Recently, I decided that I should build up my collection of vintage Tarot decks, and, browsing through eBay, I came across this fascinating beauty. It was commissioned by Paul Foster Case and the artwork was created by Jessie Burns Parke. I believe that it was published in 1947 at the same time as Case's book, The Tarot: A Key to the Wisdom of the Ages, of which I picked up a copy from an occult bookshop in Edinburgh a few years ago, but had never really looked at until now. I'm glad that I have.
Although I am only just beginning to explore his writing, Case's philosophy about the Tarot seems very much aligned with my own. I love collecting Tarot decks for this reason: it can open your eyes to different beliefs, attitudes towards, and uses of the Tarot, which can help you to better understand and refine your own.
Let's explore this deck and Case's views in more detail.
The Box
Box Text:
MAN, KNOW THYSELF!
TAROT
A Key to the Riddle of
THE UNIVERSE
A Key to the Mastery of
YOUR OWN SELF
"SEEK AND YE SHALL FIND;
KNOCK, AND IT SHALL BE
OPENED UNTO YOU!"
TAROT
BUILDERS OF THE ADYTUM
5150 N. FIGUEROA ST
LOS ANGELES, CALIF. 90042
From the box alone, it is clear that this deck is designed for serious spiritual work and self-reflection, commanding us to understand ourselves on a deeper level. The repetition of "key" frames the cards as tools to open metaphorical doors previously closed to you. In his book, Case gives instructions on how Tarot can be used in this way, which I will touch on soon.
The quote, "Seek and ye shall find...", is from the Bible (Matthew 7:7-8). While I have seen this quote interpreted in many ways, to me it is about perseverance, a reminder that spiritual seeking is a slow, sometimes difficult process that doesn't always bear obvious fruits. This is certainly true of my relationship with Tarot, as it took me many years of trying to connect with and understand the cards before they finally started to click, and I am well aware (and glad!) that my journey is far from over. So, if we want to find answers, we have to search for them, and this quote reminds us that this needs to be an active process in order to see results.
Builders of the Adytum (B.O.T.A.) is a mystery school that was set up by Case in 1922. To quote: "Builders of the Adytum is a non-profit organization dedicated to spiritual attunement through study, practice, and worship in the Tradition of the Western Mysteries". [1]. The organization is still alive today, so if you are interested in learning more about them, I recommend checking out their website.
The Cards
The cards are printed on papery, slightly yellowed cardstock, and have square corners. Some of them have uneven borders and blotchy linework, hinting at an older printing method being used for their production and adding to their charm.
To those who know the Rider Waite Smith Tarot (RWS), the imagery of most cards will be very familiar. Case thought that the design of a new deck was needed to reveal symbolic details that he believed were obscured in the RWS, and to remove "expressions of Dr. Waite's personal ideas". Case praises Parke's new artwork, but criticises her for adhering "rather too closely to the tricks of style used by Miss Smith" (Pamela Coleman Smith). [2]. Notably, the Death card more closely resembles that seen in Marseille style decks rather than the RWS.
You may be struck by the black and white designs, which are intended to be colored in by students of the B.O.T.A. This is where I see the biggest overlap with my own philosophy of the Tarot in that coloring or crafting your own cards creates time for reflection, encouraging you to naturally contemplate the symbolism of the card while you work. This is the most effective way I have found of connecting to Tarot, as it can be far more productive and generative than simply reading about the cards in a book.
Case's Philosophy
As soon as you begin to dig a little into the world of Tarot, you will be introduced to the relationship between the cards and Jewish Mysticism. This is an enormous (and often overwhelming) field, but this deck and Case's writing strip it back to be as clear and accessible as possible.
Each of the Major Arcana cards is associated with a letter of the Hebrew Alphabet and pathway of the Tree of Life, which in turn has their own symbolic associations to be studied.
"The attribution of the major trumps to the Hebrew alphabet is the crux in Tarot study". [2]
The Minor Arcana of this deck are pips, bearing only the corresponding number of suit markers. This deck is designed for Qabalistic study using the Tree of Life, therefore the Minor Arcana cards serve as pointers towards the 10 Sefirot of the Tree, with each suit corresponding to one of the Four Kingdoms. This is reflected in the design of the 10 of Pentacles and Cups, which mirror the layout of the 10 Sefirot on the Tree.
The deck also includes two additional cards: one depicting the Tree of Life, and another including 10 affirmations to help you connect to the meaning of the 10 Sefirot entitled The Pattern on the Trestleboard. The text of this card is available on the B.O.T.A. website [3]. I think these cards are useful additions for quick reference and further material for meditation.
Method of Study
Case provides a clear outline of the structure of the Tarot and the card meanings in his book but states that "the student must fill in this outline with the results of [their] own observation and meditation". [2]. I agree with Case that the wisdom of Tarot can only be extracted from the cards themselves, and not fully understood from reading. On top of coloring or painting your own cards, Case proposes spending 5 minutes per day meditating on one card and recording any thoughts that arise in a notebook. He also recommends keeping folders for each card, and to begin filing newspaper clippings which you feel correspond to each card: this appeals to me as a collage-inclined artist, but I could also see this well adapted to Pinterest boards!
Final Thoughts
I feel very lucky to own this deck. Rest assured, I have no intentions of coloring these cards or handling them often, and they will be tucked away safe, but encountering them has helped to affirm my belief that actively engaging with creative methods of Tarot study is the way forward. As I am in the final stages of putting together my DIY Deck ready for release, it feels like this deck and Case's teachings have sprung up at just the right time for me. Tarot is best enjoyed with a side of serendipity. Don't you agree?
Sources
[2] Paul Foster Case, The Tarot, A Key to the Wisdom of the Ages, Macoy Publishing Company, New York, 1947.
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