Deck Studies & Reviews

Do we ever know it all? Is it possible that we have absorbed all that there is to learn? Of course not, and the Ask The Witch Tarot is exactly what we've been looking for. It's a walk through our story; that of the healers, alchemists, herbalists, matriarchs, poetesses, and even a few of the great ancestral equalizers. Following the traditional Rider Waite style, with an exciting twist that the Majors are all represented by these women who have been the backbone of every culture, as if they have come here to help us piece together our very soul. Some will be recognized immediately, and others share a story that is familiar, but perhaps with a name we've yet to hear.

I'm honored to get to know this deck through the characters that make up the story of us all; these are the real witnesses and their perspective is so satisfying. The cards are a regular size/stock with a sweet gloss finish and the art is to die for! Each scene is incredibly detailed with little nuances added for fun as well; it is multi-faceted just like the women highlighted within. Even the backs show us this little side of snark; at first look you'll see a labyrinth, but upon closer inspection, there are parts that dead end like a maze! This deck is serious, fun, witty, and even mischievous, just like REAL women. The guidebook tells the story of the Witches that that have come before, while encouraging our contemporaries.

This offering comes well-protected in a slim tuck box, inside a larger sturdy magnetic closure storage box that also houses the beautiful color guidebook. Speaking of the colors, the illustrator has chosen a palette that is soothing and engaging with every card being a unique work beyond compare. It would be a lovely gift to spoil a long time practitioner, or educate and fortify one just beginning their journey. 

Follow Francesca on Instagram for more of her amazing work. You'll find artist Simone Pace on Instagram as well where he showcases more of his incredible talent. 

You may purchase a copy via Amazon and as always, this review is NOT SPONSORED!

This deck feels like looking through old photo albums with your family or friends. Even though these are pictures gleaned from many sources, they all felt known as I carefully thumbed through them, just like you would a treasured heirloom. Each card representation is innately thought-provoking, yet familiar. There are many aspects to this deck and process, and all can be as customized as you like. There are formulas that can help you work out your "Tarot Blueprint" which sounds just like the deep dive that it is. I found this process to be reverent, fascinating, and so accurate for myself and those that chose to be part of my experience on this journey. 

The photos combine with the added art on each card creating a cohesive path to both ancestor and shadow work that is incredibly eye opening. I have been in practice with this deck for at least 6 weeks and feel like I have learned so much, yet there is still a plethora of knowledge to gain! The guidebook is amazingly helpful weaving the story of our lives through a perfect combination of direction, divination, and instruction that somehow makes everything come together seamlessly. This deck has lush golden edges with muted pattern backs that remind me of the wallpaper you'd see when visiting the family elders as young children. All fit snugly the into the beautifully decorated, hard-sided magnetic box to protect them during travel or storage. In addition to the detailed guidebook, you may check your calculations here to confirm your blueprint. This deck is printed on traditional cardstock with a soft gloss finish that showcases the cards and shuffles effortlessly.

Carrie's website has abundant resources, a shop to purchase her other decks, and a blog to stay up to date on this prolific creatrix! Follow her on Instagram for more of her incredibly thought-provoking work.

  You may purchase a copy via Amazon and as always, this review is NOT SPONSORED!

Where to begin with the feelings that this deck evokes? To start, you'll find a sense of belonging, acceptance, and immense power in this offering.  There is everything to love, from the Kings & Knights having female perspectives, to the vastly different and beautiful representations of the feminine in positions of power, honor, nurture, and love in all forms. The relationships depicted are both sweet and intense. While holding to the traditional suits and Majors, this deck still feels brand new, yet defines an unarticulated knowing that we've felt all along.

The guidebook nestled inside the gorgeous storage box has the same soothing color scheme as the deck itself, and while this is brand new, it brings a sense of nostalgia that we just don't see today. From the minute that I saw the backs of the cards with their earthen-toned pomegranates and soft hues, I was hooked on the warmth and connection that it brings. Inside the accompanying book, you will find an introduction to the Tarot, a way to begin interacting with and getting to know your deck, as well as numerous spreads to try and explanations for each card upright, reversed, and even an outcome for a yes/no/maybe type of divination! Not only will experienced card slingers fall in love, but new readers will be able to glean so much information and will feel as though they, too, are a part of the Sacred Sisterhood.

This deck is printed on quality cardstock with a sweet matte finish and deep saturation of color. Coni Curi illustrated this lush and absolutely fascinating, beautifully inclusive collection; the work is deeply powerful and must be experienced first-hand to truly appreciate the softness with which it teaches and the strength that it provides the practitioner.  

Ashawnee is a prolific reader, writer, astrologer, and teacher (follow her Instagram, she has so much knowledge to share) having been featured in a number of magazines in both print and digital publications. Her style is relatable, witty, and it shines through every part of this deck. 

  You may purchase a copy via Amazon and as always, this review is NOT SPONSORED!

The Wanderer's Tarot is subtle, yet so powerful that it vibrates with an unmistakable energy. With this, comes a clarity and a depth of knowing that sends our focus to the Divine Feminine residing in our very souls. The concept is elemental, with the suits and court card names as a brilliant reflection of the whole Universe this deck brings right to us. There are Moons (Cups), Stones (Pentacles), Feathers (Wands), and Knives (Swords) complemented by the Philosophers (Pages), Goddesses (Knights), Prophets (Queens), & Wanderers (Kings). I only give the traditional suits and court cards as a comparison as this is where all similarity ends. The meanings in the leaflet are so much deeper and more developed than what we might have become used to. This deck has a vibrancy and knowing that I am still coming to grips with as I continue to work with/integrate it into my practice.

The enclosure also discusses the numerological correspondences between the cards/their associations within the given suits which brings a cohesiveness to this deck that makes it so well-rounded. It is perfection cradled in your hands; the gorgeous starburst back and elegantly detailed fine line drawings embody the concept of each meaning so well. The edges are gilded in silver and they shuffle with an elegance that makes you reach for it again and again. The writings Casey includes has a section on personal reflection that I have read again and again; she is a treasure! Even the box feels like a fancy black tie moment of self care. When you get your copy, you'll understand what I mean - how often do we treat ourselves with this type of lux and fancy? I don't know, but it sure feels amazing. 

Casey is a powerful creatrix and light in the community that she has grown to empower and support the Modern Feminine. She is the organizer of the Modern Witches Confluence and her work is awe-inspiring. May we all find a path to uplift others through our Magick the way that she does, as we continue to support ourselves through divination and exploration with amazing tools such as the Wanderer's Tarot.  

  You may purchase a copy via Barnes & Noble and as always, this review is NOT SPONSORED!

The Radiant Tarot was a gift that I did not see coming. Not only is the delicate artistry executed to perfection, but the sheer beauty of this deck and guidebook are awe inspiring. This offering follows the RWS style, and as mentioned in the title, there is a whimsicality with an air of deep knowing that conveys the proper respect that this tool deserves. I say tool only because this is more than just lovely artwork; every detail of this beauty is attended to meticulously. There is no room for anything else, but you will want nothing more than to have this deck in your hands. Inside, you will find fantasy that translates to reality seamlessly.

When I opened the box and spied the the guidebook, I audibly gasped at the quality and comprehensiveness that it beheld. Not only is each and every aspect of all 78 cards discussed, but there are sections from the co-creators sharing their process and vision that make you feel like old friends. There are even sections on getting started in the Tarot, defining your process, encouragement to journal and sketch to do whatever it takes to create a sacred space for your practice. This full color, exceptional resource is laid out in a very organized and user-friendly fashion; I cannot say enough how indulgent it feels. The spread section doesn't mire you down, instead you are encouraged to explore and isn't that one of the things we are here to do? 

Alexandra Eldridge & Tony Barnstone are a such a powerful combination; between the beauty and focus of this creation (I love the animals  and the symbolism) to the rich and detailed summaries of each card, every interaction with this deck becomes a teachable moment if you choose to have that experience. From the opposite perspective, it's a cup of tea, a roaring fire, and your favorite blanket on a cold, rainy day. That which you are looking for you will find in this amazing collaboration; the Radiant Tarot feels like the best parts of coming home. 

 You may purchase a copy on Amazon and as always, this review is NOT SPONSORED!

The Halloween Tarot is fun to look at and very traditionally Halloween nostalgic, but what you don't see at first glance is the brutal honesty and serious nature of this RWS modeled deck. What I have found enjoyable are the images of Halloween as we might have seen it as children, but with a humorous (yet spooky) take. The suits do have names that correspond to the overall theme, with Pumpkins (Pentacles), Bats (Swords), Ghosts (Cups), & Imps (Wands). I will admit that when I first saw The Halloween Tarot (I received it as a surprise) I thought it might be juvenile or not serious enough; what I found was an incredibly insightful guidebook and a deck that every fall I can't wait to bring out to celebrate the season.

The guidebook held yet another surprise for me as it is extremely well written and enjoyable to leaf through. In it you will find some history of the Tarot, instructions for beginning a practice, spreads, and even the artist's inspiration. There is also a secret revealed about the black cat featured in the deck as well, and of course an interpretation for each Major and Minor are included. What I originally found to be purely made for entertainment has become a favorite! 

The artwork is carefully done and the personalities of all of the characters in play shine throughout the story this deck tells. You cannot help but smile as you shuffle through and are greeted by memories of trick-or-treating and playing your favorite characters. There is a spooky vibe that it delivers and our friend the little black cat is featured on the backs of the cards along with the spiders and skulls that we love to see at this time of year (or if I am being serious, at any time of year). I think one of the most fun and interesting parts of this deck is that you tend to see it through the eyes of your younger self, when the line was a little more blurred and you didn't have to be a grown up just yet. If you are feeling blah or uninspired, pick this deck up and you will most certainly change your tune. Treat yourself to a copy on Amazon and as always,  this review is NOT SPONSORED!

The Modern Way Tarot is just that, an aesthetically pleasing and boldly colored interpretation of the RWS system. The lovely thing about this deck is that it keeps quite a bit of tradition while adding a really sleek set of graphics to brighten our layout and liven up our practice.  The images stay in line with the RWS system so if that is something that you enjoy, this deck will be a sweet addition to your other tools. Conversely, if you are new to tarot, the guidebook is done quite well; it clearly and concisely explains each card, as well as provides keywords to help set the meanings for you or just give a different interpretation which might resonate better with your vernacular.  

I want to mention the art before we go any further! I really enjoy that the traditional drawings are followed, but I LOVE the flashes of bold color that they have chosen as well as the spin to a system of super clean lines and angles while still holding the tradition of the Tarot and it's original concepts. The cardstock is a nice even weight (not too thick or too thin), the finish is smooth and the deck shuffles nicely. It is standard size and feels good in your hands. The backs of the cards feature an eye with a sunburst (a nod to our intuition), and the navy blue and white is simple and clean; interesting, yet subtle and not distracting.  The suits are set up in the traditional order, and the Majors and Court Cards are labeled accordingly.

The guidebook is comprehensive and discusses the Fool's Journey, the meanings of each of the four suits, and has numerous spreads for you to try. There is also an entire section in the front that discusses how to begin or continue your process in the Tarot, as well as some encouragement to enjoy yourself along the way. I think what I really enjoy about this deck is it's vibrant colors and sharp lines; it is pleasing to look at, yet it is a serious tool. If you are interested, this deck is available on Amazon and as always, this review is NOT SPONSORED!

 Don’t know what you’re looking for? Perfect! This deck will give as much as you can handle and go as deep as you feel you want to. Enjoy rich symbolism and thought-provoking imagery, while engaging with whatever concepts resonate. This is a treasure that will allow even the most seasoned reader to add to their knowledge base. While excited to explore this gem, I was worried that with so much packed into each card (mythology, runic study, astrology references, elemental representation - the majors even include a Hebrew letter on each) I thought it might be more cumbersome to read with than I had expected. The Haindl coincides loosely to the RWS standard, not only reinforcing/teaching to that knowledge base, but evoking a whole new spin that challenges assumptions and rote definitions. The cardstock is standard size with a comfortable thickness and familiar feel. The art is rustic and intense providing a sharp contrast to the delicate inner borders that coincide with the four elements (air/white, water/blue, fire/red, and earth/yellow) which is quite helpful to keep elemental info from getting lost. The minors are set up in a mostly traditional way, with four suits of fourteen cards (ace through ten plus four court cards). There are some slight differences name-wise, but they are easily assimilated into the flow. The only suit name that is different is “Stones” replacing the Coins/Pentacles.

The guidebook is well-organized and packed with refreshingly straight forward information; the last page even has an interesting meditation strategy to increase intuitive abilities. Tucked into the cards there is an enormous range of age and body diversity (human and non-human), quite a few amazing and uncommon animals, opportunities to examine basic tarot concepts cross-culturally, and a wealth of emotion to round it all out. Not a “Saturday Self Care” or “Sunday Funday” offering, but a choice for when you are ready to work and have the time to get down to business. I spent an entire month with the Haindl in my own personal study and while I feel a bond, there is a keen awareness that I’ve only scratched the surface. The beauty of this deck is that it will sharpen your understanding of the basics, and if you want to go deep (excellent for shadow work), she will gently stretch out her hand and take you there.

This deck is available on Amazon and as always, this review is NOT SPONSORED!

I always say that this deck has such a witchy, Stevie Nicks vibe! It is both soft and sweet, yet fantastically deep and dark in some places. This is the deck that was given to me by my greatest gift, my daughter. My work with Shadowscapes eased me back into my tarot journey and for that I will be forever grateful! The art is whimsical, yet highly symbolic of the RWS system; I found it to read in a pleasant and even manner. This beautiful deck will bring joy to diviners of all levels. The cardstock is standard size with a normal thickness and it shuffles smoothly. The art is definitely fantasy oriented rather than traditional RWS style, yet deep and thought-provoking.  The majors and minors are set up in traditional way, with four suits of fourteen cards (ace through ten plus four court cards). The cards and suits are named as you would expect with wands, pentacles, swords, & cups. There are mostly fantasy-like humans, many animals, and an array of gorgeous plants and forest scenes throughout.  This is a wonderfully gentle deck for self study or care, and you can stay as superficial or go as deep as you would like to when you prepare to work with the Shadowscapes. This tool is so special to me as not only was it a lavish and thoughtful gift, but it brought me back to my practice that I had spent years missing!  If you are looking for a strong, yet non-abrasive deck, this is an amazing offering!

This deck is available on Amazon and as always, this review is NOT SPONSORED!