Page:The mystic test book.djvu/15

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THE MYSTIC TEST BOOK.
11

This is actually the case with our test book, as well as with many other things used in modern times.

In addition to the great length of time that has elapsed since its invention, we have the fact to contend with, that the ancient and secret order that alone understood and used this mystic book, sedulously guarded the sacred emblems from the knowledge of the outside world. They were each and every one of them sworn not to "cut, carve, paint, mark or write them" upon any substance whatever, except for use in the Temples of the Mystic Brotherhood.

MYSTIC EMBLEMS.

The test book has been called by various names, among which the "Tarot Cards" appears in many ancient and modern works. Why they are tarot cards, will be seen when we come to the the tarot or magic square department. Many modern writers however, have been misled, by supposing that some of the many substitutes for the old genuine book are the real tarot cards. For instance; we find in a work called "The Tarot of the Bohemians," by "Papus," a large number of allusions to the test book, but strange to say, the writer