David Cunliffe Forum - Recent Posts

TAROT PATHWORKING - Are you interested in tarot pathworking? Please see link below.

David Cunliffe — Wed, 27 May 2026 15:18:43 +0000

Pathworking is a contemplative tarot practice that uses imagination, meditation, and inner visualisation to enter into the symbolic world of the cards. Rather than simply reading a card intellectually, pathworking invites us to experience it directly. The card becomes less a static image and more a living landscape, doorway, or encounter through which we can explore the deeper layers of the psyche.

www.davidcunliffe.com/tarot-pathworking

Demystifying Hermetic Qabbala: Did you know the symbols on the Thoth deck aren't just pretty pictures?

David Cunliffe — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 23:07:30 +0000

Did you know the symbols on the Thoth deck aren't just pretty pictures? They're intricately woven with the threads of Hermetic Qabbala, an ancient system of understanding the universe and our place within it.

Feeling overwhelmed by Qabbala? Don't worry, even Crowley himself admitted it's a lifelong journey! Embrace the mystery, start with one concept at a time, and trust the deck to guide you on your own unique path.

Helpful resources: Check out Lon Milo Duquette's "Understanding Aleister Crowley's Thoth Tarot" for clear explanations, or explore interactive online Qabbalah maps to visualize the relationships between the cards.

Question: Which Qabalistic concept intrigues you the most? Share your thoughts and get the conversation flowing!

RE: What prevents you from exploring Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot Deck?

David Cunliffe — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 09:34:07 +0000

Hi Dylan, thank you for sharing your insightful thoughts and personal experiences. I hear your concerns about Crowley and Regardie, two undeniably polarizing figures.

Crowley's tendency to flaunt knowledge and shroud teachings in mystery is a hallmark of many occult traditions, but it can be a barrier for some. The Rider-Waite and Thoth decks are both magical and mystical in their own right, and nuanced understanding of the occult transcends cultural biases.

Keep exploring, Dylan! Your willingness to voice your preferences shows strength, self-awareness and a connection to your needs and calling. The Merlin Tarot resonates with you for a reason. I find the Thoth invaluable for personal practice, magick, and deeper study. For clients, I preferer more pictorial decks, helps to illustrate points, storytelling, etc.

The Golden Dawn's legacy is indeed controversial, but its teachings have enriched many, myself included. Over time, my focus has shifted from interpreting others' ideas to forging my own path with personal insights. As much as I admire Crowley's work, I wouldn't blindly follow it. Like with art or music, inspiration doesn't necessitate imitation.

The Thoth is a fascinating lens through which to view the Western occult traditions, just as Mozart built upon the works of others. Borrowing and reinterpretation are part of any esoteric practice. Crowley, with his privileged background and brilliant mind, certainly did both.

Love him or hate him, his contribution to tarot is undeniable. This controversial Brit, despite all the drama, remains as popular as ever. Your thoughtful comment is a testament to that, Dylan. Keep doing you, for there's no one more important! Kind Regards.

RE: What prevents you from exploring Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot Deck?

Dylan — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 21:09:13 +0000

I had a thoth deck for a number of years, I eventually replaced it as , although I liked it's clarity of meaning I found it a bit "heavy" . I also moved away from Crowley and regardie and found more inspiration in the Rider Waite tarot. I also found W G Gray, R J Stewart and Gareth Knight more approachable. I also prefer the pagan tone of the Merlin Tarot over Crowley's. I find WG Grays ordering of Tarot trumps on the TOL much more understandable and easier to defend than the published Golden Dawn attributions and there is some evidence to suggest that the published GD attributions are an intentional "blind" used to provoke thought in the would be initiate.

Why is Aleister Crowley's Book of Thoth so important?

David Cunliffe — Sat, 01 Jul 2023 21:32:35 +0000

I've heard much within the occult community about Aleister Crowley's Book of Thoth. What exactly is the book about, and why is the book considered to be so important?

Click here to read a fuller explanation

What is the difference between the Kabbalistic terms "sephira" and "sephiroth"?

David Cunliffe — Wed, 10 May 2023 09:04:17 +0000

The terms "sephira" and "sephiroth" are both related to Kabbalah/Qabalah, the mystical tradition of Judaism.

Sephirah is the singular form of the word, and it refers to each of the ten emanations of God. These emanations are often depicted as ten spheres upon the tree, with each sephirah representing a different aspect of God's nature.

Sephiroth is the plural form of the word, and it refers to the ten emanations collectively.

The sephiroth are often seen as a map of the spiritual journey, from the lowest level of material existence to the highest level of spiritual enlightenment.

In other words, "sephira" is the single emanation of God, while "sephiroth" refers to all ten emanations collectively.

NOTE: The use of the word "God" is a more traditional term used within a religious context, so the term isn't always used in the same way, but through the lens of the occult version of Qabalah, along with all its particular nuances, philosophical ideas, and interpretations.

The Astrological Correspondences of the Hermetic Order of The Golden Dawn

David Cunliffe — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 12:01:19 +0000

Please be patient this is a work in progress!

If you’re studying the Thoth deck, then you will need to have a reliable source for the astrological correspondences at hand. You may wish to bookmark this page for future reference.

https://www.davidcunliffe.com/tarot-astrological-correspondences-of-the-hermetic-order-of-the-golden-dawn/

As this is a work in progress, and not an easy task to complete. If you spot any mistakes or omissions, then I would appreciate a quick email using the link below. Please refrain from posting any errors you may find in the resource, as the forum is only to be used for debate and discussions, Kind regards.

https://www.davidcunliffe.com/contact-david-cunliffe/

The Best Keywords for the Rider-Waite Smith tarot deck.

David Cunliffe — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 10:19:23 +0000

If you work with the Rider-Waite Smith tarot deck, you may find the following page on my website helpful.

https://www.davidcunliffe.com/keywords-for-the-rider-waite-smith-tarot-deck/

Please feel free to add your own keywords here and I’ll add them to the page if appropriate.

What quote/quotes do you believe most effectively explains the essence, meaning of magick?

David Cunliffe — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 19:21:39 +0000

You couldn’t open this feed without adding, what is arguably the most popular definition of magick, particularly from an occultists perspective.

“Magick is the science and art of causing change to occur in conformity with the Will.” – Aleister Crowley, (The Book of Thoth)

I would love to read your suggestions, feel free to add your own.

Kabbalah, Cabala, or Qabalah? Why all the different spellings?

David Cunliffe — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 17:19:18 +0000

Kabbalah: Spelt with the letter “K”, refers to a branch of Jewish mysticism, philosophy, and practice.

Cabala: Spelt with the letter “C” is the Christian version of the Jewish Kabbalah, mystical ideas modified and augmented through the Christian lens, perspective.

Qabalah: Spelt with the letter “Q” is the version of Qabalah associated with the occult sciences, magick, tarot, etc.

I will add a link here in the near future when I've finished my post! So be sure to register to reply and receive updates to this topic.