Arthur Edward Waite 
The Pictorial Key to the Tarot 

Arthur Edward Waite’s 'The Pictorial Key to the Tarot’ is a groundbreaking work that serves as a comprehensive guide to the ancient art of tarot reading. Written in a clear and accessible style, the book provides detailed explanations of each card in the tarot deck, along with the symbolism and divinatory meanings associated with them. Waite’s literary style is engaging and informative, making this book an essential read for both beginners and experienced tarot enthusiasts alike. The book’s publication in 1910 marked a significant moment in the history of tarot literature, as Waite’s in-depth analysis and interpretations helped to popularize the practice of tarot reading in the modern era. The Pictorial Key to the Tarot stands as a timeless classic in the field of tarot studies, offering valuable insights into the mysteries of the cards and their potential for personal growth and self-discovery.

O autorze

Arthur Edward Waite (1857–1942) was a scholarly mystic and esoteric writer known for his numerous contributions to the fields of occultism, Freemasonry, and tarot. Born in the United States but raised in England, Waite became a prolific author and translator, heavily influenced by the mystical and ceremonial traditions of the Western esotericism. A member of various esoteric societies, including the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, Waite’s approach to these subjects was both analytical and comprehensive, often seeking to synthesize and clarify complex esoteric ideas. One of his most enduring works is 'The Pictorial Key to the Tarot’ (1910), wherein he provides an extensive analysis of the Tarot symbolism and offers interpretations for the 78 Tarot cards, thus establishing a foundation for much of modern Tarot scholarship. His literary style, characterized by a meticulous and somewhat arcane vocabulary, aimed to pierce the veil of esoteric knowledge and render its arcane wisdom accessible to the dedicated student. Waite’s influence is still evident today in the fields of Tarot and magical traditions, as his works continue to attract readers drawn to the metaphysical and the mystical.