The world of Tarot is a rich tapestry of ancient symbolism and evolving interpretation, where decks serve as tools for introspection, guidance, and spiritual connection. Among the myriad of available decks, the Modern Witch Tarot Deck by Lisa Sterle has emerged as a significant contemporary contribution. This deck offers a re-imagining of the classic Rider-Waite-Smith tradition, infusing it with imagery that reflects the realities of modern life. For spiritual seekers and Tarot enthusiasts, understanding the unique characteristics, artistic vision, and practical application of this deck is essential for determining its suitability for personal practice or consultation. The Modern Witch Tarot Deck stands out not merely as a collection of cards, but as a cultural artifact that seeks to bridge the gap between traditional esoteric wisdom and the lived experiences of today’s practitioners. It prioritizes accessibility and relatability, inviting a diverse audience to engage with the Tarot’s archetypal lessons through a lens that feels both familiar and empowering.
The Artistic Vision and Modern Reinterpretation
The core philosophy of the Modern Witch Tarot Deck is its deliberate departure from the historical imagery of the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) deck, specifically regarding the figures depicted. While the RWS deck, created by Arthur Edward Waite and illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith, features a predominantly white, male-centric cast of characters, the Modern Witch deck actively seeks to dismantle this exclusionary framework. According to the source material, the deck is designed to "celebrate womanhood and all the witches of modern life," featuring an all-women and non-binary cast. This shift is rooted in the creator's observation that the contemporary Tarot and witchcraft communities are largely populated by individuals who do not see themselves represented in traditional decks.
Lisa Sterle’s artistic style is described as utilizing "warm and pastel colors," with each card bordered in white to enhance readability. The figures on the cards are not abstract archetypes but are grounded in recognizable reality. They are depicted as "ourselves, our friends, and our acquaintances," wearing contemporary clothing, riding motorbikes, and interacting with technology such as smartphones. This approach aims to showcase the "diverse people who read Tarot," including masculine women, women of color, and larger women. By doing so, the deck facilitates a deeper, more immediate connection for the user, who may find their own identity or the identities of those around them reflected in the cards. This modernization is not merely aesthetic; it is a statement on the inclusivity of spiritual practice.
Connection to Rider-Waite-Smith Tradition
Despite its modern aesthetic, the Modern Witch Tarot Deck remains firmly rooted in the structure and meanings of the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith system. The source material confirms that the deck is "based on the traditional Rider-Waite imagery and meanings but with a contemporary twist." This connection is vital for practitioners, as it ensures that the foundational symbolism and interpretive keys of the RWS system remain intact. Users familiar with the RWS deck will recognize the scenes, gestures, and general compositions, even if the setting has shifted from medieval landscapes to urban environments.
For example, the source material highlights the depiction of the Fool card. In the Modern Witch deck, the Fool is shown as a young woman "walking around town, earphones in, oblivious to everything," stepping toward a cliff while listening to music. This mirrors the traditional Fool’s journey into the unknown but frames it within a context of modern distraction and youthful exuberance. Similarly, the Ten of Swords, which famously inspired a viral image of a woman lying on her side staring at her phone with the caption "Everything is fine," captures the essence of the traditional card—betrayal, painful endings, and hitting rock bottom—through the lens of digital overwhelm and modern anxiety. The deck maintains the traditional card names and structures, ensuring that readers can apply established RWS meanings while layering on contemporary nuances provided by the imagery.
Practical Application for Beginners and Experienced Readers
The Modern Witch Tarot Deck has garnered attention as a highly recommended tool for beginners. Its visual clarity and relatability are cited as primary reasons for this. The cards feature the name of the card written at the bottom, which aids in quick identification and learning. The physical quality of the cards is also noted as a benefit; they are described as "strong and study and shuffle well straight away," which is an important practical consideration for frequent use.
However, the deck is not without its critiques, particularly regarding its accompanying guidebook. The source material notes that while the guidebook includes card meanings, spreads, and a guide on how to read Tarot, it is "okay and has interesting ideas" but could be better for beginners. Specifically, it is mentioned that some cards have multiple meanings that are not fully explored in the guidebook. For instance, the Moon card, traditionally associated with anxiety, confusion, and the subconscious, is described in the guidebook as asking the user to "do something crazy," which may oversimplify the card's complex energy. Additionally, the lack of card keywords is noted as a drawback for those just starting out.
Despite the guidebook's limitations, the deck itself is praised for being "easy to read and connect with" and "perfect for beginners who are getting to know Tarot." For experienced readers, the deck offers a fresh perspective and an opportunity to explore traditional themes through a modern lens. The inclusion of diverse figures allows for more nuanced readings that reflect the complexities of contemporary relationships and societal dynamics.
Aesthetic and Cultural Impact
The Modern Witch Tarot Deck serves as a cultural bridge, validating the practices of the "modern witch" who integrates spirituality into a life filled with technology, pop culture, and urban living. By depicting characters that use phones, wear headphones, and navigate city streets, the deck acknowledges that spiritual insight is not separate from daily life. The source material emphasizes that this imagery "reflects the kind of witches and Tarot readers that exist in the world right now," acknowledging that modern practitioners "binge-watch Netflix, we walk around town listening to our favorite bands on our phones, and we read the Tarot."
This approach can be particularly empowering for those who have felt alienated by the esoteric or historical imagery of older decks. The deck’s celebration of "diversity and eclectic" imagery helps users "find yourself in the deck and relate to the wonderful witches of the modern world." While the inclusion of modern technology may be off-putting to purists seeking a "timeless deck," for many, it is this very modernity that makes the Tarot’s wisdom accessible and relevant. The deck validates the user's reality, suggesting that one does not need to retreat to a hermitage or a medieval castle to find spiritual truth; it can be found amidst the noise and rhythm of modern existence.
Comparative Alternatives and Context
While the Modern Witch Tarot Deck is a standout option, the source material also mentions alternatives for those seeking similar values of diversity and modern relevance. One such alternative is the True Heart Intuitive Tarot Deck by Rachel True (of The Craft fame). Like the Modern Witch deck, it depicts a diverse range of people and mixes new ideas with traditional imagery. However, the True Heart deck is noted for its "incredibly in-depth and intriguing" guidebook, addressing the critique that the Modern Witch guidebook falls short for beginners.
This comparison highlights a key trade-off in deck selection: the balance between visual relatability and educational support. The Modern Witch deck excels in visual accessibility and immediate connection, while other decks may offer more comprehensive instructional materials. Ultimately, the choice of deck is personal and depends on the practitioner’s learning style and spiritual focus.
Conclusion
The Modern Witch Tarot Deck by Lisa Sterle represents a vital evolution in Tarot imagery, offering a bridge between the time-honored wisdom of the Rider-Waite-Smith tradition and the lived experiences of contemporary spiritual seekers. Its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and modern relevance makes it a powerful tool for those who wish to see themselves and their world reflected in the cards. While the accompanying guidebook may require supplementation for beginners, the deck’s intuitive design and high-quality artwork facilitate a deep and personal connection to Tarot symbolism. For homeowners, business owners, and individuals seeking holistic guidance, this deck serves as a reminder that spiritual insight is accessible in every facet of modern life. It encourages practitioners to embrace their unique identities and find magic in the everyday, proving that the ancient art of Tarot is not static but a living practice that grows and adapts with the people who use it.