In matters of esotericism and gaining knowledge with the help of higher powers, there are many tools. But when it comes to looking beyond the veil of the future and finding out the answers to questions that torment a person, cards are the most popular and common option. At the moment, there are many variants of this magical tool, but perhaps the most unusual of them is the Tarot of the Witches. This deck attracts the attention of novice tarot readers and just people who want to look into the world of the unknown.
History
This deck appeared in the last century. The well-known Italian artists Antonella Platano and Laura Tuan worked on its creation. In our time, the famous publishing house Lo Scarabeo was the first to produce these cards (since 2003). However, on the territory of our country, the Tarot of the Witches first appeared in 2007, but only in a mini version. Their practicality and unique appearance instantly attracted the attention of the public. The decks quickly became popular in special circles.
But many have encountered problems in use, because many arcana are called differently than in decks familiar in the country. For example, "Star" is called "Cat", "Mage" in the new version is designated "Dagger", and instead of "Emperor" in the gallery of the Green Witch Tarot there is "Cap". Therefore, for many it was unusual, especially for inexperienced beginners. Despite this, the cards have taken root in certain circles and have found their connoisseurs.
Graphic Features and Witch Tarot Gallery
The main difference between this type of Tarot is its appearance. Each card has positive images, as well as witches and pagan goddesses. The authors tried to make each hero of the illustrations beautiful and elegant, they used pointed hats and eclectic clothes. Witches in the images are located sitting on trees, flying on broomsticks, with gourds and sacrificial daggers. The Green Witch Tarot Gallery represents the feminine, sexuality and a great supply of energy. For many masters, this deck is an exclusively female instrument. About the same they say about another version of the Tarot of the Witches, which was created by Ellen Dugan.
How to work with cards
Before you start working with this deck, you should learn and learn the rules intended for it. You should not immediately take on complex layouts, as cards do not like to rush. It is worth learning a little and increasing your knowledge as you master the previous information. You also need to first learn how to work with a regular deck, and only then,knowing the meanings of all the cards, use the Tarot of the Witches. Witch Tarot requires a person to analyze all the meanings, study the sources, recognize all the symbols of the witches present in the illustrations.
Only after exploring all the possible options, it is worth making your own list of values. They will be used in divination. The Tarot of the Witches will reveal secrets only to those who try to do everything right. Each card must be carefully considered, to find out what each item in the illustration means, analyze them and compare them with each other. And the full picture can be seen only by comparing all the cards that fell out in fortune-telling.
Spreads
As with the classic type of cards, there are many layouts of the Witches Tarot. But these cards are not at all intended to clarify serious issues (marriage, family life or business). They are designed to answer simple questions. But even trifles should not be tried to understand with their help, since the cards may not tell the truth. Most importantly, do not start guessing without knowing the meaning of the lasso before that. Only by understanding which card you draw from the deck, you can be sure of the correct and clear answer.
Meanings of Witches Tarot cards - major arcana
Some of the higher cards of this deck differ in name from the standard ones, so you should carefully study them and not confuse them during divination.
"Befana". In the classical Tarot, this lasso is called the "Jester". Tarot card "Witch"Befana" depicts a famous character from the legends of Italy. A witch climbs a hill, while holding on to a goat's tail. The image of a goat symbolizes perseverance and selfishness, pushing people to various actions.
Losing the hat means that the connection with the higher powers is broken, that is, she will do stupid, uncontrollable acts. The torn off bracelet depicted on the lasso speaks of the loss of protection, and the mountain means a difficult and dangerous path. However, the sign that the end of the mountain is not visible in the image symbolizes that the path leads to happiness and success. This card can be seen as a warning. If a person has already decided to go forward, then he will no longer be able to return everything to its place. Therefore, a decision should be made only after a clear understanding of whether he is ready to move forward and leave the past behind.
Dagger
The classic name for this lasso is "The Magician". The card depicts a young witch with a dagger, which lies on the trunk of a mighty tree. The illustration also depicts grimoires, a goblet and a wand. The card symbolizes an aggressive life force, ready to head in any direction. The tree denotes support, opportunities and connection with the forces of the ancestors. This lasso of the Tarot of the Witches says that a person has enough energy and opportunities to boldly go towards his goal. The main thing is to wait for a certain hour, when all this will need to be put into action and go to success.
Boiler
This is the same as "High Priestess" in the regular deck. The card is a symbol of prosperity,abundance, life, and also feminine energy. The map is illustrated with a plot in which an elderly sorceress brews a potion in a cauldron, and an owl is located on her shoulder. Also important symbolism is the color of the witch's hair, her outfit and the decoration of the cauldron.
The scarf of the sorceress symbolizes the mind and spiritual development. The arch shown in the illustration speaks of a place of power. Owl - connection with the forces of nature. The snake means intuition and secrets. There is also a scroll lying at the witch's feet. It means that in her work she uses ancient knowledge. This lasso has the following meaning in the Tarot of the Witches: a person stands on the threshold of knowledge. He needs to make a choice about what to do next. It can stay the same or move to a new world.
Book of Shadows
"Empress" looks special in this deck. The illustration depicts a witch sitting on a tree trunk and looking at herself in a mirror. The witch's attire symbolizes her power and determination. The mirror is a portal to the world where all the answers to questions are hidden. The crows depicted on the lasso speak of a connection with spirits, of obtaining secret knowledge, and daffodils say that the witch does not want to see the picture of the world as it really is. This card means that undertakings will be successful, that you have all the resources to implement your plans. It is worth putting aside doubts. Perhaps past experiences have left negative experiences, but not everything new should follow old plots.
Witch hat
This is the "Emperor" in the regular deck. The lasso depicts a young witch against the background of autumnlandscape. The symbolism of this card suggests that the witch is still too young and carefree, but she has a teacher - a raven. He will help her to know her strength. Also on the lasso is a symbol of the trinity, reflected in the hairstyle of the sorceress. He encourages you to take responsibility for your life. It is necessary not to miss opportunities, to believe in one's own strength, to show perseverance and perseverance. Then everything will work out. Otherwise, you will have to regret all your life.
Walnut Tree
"High Priest" signifies wisdom and age. The card illustrates an old sorcerer sitting under a walnut. He teaches two young witches the wisdom of the ages. The symbolism of the lasso lies in the ability to receive and transmit knowledge. A walnut is a tree that benefits people and clears its own path. It also signifies abundance.
The card speaks of an undeniable opinion. The person to whom she fell in the layout should listen to his teacher, and not argue with him. Only in this way can he gain knowledge and experience. Now it is worth showing the flexibility of character and the ability to find compromises.
Garter
This attribute speaks of temptation. In a regular deck, this card is called "Lovers". In the illustration, two witches are trying to attract the attention of a young man with their defiant behavior. One of them is very bright, the other is more modest. The bat in the picture symbolizes the perception of the world by sensations. Don't trust your eyes, you need to understand how you feel.
Young man symbolizes anxiety,uncertainty and indecision due to the influence of external factors. The card means that the person is experiencing self-doubt. She says that it doesn't really matter whether you use logic or emotion when making a choice. The main thing now is to rely on your inner instinct and wisdom.
Broom
The Young Witches Tarot lasso depicts a young sorceress flying on a broomstick. Crows fly around. Her pomelo means active and passive energies that help her manage everything in real life. Ravens speak of the wisdom of the witch and her ability to use this talent in practice. The lasso suggests that the time to take risks and go crazy has come. It is worth boldly going towards your goal, but before that you need to clearly plan and take everything into account. It is necessary to have a more cheerful and easier attitude towards life, to move forward. But do not lose your head in this.
Owl
The illustration shows a witch with a stern look. She has scales and a dagger in her hands, and an owl sits on her shoulder. The symbolism of the lasso lies in the administration of justice, the adoption of an informed decision. The dagger will help the witch change the course of events and influence fate. Owl - wisdom. The color of the clothes speaks of calmness and confidence. The main point of this card is that you have to pay for everything. Therefore, you should seriously consider your actions and decisions, clearly understand whether you are ready to pay for them, whether they are worth it.
Yew tree
An old witch goes at night with a lantern in her hands to get to the magic tree of the Celts. It's a symbolrebirth, slowness and fear. The lantern symbolizes wisdom, helping to overcome obstacles and darkness on the way. The staff suggests that knowledge and strength provide confidence and security along the way. The card means that an event will soon occur in a person’s life that will change everything, divide life into “before” and “after.”
Elderberries
She is the "Wheel of Fortune". The card symbolizes the end of the period of action, rest to realize the path traveled. The illustration shows two witches, one sitting on the back of the other. The map indicates that it is time to urgently change something, otherwise it will be worse, because the current situation is very precarious and unsafe. Something is clearly going wrong, but the person is not taking it seriously.
The card warns that life should not be taken lightly. It is important to maintain the inner balance of freedom and wisdom. If you understand what is happening, you can turn the events in your direction. The elder, depicted on the lasso, symbolizes the fact that everything now depends on the person himself. If he makes an effort, he will win, if not, then no one else will lead him to success.
Mandrake
The card shows a witch and animals. A cat and a dog attack a kneeling witch, who defends herself with the root of a magical plant. The illustration means healing from ailments. It can also be poison (depending on how the root is used). Animals on the card mean fears. If you fight them, they will definitely retreat. Arkan means that spiritual woundscapable of doing more harm than physical ones, so you should take them as an experience, but do not get hung up on them. Let go of the past and start living in the present. Fight fears, control your life here and now.
Other values
The Major and Minor Arcana Tarot Witches carry the knowledge needed to decipher important questions and answers. After studying them, you can start fortune telling. "Bat", falling out in the layout, means that now everything is not going according to plan, that there are a lot of external stimuli. It is worth resisting the temptation and focus on your own. "Kosa" means the beginning of a new path, the completion of past stages.
"Ointment" is a reassessment of priorities and support from the outside. "Beelzebub" speaks of a temptation that can lead you astray. "Mount Brocken" warns that the ground underfoot is not very solid. It is worth understanding where the mistake was made in order to urgently correct it before everything collapses. "Cat" means the onset of a happy and joyful period.