The Modern Witch Tarot deck, created by artist Lisa Sterle, represents a significant evolution in the world of divination tools. Released in 2019, this deck offers a vibrant and inclusive update to the classic Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) system, which serves as the foundational structure for many Tarot readers. While the provided source material focuses specifically on this deck's attributes and does not contain information regarding Vastu Shastra, Numerology, or holistic energy harmonization, it offers valuable insights for spiritual seekers and individuals interested in personal growth strategies. The deck is designed to bridge the gap between traditional symbolism and the lived experiences of contemporary practitioners, making it a relevant topic for those exploring spiritual guidance tools.
Overview of the Modern Witch Tarot Deck
The Modern Witch Tarot deck is a 78-card deck that adheres to the traditional structure of the Rider-Waite-Smith system. This lineage means that the deck includes the familiar Major and Minor Arcana, with fully illustrated Minor Arcana cards. The creator, Lisa Sterle, has intentionally updated the imagery to reflect modern life while keeping the core symbolism intact. According to the source material, the deck aims to "celebrate womanhood and all the witches of modern life." It is described as a tool that allows users to tap into their "inner witch" to gain guidance and spiritual understanding.
The deck's aesthetic is characterized by contemporary fashion, including denim jackets and streetwear, and incorporates modern technology such as smartphones and laptops. These elements ground the readings in the reality of the 21st century. Despite these updates, the deck maintains the visual cues and poses found in the RWS deck, which ensures that readers familiar with the traditional system can map existing meanings without friction. This continuity makes it a seamless tool for those looking to transition from traditional decks to a more modern interpretation.
Artistic Vision and Inclusivity
A defining feature of the Modern Witch Tarot deck is its commitment to diversity and representation. The source material highlights that the deck showcases a wide range of women, including "masculine women, women of color, and larger women." Lisa Sterle explicitly stated in an interview that she wanted to move away from the "exclusionary Rider-Waite imagery" which predominantly features white men, and instead showcase the diverse community of people who actually practice witchcraft and read Tarot today.
This inclusive casting is not merely aesthetic; it serves a functional purpose in divination. By presenting a variety of skin tones, body types, and styles, the deck allows users to see themselves reflected in the cards. This mirroring effect can deepen the connection between the reader and the deck, facilitating a more personal and intuitive reading experience. The imagery is designed to be a mirror into how individuals interact with the world, reflecting "archetypes like The Magician, The Empress, and The Chariot" through the lens of "lived experience."
Readability and Suitability for Beginners
One of the most consistent recommendations in the source material is the deck's suitability for beginners. The Modern Witch Tarot is frequently cited as a top recommendation for those new to Tarot. The primary reason for this is its ease of reading and ability to connect intuitively. Because the deck follows the RWS structure, beginners can learn the traditional meanings of the cards while engaging with imagery that feels more immediate and relatable.
The "readable scenes" in the deck track closely with RWS symbolism. For example, the Fool card in this deck depicts a person walking around town with earphones, oblivious to their surroundings. This modernizes the traditional image of the Fool stepping off a cliff, making the concept of stepping into the unknown more accessible to a contemporary audience. The visual cues provided by modern props and settings help anchor the meanings of the cards in real-world situations, such as questions regarding work, identity, and relationships.
However, a notable consideration for beginners is the guidebook. The source material mentions that the guidebook could be "better for beginners" and describes it as "underwhelming" in one instance. While another source notes that some editions include an extra "Everything Is Fine" card (a variant of the Ten of Swords), the primary critique centers on the guidebook's depth. Beginners may need to supplement the deck with additional resources or rely on the inherent intuitiveness of the imagery itself.
Comparison with Traditional and Alternative Decks
The Modern Witch Tarot occupies a unique space between tradition and modernity. It is fully based on the RWS system, unlike some decks that create entirely new systems or rename the suits (such as the Hip Chick Tarot, which changes suits to Feel, Create, Think, and Earth). This adherence to tradition ensures that the deck remains a "strong choice for beginners and experienced readers alike" who rely on RWS keywords and meanings.
When compared to other inclusive alternatives mentioned in the sources, such as the True Heart Intuitive Tarot or the Queer Tarot, the Modern Witch Tarot stands out for its specific focus on modern witchcraft and daily life. While the True Heart Intuitive Tarot offers a mix of new ideas and traditional imagery with a highly in-depth guidebook, the Modern Witch Tarot is praised for its specific "vibe" of modern life—smartphones, cityscapes, and fashion-forward art. It is described as a "wonderful addition to any Tarot collection" that is "perfect for beginners and intriguing for seasoned readers."
Practical Application in Spiritual Practice
For spiritual seekers and individuals interested in personal growth, the Modern Witch Tarot deck serves as a tool for self-reflection and guidance. The deck's design encourages users to engage with the "magic that is happening in this world" by making their own magic. The empowering messages within the cards are intended to help users take the next step toward their desires.
The deck is particularly useful for journaling or teaching due to its alignment with standard RWS keywords. The visual representation of modern scenarios allows for a more grounded interpretation of spiritual concepts. For instance, the imagery can provide specific insights into questions about contemporary challenges, such as navigating digital life or balancing work and identity.
Conclusion
The Modern Witch Tarot deck by Lisa Sterle is a significant contribution to Tarot divination, offering a respectful yet modernized interpretation of the classic Rider-Waite-Smith system. Its strength lies in its ability to make Tarot accessible and relatable to a diverse, contemporary audience through inclusive imagery and modern settings. While it is highly recommended for beginners due to its intuitive readability, users should be aware that the accompanying guidebook may require supplementation. For those seeking a deck that honors traditional symbolism while celebrating the diversity and energy of modern witchcraft, the Modern Witch Tarot provides a vibrant and effective tool for spiritual exploration and personal insight.