- Deck Name: The Hedgewitch Tarot
- Author: Tudorbeth (Instagram: @tudorbeth7)
- Artist: Angela Rizza (Instagram: @canvasbird)
- Publisher: Llewellyn, August 2025
- RRP: USD $28.99
- ISBN: 978-0-7387-7722-1
- Review by: Cadence (Instagram: @temperanceandtruth)
I have been waiting impatiently for the Hedgewitch Tarot, so I was overjoyed to be given the opportunity to review it just prior to release. A few things stood out initially: for one, the box was significantly smaller than typical Llewellyn boxes at approximately 5” x 6.5“, a fantastic size for those of us that are either short on storage space…or with healthy-sized collections! Secondly, the palette is really unique, with bold, saturated colors.
The Hedgewitch tarot was written by Tudorbeth, both a teacher and a practitioner of witchcraft. The art is the work of Angela Rizza, who draws her illustrations by hand and then applies the colors with digital tools. You can easily see that hand-drawn art has been implemented, as the beautiful illustrations have very fine linework.
The deck was designed to serve as a way to connect us to both the natural world and the spiritual world. Accordingly, there is a strong elemental connection in each card. The suits are standard and each has an overall corresponding color, season, and botanical association. Wands represent Spring and are in bold red tones; Cups are Summer and are dominated with pink tones; Swords signify Autumn and are colored in deep blue; and Pentacles denote Winter and are depicted with green tones.
The full-color guidebook, although a smaller size at 4.25 x 6“, does not skimp on quality or content. The cards have an overall keyword and reversed meaning, as well as a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer designation – I love this! So often we are told that asking a yes-no question is not a good practice in tarot. It’s great to see an alternative viewpoint. Each entry is divided into three sections: the Border, the Riding, and the Veil. The Border describes the artwork and gives an overarching meaning as well as a hint to the lesson ahead. The Riding is a term used in Hedgewitchery for “the activity of going to the other world or place of high magic…[via] meditation, trance, or literally transporting oneself to another world.” The Riding provides a deeper meaning as well as what must be accomplished in order to manifest the card idea into reality. Lastly, the Veil is an opportunity to put the card into practice using a meditation, a spell, or a prayer.
In the Major Arcana, the Death card is really special. The keyword is ‘Transformation’, and the reversed meanings are ‘Loss’ or ‘Resistance to Change’. Death is, not surprisingly, designated as a ‘no’. The card depicts a hooded figure standing between brambles on one side and lush red roses on the other. A crone is bent over her walking stick and approaching the figure. While this is a bit somber—and obviously a reference to actual death—the guidebook notes that the Crone is aware that she is entering a transformational state, and that the movement is a blessing in disguise. The Riding section provides that, “as a new beginning beckons, something must end, but it is not to be feared…and although the ending could be sad, realise that this is just the natural process of nature. Summer must end, just as winter fades away”. I really enjoy the way that nature is integrated into each card meaning. I also really like the author’s conversational, inviting tone.
Another favorite is the Two of Wands with ‘Planning’ as the keyword. The image is striking and a very unique take on the card. A woman is pictured at work in her garden. Her plants are beginning to leaf out, and the greenhouse behind her is nearly empty. The two wands construct the roof of her greenhouse. In the Riding section, the author notes, “planning is required, but within all this hard work, there is decision-making, which can come easier to some whilst others shy away from being decisive. Do not dillydally as you might lose the opportunity or freedom to plan things your way”. The card meanings are very beginner-friendly and are rooted in the Rider-Waite-Smith tradition.
In terms of production, a few nice additions are included that are new to Llewellyn decks. There are two additional cards included: one of which has information about the creators, the other advertises another Llewellyn deck and provides a discount for another purchase. A really fun inclusion is an altar stand, such a nice touch. The box is beautifully decorated with a small cardboard nest for the cards and a matching ribbon for ease of taking out. The card stock is matte and has a linen finish. There have been whispers around the tarot community that some are disappointed with the cardstock as they feel it’s too thin. I really like it. While I’ll agree that it is thin, it, nevertheless, makes the cards very easy to riffle or overhand shuffle, and to spread out smoothly with no clumps or stickiness. I would take an easier shuffle over thicker cardstock any day.
Overall, I am enamored with this deck and the unique artwork. The art could be seen as busy to some, but I adore the saturated colors, the striking detail, and the cohesive story. I think that this deck will be well-received and loved.
About the Author & Artist
Tudorbeth is the principal of the British College of Witchcraft and Wizardry and teaches courses on witchcraft. She is the author of numerous books, including The Hedgewitch’s Little Book of Spells, Charms & Brews, and A Spellbook for the Seasons (Eddison Books, 2019). Tudorbeth is a hereditary practitioner; her great grandmother was a well-known tea reader in Ireland, while her Welsh great grandmother was a healer and wise woman. Learn more at HouseOfBeith.com.
Angela Rizza is an artist who hand inks her illustrations with pen and brush, then applies colors digitally. She teaches illustration at the Fashion Institute of Technology and is apprenticing to become a tattoo artist. Visit her at AngelaRizza.com.
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