At a glance
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All 78 cards, in Godfrey Dowson's black-and-white designs
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72-page instruction booklet, with an introduction by Stuart R. Kaplan
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Golden Dawn attributions — astrological, sephirotic, angelic, geomantic, numerical and kabbalistic
- Cards measure 2.75″ × 4.625″
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Includes the Celtic Cross layout, an elemental and astrological symbol chart, and a Tree of Life diagram
How to use it
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Start with one card and the booklet. The symbolism is dense enough that a full spread on day one is wasted on you.
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Use the Celtic Cross layout included in the booklet once the cards are familiar.
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Keep the symbol chart to hand. The elemental and astrological attributions are the key to most of what is drawn on the cards.
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Work the Tree of Life diagram alongside the minors — the sephirotic structure is what the numbered cards are built on.
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Give yourself good light. Fine black-and-white linework in a dim room is a losing battle.
What is in the booklet
| Section |
Contents |
| Introduction |
By Stuart R. Kaplan |
| Card meanings |
By Godfrey Dowson and Stuart R. Kaplan |
| Layout |
Instructions for the classic ten-card Celtic Cross |
| Symbol chart |
Elemental and astrological attributions |
| Tree of Life |
The ten spheres and the 22 paths with their Hebrew letters |
✨ Temple Tip — learn the subtitles, not just the card names
Every minor in this deck carries a Golden Dawn title underneath the number — Lord of Love, Lord of Rest from Strife, Lord of Established Strength. Those subtitles compress the card's meaning into four or five words and are far faster to internalize than a paragraph of interpretation. Learn them first and the deck opens up considerably sooner.
Questions we get asked
How many cards are in the deck?
All 78 cards, majors and minors.
What size are the cards?
2.75 by 4.625 inches.
Is a booklet included?
Yes, a 72-page instruction booklet with an introduction by Stuart R. Kaplan and card meanings by Godfrey Dowson and Stuart R. Kaplan.
Is this deck suitable for beginners?
It is demanding. The designs are black and white and packed with Golden Dawn symbolism, which makes it a superb study deck but a steep first one.
What layouts does the booklet cover?
The classic ten-card Celtic Cross, plus a chart of elemental and astrological symbols and a diagram of the ten spheres and 22 paths of the Tree of Life.
About this edition: Cover art and printing details follow the current print run and may differ slightly from the photographs. Ships within 3 business days.
Seventy-eight cards of Golden Dawn machinery, in black and white. #TempleOfDesire
