Tarot has long been cherished as a bridge between intuition, storytelling and self reflection. For those just beginning their spiritual journey or developing a meditation and mindfulness practice with divination tools, tarot can feel at once deeply mysterious and incredibly grounding. One deck that has captured attention for its unique blend of rich imagery, mythic symbolism and accessibility is Ask the Witch Tarot by Francesca Matteoni, illustrated by Simone Pace.
In this article we explore what makes this deck special, how it fits into the broader world of tarot, and how you can work with it as a beginner or intermediate reader. Our aim is to be helpful and informative, weaving practical guidance with spiritual insight rather than offering a sales pitch.
Before diving into Ask the Witch Tarot, it’s helpful to understand what tarot is and what to look for in a deck.
At its core, a tarot deck is a symbolic language that prompts intuitive responses, reflection and self understanding. A standard tarot deck has 78 cards divided into the Major Arcana, which speak to major themes or life lessons, and the Minor Arcana, which explore everyday experiences and energies. Most decks follow this structure, which was popularised by the iconic Rider-Waite system in the early 20th century.
Choosing a deck that resonates with you visually, emotionally or spiritually is key. For beginners, imagery that feels evocative and supportive can make learning much more intuitive, while intermediate readers may seek decks with deeper mythic or archetypal richness.
Ask the Witch Tarot stands out because it reimagines the traditional tarot framework through the lens of witchcraft lore and historical myth.
At its heart, this deck:
Reframes the Major Arcana through a cast of legendary witches, goddesses, spirits and mythic figures, inviting readers to connect with archetypes of feminine power, mystery and transformation.
Structures the Minor Arcana around the elemental suits of fire, water, air and earth — each linked to witches, their tools and familiar spirits. This elemental approach reinforces the intuitive and nature-centred roots of tarot.
Comes with a guidebook that pairs traditional tarot meanings with tales and messages associated with each witch, offering both narrative context and practical interpretation tips.
Whether you are drawn to witchcraft imagery, spiritual folklore, or simply enjoy richly illustrated decks, this tarot offers a fresh perspective on familiar symbols.
One of the reasons this deck has gained popularity among beginners and experienced readers alike is its approach to storytelling and symbolism. Rather than presenting dry keywords, the guidebook invites you to engage with each card’s narrative persona, deepening your connection as you learn.
For example, the Major Arcana cards are not just archetypes like “The Magician” or “The Hermit” — they are embodied by figures such as wise crones, fire witches or mythic tricksters. This added layer of character and story can make the cards easier to remember and more intuitively meaningful, especially for those new to tarot practice.
The imagery and tone also foreground inclusivity and diversity, both in the types of witches depicted and in how meanings are presented. There is space here for personal interpretation, intuitive readings and reflective journaling — all tools that support spiritual growth.
One of the most encouraging aspects of tarot practice is that you don’t need to memorise all 78 cards at once. Here are some approachable ways to begin working with Ask the Witch Tarot:
Pull one card each morning to set the tone for your day or to explore an internal question. Let the imagery and story guide your reflection before consulting the guidebook. This slow immersion builds intuition and personal connection.
Start with easy layouts, such as:
Three-card spread: past, present and future or situation, challenge and guidance.
Mind-Body-Spirit: use three cards to reflect on how each of these areas is showing up in your life now.
Approach the reading as a conversation between you and the deck. Notice emotional reactions, colours, expressions and patterns — these are all part of your intuitive response to the cards.
After pulling cards, write down the feelings, thoughts and associations that arise. Over time you will notice themes and deeper layers of meaning emerging.
Tarot is far more than a divination tool — it can serve as a mirror to your subconscious, a daily meditation guide, or a way of tracking spiritual growth. Decks like Ask the Witch Tarot are particularly suited to spiritual beginners and intermediate readers because they combine traditional structure with imaginative storytelling and rich imagery.
As your practice deepens, you might find yourself drawn to different decks for different purposes — some for introspection, others for ritual or seasonal work — but the journey always begins with connection and curiosity.
Whether you are just beginning to explore tarot or looking to refresh your spiritual toolkit, Ask the Witch Tarot encourages a personal, narrative and intuitive approach to each reading. With its evocative visuals and immersive guidebook, it offers a gentle yet profound way to deepen your connection with tarot, yourself and the cycles of your life.
Remember, tarot is not about finding the “right” answer but discovering what the cards evoke in you. Let your practice grow organically — with patience, presence and a sense of wonder.
For readers who enjoy seeing tarot decks in action before working with them, Avalon Cameron’s video review of Ask the Witch Tarot offers a thoughtful and engaging introduction. If your're interested, watch it here!
Avalon Cameron – 01 May, 2022