Modern Witch Tarot — Review & Guide

Modern Witch Tarot reimagines the classic Rider–Waite–Smith system with contemporary, fashion-forward art and inclusive characters. Because OneCardTarot uses RWS meanings, this deck reads seamlessly on the site and is a strong choice for beginners and experienced readers alike.

Overview (what it is and who it’s for)

• Lineage: RWS-based, fully illustrated Minors.

• Creator: Lisa Sterle (artist/creator).

• Vibe: Modern life—smartphones, denim jackets, cityscapes—while keeping the core RWS symbolism intact.

• Best for: Beginners who want clear scenes; readers who value inclusive, present-day imagery; anyone journaling or teaching with RWS keywords.

Why it works: you get the familiar RWS structure plus contemporary scenes that feel like now, which makes it easier to anchor meanings in real situations.

Art & symbolism (what stands out)

• Inclusive casting: a wide range of skin tones, bodies, and styles.

• Readable scenes: poses and props track closely with RWS, so you can map existing meanings without friction.

• Modern details: laptops, phones, streetwear—useful visual cues for questions about work, identity, and relationships today.

• Bonus card: many editions include an extra “Everything Is Fine” card (a tongue-in-cheek variant of Ten of Swords). You can keep it as a wild card, or remove it before shuffling.

Readability & audience

• Beginners: Excellent. Scenic Minors + crisp compositions make “say what you see” reading easy.

• Intermediate/advanced: Keeps RWS bones for spreads, dignities, and numerology; modern imagery can spark fresh associations.

• Teaching & journaling: Photogenic, consistent imagery helps students remember positions and patterns.

Strengths & limitations

Strengths

• Instant readability if you know (or are learning) RWS

• Contemporary feel that resonates with modern questions

• Inclusive casting broadens identification and use cases

• Pairs perfectly with OneCardTarot’s RWS-aligned interpretations

Limitations

• If you prefer historical aesthetics (Marseille/Thoth), the modern look may feel too stylized

• Very close to RWS scenes—great for clarity, less so if you want radical re-imagining

• Gloss/finish varies by edition; choose the stock that suits your shuffling style

Choosing an edition (practical tips)

• Finish & shuffle: Pick matte or satin if glare bothers you; glossy can look vibrant on camera.

• Edges & durability: Gilded or colored edges are pretty; sleeves or gentle overhand shuffling help longevity.

• Guidebook: Look for a companion guide with upright/reversed keywords, suit primers, and a couple spreads—handy for beginners.

• Bonus card policy: Decide whether to include “Everything Is Fine” or remove it before first shuffle.

How to start reading (quick method)

1. Question: Make it actionable and time-bound (e.g., “What supports my focus this week?”).

2. Say what you see: Describe the scene in plain English before checking a book.

3. Layer RWS basics: Suit element (Wands=action, Cups=emotion, Swords=thought, Pentacles=practicalities) + number process (Ace start … Ten transition).

4. Synthesize: One sentence you can act on today.

5. Optional: Use reversals if you like; otherwise treat “blocked/too much/too little” as context notes.

Example: Two of Pentacles → balancing tasks and resources. Action: time-box commitments; drop one low-value task to stabilize the week.

FAQs

Is Modern Witch a good first deck?
Yes. It’s RWS-true, readable, and beginner-friendly.

Do the meanings differ from RWS?
No—the core structure and symbolism align with RWS. The modern art adds context, not contradiction.

What do I do with the “Everything Is Fine” card?
Treat it as an optional extra. Some readers use it as a thematic variant of Ten of Swords; others remove it.

Will it work with OneCardTarot’s spreads?
Perfectly—our interpretations are RWS-aligned, so the deck plugs right in.

Alternatives to consider

• Rider–Waite–Smith (classic): The foundational look, widely taught.

• Light Seer’s Tarot: Contemporary, introspective RWS variant with a softer, spiritual palette.

• Morgan-Greer Tarot: RWS-based with bold, borderless close-ups (retro vibe).