The Modern Witch Tarot Deck Guide is a comprehensive resource for individuals interested in tarot exploration. Tarot cards have been used for centuries as a tool for divination, self-reflection, and personal growth. With a modern twist, this tarot deck guide aims to provide a fresh perspective on the ancient practice. The guide begins with an introduction to the Modern Witch Tarot Deck, explaining the inspiration behind its creation and the unique features that set it apart from traditional tarot decks. The deck is renowned for its modern artwork, inclusive representation, and contemporary themes. Next, the guide delves into the basics of tarot reading.
How far is too far to ask for our humanity to be represented without harm? We’re slowly moving from whitewashing and tokenism, and now that we’re here it’s still imperative to improve. The work is not done until it’s done.
It slides open with ease and will sit handsomely on your writing desk, reading table, or the coffee table in your living room where you and your friends can fawn over the chic artwork and sling cards for each other after dinner. A beginner armed with just this deck pack can try out any one of these spreads, then look up the card meanings and get a pretty meaningful reading, so I m loving how this little book has been put together.
Next, the guide delves into the basics of tarot reading. It covers the structure of a tarot deck, including the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana cards, as well as the meanings and symbolism behind each card. The guide emphasizes that while there are standard interpretations for each card, intuition and personal experience play a significant role in tarot readings.
Tarot of the QTPOC Deck Review: Modern Witch Tarot
The Modern Witch Tarot is a fresh take on an ancient tradition.
It all began with the creation of the Ten of Swords card which was posted to Twitter by Lisa Sterle and immediately sparked the interest of tarot readers everywhere. It was clear even then there was something special about this new relatable rendition of the tarot.
What sold this project to me was Sterle’s amazing version of The Magician card featuring a young Black girl- something I’d frankly never seen in before. This was just around the beginning of the indie tarot deck boom, and we were yet to be spoiled by an influx of inclusive decks that crowdsourcing made possible.
Since then Sterle’s tarot deck has become an incredibly inclusive fresh take on a tradition that’s been exclusionary to many folks. In the Modern Witch Tarot, more folks are able to see themselves in the cards, building deeper relationships with their practice. Sterle intended this deck to be a source of power for women and girls, clearly evident in the art choices she makes throughout the deck.
The idea that there’s this wealth of power within you, that you just need to trust yourself to tap into, is an inspiring thought that also definitely ties into feminism for me. — An Interview with Lisa Sterle (Liminal 11)
Aces, from the Modern Witch Tarot
Look & Feel:
The production quality of this deck is outstanding.
It comes with a gorgeous velvet tarot bag that would be almost unnecessary if it wasn’t embroidered so wonderfully because the box holding the deck is rock solid. The colorfully illustrated, two-piece box is blessedly easy to open and close and securely holds both the deck and guidebook with no issue. It’s got wonderful details, with the interior of both pieces covered in suit symbols- it’s details like this that charm, and you’ll find more attention to detail throughout the deck itself.
The deck’s guidebook is sized to fit in the box which y’all know by now is always a point of hallelujah for me. While the hardcover (yes, a hardcover LWB) is full color, the pages are black and white which doesn’t take away from the whole package in any way.
The card stock is #thicc.
When holding the deck in hand, you feel a substantial difference that usually only shows up in decks with larger-sized cards. I’ll note that it didn’t hinder me and my tiny hands from shuffling the deck because while the cardstock is hefty, the cards are standard sized and fit easily in my palms.
My one qualm with the card stock is that its glossy- but that is a teeny tiny qualm. Especially since that was probably an artistic choice to really bring out the pop art/comic book color palette and style Sterle uses throughout the deck. The gloss makes it so the cards sometimes stick together but because of the thickness of the card stock, they are easy to separate with little issue. Honestly, not enough of an issue to worry about it and with regular use, that stickiness should dissipate if not completely disappear.
All in all, the quality of this deck is undeniable and unquestionably intentional. You get the sense that there was thought in every little detail, which I can’t help but deeply appreciate.
a selection of favorite cards, from the Modern Witch Tarot
Imagery & Content:
The art speaks for itself.
It’s gorgeous, color rich, and modern with a touch of vintage charm. Mixed in with known tarot symbols are modern accoutrements like cellphones and laptops. These additions don’t take away from the card meanings, if anything I find they add to the cards.
I think it’s brilliant that a new generation of tarot readers will be able to access the tradition with symbology that looks like their reality, not just those of the past. That mix of modern and traditional makes this a unique deck to read with. I can’t help but wish that I had a deck like this when I first started tarot- honestly my resistance to the RWS might have been substantially eased had I been able to see more of myself in the cards.
And that’s really the core of the Modern Witch Tarot, for women and femmes to see themselves represented in the cards; a deck that looks like its readers- across ages, bodies, races, and gender expressions. Sterle makes an interesting choice with gender, I noted. This deck is an ode to the feminine- all expressions of it, including non-binary iterations. It is an intentional prioritization and I don’t think that Sterle ever makes that ambiguous in any part of this deck.
In the description of the court cards, Sterle only uses ‘she’ and ‘they’ form of pronouns with the Page & Queen referred to with ‘she’ and the Knight and King referred to as ‘they’. Not to say that non-women or non-femmes can’t read with the deck, not at all, just pointing out that there is a particular project in the Modern Witch Tarot: a spotlight on the power of women and femmes to reflect and affect both their destinies and that of the world.
art that asks questions, from the Modern Witch Tarot
I do have to admit that there were cards that I didn’t at all take to. Particularly the Strength card. Seeing Black or dark-skinned femmes of color in this card is very “florals for spring, how groundbreaking” for me. Devil Wears Prada references aside, it’s actually a pretty disturbing trend in tarot decks that I’ve painfully noticed.
In fact, I think I’ll have to write up a post examining this issue across decks more closely because it really is shocking how often this happens-look through your own collection and see- even with the best of intentions. The conflation of Black women and Strength (and also the suits of Wands and Pentacles) stemming from the “strong black woman” stereotype is harmful. It dehumanizes us, robs us of the space to be vulnerable and positions us as the world’s burden bearers.
I know it may sound like those of us asking for representation are constantly moving the finish line but is that really a bad thing?
How far is too far to ask for our humanity to be represented without harm? We’re slowly moving from whitewashing and tokenism, and now that we’re here it’s still imperative to improve. The work is not done until it’s done.
Despite my visceral reaction to the Strength card, I will say that Sterle does include cards that rarely if ever have Black or dark-skinned femmes like The Magician and Temperance, to name just a few. In fact, it was The Magician that first drew me to this deck- a version of Black girl magic that didn’t feel token or gimmicky. I’m glad that there are more decks working to be inclusive- I am also asking that creators continue to do better with nuances.
a selection of the Courts, from the Modern Witch Tarot
I’m intrigued by the deck creator’s design choice to modify the Devil’s hand gesture. In this deck, it appears to be the Vulcan salute from Star Trek for “live long and prosper.”
The Modern Witch Tarot Deck Guide also provides step-by-step instructions on how to perform a tarot reading. It outlines various spreads, including the popular Celtic Cross spread, and offers guidance on shuffling and selecting cards. Additionally, the guide explains how to interpret the cards in relation to their position within the spread, allowing readers to gain deeper insights into their own lives and situations. Throughout the guide, there are examples of sample readings to illustrate how the Modern Witch Tarot Deck can be applied in real-life situations. Whether seeking guidance on love, career, or personal development, readers can learn how to use the tarot deck as a tool for self-discovery and empowered decision-making. In addition to providing a comprehensive overview of tarot reading, the guide also explores the history and significance of witchcraft. It acknowledges the modern classification of witchcraft as a spiritual and feminist practice, emphasizing its role in empowering individuals and promoting self-acceptance. The guide aims to bridge the gap between traditional tarot practices and modern perspectives, allowing readers to connect with the deck and its messages on a personal level. Overall, the Modern Witch Tarot Deck Guide is a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the world of tarot and witchcraft. With its modern approach, inclusive representation, and emphasis on intuition, this guide invites readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth through the art of tarot reading..
Reviews for "Understanding the Court Cards in the Modern Witch Tarot Deck"
1. Jane - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the Modern Witch Tarot Deck Guide. While the illustrations in the deck itself were beautiful and captivating, the guide itself fell short. I found the interpretations to be really vague and lacking in depth. The descriptions of the cards were very basic and didn't provide much insight or guidance. Overall, I felt like this guide didn't enhance my understanding of the tarot deck at all.
2. Mike - 1 star - This tarot deck guide was a complete letdown. The descriptions of the cards were overly simplistic and lacked any real depth or nuance. I expected a lot more in terms of explanation and symbolism, but this guide just didn't deliver. The organization of the guide was also confusing, making it difficult to navigate and find the information I was looking for. I would not recommend the Modern Witch Tarot Deck Guide to anyone looking for a comprehensive and insightful tarot resource.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really excited to dive into the Modern Witch Tarot Deck Guide, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. While the artwork in the deck was stunning, the guide itself was lacking. The interpretations of the cards were very brief and didn't provide much depth or insight. I was hoping for more detailed explanations and guidance on how to interpret each card, but this guide just scratched the surface. Overall, I felt like this guide didn't add much value to the tarot deck and left me wanting more.
4. Tom - 2.5 stars - The Modern Witch Tarot Deck Guide was a bit underwhelming for me. While the artwork in the deck was visually appealing, the guide itself lacked substance. The interpretations of the cards were quite basic and didn't offer any unique or profound perspectives. I felt like I could have easily found similar interpretations online for free. Additionally, the organization of the guide was a bit confusing, making it hard to navigate and find the information I was seeking. Overall, I was left wanting more from this guide.