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Mystical Origins of the Tarot: From Ancient Roots to Modern Usage

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Where Paul Huson's 1972 work `The Devil's Picture Book' presented a rich melange of broad speculations regarding the emblems of Tarot, his new book `Mystical Origins of the Tarot' approaches the subject along entirely different and decidedly radical lines, challenging preconceptions and removing layers of fanciful superimposition which have hitherto obscured Tarot's roots. He subjects the images of traditional Tarot to a penetrating and rigorous process of historical analysis and thematic elucidation employing an approach which can best be described as `symbolic archaeology' - the results are quite remarkable. The research brought to bear on the origins of the enigmatic cards is impressive, thorough and original: for instance the four suits signs of the Minor Arcana are painstakingly traced via the surviving decks of Mamluk Egypt to the heraldic symbols denoting the Four Virtues and the four Mazdean castes of ancient Persia. An important paradigm-shift in understanding is achieved via the author firmly locating each of the figures of the Major Arcana in the beguiling world of popular religious dramas, mysteries and miracle-plays in the High Middle Ages - he even provides examples of their speeches from the original dramas. The chapter on the Major Arcana in this context is as illuminating as it is convincing.
Furthermore Paul Huson goes deeply into the traditions underpinning the cartomantic significance of each card, giving the divinatory rundown from Pratesi's Cartomancer of 1750 to A.E. Waite in 1910 along with his own suggested keywords for readings. One surprising turn-up for the books transpires when the author locates the direct source of the Golden Dawn Decanic system of the Minor Cards in the section on the 36 Decan images in Book II of the Arab grimoire called the Picatrix. The 16 legendary personages identified with the court cards likewise opens up fascinating points of symbolic comprehension.
The sections on practical cartomancy will be found invaluable by both beginners and seasoned users of the cards: a great deal of utile information and insight is imparted which will facilitate practise. I especially like the techniques for `linking' the cards.
The above gives but an indication of some of the absorbing contents of this inspiring book. In its own way the research it unfolds is as compelling to follow as a detective story as the author indefatigably tracks down the emblematic minutiae of Tarot symbolism to their archaic and mediaeval originals.
Ranging with great erudition from Shia, Sufi and Magian symbologies, to Neoplatonic doctrines, mediaeval mystery-plays, 18th century cartomancers and scholarly art history this packed study delivers such a veritable feast of fresh information and insight on the subject of Tarot that beginners and veteran tarotists alike will find it a real treat to read and an indispensable resource for reference. It is illustrated throughout with a wealth of examples of card-images, allegorical emblems and images skilfully executed by the author. This is very likely the definitive study on the subject. Highly recommended.

Mystical Origins of the Tarot is a wonderfully researched history of the Tarot. Mr. Huson gives the reader a fascinating look into this ancient science and for the novice it is a "must have" volume. Beautifully illustrated, the cards are presented and defined with colourful historical facts. The various"spreads" are explained with clarity and simple easy to follow directions. In my first attempt at a "layout" the divination which appeared made perfect sense to me. This is a very special gift for anyone interestd in the Tarot.

Paul Huson explores the roots of the symbolism of the tarot in this excellent volume. From Mamluk cards, to triumphal parades to medieval dramas, he shows how the symbols in the tarot grew out of visual images that would have been familiar to all in their time and place. In his sections on card meanings, he cites interpretations from Etteilla, Mathers, Waite, and the Golden Dawn, which are fascinating to compare. This is a very valuable book for anyone interested in the history of tarot.

I was completely convinced by Huson's hypothesis about the origins of Tarot. His research and arguments seemed impeccable.

But what I found most astonishing were the medieval associations with some cards. For example, how could the Queen of Wands be the Amazon Queen Penthesilia, the Biblical Rachel and a harlot? How could the murderous Judith be the Queen of Hearts? The way the Tarot was seen in earlier periods is historically valuable because it could be the key to unlocking the way they thought.

This is ONE OF THE TWO BEST BOOKS on Tarot history. The other one is Robert Place's "The Tarot: History, Symbolism, and Divination". They complement each other, reinforce some historical and key points on its structure and attributions, and get rid of some very extended myths about its origins (Egypt, gypsies, kabalah, astrology, etc.).

I'm finding the historical referencing to be immensely helpful, no matter the deck I choose to work with. It helps broaden knowledge which feeds my intuitive part - which, let's face it, is the part you want to come into play!! You could say it helps you stretch out :)

Paul Huson has given the reader a well written and researched guide to the tarots and their meanings. Mr. Huson has gone beyond the ordinary tarot books available on the market and given a book akin in many ways to 78 Degrees of Wisdom. I highly reccomend this book to any student of the tarot, you will not be dissapointed.

This book clears up any misconceptions about the history of the cards.
It is also handy if you are a collector of tarot, as it deals with the types of tarot cards in terms of categories and geographic locations of origin.
Huson is considered by many to be the last word on the history of the tarot.
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If you are into "Tarot" reading, this is a must have book. Paul Huson has done extensive Tarot history and writing for decades. This book is his best on the history, reading and application of enjoying the Tarot.

good the first part related to the origin of the tarots, a little weak the part related to the meaning of the trumps. good for a general overview about tarots