You’ll find a number of decks designed with witches in mind, including the Witches Tarot, Tarot of the Witches, Everyday Witch Tarot, and Green Witch Tarot. Many decks also incorporate astrology, the Kabbalah, shamanism, and other magickal systems familiar to witches.Ĭhoosing a tarot deck is a highly personal matter. Although many people start their exploration into the tarot with this popular pack of cards, you can use any deck that appeals to you-and there are thousands from which to choose. Consequently, the symbols, colors, numbers, and other features on the cards convey magickal information. The images that illustrate this book were created by two noted magick workers, Arthur Edward Waite and Pamela Colman Smith, both members of an influential mystical order known as the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. For more on all this, consult my books The Modern Guide to Witchcraft, The Modern Witchcraft Spell Book, and The Modern Witchcraft Grimoire. Look a little further and you’ll realize the four suits of the tarot’s Minor Arcana symbolize the four elements (earth, air, fire, and water) that witches and other magicians work with in rituals and spellcraft. Right there on the table before him lie the four main tools in a witch’s toolbox: the wand, chalice, pentagram, and sword/athame.

Look at the card called The Magician-he’s card number one in what’s known as the Major Arcana. You can’t separate the tarot from the practice of magick and witchcraft-they’re entwined. In short, it’s your magick mirror, your wise counselor, a scout who goes ahead to check out the lay of the land, and your brutally honest best friend.

It gives you a broader perspective so you can make better decisions. It shines light on murky matters-including your own subconscious motivations. It lets you gaze into the future and see what’s likely to happen. The tarot shows you what lies beneath the surface of situations and what’s really going on in those shadowy realms beyond your ordinary range of vision.

If you’re exploring a magickal path as a witch, you’ve probably stumbled upon the tarot already and want to learn more. Others are drawn to the tarot initially because of its fascinating artwork. Many turn to this most elegant oracle because they’ve reached a crossroads in their lives, or they’re in the midst of a crisis and need help. You probably wouldn’t be reading this book if you weren’t already curious about the tarot. Introduction RECORDING YOUR MAGICKAL JOURNEY

The modern witchcraft guide to fairies