• Author (Book): Caitlín Matthews
• Creator (Deck): Rebecca Birrell
• Publisher: Destiny Books
• Publication Date: January 6, 2026
• RRP: US $35.00 / UK £27.99
• ISBN13: 979-8-88850-301-0
• Reviewed by: Amy Bowker
   

Etteilla was famously known for his elaborate and confusing methods of reading cards, and that was among Paris contemporaries who at least spoke the same language. So imagine the daunting task undertaken by author Caitlín Matthews and artist Rebecca Birrell in presenting the first ever English translation of Etteilla’s classic 1773 tome, “The Only True Way to Draw the Cards”, and creating an accompanying 33-card deck. I’m declaring the effort a success, though reading with this method will take a bit of practice.

Impressions of the Petit Etteilla English Translation:

Finally, someone explains how to pronounce Etteilla (Et-TIE-ya), the pseudonym for French cartomancer Jean-Baptiste Alliette. The 334-page guidebook features 39 chapters or “Lessons” and each one includes an introduction by Matthews, Etteilla’s corresponding chapter in English, and a practice reading with suggested interpretation. Readers are taught how to create their own Petit Etteilla deck by writing keywords onto playing cards. It’s fascinating to learn firsthand how Etteilla intended for his cards to be read and Matthews’ introductions are invaluable in following Etteilla’s intent, especially when she provides historical context. You feel like you’re taking a formal workshop with a capable instructor.

Impressions of the Petit Etteilla Deck:

The Petit Etteilla is considered the first cartomancy method created and Etteilla published the first edition of his instruction book in 1770, with the deck itself published in 1791. The Petit Etteilla deck is brilliantly recreated by Birrell and resembles playing cards with the same four suits of Hearts, Clubs, Diamonds, and Spades. Cards in each suit are valued 7 through 10, Ace, Jack, Queen, and King, along with an Etteilla card. Keyword meanings are printed on each card for upright and reverse cards, meeting cards, and multiple cards. The artwork is spare, as in playing cards, and employs only red and black colors. The card stock is thin and the deck is small enough to shuffle easily.

How Reading Petit Etteilla Differs From Tarot:

Immediately, you’ll find that the cards are meant to be read right to left, with each card “falling upon” the card to its left. Etteilla combines the meaning of each card into one overall message, so no one card stands on its own. This method will definitely strengthen your understanding of how cards influence each other, a skill you can bring to a traditional tarot deck. Another difference is the inclusion of an Etteilla card (yes, named after himself!). Additional meanings can be found when multiples of cards with the same value appear, as well as  “meeting cards”  with specific values and placements.

Who Will Connect the Most With Petit Etteilla:

If you have an interest in historical decks, this will be especially thrilling. Plus, reading an English translation of Etteilla’s work would be hard without Matthews onboard to interpret. And if you’re willing to put in the time required to learn the complicated methods described here, it will be worth the effort. Also, if you’re not big on memorizing keywords, having them inscribed directly on the cards will almost feel like cheating (in a good way!).

Who Might Find Petit Etteilla Challenging:

If you’re someone who relies on symbols and artwork to intuit card messages, this might not be the deck for you. These are essentially playing cards, and you won’t find the emotive imagery found in other decks. You’ll also need to be willing to log in some serious practice time for this deck, as well as learn multiple sets of rules for combining the cards for extra meanings.

Petit Etteilla in Practice:

I wondered if I would receive useful advice from a deck that sometimes offers absurdly specific keywords. (Such as 8 Diamonds – Countryside; 10 Clubs- House/Home; and Jack of Spades-Messenger.) However, one memorable reading included the 8 of Hearts reversed (Sister), 9 of Clubs reversed (Gift), and Ace of Hearts reversed (Banquet). The next morning, one of my sisters unexpectedly offered to take me out to lunch. Now I’m a believer!

More About the Book Author and Deck Creator:

Caitlín Matthews has penned 85 books, several tarot decks and oracles, and is a life member of the World Divination Association. Her decks include The Da Vinci Enigma Tarot and Enchanted Lenormand. Her books include The Lost Book of the Grail and The Art of Celtic Seership.

Rebecca Birrell has received over 30 design awards in her more than twenty-five years of practice. She is a professional artist, designer, card reader, and tarot teacher, and the founder of My Inner Witch.  Her decks and divination tools include the Manifestation Oracle and the Commemorative Lenormand Summit deck.