Somewhere recently I read a review of this deck. It was described as influenced by Druidry and Wicca and, although easily recognizable to those who read the Waite Rider deck, possessing distinctively pagan symbolism. I was intrigued and decided to try it.

Death as the Goddess Crone at Samhain

My usual resource for reading materials and supplies - Unicorn Books in Cambridge - didn't carry it. I figured I'd wait until after the holidays and have them order it for me. Lo and behold, it turned up at the Trident Bookstore! Of course I snatched it right up.

I haven't actually started reading with these cards yet. My plan is to spend some time with the book first. It is better than most literature that comes with tarot decks and does a great job of explaining the philosophy that went into the creation of this deck.

A Tarot for Wicca and Druidry

Just as the Tarot can help us to understand so many different spiritual approaches, it also offers an ideal medium for exploring the central ideas of Wicca and Druidry. In addition, it is intimately linked to both past historically and philosophically. And, once we explore these links, we find ourselves arrivng at the common ground that is shared by both paths, and that we have called DruidCraft.

The imagery in this deck, besides being distinctly pagan, is noticeably Scottish - one of the reasons it appealed to me! Many of the people are wearing kilts and plaid and the cards depict a very Old World environment. In some cases, images and symbols are different from the Waite Rider deck and a few of the Major Arcana have been renamed.

Temperance has become The Fferyllt

What excites me most about this deck is the promise of delving deeper into the spirituality of the Craft and my Celtic heritage through tarot. I've read tarot for a while but haven't focused on reading cards much lately. I've resolved to make my study of the Craft a serious focus for this new year. So I'm eager to start reading with these cards.

The book contains a Rite of Blessing and Dedication for the cards (as well as notes on spreads). Now that the moon is Waxing, I'll pick an auspicious day to perform the ceremony and then I'll get to reading.

I'll be sure to keep you posted!

The DruidCraft Tarot by Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm, Art by Bill Worthington

Posted by Angela-Eloise at 5:04 PM