The Brotherhood of Light Egyptian Tarot deck represents a significant integration of esoteric traditions, serving as a practical tool for accessing subconscious insights and understanding complex metaphysical relationships. Rooted in the Hermetic tradition and the teachings of C.C. Zain, this deck offers a unique system that synthesizes Tarot, Kabbalah, astrology, and ancient numerology. Unlike traditional decks, it emphasizes the correspondence between the 12 zodiacal signs and 36 decanate constellations with the Major and Minor Arcana, providing a structured framework for divination and personal exploration.
The evolution of this deck traces back to 1936, when the original black and white version was published by the Church of Light, featuring designs by Gloria Beresford. In 2003, Vicki Brewer redrew these original images, and by 2009, the deck was redesigned into full-color Egyptian Tarot cards. This modern iteration retains the core symbolism of colors and geometric shapes, enhancing the visual and vibrational impact of the readings. Accompanying the deck is a 48-page instruction booklet, excerpted from The Sacred Tarot, which provides essential descriptions and interpretations for all 78 cards, including 22 Major Arcana, 40 Minor Arcana, and 16 Court Cards. Additionally, users gain access to instructions for reading the cards using two popular spreads.
The Mechanics of Inner-Plane Exploration
The Brotherhood of Light Egyptian Tarot functions as a bridge to the unconscious mind, facilitating the acquisition of knowledge that resides beyond ordinary perception. According to the principles outlined in The Sacred Tarot, the cards act as a focal point for the unconscious mind. When attention is directed toward obtaining specific information, the psychic senses become active, utilizing the vast scope of inner-plane existence to gather insights inaccessible through standard cognitive processes.
This information is stored in the astral brain as a memory. The Tarot cards serve a dual purpose: they direct the soul’s attention toward acquiring this information, and they provide a mechanism for raising these astral memories into the region of objective consciousness. Through repeated use, the practitioner becomes convinced of a guiding power that directs not only the interpretation of the cards but also their physical distribution during shuffling to ensure a correct reading. This process relies heavily on Extra-Sensory Perception (ESP) to observe the positions of the cards within the pack.
The archetypal images within the deck are designed to power the unconscious mind into higher levels of learning on the inner planes. The efficacy of this tool is ultimately limited by the individual's "vibratory rate," or their capacity to tune into these subtle energies. By engaging with these symbols, users can explore the inner planes with intention, deriving uplifting insight and knowledge similar to visiting a new city, but with the added benefit of spiritual and psychic development.
Symbolism and Structure of the Cards
The deck is deeply rooted in the Hermetic tradition, functioning as an integral part of an internally consistent exposition of occult sciences. Astrology, alchemy, and magic are continuously expressed through color, symbol, and glyph. Each card is viewed as a cartouche, containing a specific message for the seeker. The limitation of what the Tarot reveals is strictly bound by the capacity for understanding of the person using it.
The Minor Arcana follows a Marseilles style, utilizing icons rather than pictorial scenes. The arrangement of these icons is systematic and geometric: * Aces: The icon stands alone, without hands emerging from clouds. * Deuces: Scepters and Swords are crossed, while Cups and Coins are side by side. * Treys: All are formed into a triangle. * Fours: All are formed into a square. * Fives: Scepters and Swords are crossed; Cups and Coins form "X"s. * Sixes: Show two triangles. * Sevens: Show an upper triangle and a lower square. * Eights: Show two squares. * Nines: Show three triangles.
The Court Cards feature a distinct portrayal of the Horsemen. Placed where Knights usually appear in other decks, the Horsemen in this system do not represent people. Instead, they denote thoughts or unseen intelligences, adding a layer of abstract interpretation to the readings.
Specific Major Arcana cards have been adapted to fit the Egyptian theme: * The Tower: Depicted as a pyramid. * The Moon: Features two pyramids instead of mountains. * The Sun: Shows two adults rather than two children. * The Sarcophagus: A unique card showing a male, female, and child figure wrapped as mummies emerging from a sarcophagus. * The Materialist: Features a crocodile-like companion instead of a dog.
Visually, the deck utilizes pastel colors of yellow, green, blue, and orange, creating a minimalist aesthetic that brings a sense of peace to the user. The back of the cards features two mirrored images with core diamond shapes, inspired by traditional "carpet pages" found in illuminated ancient manuscripts.
Practical Application and User Experience
For the spiritual seeker or the individual looking for balance, the Brotherhood of Light Egyptian Tarot offers a synthesized approach to divination. It is designed to be a companion to the study of occult sciences, allowing the user to access instant information regarding planets and signs expressed on each card. This integration is particularly valued by those interested in both Tarot and astrology, as it provides a broader context for readings.
The deck is versatile in its application. It can be used as a theme deck for those drawn to Egyptian mythology, as a collector’s item for its minimalist artwork, or as a primary reading deck for individuals with a basic knowledge of Tarot. However, the complexity of the symbolism suggests that the companion book is highly recommended to fully utilize the system's depth. The included 48-page booklet provides the necessary baseline for interpretation, but the full scope of the deck's capabilities is unlocked through the study of The Sacred Tarot and the Hermetic principles it espouses.
The process of using the deck involves shuffling while focusing on a specific inquiry. The unconscious mind, directed by the intent of the question, interacts with the cards. The resulting spread is believed to be influenced by "inner-plane" forces, ensuring that the arrangement of cards reflects the necessary information for the seeker. This method encourages a deep dive into the psyche, allowing the user to confront thoughts, unseen intelligences, and archetypal energies that influence their life path.
The Role of Color and Geometry
Beyond the individual symbols, the Brotherhood of Light Tarot integrates the specific vibrational qualities of colors and geometric shapes. This is not merely decorative; it is integral to the Hermetic system of correspondences. The colors (pastels of yellow, green, blue, and orange) are selected for their energetic resonance. The geometric progression of the Minor Arcana icons—from the single point of the Ace to the complex shapes of the Nines—mirrors the mathematical and metaphysical expansion of energy.
The card backs, featuring mirrored diamond shapes, serve as a visual anchor. The symmetry of the design is reminiscent of ancient sacred art, intended to create a balanced energetic field for the reading. This attention to detail underscores the deck's purpose: to provide an "internally consistent exposition of occult sciences" where every element, from the color of a suit to the shape of a number, contributes to the total meaning.
Conclusion
The Brotherhood of Light Egyptian Tarot stands as a comprehensive tool for those seeking to bridge the gap between the conscious and unconscious realms. By adhering to the teachings of C.C. Zain and the Hermetic tradition, it offers a structured path through the complexities of the Major and Minor Arcana. Its unique integration of astrology, numerology, and Kabbalah, combined with the distinct visual language of Egyptian symbolism and geometric icons, provides a rich field for exploration.
Whether utilized for gaining insight into personal challenges, exploring the inner planes, or simply as a means of focusing the mind on higher learning, this deck requires an active engagement from the user. It is a system that respects the intelligence and vibratory rate of the individual, offering a mirror to the astral brain and a key to unlocking objective consciousness. Through its minimalist beauty and deep metaphysical roots, it remains a vital resource for modern occult study and spiritual guidance.