The English Magic Tarot - alchemy and astrology in sixteenth-century England
Some tarot decks approach symbolism in a classical way. Others move it to a different time and place. This deck chooses the latter. The English Magic Tarot is set in England during the period between Henry VIII and the Restoration, a time when magic, science and religion had not yet separated into distinct fields.
Andy Letcher conceived the concept, Rex Van Ryn drew the cards and Steve Dooley coloured them. The result is a graphic deck with a narrative style, full of details that only reveal themselves on a second or third look.
What you see on the cards
The imagery is dynamic and recalls comic books or historical manuscripts. Figures wear sixteenth-century clothing, alchemical symbols are woven into the backgrounds, and the compositions are clear enough to read at a glance.
Well-known figures from English esotericism appear: John Dee, the astrologer and advisor to Elizabeth I, and Isaac Newton, whose alchemical studies are less famous than his physics. Alongside them, folklore, sacred sites and riddles from old texts.
The cards have a matte finish and rounded corners. They measure 75 by 125 millimetres, which shuffles comfortably. The cardstock is sturdy enough to withstand regular use.
How the deck works
The 160-page guidebook describes each card with attention to historical context and tarot meaning. That makes it accessible, even if you have little prior knowledge of this period. The graphic style helps: the images tell a story, and you can use that story in your reading.
This is not a contemplative deck. It is lively, full of action and movement. That suits daily cards and short spreads, but equally works for extended sessions where you dive deeper into the symbolism.
Watch for the small details in the background of each card. They often hold extra symbols that reinforce or nuance the main meaning.
About Andy Letcher, Rex Van Ryn and Steve Dooley
Andy Letcher writes about English magical traditions and is himself trained in folklore and history. He provided the conceptual structure.
Rex Van Ryn drew the cards. His style is graphic and clear, with an eye for historical clothing and architecture.
Steve Dooley coloured the illustrations and ensured the visual coherence of the whole.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 78
- Card size: 75 x 125 mm
- Finish: matte, with rounded corners
- Cardstock: sturdy
- Guidebook: 160 pages
- Language: English
- Publisher: Weiser Books
- Author: Andy Letcher
- Illustrator: Rex Van Ryn
- Colourist: Steve Dooley
Questions we often get
Do you need to know much about English history to use this deck?
No. The guidebook provides enough context to understand the cards. The historical layer adds depth, but is not required to read the deck.
How does this deck differ from a classic Rider-Waite-Smith tarot?
The structure is the same: 78 cards, 22 major arcana, 56 minor arcana. The imagery is different: more graphic, more focused on action and story, and fully rooted in a specific historical period.
