The distinct differences between the structure of the RWS and Thoth decks makes for big differences in the methods of reading the cards.
Since the Book of Thoth was not intended to be used with reversals, that option has not been made available here for this deck. In Thoth tarot readings, the cards' elemental dignities depend upon adjacent cards. Cards of the same energy strengthen their neighbors. Cards of opposite energies such as cups and wands cause ill-dignification.
This method of reading takes some getting used to, comparable to learning to drive a vehicle with manual transmission, so reading with the Book of Thoth may be considered better for more advanced readers and for deeper or more spiritual questions. Cards that are not opposite are considered friendly. Cards of the same suit strengthen their neighbors. In some spreads dignification can be considered neutral and irrelevant. The Golden Dawn method is the spread that relies most strongly on dignification.
Since the Rider-Waite-Smith does use reversals, dignification is essentially automatic with this deck. The RWS not only made the use of reversals commonplace among modern tarot readers, but also replaced traditional pip cards with depictions of scenarios. Readings with the RWS are much more blunt than decks such as Thoth, making them much easier for beginners to interpret.
Of course the general rule with tarot is to just do it your own way. Seek, and you will find. Always follow your intuition, and learn at your own pace. Come back and read your tarot free any time. |
