Witch Sister Tarot Set - Scottish folklore and Celtic symbolism in RWS structure
Rider-Waite-Smith is a system that allows reinterpretation. Julia Jeffrey did exactly that, drawing from Scottish folklore, Celtic mythology and the natural landscape of the Scottish Highlands. All 78 cards remain true to the RWS structure, but the imagery tells different stories.
The cards show witches, familiar animals and people with faces that express real life. No polished prints. The colours are dark, earthy, with plenty of moss green, blue-grey and muddy tones. It feels like a deck that has stood outside in all weathers.
What you see on the cards
Jeffrey draws figures of all ages. You see bodies that have worked, faces with character, hands that hold things. The four elements play a major role, as do deities from the Celtic tradition.
The 'witch sisters' in the title are not stereotype witches. They are guides, challengers, mirrors. Each card has its own atmosphere that asks you to pause before you look up the meaning.
Some cards differ significantly from what you see in a classic RWS deck. This is where the guidebook proves its worth. Jeffrey explains for each card which Scottish folk tale or Celtic symbol underpins her choice.
The 216-page guidebook
The guidebook is printed in full colour and contains an image, meaning and background for each card. Jeffrey writes about Scottish folk magic, seasons, natural forces and deities. It also includes spreads that align with the themes of the deck.
A three-card spread centred on someone you care about works particularly well with this deck. The guidebook shows how you can use Scottish folklore in your reading.
Draw three cards around someone you care about: who stands beside me, who mirrors me, and what do I want to build together? Then open the guidebook for each card and read the Scottish folk tales that accompany them.
How the cards feel
The cards have a glossy finish and are thin and flexible. That makes them smooth to shuffle. They feel good in the hand, though they are not suited to damp environments.
The size sits comfortably in the hand. The imagery is dark enough to hold atmosphere, but clear enough to see detail.
About Julia Jeffrey
Julia Jeffrey graduated from Glasgow School of Art. She is Scottish and drew for this deck on the stories and landscapes she knows. Besides the Witch Sister Tarot she also created the Tarot of the Hidden Realm. Her work has appeared internationally in fantasy magazines.
Jeffrey is known for her ability to create imagery that feels both fairytale and raw. You see that reflected in this deck.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 78
- Card language: English
- Guidebook: 216 pages, full colour, English
- Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
- Author and illustrator: Julia Jeffrey
- ISBN: 9780738765112
- Weight: 1048 g
- Dimensions: 144.5 × 54.1 × 211.1 mm
- Finish: Glossy cardstock, flexible
Questions we often get
How much do the images differ from a classic Rider-Waite-Smith deck?
The structure is the same, but the interpretation varies from card to card. Jeffrey chose Scottish folklore instead of the original symbolism. The guidebook explains for each card what has changed and why. Without that guidebook you miss context.
Are the cards sturdy enough for daily use?
They are thin and flexible, which shuffles nicely but requires some care. For daily use they are suitable, provided you keep them dry and do not bend them too hard.
