You’re Barely Scratching the Surface of Tarot | Joe Monteleone

Introduction and Joe's Initiation into Thoth00:00:00

Jennifer introduces Joe Monteleone and discusses her own journey with Tarot, specifically her initiation into the Thoth deck. Joe shares his own transition from Rider-Waite-Smith to Thoth, explaining how his study of Kabbalah led to a synesthetic experience where he could feel the meaning of numbers and elements in his body, helping him understand the abstract nature of the Thoth deck.

Aleister Crowley and Universal Iconography00:08:17

Joe explains that the Thoth deck was painted by Lady Frieda Harris and directed by Aleister Crowley. He discusses Crowley’s goals of removing Christian iconography for Thelemic imagery and making Tarot more universal, such as changing the suit of coins to disks to represent cosmic patterns rather than human inventions.

The Aeon of Horus and Card Differences00:10:39

The conversation shifts to the concept of the 'moon child' and the Aeon card in Thoth versus Judgment in Rider-Waite. Joe explains Crowley’s theory of Aeons—Isis (matriarchal), Osiris (patriarchal/life and death), and Horus (the child)—representing a shift toward direct connection with spirituality without higher authority.

Three Phases of Tarot Reading00:21:46

Joe outlines his framework for using Tarot across three planes of development. Phase one is reading for life as it appears (Newtonian world). Phase two is the subtle plane of symbols, archetypes, and inner work. Phase three is stepping into the incommunicable or ineffable, where Major Arcana cards illustrate the divine becoming or being everything that is.

Elements, Yogas, and Mystical Paths00:34:00

Joe connects the four Tarot suits and elements to the four yogic paths: Earth/Pentacles to Karma Yoga (action/service), Air/Swords to Jnana Yoga (path of knowledge), Water/Cups to Bhakti Yoga (devotion), and Fire/Wands to Raja Yoga (meditation/energy body). He emphasizes that all paths lead to the same union.

Non-Duality and the Razor's Edge00:50:17

Jennifer asks about non-duality. Joe describes it as the final threshold of spiritual endeavor where language breaks down. He uses the metaphor of unhinging the mind to reveal negative space that pulls the universe into itself, which he calls grace. He notes that while paths differ at the base of the mountain, they resolve into the same truth at the peak.

Resources, Academy, and Closing00:59:58

Joe promotes his resources, including his YouTube channel, free ebooks at taromysticismacademy.com/e-books, his published book 'Tarot Mysticism' by Llewellyn, and his Tarot Mysticism Academy with its three levels. He also mentions his annual mastermind for spiritual entrepreneurs and one-on-one sessions. The video ends with Jennifer’s outro and call to subscribe.