The Witches’ Wisdom Tarot
By: Phyllis Curott phylliscurott.com
Illustrated by: Danielle Barlow www.alexandraeldridge.com
Publisher: Hay House Inc. www.hayhouse.com
ISBN: 978-1-78817-321-6
Book Size: ~5.5″ x 8″
Book Pages: 159
Card Size: 3.5″ x 5″
Release Date: 2020
Purchased or Gifted? : Purchased
Price: Package marked at $40 retail.
Favorite: It is such a special deck and guide that is geared toward the Witch and the Earth.
Description of Deck:
The Witches Wisdom Tarot Deck –
The artwork is beautifully created with watercolors. They are very detailed. Each card in the Minor Arcana is unique (the images do not repeat like some decks). The artwork bleeds off the side, so it utilizes the full card. There is a white block for the text on the bottom of each card. They are printed on a nice heavy cardstock.
I will cover the order of the cards in the Layout of Book below.
Layout of Book:
Guidebook –
There are a couple of major differences to “typical” Tarot decks. First, the guidebook addresses the Minor Arcana and then the Major Arcana. The Minor Arcana is based off of the elements: Air, Fire, Water, Earth. There is the Ace to Ten, but then there is Messenger, Witch, Craftsman, Goddess to complete the suits.
Second, the Major Arcana has been completely renumbered (basically backwards from Rider-Waite-Smith deck). There is a handy chart on page 152 that lays out the Rider Tarot – Rider Tarot Reversed – Witch’s Wisdom Tarot, so you can quickly reference the cards.
The guidebook goes through a great deal to explain the history of witches and how to use the deck. Almost 40 pages worth!
The book then moves into the Interpretations of the Cards. Both the Minor Arcana and the Major Arcana have the name, a title (or keyword), Wisdom, Essence, Council, and Magic sections. There isn’t really a section that describes what is on the card, but starts with the “Wisdom” of what the card is saying. Essence is a couple phrases that really sums up the card. Council is the “advice” that the card wants you to know. Magic is a prompt. These prompts can really vary from a journal writing prompt to visiting an aquarium, to creating a dream pillow.
I will say that I really loved how the guidebook kept bringing me back to the elements and how a witch could use this to improve her wisdom.
Packaging:
The book and cards are packed into a nice, heavy duty, one piece box that opens from the side with a magnetic closure. The best part is the little bag that the deck comes in. It is just that extra special addition. It has the same design as the cover side of the cards all in blue. The guidebook also has more of a “book” cover with the front and end page – not just a slick board cover.
Final Thoughts:
The artwork is lovely! I honestly would hang it on my wall. I also loved the writing! It really made me look deeper into myself and makes me want to dive even deeper.
I will say that I had a hard time following the order of the deck. I wouldn’t recommend it for someone who is just learning to read Tarot (because of the backwards order the Major Arcana). I think this is a deck that you need to spend a long time getting to know.
There individual cards are not pictured on each of the description pages. I really missed this. It would be better if there was even a simple black and white small image.
Would I recommend this? Maybe – for the right – experienced tarot reader.
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