Witch of the Forest's Tarot Magick - RWS symbolism with botanical illustrations
Some tarot decks choose radical reinterpretation. This one holds to the familiar Rider-Waite-Smith structure and adds a new layer: botanical detail, clear colours, and gold accents that strengthen the ritual character of the cards.
The deck is designed by Lindsay Squire, who has written about witchcraft and astrology for over ten years through her platform The Witch of the Forest. Illustrator Viki Lester (Forensics & Flowers) drew all the cards in a style that merges plants and mysticism without becoming vague.
What you see on the cards
All 78 cards follow the classic RWS structure. The major arcana and the court cards are recognisable to anyone who knows this system. The minor arcana also have full scenes, not just pips with symbols only.
The illustrations are clear and colourful. Plants, stars and natural elements are used to support the traditional meanings. The gold accents are worked into the borders and details of the cards themselves, not just on the back.
The cardstock feels sturdy. The cards have a matte finish, which makes shuffling easier than gloss. The format is 75 x 120 mm, standard tarot size.
How you work with it
The deck comes with a 64-page guidebook. It contains short meanings for each card and a number of sample spreads. The text is practical, not long philosophical digressions. That makes it usable for those who are new to tarot.
Lindsay Squire has also written a separate book, Witch of the Forest's Guide to Tarot Magick. That book goes deeper into the combination of tarot and ritual magic. The deck works fine without it, but anyone who wants more than card meanings alone will find the expansion there.
Draw one card each morning and notice where the gold accents sit. Use that as an anchor point for your day.
About Lindsay Squire and Viki Lester
Lindsay Squire practises eclectic witchcraft and writes guides that make astrology, tarot and ritual magic accessible. Her work focuses on empowerment and practical application, not dogma.
Viki Lester illustrates under the name Forensics & Flowers. Her style combines botanical drawings with symbolism that is both decorative and functional. For this deck she drew all 78 cards in a consistent visual language.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 78
- Card size: 75 x 120 mm
- Language: English
- Guidebook: 64 pages
- Finish: Matte cardstock with gold details
- Publisher: Leaping Hare Press
- ISBN: 9780711281035
- Design: Lindsay Squire
- Illustrations: Viki Lester
Questions we often get
Is this deck suitable if you have never worked with tarot before?
Yes. The cards follow the RWS structure and the guidebook explains the basics. The imagery is clear enough to pick up the symbolism quickly.
Do you need Lindsay Squire's book to work with this deck?
No. The deck includes a complete guidebook with meanings and spreads. The book is an optional deepening for those who want to combine tarot and ritual magic.
