Witch Tarot: origin, symbols, card meanings and more!

The meaning of the Witches Tarot cards is associated with the meanings of the Traditional Rider Waite Tarot cards. With attractive images that emphasize aspects of nature and many elements present in Witchcraft cults, the Witches Tarot rescues the period in which witches lived in their golden age with a more current language.

As we will show in this article, the Witches Tarot is one of the recommended decks for those who are starting their practices because it is highly intuitive. Furthermore, since it presents part of the liturgy of Modern Witchcraft, practitioners of Wicca can use their knowledge of their religion to interpret the secrets of the cards.

Upon completing your reading, you will have the answers to your main questions about this beautiful Tarot, so that you will already be able to start your divination practices. Grab your broom, light a candle and a suitable incense as we enter the path of this powerful oracle.

The Tarot of the Witches is a generic term that groups different types of decks developed around aspects present in the legends and practices of Modern Witchcraft. So that you can understand its characteristics, we present below its origin, benefits and differences in relation to other decks.

The Witches Tarot is a deck that has different versions and, consequently, different stories. However, the vast majority of decks that are called “Witch Tarot” originated from the Rider Waite deck, one of the most used traditional decks.

As you can see in many visual aspects of her cards, it is possible to establish many patterns between Ellen Dugan’s Tarot of the Witches published in 2012, for example, and Waite’s Tarot.

In Brazil, there are many decks called Tarot das Witches. One of the most popular is by author Ellen Dugan, but other versions are also easily found on the market.

Like all decks, the Tarot of Witches is primarily a tool for divination and self-knowledge. In addition, using the Tarot of Witches will bring the following benefits to your life:

• Obtaining advice to understand and overcome problems, thus improving the quality of life and relationships;
• Knowledge of mythological themes and association with Witchcraft, Paganism, Magic and Feminine Spirituality;
• Acquiring a clearer perspective on your own life and the circumstances in which you find yourself;
• Assistance in focusing on essential aspects of life, focusing on improving it through problem solving;
• Inner peace, since they work as a self-knowledge tool;
• Clarity in decision-making;
• Management of matters related to the heart, finances, health and spirituality.

One of the main differences between the Tarot of Witches and other traditional decks is the presence of more symbolic and mystical patterns. In the cards, it is possible to observe pagan symbols and elements linked to Witchcraft, such as the pentagram, the black cat, as well as other tools related to the Art.

In addition, some cards are renamed: the Magician, for example, is the card The Witch in the Tarot of Witches; the Pope (or Hierophant) is now called the High Priest; The Eremita has its female version, called The Eremita; The Hanged Man is called The Sacrificed One; and, finally, the Fool card is now called The Madwoman.

As you can see, the Tarot of Witches is more central to the energy of the Sacred Feminine, and is therefore recommended for people who wish to connect with this energy. Finally, many of the images presented in this Tarot are quite different from traditional Tarots. Understand them below.

If you are used to the symbology of more classic decks, when looking at the Tarot of the Witches cards, you will notice subtle differences. These differences are perceived not only in the names of some cards, as we pointed out earlier, but also in their symbols, which will be presented below.

The first card of the Witch Tarot, called The Witch, already marks the presence of nature in this deck, during an Esbat ritual. Throughout all the cards, it is possible to perceive that natural elements are present throughout the Tarot: there are no confined spaces, everything takes place in natural environments.

This occurs because most of the practices of Modern Witchcraft are carried out outdoors, since it is a religion centered on the cycles of nature, seen as a manifestation of the divine marriage between a female deity and a male deity.

In the vast majority of cards, you will notice that there is always the figure of the Moon stamped on them. Cards such as the Witch (waxing moon), the Priestess (waxing moon), the World (full moon) and even Death (waxing moon) contain different phases of this celestial body.

The Moon is the symbol of mysteries, the subconscious and magic and, as it is used as a natural marker of time, always be aware of its symbology when interpreting the cards in which it appears.

Many magical instruments can be observed in the Tarot of Witches. In the card The Witch, a good part of the magical clothing is already observed on the altar present in the card: the chalice, the pentacle, the athame and the wand, symbols of water, earth, air and fire, respectively.

Other instruments such as the staff, the sword, the lunar tiara, the witches’ ropes, the Horned God’s helmet and many other witch symbols are also observed in this deck.

The Black Cat is an animal that has been popularly associated with the figure of the Witch in society. Due to this strong association, it is not surprising that he figured in cards of this deck as the witch’s familiar, her protective spirit and companion of spells.

In addition to the black cat, dogs, crows and even a bear (in the case of the Strength card) are present in the Witch Tarot.

The pentagram is the five-pointed star associated with the practice of Witchcraft. Each point of this star is associated with one of the four elements of nature (earth, fire, air and water) surpassed by the fifth point which represents the fifth element, known as Ether or Spirit.

This symbol attracts protection and is one of the witch emblems and, as such, it could not fail to appear on the cards of this thematic deck.

Now that you already know the main symbols of the Tarot of Witches, how about deepening your studies and learning the meaning of the cards to use it? Find all the information you need to start building your self-awareness and get the answers you need next.

The Witch is the action card. You have at hand, like the witch before her altar, everything necessary to succeed in your endeavors. In this way, you are aligned with the power of action to bring about change and make your plans a reality. In addition to your will, it is essential that you use your intelligence to achieve your goals.

If it is taken in reverse, The Witch shows that there is an opportunity that should not be missed. Also, be on the lookout for someone close to you who is trying to manipulate you. In some cases, it also indicates difficulties in expressing yourself.

In Love spreads, this card indicates the initial glimpse of the act of falling in love. However, it is a sign of romantic illusion if it appears inverted. The Witch also shows dexterity in handling finances. She prepare herself for financial opportunities.

The Priestess is the card of initiation. It means intuition, denoting mysteries that are often associated with common sense. When she appears, it’s time to trust your inner voice and it’s important to take note of her dreams, because the answers she seeks will come through them.

When appearing in the reversed position, The Priestess points to the fact that you are possibly ignoring your intuition by being focused on the opinions of others. It is important to connect and trust yourself, for within you lies all the wisdom you need.

In the Tarot of Love, the priestess marks the notion of intimacy, remembering the importance of patience when the theme is love. If it is reversed, watch out for fake people whose true faces are hidden.

In readings about career and finance, it is time to seek your improvement through training. Also, keep your finances a secret. If reversed: Denotes lack of knowledge or isolation.

The Empress represents themes such as motherhood and the feminine essence. Generally, this card feels like a request for you to connect with your feminine side, connecting with energies such as creativity, nurturing nature and fertility. She also embodies abundance and therefore appears to show pregnancy, the importance of connecting with the natural and wild world and points to a comfortable life.

When reversed, it indicates that you have become too interested in the lives of others, making you dependent. In love, it represents commitment and affection, but if it is reversed, beware of attachment, possession and jealousy. In the financial and professional field, it is an indication of generosity, wealth and comfort. If it is reversed, fasten your seat belts: it indicates insecurity and instability.

The Emperor represents control, organization regulated by the theme of fatherhood. He is a symbol of the masculine principle, a father figure who represents structuring thinking through strategies that establish rules and create systems. It can indicate that you are in a position of power and dominance.

In the inverted position, it means abuse committed by a boss, male relative, usually indicating a man who wants to control your life and deprive you of your independence. In this sense, the Emperor is also associated with a possessive partner.

In the Tarot of relationships, it indicates a traditional and often cold relationship. It also predicts the use of logical thinking to deal with feelings. If reversed, it indicates an overbearing partner and toxic relationship.

When it comes to money and profession, invest in a routine to discipline yourself financially and professionally. In the inverted position, it indicates a boss’s tyranny and uncontrolled finances.

The High Priest means institutions and their values ​​linked to tradition. It appears to represent a mentor who will serve as a spiritual guide and wisdom giver. It’s time to act according to…