smith to see the difference in approach. Where RWS works with stories and scenes, Golden Dawn works with abstract symbols and colour systems.

Choose one card each week and study the small symbols in the corners. They tell you where the card sits on the Tree of Life and which astrological force belongs to it.

About Robert Wang and Dr. Israel Regardie

Robert Wang is an artist and writer. He has designed several tarot decks, but this is his best-known work. For the execution he worked directly with Regardie, who gave him access to the original colour instructions of the order.

Dr. Israel Regardie joined the Golden Dawn in 1934 and later published the rituals and lessons of the order, against the wishes of many members. His work has made Western esotericism accessible to a wider audience.

Specifications

• Number of cards: 78
• Size: 70 x 120 mm
• Cardstock: sturdy, matte
• Language: English (instruction booklet)
• Design: based on the secret colour instructions of MacGregor Mathers
• Artist: Robert Wang
• Guidance: Dr. Israel Regardie
• Packaging: sturdy box

Questions we often get

Does this deck come with a detailed guidebook?
It comes with an instruction booklet that explains the basics. For a complete study of the symbolism you will need additional literature, such as 'The Qabalistic Tarot' by Wang himself or Regardie's work on the Golden Dawn.

How does this deck differ from the Rider-Waite-Smith?
RWS works with stories and scenes, especially on the minor arcana. Golden Dawn works with abstract symbols, colour codes and Kabbalistic correspondences. It is a different system, built for ritual and study.