The Green Witch Tarot deck, created in 2015 by Ann Moura with illustrations by Kiri Leonard, presents a system of divination deeply rooted in the cycles of nature and the principles of Wicca. While the deck follows the general structure of the Rider-Waite tradition, it introduces distinct variations in imagery and symbolism that reflect a "natural magic" approach, focusing on the relationship between the four elements and human inner strength. The deck is designed to be international and understandable to individuals of any religion, speaking the language of mother nature. The accompanying literature emphasizes the symbolism of plants, animals, and birds, which is crucial for a complete understanding of the Arcana. However, for those who are close to nature and draw energy from the elements, the deck is said to reveal its secrets without the need for additional study.
The Minor Arcana of the Green Witch Tarot largely reflects the core ideas of the Waite system, but the visual scenes have been altered to fit the naturalistic and ritualistic themes. The suits correspond to the classic elements but are renamed to reflect ritual tools: Wands (Fire), Chalices (Water), Pentacles (Earth), and Athames (Swords/Air). The Aces are particularly significant, as they visually represent the root of each element's energy through specific color schemes and symbols. Wands feature staves resembling magic wands, Chalices are silver bowls, Pentacles are round wooden altars depicting a pentagram, and Athames are short-bladed daggers.
The Suit of Wands: Fire, Inspiration, and Action
The Suit of Wands in the Green Witch Tarot corresponds to the element of Fire, representing inspiration, spirituality, and action. The scenes in this suit generally follow the energetic flow of creative endeavors and personal drive.
- Ace of Wands: Represents the root of Fire energy. The card features a wand or staff, symbolizing new beginnings in creative or spiritual pursuits.
- Three of Wands: In a significant visual departure from the traditional Rider-Waite image, the Three of Wands depicts the ship approaching the hero, occupying a large portion of the picture. This emphasizes the arrival of expected results from previous planning and expansion.
- Ten of Wands: This card typically depicts the burden of responsibility, carrying a heavy load toward a goal.
The Suit of Chalices: Water, Emotions, and Relationships
The element of Water governs the Suit of Chalices, focusing on emotions, intuition, and relationships. The imagery here is designed to evoke the fluid nature of feelings and connections.
- Ace of Chalices: The root of Water energy is shown through a silver bowl, symbolizing the cup of emotion and intuition.
- Two of Chalices: Generally represents partnership and the exchange of energy between two individuals.
- Six of Chalices: Often depicts nostalgia, childhood, or the sweetness of past memories influencing the present.
The Suit of Pentacles: Earth, Materiality, and Work
The Suit of Pentacles corresponds to the element of Earth, dealing with the material world, work, finances, and physical health. The imagery utilizes wooden altars and earthy symbols.
- Ace of Pentacles: The root of Earth energy is represented by a round wooden altar depicting a pentagram, signifying a new opportunity in the material world.
- Six of Pentacles: The source data notes a specific change in this card: "one of the needy holds dice in his hand." This introduces an element of chance or risk to the traditional scene of charity and giving/receiving.
- Ten of Pentacles: This card usually signifies long-term wealth, family legacy, and stability within the home.
The Suit of Athames: Air, Intellect, and Conflict
The Suit of Swords is renamed Athames in this deck, referring to the ritual blade used in Wiccan practice. This suit corresponds to the element of Air, governing the intellect, communication, conflict, and challenges.
- Ace of Athames: The root of Air energy is depicted through a short-bladed dagger, symbolizing a new idea or a sharp mental focus.
- Ten of Athames: This card is described in the source data as showing a heroine trying to revive a mandrake root. The blades form a magic circle that acts as a defense. This imagery transforms the traditional meaning of betrayal or pain into a scene of difficult magical work or the painful but necessary process of transformation and defense.
- Page of Athames: Represents a messenger or a new way of thinking.
The Minor Arcana and Natural Cycles
The Green Witch Tarot consistently draws analogies between human existence and the seasons. The Minor Arcana scenes are not just static images but are embedded in a world that reflects the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth. The deck encourages the querent to accept all manifestations of life, viewing death not as a frightening end but as a necessary part of the natural cycle. The author, Ann Moura, teaches how to interact with natural cycles and the spirits of forests and rivers, using the cards as a tool to pass on accumulated experience.
The court cards—Pages, Knights, Kings, and Queens—correlate 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 skill and a share of responsibility. Kings and Queens denote rank and status. These figures are integrated into the natural and ritualistic themes of the deck.
Interpretation and Symbolism
The interpretation of the Green Witch Tarot can be approached through the familiar structure of the Waite system, making it accessible to beginners. However, the deck offers a deeper field of meanings through its detailed scenes. The color scheme, environment, facial expressions, and gestures of the characters are all eloquent clues. The secret meanings of specific birds, animals, and herbs are detailed in the accompanying literature, which is considered essential for a complete understanding.
Knowledge of the concept of Wicca aids in interpretation. The three-faced goddess—maiden, mother, and crone—is of great importance, placing the female image at the forefront. The deck is designed for those who respect forests and rivers, love animals, birds, and plants. For such a person, the Arcana are said to reveal all secrets and teach the intricacies of life. The deck is a way to understand the "wild power of nature" and the balance of energies, as seen in the renaming of the Devil card to "Nature," symbolizing unbridled power and retribution based on one's actions.
Conclusion
The Green Witch Tarot offers a unique approach to the Minor Arcana by weaving traditional tarot structures into a tapestry of natural magic and Wiccan mythology. Through the renaming of suits to ritual tools like Athames and the depiction of scenes rooted in the cycles of nature, it provides a tool for divination that emphasizes balance, harmony, and the interconnectedness of all living things. The specific visual changes in cards such as the Three of Wands and the Six of Pentacles, along with the deep symbolism of the Aces, provide a rich field for interpretation that relies on the querent's connection to the natural world.