The Green Witch Tarot deck, created by Kiri Leonard, represents a unique fusion of traditional tarot structure with nature-based spirituality and Wiccan principles. This deck distinguishes itself through a distinct visual language that emphasizes the cyclical nature of life, the integration of botanical and animal symbolism, and a "light in energy" approach that makes it accessible to both beginners and experienced readers. Unlike standard tarot decks, the Green Witch Tarot places the female image at the forefront, reflecting the concept of nature as mother, and utilizes medieval attire to transcend specific time periods, focusing instead on universal life stages. The deck’s design philosophy centers on the concept of Wicca, where the three-faced goddess—maiden, mother, and crone—plays a significant role in interpretation. Through its borderless cards, muted color palette, and rich symbolic layers including totem animals and characteristic plants on every card, the deck offers a comprehensive tool for divination that addresses both mundane inquiries and mystical pursuits.
Visual Style and Symbolic Framework
The aesthetic of the Green Witch Tarot is characterized by muted colors and illustrations reminiscent of children’s fairy tales, a deliberate choice by the artist to ensure the correct perception of the cards and to maintain a soft but fair energy. The characters are depicted in medieval attire, but the age range spans from child to elderly, emphasizing the cyclical nature of life—spring as childhood, summer as youth, autumn as maturity, and winter as old age. This visual strategy allows the querent to connect with the cards on a level that transcends historical context, focusing on the timeless progression of human existence.
A defining feature of the deck is the inclusion of a totem animal and a characteristic plant on every card. These elements are not merely decorative; they are integral to the card's meaning. For instance, marjoram appears on the Six of Chalices to signify immersion in happy memories and family connection, while a hedgehog on the Eight of Athames symbolizes self-defense and distrust of others. The World Tree card (The World) features two iconic creatures: the serpent at the bottom signifying death and the completion of a cycle, and the stork at the top symbolizing a new beginning. The artist chose not to frame the pictures, creating an immersive effect, and the back of the cards features an old wooden fence decorated with a wreath of fir branches and roses, centering a pentagram inscribed in a circle. This symbol represents the harmony and balance of all elements and the person within nature; however, if reversed, it signifies the destruction of the system, discord, and death, illustrating the deck's use of opposite meanings to generate new insights.
Suit Modifications and Card Imagery
The Green Witch Tarot maintains the standard tarot structure but renames the suits to reflect a more earthy, magical practice. The suits are Athames (Swords), Chalices (Cups), Pentacles, and Wands, with the Court cards comprising Kings, Queens, Knights, and Pages. The Court cards are intended to be correlated with specific people, age groups, or stages in business. Pages indicate the beginning of an activity and a lack of experience, Knights represent a good level of competency and responsibility, while Kings and Queens denote rank and status.
The imagery within the suits often deviates from traditional Waite-Smith scenes to offer a more nuanced or "magical" perspective. For example, the Three of Wands depicts the ship occupying a large portion of the picture rather than approaching the hero, altering the focus on waiting versus active presence. The Six of Pentacles shows a needy figure holding dice (hinting at dishonesty) while another offers a bouquet of white flowers to a rich lady, adding a layer of complexity regarding the nature of charity and the need to help only those who truly need it. The suit of Swords (Athames) is described as having become "less painful," shifting focus from pure suffering to the need to defend oneself or engage in conflict for a lofty goal. A specific example is the Seven of Athames, which replaces the standard theft scene with a protagonist carrying prey, meeting a girl who is his wife or sister, suggesting a different moral or narrative context.
Interpretation Methods and the Role of the Guidebook
Interpretation of the Green Witch Tarot can be approached through the familiar framework of the Waite system, making it accessible to those with prior tarot knowledge. However, the deck offers a much broader field of meanings through its detailed scenes. Readers are encouraged to utilize color schemes, environments, facial expressions, and gestures for interpretation. The accompanying 240-page book is crucial for unlocking the "secret" meanings of the birds, animals, and herbs depicted. It is designed to be beginner-friendly, opening with the statement that the Green Witchcraft approach is based on a personal relationship with Nature.
The book details the relevance of the plant and animal magick found in the deck, allowing readers to gain intuitive hits even without prior knowledge of herb or animal lore. For instance, in the Ten of Athames, the heroine attempts to revive a mandrake root, with the blades forming a magic circle for defense. The card advises learning an important lesson and finding a way out of problems even in negative situations. The deck also integrates Wiccan rituals, showing specific actions to change one's reality from the perspective of witchcraft. The three-faced goddess (maiden, woman, old woman) is of great importance, reinforcing the centrality of the female image and nature as the mother.
Suitability and Application of the Deck
The Green Witch Tarot is versatile, covering a wide range of questions. It is particularly suited for inquiries related to mysticism and magic, such as determining a desired ritual, finding a totem animal, or selecting a plant for a specific ritual. The Arcana can reveal how a magical operation will unfold and if there is danger to the operator. However, it is equally effective for everyday issues. The cards can help identify the most successful activities for the querent, assist in finding one's calling, or aid in choosing the right partner for family relationships. It is useful for viewing the true feelings and intentions of a partner.
The deck combines opposites, acknowledging that nature contains both light and darkness, death, and rebirth. This cyclical view—where spring follows winter—is a core theme. The inclusion of Major Arcana variations, such as "The Sidhe" replacing "Temperance" and "The Holly King" replacing "The Hermit," indicates a specific mythological overlay, though the reviewer notes that one can choose to overlook these changes if they do not resonate, focusing instead on the connection with the images.
Physical Attributes and User Experience
Physically, the cards are semi-gloss, borderless, and measure approximately 7 x 11.5 cm. The borderless design allows for a smaller card size without compromising the image quality. The cards are described as being "a dream to shuffle"—slippy without being too slippery, thin without being flimsy, and comfortable to handle regardless of hand size. They fan smoothly, making them practical for regular use.
Conclusion
The Green Witch Tarot serves as a comprehensive tool for divination that bridges the gap between traditional tarot structures and nature-based spiritual practices. Its strength lies in its rich visual symbolism, the integration of botanical and animal totems, and a guidebook that educates the user on the specific lore of the deck. By focusing on the cyclical nature of life, the power of the female image, and the balance of elements, it offers a holistic approach to tarot reading. Whether used for mystical exploration or practical guidance, the deck encourages a personal relationship with nature and the energies that govern it. The detailed imagery and the inclusion of specific magical rituals provide a depth of meaning that allows for both straightforward interpretation and intuitive exploration.