Egyptian Tarot Cards
Unveiling the Rich Tapestry of the Early Edition Egyptian Tarot Deck
Delving into the realm of esoteric artifacts, we uncover a treasure from the past: an Egyptian Tarot deck, a relic of the late 1960s. Comprising 78 intricately designed cards, this deck is a testament to the mystical arts. Each Major Arcana card is a mosaic of ancient wisdom, adorned with Arabic and Roman numerals, alphabets spanning from Egyptian hieroglyphs to English script, and a symphony of astrological symbols.
The brainchild of C.C. Zain, this deck was conceived in the 1930s and continued to be a beacon of spiritual guidance under the auspices of the Church of the Light well into the swinging sixties. Its monochromatic palette, inspired by the timeless Egyptian aesthetic, echoes the iconic Falconnier-Wegener tarot, making it a collector’s delight.
Originally paired with a comprehensive manual, this deck was more than a divination tool—it was an educational odyssey, guiding aspirants through the layered meanings of tarot via correspondence courses. Fast forward to recent years, and this classic has been reborn in vibrant color, still captivating enthusiasts and remaining a sought-after edition.
In an era when esoteric tarot decks were a rarity, this Egyptian Tarot deck emerged as a beacon of mystical knowledge. Today, it stands in near-pristine condition, its legacy safeguarded within its original white box, now sheathed in clear tape to protect against the sands of time. The cards, though tinged with a patina of age, hold a charm that is undiminished.
As we leaf through the pages of tarot history, we find this deck immortalized in Stuart R. Kaplan’s ‘Encyclopedia of Tarot,’ a scholarly homage to the enduring enigma of tarot.