The Thoth Companion: The Key To The True Symbolic Meaning Of The Thoth Tarot

I have found this book one of the most easy to read books on the subject of the Thoth that references Crowley's own materials and works. It is clearly laid out and covers all the main symbols on each card.

The introduction does clearly point out that this is not a beginners book and indeed, if you have never met the Qabala or the language of Thelemic magic, you may find the book hard going. However, there is a very good glossary of terms at the end of the book and several of the tables of correspondences in an appendix which, if used, can answer all your questions in a brief, but clear way.

Each card has its own section during which the various symbolic attributes of the card are discussed and their intended symbolism shown. There is more symbolism discussed in this book than I have seen in other similar types of books, though the discussions are kept to a few clear sentences rather than going into great detail - I feel this is a positive point as it is easier to see the meanings from an image rather than getting lost in in-depth discussion.

I found the interpretation section of each card a bit weak, though the book doesn't profess to be a handbook to interpretation - rather a handbook of symbolism which can be used to assist in pathworking or journeying, which it does well.

The chapter at the end of the book has some basic ideas about how to go about a tarot reading, and how to develop your intuition and, like the rest of the book, it is clearly and simply put and makes a good start for someone heading in this direction with the cards. But, if you are looking for some more depth to the processes involved here, you will need to find another source of information.

I feel someone wishing to follow Crowley's intentions with these cards in an in-depth way may find this book disappointing, but it is a great book as a starting point for this endeavor. To approach the Book of Thoth after a grounding with this book would enhance the Book of Thoth's accessibility considerably, I feel. A basic understanding of the Qabala would assist the reading of this book too.

I feel in essence this book has a lot to offer, its symbolism is great, clear and simple, and it touches on a lot of complex subjects in a way that is undaunting. However, in doing this there is a trade off of a lack of depth and detail in what is said. I do feel this book fills a gap though, much literature is out there focusing on the depth and details as well as on interpretations and intuition development. I feel Michael successfully introduces some concepts to people that will enable a greater understanding of the more in-depth material out there.


Emma Sunerton-Burl is a intuitive psychic, tarot trainer and healer who offers psychic tarot readings by post, telephone and face to face in North Wales. She has been working with the tarot for 20 years and also works with people to help them develop their intuition and use of the tarot. Downloads of pre-recorded visualisations are available on her website. She is an endorsed reader, mentor and trainer with the Tarot Association of the British Isles (www.tabi.org.uk) Her website is www.seeds-of-light.co.uk