The DruidCraft Tarot is described as a visual, spiritual, and intellectual feast, designed to convey the teachings of Druidry and Wicca through the traditional 78-card structure of the Tarot. Created through the collaboration of Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm and artist Will Worthington, this deck serves as a tool for self-understanding and exploring metaphysical questions. It integrates the elemental foundations of the Tarot with the spiritual influences of the Western Magical Tradition, specifically the Golden Dawn stream, which birthed influential decks such as the Smith-Waite (Rider-Waite), Thoth, and BOTA decks. The deck is particularly suited to Paganism, Druidry, and Wicca because the Minor Arcana are based on the powers and associations of the four elements, while the Major Arcana are based on an awareness of dual forces: God/dess, Yin & Yang, and Masculine and Feminine.
The artwork, painted by Will Worthington using tempera (a method favored by Renaissance artists involving ground minerals and egg yolk), is extraordinary and seems to glow, acting as windows into a magical world. The creators have taken steps to ensure the deck is non-racist, non-hierarchal, and non-sexist, presenting a plethora of people that appear uniquely individual and real rather than "perfect" in a magazine sense. The characters represent all age groups and project an amazing warmth, allowing users to feel as though they have been in these places and met these people. This connection is further deepened by the accompanying book, which is described as warm, insightful, and honest, drawing groundbreaking connections between Wicca, Paganism, Druidry, and the Tarot.
Understanding the Spiritual Framework of the Deck
The DruidCraft Tarot is not merely a collection of images but a complete system rooted in ancient storytelling and modern spiritual practice. The creators argue that the Tarot is a tool that can be used to examine or explain any spiritual system, citing examples such as Zen or Alchemy. However, they emphasize a natural synergy between the Tarot and Druidry/Wicca. This connection is supported by historical context: classical authors noted that Druids taught Pythagorean numerology, and the Tarot is also based on numerology. Furthermore, it is suggested that Tarot images might originally have been pictures used by the Bards of old to guide their tale-telling, linking back to the bardic traditions of Druidry.
The deck is heavily influenced by the Golden Dawn stream of the Western Magical Tradition. This lineage provides a framework for understanding the cards that is familiar to many Tarot practitioners while being infused with specific Pagan and Druidic sensibilities. The deck invites users to celebrate the earth and the rhythm of her seasons and cycles, serving as a gateway to the inner spiritual world and deepening the connection with the natural wisdom of the earth.
The Influence of the Golden Dawn and Numerology
The Golden Dawn tradition provided the birth for three of the most influential decks of the last century: the Smith-Waite, Thoth, and BOTA decks. The DruidCraft Tarot builds upon this lineage while adapting it to the specific needs of modern Druidry and Wicca. The inclusion of Pythagorean numerology links the deck to the teachings of the Druids, providing a mathematical and spiritual structure to the cards. This allows for a depth of interpretation that goes beyond simple keywords, stimulating users to think into the traditions from which the cards emerged.
Elemental and Dualistic Foundations
The Minor Arcana are firmly rooted in the four elements, which is a central concept in both Druidry and Wicca. This elemental basis allows for a structured approach to readings, where the suit of a card points to specific energetic qualities. The Major Arcana focus on dual forces—God/dess, Yin & Yang, Masculine and Feminine. This central idea is further explored in specific spreads designed for the deck, such as the "Chalice and Wand" spread, which works with the concept that two forces combine to create life and movement.
Visual and Intuitive Aspects
Will Worthington’s artwork is a defining feature of the DruidCraft Tarot. The move from gouache to tempera resulted in images that possess a luminous quality. The artwork is richly colored and thoroughly researched, reflecting the creators' knowledge and passion for Druidry. The attention to detail is commendable, extending even to the typeface used on card titles and in the book, which was created letter by letter specifically for the deck.
For intuitive readers, these cards are particularly effective. The pictures invite the reader to enter the scene and create a story. By simply answering the question "What do I see?" when looking at the card, interpretation comes easily. This approach encourages a personal connection to the deck, allowing the user to tune into their own storytelling potentials inspired by the tales of the bards.
Name Changes and Specific Imagery
The authors have made specific name changes to the traditional Tarot archetypes to better align with the deck's spiritual focus. These changes reflect the specific deities and concepts honored in Druidry and Wicca. * The Empress becomes The Lady * The Emperor becomes The Lord * The Hierophant becomes The High Priest * Temperance becomes The Fferyllt * The Devil becomes Cernunnos * Judgement becomes Rebirth
It is noted that the deck displays nudity. This is presented as an artistic choice to depict real human forms and the natural world authentically. However, users are advised that anyone not comfortable with nudity may not be a fan of this deck, and it is recommended to warn clients of this feature before readings.
Tarot Spreads and Usage
The DruidCraft Tarot includes specific spreads designed to work with its unique energy. One such spread is the Lunar Spread, which utilizes the phases of the moon to explore the creative process and projects that may need nurturing. This connects the reading practice directly to the cycles of nature.
Another key spread is the Chalice and Wand spread, which is a reinterpretation of the traditional Celtic Cross. This spread works with the central idea of DruidCraft: that there are two forces which combine to create life and movement. The Chalice (representing the feminine, receptive, water element) and the Wand (representing the masculine, projective, fire element) offer a specific lens through which to view the cards, emphasizing the balance of dualities inherent in the deck.
The Accompanying Book
The set includes a 192-page illustrated book by Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm. This book is essential for understanding the relationship between the cards and the teachings of Druidry and Wicca. Reviews describe the book as "wonderful," "warm," "insightful," and "honest." It is written in a way that brings the text to life and stimulates deep thought beyond mere keywords. For newcomers to either the Tarot or the study of Wiccan and Druidic tradition, the deck and book together are considered the best resource available.
Practical Considerations and Reception
The DruidCraft Tarot has been popular for over 15 years and is recommended for both beginners and experienced readers. It is considered a complete and ideal set for the Pagan, Wiccan, or Druid-oriented Tarot user. The deck is also highly regarded by collectors due to the quality of the artwork and the specificity of the production.
Physical Specifications
The deck is physically substantial, which contributes to its presence during readings. * Card Size: 3.5" x 5.5" * Box Size: 6.5" x 10" * Contents: 78 cards and a 192-page illustrated book
Some users have noted that the original borders are quite large (just over 14cm x 9cm). While this provides a frame for the artwork, some readers prefer to trim the cards to remove the borders for a more immersive experience, reducing the size to approximately 12.5 cm x 7.5 cm. This modification is purely aesthetic and does not affect the functionality of the deck.
Reception and User Experience
User reviews highlight the deck's ability to evoke strong emotional and spiritual responses. One reviewer mentioned experiencing the "oddest sensations" of having been in the places depicted and having met the people shown, describing the experience as romantic and deeply affecting. The court cards, in particular, are often cited as stunning, with The Lady being a favorite among many.
The deck is praised for its inclusivity. By presenting a plethora of uniquely individual people who look like real individuals rather than idealized models, it avoids the pitfalls of racism and sexism often found in older esoteric systems. This approachability makes it a welcoming tool for a diverse range of spiritual seekers.
Conclusion
The DruidCraft Tarot stands as a bridge between the ancient wisdom of Druidry and the modern practice of Tarot. Through the luminous tempera paintings of Will Worthington and the insightful text of Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm, it offers a tool for self-understanding that is deeply rooted in the natural world and the elements. By adapting traditional Tarot names to reflect Wiccan and Druidic deities and creating spreads that utilize elemental and lunar cycles, the deck provides a specialized yet accessible system for spiritual exploration. Whether used for personal guidance, professional readings, or as a collector's item, the DruidCraft Tarot serves as a gateway to the inner spiritual world, inviting users to celebrate the earth and their own place within its rhythms.