A few weeks ago I wrote a story about XV the Devil. In the comments, fellow Kossak MollyBloom shared a picture of V the High Priest (Hierophant) card from the DruidCraft deck. It was the most beautiful version of that card that I've ever seen. That one picture was enough to convince me to buy the deck. (Especially amazing considering the fact that that particular card is one I've never liked). So, thank you, MollyBloom.
I decided to treat myself to the boxed set. The book was highly recommended, and buying the set is less expensive than buying the book separately later. The book, written by Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm, is 192 pages long. It contains a wealth of information, far more than any LWB possibly could. I studied Wicca for years, and that knowledge made this tarot deck easier for me to grasp. However, my knowledge of Druidry is considerably less. That was not a problem; the book is written so that just about anyone can understand what is being said. The book contains background information on the tarot in general, and suggested layouts for reading the cards.
The artwork by Will Worthington is simply gorgeous. According to the artist's note in the book, these works were painted using egg tempera on wood panels. The panels were first coated in layers of gesso made of chalk and animal glue, then sanded smooth.
A look at some of the Court cards-
In the DruidCraft deck the Court cards are Kings, Queens, Princes, and Princesses.
Each member of a Court are all distinct individuals. The images are lively, emotional, and rich in symbolism.
And a look at a few of the pips (numbered cards)-
Each of the pips is illustrated with a complete scene of it's own, and beautifully evoke the meaning of each card.
Saving the best for last, some of the Major Arcana-
I tried my best to get decent pictures but they really don't do this deck justice. It's easily one of the most beautiful I've ever owned. It's also deeply meaningful in a very Pagan way. Celtic Pagan, to be specific.
Unlike many if not most tarot decks, the DruidCraft deck does not make extensive use of Christian imagery. To be honest, that is one reason why I fell in love with the High Priest of the DruidCraft deck; my intense dislike of the Hierophant in other tarot decks was I suspect a kind of spiritual hangover from my childhood. The imagery, and it's accompanying explanations, tended to resemble too much the kind of religious authority figures who'd caused me so much pain back then. The High Priest of this deck was a revelation for me.
There are tarot decks that I buy because I really like the artwork, but seldom actually use. There have been decks that I used often when reading for clients, because they worked well for the purpose even though I wasn't in love with the art. And then there are the very special, cherished decks which simply grab my attention and refuse to let go. The ones with which a reading flows almost effortlessly, and with images that invite you to not just admire, but enter into their world. This, for me, is one of those.
Thanks again, MollyBloom 🌹
The DruidCraft Tarot, text by Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm, art by Will Worthington. ISBN: 978-1-250-30742-2. Published by St. Martin's Press. philipcarr-gomm.com/…
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