Witch tarot card depictions have become increasingly popular in recent years, as more people find themselves drawn to the mysticism and magic associated with witches. These depictions can vary widely, depending on the artist and the specific deck they are creating. However, there are a few common themes that tend to appear in many witch tarot card designs. One common motif in witch tarot card depictions is the use of traditional witchcraft symbols and tools. This can include things like broomsticks, cauldrons, and pentagrams. These symbols are often seen as representing the power and knowledge that witches possess, and they can add a sense of mystery and intrigue to the cards.
—Chris Butler, Aeclectic Tarot
Unlike most 20th century decks, Hall s deck is free of occult or pagan mumbo jumbo and yet is rich in subtle symbolism, such as the mysterious black birds and orange cats that appear on various cards, and the mandala type designs in the center of the pip cards. The cards feature illustrations of witches, and the images do indeed convey a sense of magic, but overall, I also found the images very grounded in reality.
These symbols are often seen as representing the power and knowledge that witches possess, and they can add a sense of mystery and intrigue to the cards. Another recurring theme in witch tarot card designs is the presence of magical creatures. This can include familiar animals like cats and owls, as well as mythical creatures like dragons and unicorns.
Witch tarot card depictions
I personally love this deck and it is one of the most frequently used decks for my personal readings. I love the fact that the cards were painted with oils on canvas; the colors are incredibly rich and vibrant and there is a depth and solidity to the images that is rare. There's something psychological here for me as an artist - these feel like the sort of images I would encounter in an art gallery rather than straightforward commercial illustrations. To me this is as much of an art tarot as it is a working deck, which makes me feel good when I handle the cards.
Unlike many of the esoteric decks that are imbued with either breathless solemnity or an almost religious conviction, this one manages to do full justice to the depth and meaning of the age old symbols while somehow not taking itself too seriously. The characters on the cards have a dark, almost camp wit with a slightly sinister edge to them. Everything is wildly out of proportion and ethereally colored yet somehow it all works. If anyone asked me why, I really couldn't say, but the humor in the pictures seems to conceal but invite you to look deeper in the same breath.
I would thoroughly recommend the accompanying Tarot of the Witches book by Stuart R. Kaplan. This gives detailed descriptions of the Major cards and the artist's thinking behind them. Reading this greatly enhanced my appreciation of the deck and its sheer originality.
—Chris Butler, Aeclectic Tarot
This delightful deck has unfortunately been misnamed and mismarketed throughout its existence. It has nothing to do with James Bond or witches but has everything to do with Fergus Hall, the idiosyncratic artist who painted the deck. It should be called simply the Fergus Hall Tarot. Hall got his start doing carnival paintings and that freaky bizarro style shows in this deck. Unlike most 20th century decks, Hall's deck is free of occult or pagan mumbo jumbo and yet is rich in subtle symbolism, such as the mysterious black birds and orange cats that appear on various cards, and the mandala type designs in the center of the pip cards. The books held by the hanged man and hermit contain original poems. (Can't read them? See Stuart Kaplan's companion book). The art is very expertly done and yet is so whimsical and unassuming it's easy to take for granted. The World card is one of the best I've ever seen, downright haunting. This is a very profound deck but at the same time doesn't take itself too seriously. The pip cards are a welcome return to tradition, using the original suits of cups, swords, batons, and coins rather than the recently introduced "wands" and "pentacles" which many mistakenly consider authentic. Also, as in traditional decks, the pips are unillustrated save for Hall's central mandalas . In my opinion, unillustrated pips leave more room for the reader’s own imagination and insight.
A perfect blend of tradition and creativity. You might find this deck puzzling at first, but stick with it. There's an entire little world in every card!
—A. Simone, Amazon customer
These tarot cards should really be known as the Fergus Hall deck.
Many people are familiar with this deck due to its use in the James Bond movie, "Live and Let Die". But it is far more than that.
Abandoning all efforts to reproduce the Rider Waite Tarot, Hall has created a deck with some of the most surreal, yet highly mystical art ever seen on Tarot cards.
Those who are familiar with Tarot cards know that many different interpretations of cards are possible by seeing the imagery on the cards. Hall's imagery isn't for everyone, but I believe the art really draws you into readings in a whole new way.
I have also found this deck invaluable for dream interpretation.
The Minor Arcana return to the old "pip" system.
One of my higher recommendations if you are already doing readings for others.
—Bruce Gray, Amazon customer
I think this deck is absolutely wonderful. You have to use your own imagination and find your own meanings to the symbolism. which in my opinion is what tarot cards are all about. For those of you who want a deck that lays out plainly what the cards mean, then this is not for you. If you have a good imagination and enjoy the type of artistry used in this deck you wont be disappointed.
—Joe Arthur, Amazon customer
This is an older deck, but it’s one I’ve been meaning to get my hands on for quite some time. The Green Witch Tarot is a deck designed by Ann Moura, the author of the highly successful Green Witchcraft books.* It’s a colorful Tarot deck printed with Pagans and witches in mind, adapting the classic archetypes of Tarot to fit a Pagan worldview.
These creatures are often seen as a representation of the connection between the human and spiritual realms, and they can add a whimsical and fantastical element to the cards. Many witch tarot card depictions also feature images of witches themselves. These witches can be depicted in a variety of ways, from traditional haggard crones to beautiful and glamorous enchantresses. The portrayal of witches in these cards can vary depending on the deck and the artist's intention, but they often represent feminine power, wisdom, and intuition. Finally, it is important to note that witch tarot card depictions are not limited to a specific aesthetic or style. Some decks may feature more traditional or realistic images, while others may take a more modern or abstract approach. The variety of styles and interpretations in witch tarot card designs allows for personalization and the ability to choose a deck that resonates with the reader's unique sensibilities and beliefs. In conclusion, witch tarot card depictions are varied and diverse, offering a range of symbols, creatures, and witches themselves. These cards can add an element of magic, mystery, and feminine power to tarot readings, and their popularity continues to grow as people are drawn to the allure of the witchcraft aesthetic..
Reviews for "The Influence of Paganism in Witch Tarot Card Artwork"
1. Emily - 1/5 rating - I was really disappointed with the witch tarot card depictions. As someone who practices witchcraft, I was hoping for a more accurate representation of witchcraft symbols, rituals, and practices. The art in the deck felt too stereotypical and outdated, portraying witches as old hags with pointy hats and broomsticks. I was really looking forward to using these cards as a tool for my craft, but unfortunately, I find them more misleading than helpful.
2. Alex - 2/5 rating - I found the witch tarot card depictions to be quite cliché and unoriginal. The artwork lacked depth and creativity, with each card showcasing the same tired imagery of cauldrons, black cats, and witches in overly dramatic poses. I was expecting a more modern and refreshing take on tarot, but these cards felt like a step back in time. I understand that witchcraft has rich symbolism and history, but I was hoping for a deck that could embody that spirit while also offering a fresh perspective.
3. Sarah - 1/5 rating - I found the witch tarot card depictions to be highly offensive and misrepresentative of witchcraft. The dark, spooky aesthetic perpetuated outdated stereotypes and fear towards witches. I was hoping for a deck of cards that celebrated the complexity and power of witchcraft, but instead, I was met with clichéd images of broomsticks and pentagrams. It's frustrating to see such a beautiful and empowering practice reduced to tired tropes and Halloween caricatures. I would not recommend these cards to anyone serious about exploring or respecting witchcraft.