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The Illustrated Key to the Tarot: The Veil of Divination

by L. W. De Laurence (1868–1936)

  • Free to read
  • 2 hours to read
  • 34 chapters
  • Reading level: 10th to 12th grade

"The Illustrated Key to the Tarot: The Veil of Divination" by L. W. De Laurence is a detailed exploration of Tarot symbolism and its historical context, written in the early 20th century. This work offers insight into the intricate meanings behind the Tarot cards, specifically focusing on the Greater and Lesser Arcana, while also emphasizing the esoteric traditions associated with Tarot divination. The author aims to shift the perception of Tarot from mere fortune-telling to a deeper understanding of its mystical roots and symbolism. The opening of this guide establishes the author's intention to emphasize that Tarot is far more than a simple divinatory tool; it is a repository of profound symbolism that can be interpreted through the lens of occult tradition. L. W. De Laurence introduces the content structure, indicating the work is divided into parts that will cover various aspects of Tarot, its historical background, and the interpretative meanings of the cards. He discusses the misconceptions surrounding Tarot and calls for a resurgence of respect towards its true nature, suggesting that its history has been obscured by misunderstandings and charlatanism. The preface sets the stage for a deeper inquiry into the Tarot's symbolic language, which aims to provide readers with insights into its secret doctrines and inner meanings.

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  • Fortune-telling by cards
  • Tarot

Read the opening

Part III: The Outer Method of the Oracles 85

§ 1.—Introductory And General.
§ 2.—Class I. The Trumps Major, Otherwise Greater Arcana.
§ 3.—Class II. The Four Suits, Otherwise Lesser Arcana.
§ 4.—The Tarot In History.

§ 1.—The Tarot And Secret Tradition.
§ 2.—The Trumps Major And Their Inner Symbolism.
§ 3.—Conclusion As To The Greater Keys.

§ 1.—Distinction Between The Greater And Lesser Arcana.
§ 2.—The Lesser Arcana, Otherwise, The Four Suits Of Tarot Cards.
The Suit Of Wands.
The Suit Of Cups.
The Suit Of Swords.
The Suit Of Pentacles.
§ 3.—The Greater Arcana And Their Divinatory Meanings.
§ 4.—Some Additional Meanings Of The Lesser Arcana.
§ 5.—The Recurrence Of Cards In Dealing.
§ 6.—The Art Of Tarot Divination.
§ 7.—An Ancient Celtic Method Of Divination.
§ 8.—An Alternative Method Of Reading The Tarot Cards.
§ 9.—The Method Of Reading By Means Of Thirty-five Cards.

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Contents

Show all 34 chapters
  1. Preface
  2. Part III: The Outer Method of the Oracles 85
  3. Part One: The Veil and Its Symbols
  4. Part Two: The Doctrine Behind the Veil
  5. Part Three: The Outer Method of the Oracles
  6. Part Three: The Outer Method of the Oracles
  7. Chapter I
  8. Chapter II
  9. Chapter III
  10. Chapter IV
  11. Chapter V
  12. Chapter VI
  13. Chapter VII
  14. Chapter VIII: Les Rômes. Par J. A. Vaillant. Demy 8vo, Paris, 1857
  15. Chapter IX: Historie de la Magie. Par Eliphas Lévi. 8vo, Paris, 1860
  16. Chapter X: La Clef des Grands Mystères. Par Eliphas Lévi, 8vo, Paris, 1861
  17. Chapter XI
  18. Chapter XII
  19. Chapter XIII: Origine des Cartes à Jouer. Par Romain Merlin. 4to, Paris, 1869
  20. Chapter XIV
  21. Chapter XV
  22. Chapter XVI
  23. Chapter XVII: Traité Méthodique de Science Occulte. Par Papus. 8vo, Paris, 1891
  24. Chapter XVIII: Eliphas Lévi: Le Livre des Splendeurs. Demy 8vo, Paris, 1894
  25. Chapter XIX
  26. Chapter XX
  27. Chapter XXI
  28. Chapter XXII
  29. Chapter XXIII
  30. Chapter XXIV
  31. Chapter XXV
  32. Chapter XXVI
  33. Chapter XXVII
  34. Chapter XXVIII
  35. Chapter XXIX

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About this edition

This free edition of The Illustrated Key to the Tarot: The Veil of Divination by L. W. De Laurence comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #43548, released 2013-08-24. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: History - Other, Philosophy & Ethics, Religion/Spirituality.

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