The Bee Tarot represents a unique convergence of traditional tarot archetypes and the intricate world of apiculture. Authored by Kristoffer Hughes and illustrated by Nadia Turner, this 78-card deck is published by Llewellyn Publications and serves as a thematic reimagining of the Rider-Waite-Smith tradition. The deck is designed to appeal to those with an affinity for nature, specifically the industrious and structured life of bees, while offering a fresh perspective on divination. The guidebook, titled Into the Hive, is a substantial 296-page full-color resource that complements the borderless artwork.
The central philosophy of the Bee Tarot is to weave the lore of the hive into the fabric of tarot interpretation. This is achieved not only through visual symbolism but also through significant structural changes to the Major Arcana titles. The creator, a renowned author and Druid, infuses the deck with a deep reverence for the mythology of the hive, aiming to encourage readers to ask new questions and approach card meanings through the lens of bee-keeping and bee lore. The deck is printed on Llewellyn’s linen finish cardstock, measuring 7 cm x 11.75 cm, and is noted for its flexibility and standard tarot size.
Structural and Thematic Innovations
The Bee Tarot distinguishes itself through a deliberate renaming of several Major Arcana cards. These changes are not merely cosmetic; they are intended to align the titles and, consequently, the interpretations with the concepts of bee-keeping and the spiritual significance of bees.
Major Arcana Transformations
The following Major Arcana cards have undergone name changes to reflect the deck's thematic focus:
- 0 The Fool becomes 0 The Keeper: This change reflects the guardian of wisdom within the hive, the one responsible for maintaining order and preventing anarchy. It shifts the archetype of the Fool from a naive wanderer to a protective, guiding force.
- II The High Priestess becomes II The Melissae: "Melissae" is an ancient term for bee priestesses. This renaming reinforces the card's role as a sacred keeper of mysteries, linking feminine divine energy directly to the spiritual traditions of bees.
- V The Hierophant becomes V The Delphic Bee: This is an elegant reference to the oracle traditions of Delphi, where bees were revered as messengers of the divine. It connects the concept of spiritual authority and tradition to the ancient wisdom carried by bees.
- VI The Lovers becomes VI The Honeymoon: A literal and sweet twist on the traditional card, focusing on the union and the subsequent nurturing period found within the hive structure.
- VII The Chariot becomes VII The Barrow: This title conjures imagery of movement and tradition tied to the hive, suggesting a drive that is collective and purposeful rather than solely individual.
- XX Judgement becomes XX Rebirth: This change emphasizes the cyclical nature of life within the hive and the concept of renewal, moving away from a final judgment to a process of transformation.
Additionally, the deck retains the traditional placement of Strength (VIII) and Justice (XI), which differs from the standard Rider-Waite-Smith ordering where Justice is VIII and Strength is XI. This choice aligns with the Thoth tarot structure and is noted as a significant stylistic decision.
The Suits and Hive Structures
The Bee Tarot maintains the four traditional suits but renames Cups to Jars. The suits are Wands, Swords, Pentacles, and Jars. The court cards consist of Princesses, Princes, Queens, and Kings.
A unique aspect of the deck is the intentional use of specific hive structures within the suit imagery. The author, Kristoffer Hughes, selected specific hive types to symbolize the energies of the suits:
- Swords (Skep Hives): The Skep hive is used for the Swords suit. This hive type emulates alveary hives, which are thought to predate the Romans. The author chose this to "symbolise inspiration and thought throughout the ages."
- Jars (National Hives): The Jars suit (formerly Cups) features the National hive, which is modeled on the Langstroth hive created in 1851. This choice represents "the continuous emotional connection between humans and bees."
- Wands (WBC Double-Walled Hive): The Wands suit utilizes the WBC double-walled hive, developed in 1890. This hive was created to offer bees more protection, serving as "a nod to the intelligence and passion of modern beekeepers."
It is noted by reviewers that the Pentacles suit does not appear to carry a specific hive structure theme, indicating that the creator did not force a connection where he did not feel one existed.
Interpretive Approach and Guidebook
The guidebook, Into the Hive, is structured to elevate the deck by drawing together the imagery with information about bees to create relatable meanings. The book is divided into six chapters:
- Into the Hive – The Magical World of Bees: Provides information on the history of beekeeping and bees in mythology.
- Beyond the Hive – The Magical World of Tarot: Covers Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) history, includes a Major Arcana and numerology table, and offers quick guides for suits and court cards.
- The Waggle Dance – How to Read Tarot: Uses the waggle dance—a complex form of bee communication—as a metaphor for tarot reading and storytelling.
- The Major Arcana
- The Minor Arcana
- Spreads: Contains six themed spreads.
The card entries in the guidebook are comprehensive. Each entry includes a full-color, full-page image of the card, followed by two pages of text. The structure typically includes three "Buzzwords," followed by paragraphs describing the image and how it relates to the card meanings. The author's enthusiasm for the subject and his ability to connect bee lore with everyday lived experiences make the guidebook an accessible resource for readers.
Analytical Insights from Specific Cards
The deck encourages a more questioning approach to readings, prompting the user to consider non-standard associations that can impact decision-making. This is evident in the interpretation of specific cards.
Justice (VIII)
In the Bee Tarot, Justice is placed as card VIII. Reviewers note that this card forces the reader to ask important questions regarding cause and effect. For example, it prompts the user to consider: "Is your action/reaction worth the cost?" and "Who’s really hurting who?" These questions push the interpretation of Justice beyond simple legalities or fairness into the realm of personal accountability and the consequences of actions within a community or "hive."
The Honeymoon (VI)
As the renamed card for The Lovers, The Honeymoon explores the concept of union. It moves beyond the romantic duality of the traditional card to include the nurturing and productive phase that follows a bond. This aligns with the collective focus of the hive, where the success of the union is measured by the health and productivity of the whole.
Strength (VIII) and the Fear of Bees
The reviewer with a daughter allergic to bees notes that the imagery of the deck brings up relevant questions around fear, overreaction, and danger. While not standard associations for the Strength card (or Justice, in the context of the review), these personal reactions are highlighted as valid inputs for the reading process. The deck is said to expand the reader's approach to several cards, even if some imagery makes them "squirm a little."
Holistic Connection and Community
The Bee Tarot is described as a "hive mind of symbolism and insight." It appeals to those interested in the intersection of nature magic and divination. The concept of bees is used to explore themes of community, industriousness, and structured wisdom. The deck is a "labour of love" that seamlessly weaves tarot tradition with the rich lore of the hive. It is recommended for those who want a deck that brings a fresh, structured perspective to tarot, encouraging a deeper connection to the natural world and the spiritual lessons it offers.
The deck's connection to Druidic traditions is also noted, which may be significant for readers who follow those spiritual paths. The author's background as a Druid adds a layer of authenticity to the spiritual work embedded in the deck.
Conclusion
The Bee Tarot stands as a sophisticated and thematically cohesive deck that offers a novel approach to tarot divination. By renaming key Major Arcana cards and integrating specific hive structures into the suits, it provides a unique framework for interpretation. The comprehensive guidebook, Into the Hive, serves as a vital companion, offering historical context, mythological background, and practical reading guidance. While the renaming of Cups to Jars may be a point of contention for some traditionalists, the overall integrity of the deck is maintained through its stunning artwork and the genuine passion of its creator. It is a valuable addition to the collection of any tarot enthusiast who wishes to explore the wisdom of the hive and apply it to their spiritual practice and personal growth.