I had the The Druidcraft Tarot recommended to me by a good psychic friend whose opinion I respect. I found a deck that speaks to Nature and Druids as well as the Wiccan faith - and almost reaches me on a spiritual level.

The large deck is easy to handle and has plenty of room for the wonderful imagery. I was struck immediately by some of the images - my favorite is "The Lady" (called "Empress" in older decks). She holds a horn of plenty overflowing with ripe fruit and flowers in one hand, a huge sheaf of ripe wheat in her other hand, and is quite obviously pregnant. Upon closer examination, she seems to be looking at a small statue on the ground - a fertility goddess. I =love= this image.

But I was slightly thrown by two of the cards. The first was "The Fferyllt" - apparently a Druid alchemist. I'm still used to seeing "Temperance" being here, although the image was very evocative and appropriate, and other decks I own do have an "Alchemist" here. The other was "Cernunnos" which replaces "The Devil". I can't say I was thrilled by the image of Cernunnos because I had no idea what the Horned God was going to do with the two lovers (the same ones that appear on "The Lovers") sprawled on the ground before him.

The other thing that impacted my use of these cards was the nudity. "The Hanged Man" has full frontal male nudity. Other cards contain some nudity. I read a lot for children, and I can't use this deck for those readings, which is why I can't give it a perfect five stars. The nudity, however, is found on only a few cards - don't let that prevent you from at least trying this deck if you're already reading.

But I can use this deck for private adult readings, and I find it gives a quite different slant to readings for friends who are already involved in alternate faiths.

I started using this deck after reading the book - which contains a section on using Court Cards - a feature I find lacking in older books on Tarot, although many newer decks and books are beginning to realize the importance of Court Cards.

I'd recommend this deck for people who already have some experience with Tarot. The images are good, once you get past the rare nudes, and the feeling of the cards being connected with Nature is a big plus.

The DruidCraft Tarot invites us on a journey to explore the traditional Tarot in the context of ancient Druidic tradition. We are led into lush green forests where we can commune with the trees and flowers, and experience the beauty and power of nature. Animals important in the Druid tradition meet us along the way.

Artist Will Worthingtons paintings are a visual feast of color and form that seem to glow as they come alive with story. The images most often follow the traditional RWS, but have far more depth and character. The symbolism that has been changed or added to is brilliantly executed and meaningful. There are several cards that are renamed, but the transition seems easy and natural once stepping upon the forest path.

You can almost see the trees breathe and hear them speak. Im convinced there is much wisdom they will unfold during the course of study and readings. The court cards have figures dressed in different plaids making me wonder if these also are purposefully placed. My sense is that although there is much information that the cards seem to contain upon first glance, there is just as much more yet to be revealed, and that study would be very rewarding.

The beautiful book that accompanies this deck skillfully bridges many systems showing their essential unity and universal truth. The inclusive point of view shared by Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm makes the experience of studying and using this beautiful deck so much more meaningful to me.

In the book, the minor arcana cards are divided and listed by number rather than suit. There is a page of writing on each number along with Keywords and a Message. Each numbered card is then individually delineated. There are several useful and interesting diagrams showing the relationship of the 78 cards to the inner and outer self, the Seasons of the year, and Seasonal Celebrations promoting conscious continuity.

As practicing Druids themselves, the authors have much to share about their tradition. What they share is both informative and inspiring and adapts itself well within the tarot format enriching the experience.