The Brotherhood of Light Egyptian Tarot represents a profound integration of esoteric traditions, combining the divinatory art of Tarot with the ancient sciences of Astrology, the Kabbalah, Alchemy, and Numerology. Originating from the teachings of the Church of Light and first published in 1936, this deck serves as a sophisticated tool for those seeking insight into the unconscious mind and the inner planes. Unlike standard Tarot decks, it is designed to function as a complete system of occult instruction, where every card acts as a cartouche—a vessel containing specific messages for the seeker. The deck’s evolution, particularly the 2003 and 2009 redesigns by Vicki Brewer, has rendered these complex symbols into full-color Egyptian imagery, making the archetypal wisdom more accessible to modern users.
At its core, the Brotherhood of Light Tarot operates on the principle of vibration and resonance. It is described as a mechanism that assists the unconscious mind in exploring higher levels of learning and acquiring uplifting knowledge. The deck is not merely a set of pictures but a structured interface with the psychic senses. When a seeker’s attention is focused on obtaining information, the cards act as a conduit, directing the soul's attention and raising astral memories into objective consciousness. This process is believed to be guided by a power that ensures the cards’ distribution provides a correct reading, provided the user possesses the capacity for understanding. The synthesis of planetary positions, zodiacal signs, and elemental forces within the Minor Arcana, alongside the deep symbolism of the Major Arcana and Court Cards, offers a comprehensive framework for navigating life's complexities and fostering personal and spiritual growth.
The Structure and Symbolism of the Deck
The Brotherhood of Light Egyptian Tarot is meticulously structured to reflect the intricate web of occult sciences. It consists of 78 cards, divided into the Major Arcana (22 cards), Minor Arcana (40 cards), and Court Cards (16 cards). However, the deck’s unique character lies in its specific integration of Hermetic traditions, where every element—from color and geometric shape to Hebrew characters and numerological values—is intentionally correlated with cosmic principles.
The Minor Arcana is particularly detailed in its symbology. Rather than simply depicting scenes, the cards utilize a Marseilles-style iconography where the arrangement of symbols conveys specific meanings. For instance, the Aces feature the suit’s icon standing alone, representing pure potential. The Deuces show Scepters and Swords crossed, while Cups and Coins are placed side by side. The Treys form a triangle, the Fours a square, and the Fives are grouped with specific crossings or X’s. The Sixes display two triangles, Sevens an upper triangle and lower square, Eights two squares, and Nines three triangles. This geometric precision is not arbitrary; it reflects the underlying numerological and alchemical principles governing the card’s influence.
Furthermore, the Minor Arcana is deeply astrologically keyed. The numbers 1 through 9 correspond to planetary positions within constellations. For example, the 3 of Swords (or Trey of Swords) is associated with Mercury, Capricorn, and Virgo. This level of detail allows the seeker to access instant astrological information, bridging the gap between simple divination and a comprehensive analysis of cosmic influences. The Court Cards represent the active forces of the universe, while the Major Arcana, displayed on the "post of the key" in the deck’s design, maps the soul’s journey through major life archetypes.
The back of the cards features mirrored images with core diamond shapes, inspired by traditional "carpet pages" from illuminated ancient manuscripts. This design choice reinforces the theme of symmetry and sacred geometry, essential components of the Hermetic tradition. The deck’s accompanying 48-page instruction booklet, excerpted from The Sacred Tarot, provides brief descriptions and interpretations, serving as an initial guide to the seeker. However, the true depth of the deck is unlocked through the companion book, which details the continuous expression of Astrology, Alchemy, and Magic through color, symbol, and glyph.
The Mechanics of Tarot and ESP
The efficacy of the Brotherhood of Light Tarot is predicated on the activation of the psychic senses and the development of Extra-Sensory Perception (ESP). The deck is described as a powerful tool for directing the unconscious mind to explore the inner planes, akin to visiting a new city or foreign country. While such exploration can be interesting on its own, the deck is designed to facilitate intentional learning and insight gathering.
The process involves focusing the unconscious mind’s attention on obtaining specific information. When the seeker shuffles and draws the cards, the psychic senses become active to retrieve that information from the astral brain. The cards serve a dual purpose: they direct the attention of the soul toward acquiring information, and they provide a mechanism by which this information—residing as a memory in the astral brain—can be raised into the region of objective consciousness.
The deck is believed to possess an inherent guiding power. It is suggested that there is a force present that not only directs how the cards shall be read but also influences their distribution to ensure a correct reading. This implies that the seeker’s interaction with the deck is a cooperative process between the user’s vibratory rate and the deck’s archetypal energy. The archetypal images within the cards are said to power the unconscious mind into higher levels of learning on the inner planes. Consequently, the limitations of the reading are determined by the capacity for understanding of the person using the deck and their ability to perceive the subtle vibrations at play.
This approach aligns with the broader spiritual goal of holistic energy harmonization. By engaging with the Tarot, individuals can access deeper layers of their psyche, gaining clarity on personal challenges and spiritual growth. The cards act as a mirror, reflecting the internal state and offering pathways to balance and understanding. The integration of ESP development through Tarot practice suggests that the deck is not just for passive fortune-telling but for active self-improvement and conscious expansion.
Integration of Occult Sciences
The Brotherhood of Light Egyptian Tarot stands out for its comprehensive synthesis of multiple esoteric systems. It is not a standalone divination tool but part of an internally consistent exposition of occult sciences. The deck explicitly integrates the Kabbalah, linking the Major Arcana to the Tree of Life, and utilizes Hebrew characters to add layers of vibrational significance.
Astrology is woven into the fabric of the deck, with the 12 zodiacal signs and 36 decanate constellations corresponding with the Major and Minor Arcana. This allows for precise timing and character analysis. Alchemy is expressed through the transformation of base metals into gold, symbolized by the progression of numbers and the interaction of elements within the suits. Magic is represented by the will and intent required to activate the deck’s powers, emphasizing that the user’s vibratory rate is a critical component.
Numerology plays a vital role, particularly in the Minor Arcana. Each number carries a specific planetary and vibrational signature. The deck’s "key" design visually represents this integration: the circle is divided into four suits with numbers 1 through 9, the post contains the Major Arcana, and the teeth contain the Court Cards. This visual mnemonic aids the seeker in recalling the complex relationships between the different systems.
The use of color is also significant. The full-color redesign of the deck highlights the specific energetic properties assigned to each card. Pastel colors of yellow, green, blue, and orange are noted in customer reviews, suggesting a palette that is both soothing and conducive to psychic receptivity. The minimalist Egyptian artwork, described as "very minimalist," focuses the mind on the essential symbols without distraction, allowing the unconscious to interpret the deeper meanings.
Practical Application and User Experience
For homeowners, business owners, and spiritual seekers, the Brotherhood of Light Egyptian Tarot offers a versatile approach to navigating life’s various domains. While the source material focuses on the deck’s mechanics rather than specific Vastu or Numerological corrections, the principles of the deck can be applied to gain insight into personal growth, relationship harmony, and commercial success.
The deck is described as a "lifetime romance," indicating that its utility deepens with time and practice. Users are advised to utilize the companion book to fully understand the intricate symbolism, though the deck can be used with a basic knowledge of Tarot. It serves as an excellent tool for those interested in themes of Egyptian mythology, minimalist art, or the collector’s market, but its true value lies in its function as a reading deck for deep spiritual inquiry.
The synthesis of interests in Tarot and Astrology is a highlighted benefit. Having planets and signs expressed on each card provides instant access to information, which can be shared with clients or used for personal reflection. This integration allows for a multi-dimensional reading that goes beyond simple card meanings to include timing, elemental influences, and numerological vibrations.
For those seeking holistic energy balancing, the deck provides a method to access the inner planes and retrieve knowledge that is otherwise inaccessible. It encourages the development of intuition and the alignment of the user’s vibratory rate with higher frequencies. By consistently engaging with the cards, individuals can cultivate a deeper connection to their unconscious mind, facilitating a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening.
Conclusion
The Brotherhood of Light Egyptian Tarot is a sophisticated spiritual instrument that bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and modern divination practice. Its strength lies in its rigorous integration of Astrology, Numerology, the Kabbalah, Alchemy, and Magic, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding the cosmic forces that shape human existence. By acting as a conduit between the unconscious mind and the inner planes, the deck facilitates the acquisition of insight and the development of Extra-Sensory Perception.
Whether used for personal growth, understanding relationship dynamics, or exploring the deeper mysteries of the psyche, this deck offers a path to higher learning and energetic harmonization. Its historical lineage, tracing back to the Church of Light in 1936 and refined through modern redesigns, ensures a legacy of authentic esoteric transmission. For the seeker willing to engage with its depth, the Brotherhood of Light Egyptian Tarot remains a powerful ally in the quest for clarity, balance, and spiritual enlightenment.