Tarot of the Old Path

~*~ This deck is suitable for any question you wish to ask of the Tarot. ~*~

Deck by author Howard Rodway and artist Sylvia Gainsford

© 1990 AGM Mueller

At first, I had my reservations about this deck due to its Wiccan symbolism, which is very apparent throughout the deck.  The beautiful art in the deck, however, kept drawing me back to it, long after I had put it away.  I pulled the deck out again one day, and decided that there was no reason for me not to enjoy the deck . . . because I liked it!  I would definitely recommend Tarot of the Old Path for those who follow the Wiccan faith, but it's a beautiful deck filled with a lot of meaningful symbolism and can be used by someone of any faith . . . as I discovered for myself.  If you have an open mind and can respect the beliefs and choices of faith by others -- even if you don't share all the same beliefs -- then you can appreciate this deck.

Tarot of the Old Path emerged in recognition of the card readers who follow the Wiccan path . . . also referred to as the Craft, the Old Religion . . . or the Old Path -- as the deck is named.  A coven of eight witches came together to act as advisers and consultants for this deck.

There is a substantial amount of nudity in the card images, which is something to keep in mind when reading for sensitive clients.  If you are seeking to have a reading done, and if you are one who may be offended by such imagery -- the nudity and/or the Wiccan theme -- then there are many other decks to choose from.  A lot of symbolism is included in the cards, including astrological and elemental symbology.  Some of the traditional Major Arcana names have been changed to more appropriately represent this deck's theme.  The name changes seem to apply very well to the cards.

It has been said that this deck has a British feel to it due to the faces of the people portrayed in the Minor Arcana cards.  Some Wiccan readers feel that this detracts from the Wiccan theme of the deck.  Since I am not Wiccan, I can't really say one way or the other on that, but I do think it's a beautiful deck filled with lots of symbolism . . . and lots to think about for each card's image.  There are a lot of variations from the traditional Rider-Waite Tarot, but also some similarities as well.  It's just presented in an interesting way . . . intended to portray the Wiccan theme.  I have found that I am able to make sense out of the changes made in this deck.  I find it to be a fascinating approach to the Tarot.

This deck can be purchased as a Deck & Book set.  The book, by Howard Rodway does not contain black and white images of the cards, as you will find with some books, but it includes upright and reversed card meanings, as well as some spreads.  A lot of information about the symbolism chosen for the cards is included as well, and I found that to be of great help in using this deck.  Also included in this book are short biographies of the eight Wiccans who were consulted in the creation of the deck.

I wanted to share some additional thoughts about this deck -- and how it really works through the images and symbolism presented.  When I first looked at this deck and really started to explore it, I thought The Fool card was an odd presentation.  But in reality, it's quite a fitting representation of what the Fool means!  Here we see a small child, in complete innocence, reaching out to touch the flames.  He's curious and always ready to explore (sounds like a young one!).  He is unaware of the danger and the consequences that would result from touching those flames.  The frantic mother runs over to remove her child from the danger.

Behind the mother and child, we see someone who looks more like the traditional Fool we are familiar with.  He has set out on his path, probaby in a carefree manner, carrying just a small bundle over his shoulder.  Up ahead, there will be a division in his path, representing choices to be made.

To the upper right, although possibly a bit hard to make out from the image, is a butterfly which has just emerged from its chrysalis and waits for its wings to dry before taking flight for the first time.  According the author, "This symbolizes the soul about to start off on the journey of life."

I can see a lot of layers of meaning within this card of the Fool, and they are very fitting.  And certainly, one could explore even further if they wanted to.

Number of Cards in Deck: 78 cards (22 Major/56 Minor)

Size of Cards:  2-3/4" x 4-3/4"

Included with deck: LWB (Little White Book)
Deck can be purchased as a Deck & Book Set.

Major Arcana:  (Non-traditional titles are highlighted in blue.)
Fool, Magician, High Priestess, Empress, Emperor, High Priest, Lovers, Mastery,
Strength, Wise One, Wheel of Fortune, Justice, Lone Man, The Close,
The Guide, Temptation, Tower, Star, Illusion, Sun, Karma, World

Suit Names:Cauldrons (Cups), Rods (Wands), Swords, Coins (Pentacles)

Court Cards:  King, Queen, Knight, Page

Back Design of Cards:
 

Available from Amazon.com: TAROT OF THE OLD PATH Deck & Book TAROT OF THE OLD PATH Cards Only

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