The Robin Wood Tarot

The Robin Wood Tarot - nature and paganism in Rider-Waite tradition

Some decks modernise the Rider-Waite-Smith system by simplifying the symbolism. This deck does the opposite: it keeps the structure intact, but fills each card with extra layers of natural and pagan symbolism. The Robin Wood Tarot is one of the best-selling tarot decks worldwide, and has been for decades.

Robin Wood drew 78 cards that behave like windows into a living world. Trees, flowers, animals and human faces play as large a role as the traditional symbols. The result is a deck that feels both familiar and surprising.

What you see on the cards

The illustrations are detailed and colourful. Each character has a facial expression that supports the essence of the card. The Eight of Pentacles shows someone at work, with tools and a workbench in view. The Four of Wands shows a celebration with flower garlands and dancing figures.

Colours are used deliberately to indicate emotional tone. Warm hues dominate cards of joy and growth, cooler colours appear in reflection or stillness. Nature is everywhere: roots, leaves, branches and blossoms form a visual language alongside the traditional tarot symbols.

The Major Arcana follows the familiar sequence, but replaces medieval or Christian elements with pagan motifs. The High Priestess carries a sickle and stands before a moon tree, The Emperor shows a figure with antlers instead of a crown.

How this deck works in practice

Because the structure matches Rider-Waite-Smith, you can use any introduction book or course to learn the basics. The images support intuitive reading: the faces, gestures and environments reveal much, even without prior knowledge.

The cards have a light gloss and are sturdy enough to shuffle often. The format is standard, which makes them easy to handle for most hands.

Pay attention to the colours when you draw a card. Robin Wood did not use them decoratively, but as an extra layer of information about the energy of the situation.

About Robin Wood

Robin Wood was an American artist and writer with a deep connection to nature religion and pagan spirituality. She designed this deck with the explicit intention of making tarot more accessible to people who do not feel at home with archaic or Christian symbolism.

Her work combines artistic craftsmanship with a clear vision of how tarot can function as a living instrument, not a historical artefact. After her death, this deck remains one of the most influential modern tarot decks.

Specifications

• Number of cards: 78 (22 Major Arcana, 56 Minor Arcana)
• Card size: 70 x 120 mm
• Weight: 400 g
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9780875428949
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
• Finish: Cardstock with light gloss
• Artist: Robin Wood

Questions we often get

Is this deck suitable for beginners?
Yes. It follows the Rider-Waite-Smith structure, so most books and courses are usable. The expressive faces and clear scenes make interpretation easier than with abstractly drawn decks.

How does this deck differ from a classic Rider-Waite-Smith deck?
The sequence and symbolism remain largely the same, but the imagery is different. Where Rider-Waite-Smith often uses medieval or Christian references, Robin Wood chooses nature elements and pagan motifs. The emotional expression on the faces is also stronger.