Unlike generic Tarot guides that attempt to be all things to all people, Reed's work is unapologetically specific. It is not merely a book about Tarot; it is a grimoire for the Wiccan practitioner. Here is what sets it apart:
Three of Cups: “Milk and Water” — celebration of the Full Moon, esbat joy, but also warns of emotional excess if not grounded.
The Seeker (Fool): 0 — The neophyte Witch stepping off the known path, trust in the gods, risk of naivety.
Users accustomed to the Rider-Waite-Smith system will find significant differences in The Witches Tarot. Reed was not afraid to alter the "standard" iconography to fit her Qabalistic framework.
1. The Major Arcana: While the order remains standard, the imagery shifts. For example, The Fool is not a carefree youth stepping off a cliff, but a blindfolded figure, representing the unknowable nature of the Divine before manifestation. The High Priestess sits between the pillars of severity and mercy but is depicted with tools specific to Wiccan practice.
2. The Minor Arcana: This is where the deck shines for students of esotericism. Reed replaces the "pip" cards (cards that just show cups or swords) with illustrated scenes, but the scenes are derived from the Golden Dawn meanings, which sometimes contradict the RWS meanings that most modern readers memorize.
3. Court Cards: The hierarchy is renamed to fit a magical structure: Page, Knight, Queen, King. However, their elemental associations are strictly enforced, representing specific personality types rooted in the elements of Fire, Water, Air, and Earth.
Part of the magic of this system is the hunt. Check: the witches tarot ellen cannon reed pdf
If you buy a used physical copy, you can then legally scan it for personal digital backup.
Llewellyn now offers many of their back-catalog titles as official e-books. You can purchase a legitimate PDF or Kindle version of The Witches Tarot directly from:
The price is standard ($15-$25 USD), and you get a searchable, high-quality file.
Note: The book is available digitally. The deck is harder to find in PDF form legally. However, you can often buy the deck used (without the book) and then buy the digital book. This is a fully legal workaround.
If you want, I can write out a PDF-style study outline (original, not copied from the book) covering the correspondences and interpretations that Reed uniquely emphasizes — just let me know.
I can’t provide or help find copyrighted PDFs. I can, however, write an original article summarizing and reviewing The Witches’ Tarot by Ellen Cannon Reed, including its themes, structure, notable cards, and how it differs from other tarot decks. Would you like a concise review (≈300–500 words) or a longer deep-dive (≈1,000–1,200 words)?
Witches Tarot by Ellen Cannon Reed is a 78-card deck first published in 1989 that uniquely bridges Pagan/Wiccan spirituality Qabalistic symbolism Unlike generic Tarot guides that attempt to be
. This guide summarizes the core features and methods found in the companion book. Google Books 1. Key Card Variations
While based on traditional structures, several Major Arcana cards are renamed to better fit a Pagan worldview: The Horned One
(formerly The Devil): Represents the masculine force of deity and natural energy rather than evil. The High Priest
(formerly The Hierophant): Often depicted holding an athame, representing power-filled wisdom. The Seeker
(formerly The Hermit): Focuses on the internal quest for knowledge. The Cycle of Life
(Wheel of Fortune): Often depicts the stages of life from babyhood to the crone. 2. The Suit & Element System
Reed uses a specific color-coded system for the Minor Arcana, which associates elements differently than some standard decks: Wands (Yellow) : Associated with the element of Swords (Red) : Associated with the element of Cups (Blue) : Associated with the element of Water. Pentacles (Green) : Associated with the element of Earth. 3. Reading the Court Cards Users accustomed to the Rider-Waite-Smith system will find
Unlike many Rider-Waite interpretations, Reed's system treats Court cards (King, Queen, Prince, Princess) as
rather than independent meanings. In a reading, they describe the nature of the next card dealt rather than representing a specific person or personality type. 4. Qabalistic Pathworking The deck is deeply rooted in the Tree of Life Google Books Backgrounds
: The Major Arcana backgrounds often show spheres (Sephiroth) in their proper Qabalistic colors and positions. Pathworking
: Reed suggests using the cards for meditation and "working your way up" the Tree of Life paths. Correspondences
: The guide provides specific Hebrew letters, astrological signs, scents, and gems for each card. Amazon.com 5. Signature Tarot Spreads The companion guide and kit include two primary layouts: The Witches Tarot - Ellen Cannon Reed - Google Books
Unequivocally, yes. In an era of “aesthetic witchcraft” and Instagram-friendly Tarot, Reed’s book feels refreshingly serious. It does not coddle the reader. It assumes you want to become a priestess or priest, not just a card reader.
Modern decks like The Modern Witch Tarot or The Light Seer’s Tarot are beautiful, but they often strip out the theological complexity of Wicca. Reed’s work preserves that raw, 1980s-era Craft revival energy. For anyone following a traditional Wiccan path, this book remains required reading, alongside Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft and the Farrars’ The Witches’ Bible.