The Everyday Witch Tarot, created by author Deborah Blake and illustrated by Elisabeth Alba, is a deck that blends traditional tarot structure with a whimsical, modern aesthetic. Rooted in the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) system, this deck features 78 cards divided into the Major and Minor Arcana. It is designed to be approachable for beginners while offering depth for experienced readers. The artwork depicts a fantasy world intersecting with reality, where witches engage in everyday activities, making the imagery relatable and grounded despite the magical theme. The deck’s philosophy emphasizes balance, moderation, and trusting one’s intuition, serving as a tool for self-reflection and navigating life's challenges with optimism.
Artistic Style and Visual Symbolism
The visual language of the Everyday Witch Tarot is distinct for its whimsical, cartoon-like drawings that resemble comic illustrations or fairy tale art. Characters are portrayed with realistic features, resembling actual people with individual quirks rather than generic figures. A recurring motif is the presence of witches, almost exclusively female (with a few male witches included), identifiable by their pointy caps and striped stockings.
The deck integrates modern elements into traditional tarot scenes. For example, The Chariot depicts a witch on a motorcycle with a cat in the sidecar, a departure from the classical chariot imagery. Contemporary objects and activities appear throughout the cards, creating a fantasy atmosphere that resonates with modern life. This blend of the magical and the mundane helps readers connect with the cards on a personal level. The characters display unambiguous emotions, which adds a grounded feeling to readings and allows for easy interpretation of the card's message. Symbols common in witchcraft, such as cats, brooms, cauldrons, and wands, are frequently incorporated into the scenes.
Deck Specifications and Physical Characteristics
The Everyday Witch Tarot follows the standard structure of the RWS tradition, consisting of 78 cards.
- Major Arcana: 22 cards, named as follows: (0) The Fool, (1) The Magician, (2) The High Priestess, (3) The Empress, (4) The Emperor, (5) The Hierophant, (6) The Lovers, (7) The Chariot, (8) Strength, (9) The Hermit, (10) Wheel of Fortune, (11) Justice, (12) The Hanged Man, (13) Death, (14) Temperance, (15) The Devil, (16) The Tower, (17) The Star, (18) The Moon, (19) The Sun, (20) Judgment, (21) The World.
- Minor Arcana: 56 cards, illustrated in RWS style.
- Suits: Cups, Pentacles, Swords, Wands.
- Court Cards: Page, Knight, Queen, King.
The deck is packaged in a durable boxed kit with a magnetic closing flap, designed to accommodate the included guidebook. The cards are significantly smaller than the box and feature a satin ribbon for easy removal. Regarding physical quality, the cardstock is noted to be thinner than standard playing card stock, making the cards prone to bending and edge wear. The card size is approximately 2.75” x 4.60”.
The card backs feature a design that does not facilitate reversals; therefore, reversed card meanings are not covered in the accompanying guidebook.
The Guidebook and Learning Resources
The deck includes a comprehensive 252-page guidebook written by Deborah Blake. Unlike typical booklets, this is a full-sized book printed in English on glossy paper. It contains:
- Introduction: A brief but useful introduction to tarot, explaining how to use the cards.
- Card Meanings: Full-color illustrations of each card alongside detailed interpretations.
- Interactive Elements: A "Notes" page for each card, allowing the user to record personal impressions and experiences.
- Practical Application: The book provides methods for divination and several tarot spreads. It also includes spells that can be used with the tarot cards.
The guidebook is structured to support beginners, offering clear instructions and encouraging a personal connection to the deck.
Interpretive Approach and Thematic Philosophy
The Everyday Witch Tarot is described as an "open and loving" deck that encourages users to trust their intuition. The imagery is generally non-threatening, allowing readers to relax and absorb the messages without feeling apprehensive. The tone is often compared to the lighter, playful nature of early Harry Potter stories, yet it delivers important messages effectively.
A central theme of the deck is balance and moderation, highlighted in the Temperance card. The deck acknowledges that while living a balanced life is a goal, life often presents unexpected challenges that disrupt equilibrium. The cards reflect this reality, encouraging users to navigate difficulties while maintaining a sense of peace and contentment. The deck serves as a storytelling tool, reminding users that they do not need to hide who they are to be taken seriously. It balances a fun, humorous approach with the ability to address serious matters.
Practical Usage and Suitability
The Everyday Witch Tarot is highly recommended for readers of all experience levels.
- For Beginners: The detailed, unambiguous illustrations make the cards easy to read. The traditional RWS foundation ensures that standard tarot meanings apply, while the modern context makes the symbolism more accessible.
- For Experienced Readers: The deck offers clever twists on traditional imagery, providing fresh perspectives on familiar archetypes. The storytelling aspect is particularly valued by readers who use narrative techniques.
The deck is suitable for readings focused on connecting with one's inner desires for peace and enjoyment. It is also noted as a great companion to the Everyday Witch Oracle deck.