Éditions Lo Scarabeo
The Book of Thoth or Etteilla Tarot
The very first tarot created for divination.
Faithful reproduction of the Grand Jeu de l'Oracle des Dames, the first tarot designed and published by Etteilla (Jean-Baptiste Alliette) between 1783 and 1787 in Paris and Amsterdam. This is the very first tarot deck created exclusively for divination, which its author presented as the reconstruction of the true Egyptian tarot derived from the legendary Book of Thoth.
This tarot consists of 78 cards, like traditional decks, but with a structure deeply revised by Etteilla: the major arcana have new titles, their numbering is changed, and each card includes upright and reversed reading indications. With this work, Etteilla inaugurated what is now called the “Grand Etteilla,” a term used by his successors to designate later and enriched editions of this system.
☝️ Note: this is an imported tarot, available in several languages including French.
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Information & features
- Author: Jean-Baptiste Alliette
- Publication date: 1870
- Size: 7cm x 12.5cm
- Weight: 250g
- ISBN: 978-8865271704
- Version:
Storage & preservation
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Buy the Book of Thoth or Etteilla Tarot in our esoteric shop
The Book of Thoth is a faithful reproduction of the very first tarot published in Paris and Amsterdam by Jean-Baptiste Alliette, known as Etteilla, between 1783 and 1787. This work marks a major turning point in the history of cartomancy, as it is the first tarot designed entirely for divination. The author presented it as a reconstruction of the original Egyptian tarot, inspired by the mythical Book of Thoth. This edition allows rediscovery of a deck that laid the foundations for the divinatory use of tarot in Europe.
An innovative structure imagined by Etteilla
Unlike traditional tarots, this 78-card deck offers an organization deeply transformed by its creator. The major arcana bear new titles, the numbering has been revised, and each card includes precise indications for reading both upright and reversed. This bold approach provides a clear and systematic reading framework, breaking with usual codes. With this work, Etteilla asserts his desire to give tarot an exclusively divinatory function, adapted to consultations and esoteric practices of his time.
The origin of the Grand Etteilla and its legacy
By publishing this deck, Etteilla inaugurates a tradition that will be continued and enriched by his successors. The term "Grand Etteilla" will be used to designate the various later editions, all derived from this founding model. This tarot is thus much more than a simple card deck: it represents the birth of a structured divinatory school, which will have a lasting influence on the history of occultism and cartomancy. With this reproduction, enthusiasts and collectors gain access to an essential piece of esoteric heritage, a witness to the invention of the first divinatory tarot published in the world.
Jean-Baptiste Alliette, born in 1738 and died in 1791, was a French occultist recognized as the pioneer of divinatory tarot. Under the pseudonym Etteilla, he published in 1783 the first manual dedicated to the interpretation of tarot cards, laying the foundations of a clear and codified system. He also created his own tarot deck, known as the Grand Etteilla or Egyptian Tarot, blending esoteric symbols and Kabbalistic influences. His work marks a major turning point in the history of cartomancy, having a lasting influence on divinatory practices.
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When the cards guide you.
Tarot is not meant to predict a fixed destiny, but to illuminate the path. Each card asks a question as much as it offers an answer. Tarot invites reflection, to face what blocks, what calls, what changes. It does not tell you what to do, but helps you see more clearly. Whether you seek perspective, a reference point, or a form of inner dialogue, tarot remains a simple, ancient tool accessible to all — a sincere mirror, never indulgent, but always there to get you moving again.
— This guide might interest you.
— The divinatory tarot in 6 questions .
Here is an overview of the most frequently asked questions. Of course, there are no silly questions, so if the answer is not here: you can contact us.
What is divinatory tarot and where does it come from?
The divinatory tarot is a set of cards used for cartomancy, a form of divination where the cards serve as a tool to understand situations, events, or aspects of life. The modern tarot we know today evolved from an Italian card game called tarocchi in the 15th century. The divinatory tarot as it is practiced today has its roots in the 18th century, when it began to be used for prediction and spiritual exploration, especially thanks to occultists like Antoine Court de Gébelin.
How does a divinatory tarot reading work?
Divinatory tarot is based on the symbolic interpretation of the cards drawn during a session. The querent asks a question or seeks clarity on an aspect of their life, and the tarot reader draws cards in response. Each card has a specific meaning, influenced by its position in the spread and the other cards surrounding it. Tarot readers use their intuition, their knowledge of the cards, and the querent’s situation to interpret the answers provided by the tarot.
What are the differences between the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana in tarot?
Divinatory tarot consists of 78 cards, divided into two main groups: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana includes 22 cards representing universal and profound concepts, such as Death, Judgment, or the World. These cards are generally associated with major life events or significant changes. The Minor Arcana, numbering 56, are divided into four suits (Cups, Swords, Wands, and Pentacles) and deal with more everyday aspects of life like relationships, conflicts, or material matters. You can consult our complete guide to divinatory tarot for more information.
What mistakes should be avoided when consulting the divinatory tarot?
Among common mistakes, one of the most frequent is asking questions that are too vague or, on the contrary, too closed. It is better to avoid questions like "When will I win the lottery?" or "Am I going to die tomorrow?". Divinatory tarot is more useful when it comes to understanding situations or choices rather than predicting specific short-term events. Another mistake is not being open to the cards' answers or consulting the tarot too frequently for the same question, hoping for a different response.
Do you need to be a medium to read the divinatory tarot?
It is not necessary to be a medium to read tarot. Anyone can learn to read the cards through studying the meanings of the symbols and practice. However, some people also use their intuition or psychic abilities to enrich their interpretations. The ability to connect to the energies of the querent or to develop a stronger intuition can improve over time, but it is not essential to start using tarot.
Can divinatory tarot predict the future?
Divinatory tarot is more a tool for reflection and guidance rather than a means to predict the future in a fixed and unchangeable way. The cards offer an insight into present energies and possible directions based on the current actions of the querent. Tarot shows trends and probable paths, but it always respects each person's free will. Thus, future events are not set in stone and can change depending on personal choices.
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— The Carnets d'Aeternum , practices and history of Magic.
A condensed collection of knowledge to feed your magical curiosity.
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