Celtic Tarot

Celtic Tarot Set - Rider-Waite structure with Celtic mythology

Many tarot decks borrow symbols from different traditions. This one chooses a single culture and commits fully. Celtic Tarot combines the familiar structure of Rider-Waite with stories, deities and seasonal festivals from the Celtic world.

The set was created by Kristoffer Hughes, head of the Anglesey Druid Order, and illustrated by Chris Down. Hughes writes from years of practice within druidry. Down draws mythology and fantasy with close attention to detail.

What you see on the cards

The Rider-Waite structure remains recognizable: 22 major arcana, four suits of court cards, numbered cards per element. What changes is the visual language. Instead of medieval figures you see Celtic druids, goddesses such as Brighid and Ceridwen, sacred animals and landscapes that refer to places in Wales, Ireland and Scotland.

Down works with full color and an illustrative style close to classic fantasy art. The cards have a matte finish, which shuffles well and shows fewer fingerprints. The size is standard (70 x 120 mm), comfortable for most hands.

The guidebook runs to 336 pages and goes beyond card meanings alone. Hughes describes Celtic myths, the wheel of the year, and how these themes relate to the tarot. Each of the 78 cards receives an extensive discussion with story, symbolism and practical reading tips.

How this deck relates to Rider-Waite

If you know Rider-Waite, you recognize the basic structure immediately. The Fool begins the journey, the Tower brings upheaval, the Wands stand for fire and action. What this deck adds is a cultural layer. The High Priestess becomes Ceridwen, the Hermit a druid in a sacred grove, the Star a goddess at a spring.

That choice makes the deck suitable for anyone who wants to bring Celtic tradition into practice. Not only as a theme, but as a living framework. Hughes describes how you can use the cards during Samhain, Beltane or Imbolc, and which natural elements belong to which card.

Draw a card during one of the Celtic seasonal festivals and read the corresponding passage in the guidebook. Hughes always makes the connection between the festival, the card and the cycle of the year.

Who this works for

This deck is designed for readers who value the Rider-Waite structure and have an interest in Celtic spirituality. The guidebook assumes you do not necessarily have prior knowledge, but are willing to engage with stories and background information.

The texts are informative and often narrative. Hughes writes as a teacher, not a poet. That suits the purpose: a usable reference work you return to regularly.

About Kristoffer Hughes and Chris Down

Kristoffer Hughes leads the Anglesey Druid Order and has written several books on druidry and Celtic spirituality. His work focuses on making ancient traditions accessible without oversimplifying them.

Chris Down works as a freelance illustrator focusing on mythology, fantasy and historical themes. His style for this deck is classical and detailed, with full scenes containing rich symbolism.

Specifications

• Number of cards: 78 full-color cards
• Card size: 70 x 120 mm
• Guidebook: 336 pages, English
• Finish: sturdy cardstock with matte finish
• Packaging: sturdy box set
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
• Author: Kristoffer Hughes
• Illustrator: Chris Down

Questions we often get

Do I need to know Celtic tradition already to work with this deck?
No. The guidebook explains all the myths, festivals and symbols. It does help if you are open to narrative texts and willing to read background information.

How does this deck relate to a standard Rider-Waite?
The structure is identical, the visual language is Celtic. If you know the basic principles of Rider-Waite, you can use this deck immediately. The cultural layer adds depth but does not change the core.