Celtic Tarots Compared
The Celtic peoples have a rich history which lends itself well to the Archetypes of Tarot. Several authors and artists have accepted the challenge of connecting the classic figures found in the cards with Celtic deities and legends. On this page (which was created in 2005) begins an exploration of the multitude of tarot decks featuring archetypes and themes from Celtic history.
Overview of Celtic Decks ~ See Below
Celtic Tarots ~ Major Arcana Compared
This analysis and summary of Celtic Tarots is meant to illustrate the strengths of each deck and to illuminate areas which some readers may consider weaknesses. While this is not an exhaustive list, it contains some of the most popular decks which also have accompanying books, thus allowing the tarot reader a more intimate portrait of the creators’/illustrators’ intentions. It also leaves out decks with a more pagan/wiccan theme. More decks may be added in time.
Each deck below has a theme which harkens back to the gods and goddesses, heroes and heroines of the ancient Celts. Some decks concentrate on Arthurian legends, while others combine the Matter of Britain with more ancient Celtic mythological deeds and persona from all over the British Isles and the European continent.
To find out more about Celtic mythology go to the Encyclopedia Mythica.
CLICK on the cards to see the BACKS.
Legend: The Arthurian Tarot
Created and Illustrated by Anna-Marie Ferguson
First published by Llewellyn Publications in 1995
Size — 2.75″ x 4.625″
Backs — Technically they’re non-reversible,
but the design lends itself to reversed readings anyway.
Minors — Illustrated with a small, pip-like emblem.
Titling –Arabic numerals on Majors, written numbers on Minors. Titles at the top of the cards, meaning or name of associated figure at the bottom.
Book — A Keeper of Words, 256 p, b/w illustrations, bibliography, index.
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The Arthurian Tarot
Created by Caitlin and John Matthews
Illustrated by Miranda Gray
First published by The Aquarian Press in 1990
Size — 3.25″ x 4.75″
Backs — Non-reversible.
Minors — Illustrated.
Titling –Roman numerals on Majors, written numbers on Minors. Title or name of associated figure on majors only; minors show suit name followed by their number: “spear three“, for example.
Book — The Arthurian Tarot: A Hallowquest Handbook, 149 p, b/w illustrations, bibliography.
NOTE: The Matthews’ have also written two other books about this deck: Hallowquest: Tarot Magic and the Arthurian Mysteries by Caitlin & John Matthews, which goes into more detail on the mythology of the Athurian mysteries; and The Arthurian Tarot Course by Caitlin Matthews, which is a year-long study course for the deck that uses meditation, journaling, and spreads to seek “the empowerments of the Sword, Spear, Grail and Stone in the realms of the four season.”
NOTE: Cards may be difficult for some people to shuffle due to their larger size.
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The Celtic Wisdom Tarot
Created by Caitlin Matthews
Illustrated by Olivia Rayner
First published by Godsfield Press in 1999
Size — 3.5″ x 5.5″
Backs — Non-reversible.
Minors — Illustrated.
Titling –Roman numerals on Majors, written numbers on Minors. Title of card on Majors and Minors.
Book — The Celtic Wisdom Tarot, 143 p, color illustrations, bibliography.
NOTE: Cards are very slick and stiff; also may be difficult for some people to shuffle due to size.
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The Celtic Tarot
Created by Julian de Burgh, Illustrated by Mary Guinan
First published by Rider House/Random Books UK in 2000
Size — 2.75″ x 4.75″
Backs — Non-reversible.
Minors — Illustrated.
Titling –No numerals on Majors, written numbers on Minors. Title of card on Majors and Minors.
Book — The Celtic Tarot Instruction Book, 175 p, no card illustrations, but there are illustrations of a Celtic Cross and a relationship spread, bibliography.
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The Glastonbury Tarot
Created and Illustrated by Lisa Tenzin-Dolma
First published by Samuel Weiser, Inc. in 1999
Size — 3.125″ x 4.75″
Backs — Non-reversible.
Minors — Illustrated.
Titling –Roman numerals on Majors and arabic numerals on Minors at the top of each card. Title of card and meaning or name of associated figure at the bottom of each card.
Book — The Glastonbury Tarot, 167 p, b/w illustrations, forward by John & Caitlin Matthews, bibliography.
NOTE: Cards are very slick and stiff; also may be difficult for some people to shuffle due to size.
Where images of cards are still copyrighted to their respective designers, artists, and publishers, they are shown here for example purposes only. No copyright infringement is intended.
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