Tarot of the Old Path

I have some mixed feelings about this deck. I was initially drawn to the imagery on some of the majors, and I was impressed by the "Big Guns of Wicca" that they got to serve as consultants on the deck. I guess I was expecting a really creative Wiccan reinterpretation of the tarot. In that respect I was disappointed. The minors cling closely to Waite-Smith, and often seem to lose something compared to the original. However, the suit of pentacles is wonderfully done.

The deck has a very British feel to it (not surprising!). The faces tend to look like those paintings of British churchmen from the middle ages: small eyes, puffy pink faces, and tightly pursed lips. Personally, I find that detracts from the Wiccan theme of the deck. Practically every figure on the minors looks like someone who would burn any witch who crossed their path.

The majors have several cards renamed and the imagery is usually a break from Waite-Smith, although it doesn't seem there was much systematic thought given to the changes. The book, which I was hoping would delve into Wiccan ideas and illuminate the changes, instead mostly recycles standard interpretations.

Having said all that, though, I don't want to be entirely down on the deck. It has many good points. There is a lot of greenery, especially on the majors, and flower symbolism has been used effectively. Some of the trumps are really good. The Wise One (Hermit) is out in the snow, but from out of the folds of his cloak stream the four elements, and the Earth comes alive under its shelter. The entire suit of pentacles is also very nicely done.

My first reading with this deck was excellent. It seems to have a mind of its own, and we struggled for quite some time with what it was showing me.

What's the bottom line? If you want a deck with strong Wiccan or pagan sensibilities, there are probably better ones to choose from. (Robin Wood is a very nice "approachable" pagan deck, and the new Wheel of Change Tarot apparently does some of the radical philosophical revision I was hoping to see here.) The major arcana are really very nice in this deck, though, with all the greenery and natural feel. If you find them appealing, it's worth getting for that alone. However, I'd also try to find an opportunity to look through the minors before you buy. You might find they put you off. I probably wouldn't bother with the book, unless you make this your primary deck.

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Copyright © 1998, 1999 Tom Tadfor Little