The DruidCraft Tarot represents a significant synthesis within modern pagan spirituality, weaving together the earth-centered traditions of Druidry and Wicca into the familiar structure of the 78-card Tarot system. Created under the guidance of Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm and illustrated by Will Worthington, this deck serves as a bridge between ancient archetypal wisdom and contemporary quests for self-understanding. It is designed not merely as a divination tool, but as a gateway to the inner spiritual world, inviting users to deepen their connection with the natural wisdom of the earth. The deck’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that the Tarot is a versatile instrument capable of exploring any spiritual system, much like other decks that focus on Zen or Alchemy. By integrating the teachings of Druidry and Wicca, the DruidCraft Tarot offers a cohesive, earth-centered system that emphasizes the sacred rhythm of the seasons and the cycles of nature.
The imagery within the DruidCraft Tarot is a central component of its power and appeal. Will Worthington’s artwork, executed in tempera using ground minerals and egg yolk—a method favored by Renaissance artists—possesses a luminous quality that invites the viewer into a magical world. The cards are described as acting like windows, revealing landscapes and scenes that are rich in symbolism. This visual approach encourages intuitive reading; by simply observing the imagery and answering the question "What do I see?", users can unlock interpretations and personal narratives. The deck is particularly resonant for those who follow the Wheel of the Year or engage in earth-based spiritual practices, as the imagery celebrates the land, ritual, and lived spirituality. It is noted that the cards can be physically large, with significant borders, though some readers prefer to trim them for ease of handling. Additionally, the deck includes nudity, a factor practitioners should consider when using the cards in professional or client settings.
A unique feature of the DruidCraft Tarot is its reimagining of traditional Tarot archetypes to better align with its dual spiritual heritage. The authors have made specific name changes to the Major Arcana cards: The Empress becomes The Lady, The Emperor becomes The Lord, The Hierophant becomes The High Priest, Temperance becomes The Fferyllt, The Devil becomes Cernunnos, and Judgement becomes Rebirth. These alterations are not merely cosmetic; they reflect a deeper reinterpretation of the card's energies. For instance, Cernunnos (traditionally The Devil) is presented with keywords such as "Potential for abundance and liberation" and "Mastery of life force," shifting the focus away from purely negative connotations of obsession and materialism toward a more nuanced understanding of primal energy. Similarly, the 7 of Swords is interpreted with keywords like "Strategy and Research," aligning the card’s meaning with its imagery rather than the traditional association with deceit. These changes indicate a deck that tends toward a positive, empowering narrative while still delivering strong, insightful storytelling.
The accompanying guidebook is a vital resource for navigating this system. While an initial version was an 80-page booklet, a more substantial 192-page book is also available, offering comprehensive support for both study and intuitive reading. The authors structure the learning process distinctively by presenting the Minor Arcana—starting with the Princesses, followed by the court cards, pip cards, and finally the Major Arcana—to ensure the Minor Arcana receives the attention it deserves. Each card entry includes the image, keywords, and both upright and reversed meanings. The book also provides context on Earth-based religion, numerology, and the life of Merlin, grounding the Tarot in a broader spiritual landscape. In terms of practical application, the text includes a specific spread known as the Hexagram Spread, a six-card layout that users have found to be user-friendly and insightful.
The philosophical justification for the DruidCraft Tarot lies in the historical and spiritual connections between Druidry and the Tarot. The creators note that Druids historically taught Pythagorean numerology, a system that forms the basis of Tarot. Furthermore, modern Druidry and Wicca share roots in the Golden Dawn stream of the Western Magical Tradition, which birthed influential decks like the Rider-Waite and Thoth. By utilizing the Tarot, practitioners acknowledge and build upon this shared stream of inspiration. The deck is therefore positioned as a tool for self-understanding that is compatible with these ancient and modern traditions, serving as a "memory" of cellular and ancestral wisdom. It allows individuals to explore metaphysical questions and personal potential through a lens that honors the interconnectedness of all life and the cycles of the natural world.
Ultimately, the DruidCraft Tarot is presented as a grounded, nature-honoring approach to Tarot. It is favored by intuitive readers who find the rich, storytelling imagery allows for easy interpretation and deep connection. By combining the structural integrity of the traditional Tarot with the specific mythologies and earth-centric values of Druidry and Wicca, it offers a unique path for spiritual exploration. Whether used for personal reflection, ritual work, or guidance through life's transitions, the deck acts as a reminder of who we are and who we might become, anchored in the enduring wisdom of the earth.
Conclusion
The DruidCraft Tarot stands as a testament to the adaptability and enduring relevance of spiritual tools when they are aligned with specific cultural and natural philosophies. By merging the distinct yet compatible paths of Druidry and Wicca, the deck offers a rich, textured experience for the spiritual seeker. Its reliance on evocative, nature-based imagery and its redefinition of archetypal names encourage a fresh, intuitive engagement with the cards. For those seeking a Tarot system that emphasizes connection to the earth, the cycles of nature, and a positive framework for personal growth, the DruidCraft Tarot provides a comprehensive and visually stunning resource. Through the guidance of the extensive accompanying literature and the profound artwork of Will Worthington, it facilitates a journey of self-discovery that is deeply rooted in the rhythms and wisdom of the natural world.