Major Arcana
Lust is Passion. Divine feminine power. Taming the beast.
The Lust card in the Thoth Tarot is a vibrant symbol of passion, vitality, and the awakening of primal energy. Far from simply representing romantic desire, Lust embodies the transformative force of inner strength, creative energy, and the mastery of our passions. Crafted by Aleister Crowley and Lady Frieda Harris, the Lust card invites us to explore how embracing our desires can lead to growth, empowerment, and spiritual awakening.
Visuals and Symbolism
In the Thoth Tarot, Lust depicts a pair of intertwined figures—often a lion and a maiden—symbolizing raw energy and gentle seduction. Key elements include:
The Lion: Represents primal strength, courage, and ferocity—our instinctual passions.
The Woman (or Figure of Desire): Embodying beauty, allure, and the awakening of inner life force.
The Serpent or Dragon: Signifies transformation, wisdom, and the harnessing of primal energy.
The Heart or Flame: Often depicted glowing, highlighting passion as a source of creative power.
Vibrant Colors: Reds, oranges, and golds evoke intensity, vitality, and life force.
Crowley's Lust emphasizes the harmony between the animalistic and spiritual aspects of desire—an energy that, when mastered, fuels creativity and growth.
Core Meaning of the Thoth Lust
Lust in the Thoth Tarot symbolizes:
The power of passionate energy and desire
Inner strength and vitality
Creative inspiration and the drive to manifest
Mastery over primal instincts
Liberation through embracing authentic desires
It’s about channeling raw energy constructively rather than repressing it.
Upright Interpretation
When Lust appears upright in a reading, it indicates:
A surge of creative or sexual energy
Embracing passion as a vital life force
The awakening of inner strength and confidence
Confidence in expressing your authentic desires
A time of vitality, enthusiasm, and renewal
It encourages fully engaging with life’s pleasures and harnessing desire as a catalyst for growth.
Reversed Interpretation
Reversed, Lust can suggest:
Repression or suppression of desires
Obsession or unhealthy attachment
Lack of passion or vitality
Impulsiveness or reckless behavior
Inner conflict regarding sexuality or self-expression
It prompts reflection on whether you’re embracing your true passions or suppressing vital energy.
Esoteric and Spiritual Significance
Crowley’s Lust is aligned with the principle of creative energy and divine passion. It emphasizes that desire, when consciously harnessed, becomes a force for transformation and spiritual evolution. Lust embodies the awakening of the divine within—an energy that can elevate the soul when directed with awareness and discipline.
Spiritually, this card invites us to embrace our passions, see them as sacred, and use them to propel ourselves toward higher self-realization.
In Practice
The Lust card signals a time to:
Tap into your creative and sexual energies
Embrace your passions without shame or repression
Cultivate confidence and inner strength
Use desire as a transformative force
Celebrate life’s pleasures as part of spiritual growth
It’s an encouragement to live authentically and harness your innate vitality.
Conclusion
The Thoth Tarot Lust is a dynamic symbol of passion, vitality, and the transformative power of desire. Its imagery reminds us that embracing our primal energies can lead to profound growth, creativity, and spiritual awakening. When Lust appears, it’s an invitation to awaken your inner fire, master your passions, and channel them toward your highest purpose.