Green Witch Tarot

Each month I purchase a new Tarot deck to add to my collection.  I have a wish list a mile long, but I am limiting myself to one new deck per month so that I don't have to re-mortgage the house or sell of my first-born.  (Just kidding!)  The real reason is so that I have time to familiarize myself with the deck, concentrating on one new deck at a time.  Trust me, it's not easy to refrain from buying all the decks on my list all at once.

This month The Green Witch Tarot by Ann Moura is the new addition to my growing assemblage of divinatory decks.  What an absolute delight this deck is, too.

Much of the Christian symbolism that can be found in traditional decks has been replaced with clearly Pagan imagery.  The illustrations are reminiscent of fairy tale picture books that inspire the imagination and awaken a childlike wonder.  They are truly magical!

The Major Arcana is slightly different from traditional decks as well.  The Greenman replaces the Fool and the Witch replaces the Magician.  There is a distinct feminine feel to the deck; the Goddess is noticeably present in the energy this deck exudes.  Plants and animals add deeper meaning to each card.

There is some variation in the suits as well.  Chalices instead of Cups and Athames instead of Swords.  But these minor changes only enhance the deck.  Without even looking at the accompanying book, readings come naturally.

But that is not what this deck will be used for.  The Green Witch Tarot is to become my ritual deck.  It will be reserved for Sabbats and Moons and other magical pursuits.

The companion book is as delightful as the deck.  240 pages of well-organized information about the deck just begs to be studied.  There are pages for notes and example spreads.  While there are no overviews of the major or minor arcana, or the suits at the beginning of those sections, there is a concise introduction that includes a bit of Tarot history, the meaning of the suits, some numerological information to enhance readings and an explanation of green witchcraft as it is used in the deck.

Even the back of the cards is charming.  A wreath of red roses encircles a spruce-bough pentacle and hangs on a rustic wooden wall that is stained green.  I think of Yule when I look at the image.  Perhaps it is the colours.  But more than that, the symbolism in this single, simple image is as rich as it is throughout the deck.

I'm so excited about this acquisition and so pleased with this lovely deck.  With its uplifting images and messages, I can't wait for the full moon so I can cleanse it and start using it.

Blessed be!