A History of the Occult Tarot
Ronald Decker & Michael Dummett
In the late 1800s, Ronald Decker, an art historian and curator of antique cards, along with Michael Dummett, a former professor of logic at Oxford, embarked on a scholarly journey to trace the evolution of Tarot. Their research reveals the transformation of Tarot from a mere card game to a tool of divination cherished by occultists, a conduit to the spiritual realm, and a symbolic representation of the subconscious. The narrative explores the individuals and groups who embraced the Tarot, including the Theosophical Society, Aleister Crowley, the Order of the Golden Dawn, and P.D. Ouspensky. This in-depth historical account sheds light on the intriguing variety of decks that have been employed by occult practitioners, as well as the clandestine history of magical and occult societies from the late 19th century to the present. It stands as a vital historical work and an indispensable resource for any dedicated Tarot scholar.