The Major Arcana follow the Fool’s journey through a witch’s lifetime. The Hanged One (traditionally a martyr) becomes The Hanged Man suspended over a cauldron—a voluntary sacrifice to gain wisdom, akin to Odin on the World Tree. The Hierophant becomes The High Priest , complete with antlered headdress. The Devil is not a demon, but The Horned God —Cernunnos—representing raw, untamed nature, sexuality, and the shadow self that must be embraced, not feared.
Ellen Cannon Reed succeeded in what she set out to do: she built a bridge between the Qabalistic Tarot and the Circle of the Wiccan. When you lay a spread with these cards, you aren't just divining the future; you are mapping the sacred landscape of a witch’s soul.
Ellen Cannon Reed (1943–2003) was a High Priestess of the Isian tradition and a respected teacher of the Craft and Qabala for over fifteen years. Her goal was to create a deck that expressed traditional Tarot ideas through Qabalistic symbolism in a way that would resonate specifically with Pagans and Wiccans. Unlike many modern "witch" decks that prioritize aesthetics, Reed’s work is a rigorous study of the , mapping each card to specific spheres and paths. Deck Structure and Unique Symbolism the witches tarot ellen cannon reed
The Witches' Tarot deck has had a lasting impact on the world of tarot and witchcraft. Its unique symbolism and themes have inspired countless practitioners and artists, and it continues to be a beloved tool for those seeking to deepen their understanding of the mystical and spiritual.
, created by High Priestess Ellen Cannon Reed and illustrated by Martin Cannon, is a landmark deck first published by Llewellyn Publications in 1989. It stands as one of the few decks to successfully bridge the gap between traditional Qabalistic Hermeticism and Modern Witchcraft , offering a tool that is both highly intellectual and deeply pagan. The Vision of Ellen Cannon Reed The Major Arcana follow the Fool’s journey through
The palette favors deep purples, forest greens, midnight blues, and candle-flame oranges. It feels like a grimoire you found locked in a trunk, not a mass-market product.
In conclusion, the Witches' Tarot by Ellen Cannon Reed is a remarkable deck that offers a window into the world of modern witchcraft and its rich symbolic traditions. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or simply drawn to the mysteries of the tarot, this deck is sure to captivate and inspire. The Devil is not a demon, but The
: The deck follows the Golden Dawn tradition for numbering, with Strength at VIII and Justice at XI . Artistic Design