Written by contributor Graceley Knox
If you’ve ever walked down the aisle of a bookstore and suddenly stopped in your tracks when a cover catches your attention because of its gothic-fairytale, dark-academia-fantasy vibes, then you should have a copy of the Dark Wood Tarot on your shelf. Written by the knowledgeable and experienced Sasha Graham, with art by the incredibly talented Abigail Larson, whether you are a tarot obsessed collector, are asking yourself “what is tarot?”, or just like pretty fantasy things, I can’t recommend this deck enough.
As a baby witch, way way back, before I was too scared to openly declare that I am a witch… before I learned that it’s okay to be as eclectic and solitary (or not) as I’d like to be with my practice, the many forms of divination sucked me in, and for the past 15 or so years, I’ve let that impulse pull me wherever it wants me to go.
So when I was walking down the main aisle at my local Books-A-Million and this deck banshee screeched to me that I must have it, I didn’t question it. I grabbed the last copy on the shelf and let the mysterious hooded woman with her lantern illuminating the shadowy forest behind her take me by the hand and lead me into the Dark Wood. (Yes, my play on words was intentional, I couldn’t resist).
Now that I’ve gotten to spend a good deal of time with this 78 card, Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) style set, (which is a thing fellow tarot lovers will understand… and if you’re side eying the screen like I’m a few cards short of a deck… just roll with it), and the full-colour, immersive guidebook, I feel like I can finally write a review that will do this work of tarot mastery justice.
So first things first…
If you’re wondering if this is a tarot deck anyone can dive right in with, even if they’ve never touched a tarot card in their life, then let me assure you, yes, you can absolutely start with this one. If the quote from The Empire Strikes Back on the second page of the guidebook doesn’t put you at ease with it’s pop culture familiarity, the easy to follow guidebook that walks you step-by-step through things, will.
As someone who has more than 60 plus books (yes, I actually counted up until that point LOL) on tarot and other various means of divination, and close to 20 individual tarot decks (runes were my first love, but never fear, I’m sure my tarot collection will catch up!) I must say that the order in which they put the guidebook together (I’m still swooning over the art and all the details), is incredibly user friendly. And unlike some other decks, they aren’t assuming that you already know certain things about tarot in general, which was refreshing AF to see.
We were all there once, complete tarot newbies, with no freakin’ clue what tarot is, other than something you’ve seen in the movies. And the lack of information on how to use a particular tarot deck, or what in the hell all the different symbols on each of the cards means, can be incredibly intimidating when you’re first starting out. But with the Dark Wood Tarot, you start with an introduction from Sasha, in which you feel like you’re sitting next to her in some remote cottage in the mountains, a cup of something hot in your hand, a fire blazing in the background, just having a conversation between the two of you like you’re old friends.
From there, you’re given another 30 pages of relatable written information and tips about how to read tarot, and are encouraged to do it in whatever way feels right to you, not in some formulaic, you must do this exactly as so and so did, or it won’t work, kinda way. There are some suggestions on how to journal your personal notes and observations about the deck, and your connection with it, as well as brief but thorough explanations on the suits, a few tarot spreads, and other ideas to get you started.
Without revealing too much about the enticing and shadowy twists Sasha has created based on the traditional RSW deck, (and because it would require a novel length article), I can honestly say, there wasn’t a single card in the deck that I didn’t love the design or explanation of.
The one and only downside IMO of this deck is the quality of the actual cards themselves. Mind you, the artwork is incredible on them, and I love the size of them, as I have smaller hands, so my shuffling can be rough sometimes with larger decks… But the cardstock for this deck is not as high a quality I would have expected considering the high quality of the box and the guide book, and I have two – so I did compare them thoroughly.
I have one 1st edition second printing (thanks to Llewellyn for sending me that one!) and the one I bought which is a 1st edition 3rd printing. With both, the guidebook is stunning and solid, as is the box, but after a few shuffles of the cards, the corners start to chip, and in some places it appears like the artwork is peeling up. Add in that they’re very easily bent as the cards aren’t as thick as some other decks I have from Llewellyn, I’d definitely recommend getting card sleeves for these, or just reminding yourself to shuffle them very gently if you’re planning to use them often, as I have been.
As a huge fan of this deck as a whole, both the written and artistic parts, I really do hope they come out with another edition of these, perhaps a larger, sturdier set, (a fangirl can dream of slightly larger editions of some of her favourite cards right?) or just an upgrade to the cards themselves so they can withstand more daily use.
I’ve got my fingers crossed for some sort of special edition for the holiday season as Sasha Graham does have a new novel coming out on October 8th, The Magic of Tarot, and judging by the front cover art, it’s meant to be a companion to the Dark Wood Tarot in some way. Rest assured, I will 100% be reviewing that one as well, as I’m super excited about it! But in the meantime, share your thoughts on the deck, the art, or anything tarot related, as I’m always on the lookout for recommendations of new decks and books for my collection!
PS: Stay tuned for more reviews on tarot decks, witchy books, and a whole lot of witchery coming your way soon!
Dark Wood Tarot is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers.
Will you be picking up Dark Wood Tarot? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
Entering the Wood Is Easy. Leaving Is a Different Matter. How Will You Emerge?
Dare to enter the dark wood and discover your shadow self with this enthralling Rider-Waite-Smith-style deck. As you take on the role of a witch entering the wood, each magnificent card becomes a vision of deep wisdom that guides you to a richer understanding of yourself. Examine secret desires and shadowy dreams. Explore the unknown recesses of your psyche. This captivating deck and full-color companion book lead you through the darkness and into the light that reflects your hidden talents and personal power.
