Paul Foster Case (1884–1954)

Tarot Mastery is a course of esoteric Tarot instruction by one of the greatest modern occult teachers, Paul Foster Case. The series will eventually be printed as four volumes, and this one, the first in the series, is titled "Tarot Fundamentals Volume I". Due to the original copyrights expiring, many of Paul Case's books are coming back in print. Concomitant to the explosion of interest in Tarot in the past few years, it is a true blessing. Many recent books have moved beyond reading the cards for divination, and into psychology and intuitive development. The writings of Paul Case go much further, revealing a true esoteric wisdom contained within the Tarot keys. The Tarot is essentially a story of consciousness, both personal and cosmic.

The introduction explains the purpose of using Tarot as a path to spiritual unfoldment: "This course on Tarot Fundamentals will show you how to use the Tarot Keys for the purpose of evoking thought, thus bringing to the surface of your consciousness, where you can see and understand them, those fundamental principles of practical occultism that lie hidden in the hearts of all mankind. Its rich symbolism and ingenious construction make Tarot the best of all instruments for true occult education: that is, for drawing out the wisdom hidden within you."

This first volume details the esoteric meanings of the first five keys: The Fool, The Magician, The High Priestess, The Empress, and The Emperor. Every symbol on the cards is explained in detail, then the symbols are integrated to form the essence of the universal archetype of consciousness that is pictured. Each of these cards is given two chapters, about 25 pages total. But first there is a chapter on the symbolism of numbers, the numbers from 0 to 9, and their esoteric meanings.

The chapters take the form of a lesson, with Case as the teacher, and indicate how to work with the system. For example, he suggests having a regular study period, laying out the cards during this time. The student begins by systematically going over the card, from top to bottom, right to left, then meditating on the symbols. Each card should be given a week or two of study, rereading the text from the book, and making notes on any feelings or impressions that come to you.

Paul Case felt the need to design and print a Tarot deck that he felt would best display the esoteric symbolism and wisdom of the ages. Known as the BOTA Tarot, it is the one presented in most of Cases's writings on the Tarot. It must be obtained uncolored, and the student's initiation involves coloring the deck. The deck can be obtained from the BOTA, The Builders of the Adytum. "Tarot Fundamentals" contains instructions for coloring the deck.

Those who enjoyed his marvelous book, "The Tarot: A Key to the Wisdom of the Ages" will be delighted by this recent addition to the literature. While "The Tarot" details the correspondences of the major arcana keys with Hebrew letters, astrology symbols, directions on the cube of space, paths on the Tree of Life, colors, tones, and modes of consciousness, it is lacking in detailed explanations of basic occult principles. Those principles find their explanation here in "Tarot Fundamentals". Combined, they yield a treasure of knowledge to the serious student.

In summary, this is a fantastic book that must be read and studied by all serious students of Tarot, and will also find a home in the hearts of Qabalists, occultists, magicians, alchemists, and Hermeticists in general. It is truly a book that must be studied, read over and over, and meditated upon. But it will work for beginners as well, provided they understand it will require dedication. With such effort, the esoteric student can expect to find the "wisdom hidden within you." This is the true meaning of Tarot Mastery.… (mais)