The Druidcraft Tarot stands as a significant contribution to the realm of modern spiritual tools, seamlessly blending the ancient traditions of the Tarot with the imagery and wisdom of nature-based spiritualities such as Druidry and Wicca. Created through the collaborative efforts of Philip Carr-Gomm, Stephanie Carr-Gomm, and illustrator Will Worthington, this deck serves as a bridge between the structured system of the Tarot and the primal essence of earth-based traditions. It is designed not only for long-standing practitioners but also for beginners seeking a deeper connection to their inner spiritual world and the natural rhythms of the earth.
Philip Carr-Gomm is recognized as one of the most prominent figures in the modern pagan community, having served as the past head of the largest international druid organization for nearly three decades. Alongside Stephanie Carr-Gomm, who helps administer the training program for the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids, he has co-authored works such as The Druid Animal Oracle and The Druid Craft Tarot. The visual representation of this spiritual synthesis is brought to life by Will Worthington, a practicing Druid and highly respected artist with over 30 years of experience, known for his work on several oracle decks including the Celtic Lenormand and The Wildwood Tarot. The deck is accompanied by a comprehensive guidebook, originally an 80-page booklet but expanded to a 192-page illustrated book in newer editions, which explains the relationship between the cards and the teachings of Druidry and Wicca.
Origins and Spiritual Philosophy
The development of the Druidcraft Tarot addresses a common question regarding the compatibility of Druidry and Tarot. The creators note that there is already an established tradition of Pagan Tarot decks, such as the Merlin Tarot and the Arthurian and Celtic Wisdom Tarots. The Tarot is fundamentally a tool for self-understanding and the exploration of metaphysical questions. It is a versatile system capable of examining or explaining any spiritual framework, much like decks exist that explore Zen or Alchemy.
The creation of the Druidcraft Tarot is rooted in the shared lineage of modern Wicca and Druidry, both of which draw inspiration from the Golden Dawn tradition. This shared heritage validates the use of the Tarot as a means to build upon that stream of inspiration. The deck aims to convey the teachings of these two spiritual paths through the 78 images of the Tarot. It invites users to celebrate the earth and the rhythm of her seasons and cycles, deepening a connection with the natural wisdom of the earth. The imagery is powerful and rooted in ancient storytelling, serving as a gateway to the inner spiritual world.
Artistic Vision and Technique
The artwork of the Druidcraft Tarot is a defining feature, described as stunning and extraordinary, with images that seem to glow. Will Worthington employed a specific artistic method to achieve this effect. Moving from gouache to tempera—a method favored by Renaissance artists involving ground minerals and egg yolk—he created a unique visual depth. Each card acts as a window into a magical world revealed by the artist. Worthington also designed a special typeface to illustrate the cards and the accompanying book, adding to the cohesive aesthetic.
The artwork is intentionally immersive, inviting the user to enter the scene and engage in storytelling. This approach facilitates intuitive reading; by simply observing the card and answering the question "What do I see?", interpretation flows naturally. The cards are noted for their ability to inspire users to tap into their own storytelling potentials. However, it is important to note that the deck displays nudity in some imagery. This is a deliberate artistic choice to represent the natural human form within the context of nature-based spirituality, but it is a factor that users should be aware of, particularly when using the deck in professional settings with clients who may have sensitivities to such imagery.
Deck Structure and System
The Druidcraft Tarot follows the Rider-Waite-Smith system, which is the most widely used Tarot structure today. This choice was made because the creators feel most connected to this deck and its influence within the modern Pagan community. Unlike older decks or the Thoth deck, which feature pip cards with simple arrangements of suits, the Druidcraft Tarot utilizes complete pictures for each pip card. This follows the example of Pamela Coleman-Smith (the artist of the Rider-Waite deck) and the historical Sola Busca deck. While much inspiration is drawn from Coleman-Smith’s images, the creators have also departed radically in certain instances, such as the Eight of Pentacles, to better reflect the specific themes of Druidry and Wicca.
The Major Arcana
The Major Arcana features several significant name changes to align with Druid and Wiccan lore:
- The Empress is renamed The Lady.
- The Emperor is renamed The Lord.
- The Hierophant is renamed The High Priest.
- Temperance is renamed The Fferyllt, reflecting the alchemical nature of the card.
- The Devil is renamed Cernunnos, a horned god of nature in Celtic mythology.
- Judgement is renamed Rebirth.
The Introduction of the accompanying book provides a detailed history of the Tarot and the various sources of inspiration for the deck. It centers on the story of Ceridwen and Taliesin, a mythological narrative that is contained within the pictures of the Major Arcana, offering a cohesive thematic thread throughout the deck.
The Minor Arcana and Court Cards
The accompanying book is structured to guide the user through the deck systematically. Unlike many Tarot companion books, it discusses the Court Cards and the Minor Arcana first before delving into the Major Arcana. The section on Court Cards explores the connection between the 16 personality types and the 16 Court Cards of the Tarot. The Minor Arcana descriptions for each card include a black-and-white picture, keywords, and upright and reversed meanings. The book is rich in symbolism and teachings from the Wiccan and Druid systems, making it an essential resource for understanding the deck's depth.
Physical Characteristics and Handling
The physical size of the Druidcraft Tarot cards is a notable practical consideration. The deck is larger than standard Tarot cards, which typically measure around 7 cm x 12 cm (2.8" x 4.7"). The Druidcraft deck originally measured just over 14 cm x 9 cm (approx. 5.5" x 3.5"). Some users find this size difficult to handle, particularly for shuffling. A common practice among users is to trim the borders of the cards to reduce the width, bringing the size down to approximately 12.5 cm x 7.5 cm (approx. 5" x 3"). This modification makes the deck easier to shuffle and allows for borderless imagery, which some readers prefer for intuitive work.
The deck is presented in a wooden box in some editions, adding to the tactile and aesthetic experience. The cards shuffle easily once handled or trimmed, making them accessible for regular use.
Usage and Interpretation
The Druidcraft Tarot is highly regarded for its intuitive reading potential. The rich imagery prompts the reader to construct narratives directly from the visual data presented on the cards. This makes it an excellent tool for personal reflection and professional readings.
Connection to Nature
The deck is designed to help users seek a closer connection with the natural world. The images celebrate the earth and her cycles, serving as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things. For those feeling disconnected from nature, working with this deck can be a meditative practice that re-establishes that bond.
The Accompanying Book
The 192-page book is described as well-written and essential for a full understanding of the deck. It is recommended that users read the book from start to finish in the order presented. The Introduction is particularly detailed, providing the historical context and the foundational myths. The book explains the relationship between the card imagery and the teachings of Druidry and Wicca, ensuring that the user does not have to guess at the intended symbolism. For those unfamiliar with Wiccan and Druid lore, the book offers interesting references and stories that connect the images to related myths.
Practical Application
When using the deck for clients, practitioners often warn them about the presence of nudity in the artwork to ensure comfort and consent. The deck's structure allows for various spreads and reading styles, but its strength lies in visual storytelling. By focusing on the narrative elements within each card, the reader can access deeper layers of meaning that go beyond standard keyword interpretations.
Conclusion
The Druidcraft Tarot is a powerful synthesis of the Tarot tradition with the spiritual paths of Druidry and Wicca. It offers a unique tool for self-understanding and spiritual exploration, grounded in the wisdom of nature. Through the visionary artwork of Will Worthington and the scholarly guidance of Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm, the deck provides a gateway to the inner world and the cycles of the earth. While its large card size may present a practical challenge requiring modification, the depth of its imagery and the richness of its accompanying book make it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their connection to nature-based spirituality and the archetypal energies of the Tarot.