Introduction

“I believe that legends and myths are largely made of truth, and indeed present aspects of it that can only be received in this mode.”

-J. R. R. Tolkien

As a child, my friends and I loved to terrify ourselves with ‘spooky games.’ Light as a Feather, Ghost in the Graveyard, Ouija (or completely unguided ‘seances’), and of course, the easiest one to pull off: Bloody Mary. The Bloody Mary ‘game’ we knew in suburban Chicago was simple: stand in a dark room facing a mirror, hold a candle, and chant softly: “Bloody Mary.” Then you’d simply stare at your own reflection and wait for her to emerge from the shadows surrounding you. Reported appearances of Mary range from the infamous Tudor herself in high regalia, to a more modern gaunt figure with a damp curtain of hair. Regardless of how she presented herself, Mary was ready to inflict the harm worthy of her name on those who called her forth.

Obviously we never actually saw her, but the fear was so thrilling and addictive that it further deepened my love of the supernatural. And so, because The Empress is the illustration with which I’ve traditionally started work on each of my decks, Bloody Mary herself is my Empress in the Myths & Legends Tarot.
Initially I wanted this deck to lean more towards horror and iconic images from spooky legends, but I quickly saw a much larger scope was needed. Legends can be so personal, as with my vivid younger memories of seeking Bloody Mary. The figures that stalked my early nightmares and peppered my daydreams may very well differ from yours. And, indeed, horror stories are just one small facet of the stories we tell each other. In short, we live in a world full of stories: some dark, some light. Limiting my cards to the darker sides of mythology and local lore would’ve cut out an important layer of symbolism and storytelling within the multifaceted archetypes of the Tarot.

The legends that resonate with us are heavily reliant on how, when, and where we were raised. Different cultures mold their communities with these tales, from ancient tales of benevolent or horrifying deities, to myths of ravenous hybrid creatures that existed on the fringes of society. Varying legends tell of how the earth itself was formed, and which demigods should be thanked for an abundant harvest. We have multiple figures for each mystery that plagues us as humans. And, of course, bloodthirsty historical figures sometimes morph into ghostly legends that peer at us from the shadows. The threads that bind us as people sharing a planet are many, but the tapestry of stories we’ve told since time immemorial is one that repeats itself in surprising ways. We’ve always been united in our ability to pass on knowledge, tales that started as demons or dragons trickling from word-of-mouth to tablet to scroll to print.

Completing the artwork for this project made me feel small in a good way: more connected to centuries of ancestors whose existence allowed me to live in a world where I can research these stories in 2022, and allow my understanding of them to unfold. This work has presented a very new challenge for me: studying existing archetypal figures that have been drawn, painted, sculpted, or otherwise used for artistic inspiration hundreds if not thousands of times, over hundreds if not thousands of years, and bringing them to life once again using my own vision, in a way that also fits the traditional imagery of the Tarot. Trying to include as many of the world’s many different mythologies and supernatural creatures as possible was also a challenge. Even with 78 illustrations, the tough part of completing a deck is knowing that so much more could have been included. It wasn’t possible to include every country, but I did find inspiration in many corners of the globe. What I hope I’ve created is a deck that honors storytelling, the human predilection for tales, the human need to tell stories with as many facets as our lives. The work I created for this deck feels like my own tome of illustrated tales, and I can only hope each card speaks to you as well, and maybe even introduces you to a completely new mythos! -Taylor Hultquist-Todd Creator: The Myths & Legends Tarot

The Myths & Legends Tarot Deck

The Myths & Legends Tarot is a 78-card deck, featuring 22 Major Arcana cards and 56 Minor Arcana cards. The composition of each image found in The Myths & Legends Tarot is influenced not only by the characteristics of each legendary being, creature or deity, but also by two highly regarded and popular classic tarot decks: the Rider-WaiteSmith deck, designed by Pamela Colman Smith and Arthur Edward Waite (sometimes called simply Rider-Waite or RWS), and the Morgan-Greer deck, created by Bill F. Greer and Lloyd Morgan.

The Myths & Legends Tarot illustrations blend symbolism associated with each legendary or mythical entity portrayed, while continuing to effectively capture the traditional nature and symbolism of each card.

The original artwork features a watercolor underpainting for each card, created using pan paints on hot-press watercolor paper. The original artistic intent was to limit the watercolor palette to autumnal colors—burnt oranges, burgundies, ochres, blacks and grays. However, as the work progressed, it became clear that some fantastical creatures demanded a fantastically colored landscape, more in the tradition of the unreal skies and landscapes of 1980sand 1990s-era fantasy paperback covers.

Once the watercolor is completed, each image is detailed and finished with Posca paint pens and Sakura Pigma Micron pens.

Using The Myths & Legends Tarot

Since The Myths & Legends Tarot is based on tarot structure and symbolism from widely used divination systems, you can let your intuition guide you as you would with other Rider-Waite-Smith or Morgan-Greer based decks, or use other references based upon those systems in conjunction with the notes, interpretation suggestions and keywords for each card found in this guidebook.

To get started familiarizing yourself with The Myths & Legends Tarot, try pulling a card from the deck once a day. You can go through in a particular order of your choice, or simply take any card that appeals to you at random. Sit quietly, take a breath, exhale and clear your mind. Look at the image on the card and notice as many details as you can. Look up the card in this guidebook and read about it. Doing this regularly will help “attune” your intuition to the imagery in this deck and make readings more enjoyable.

See the Spreads section to find some suggested simple methods for using The Myths & Legends Tarot for insight or guidance by performing a reading. C

Card Descriptions and Suggested Interpretations

The Major Arcana

The Major Arcana cards represent a journey, the development of consciousness from its simplest and most basic form, The Fool (0) to the most complex and elevated, The World (XXI).

One important note regarding the sequence of the Major Arcana: although Rider-Waite-Smith and Morgan-Greer place Strength as Card VIII and Justice as Card XI, The Myths & Legends Tarot transposes these in favor of a sequence frequently found in many popular historical tarot decks that predate Rider-Waite-Smith, with Justice placed as Card VIII and Strength as Card XI.

0-The Fool (Baobhan Sith)

Lovely but perilous, the Baobhan Sith (pronounced “baa’-van shee”) are fairy women of the Scottish Highlands. Particularly fond of young people caught out after dark, the Baobhan Sith appear dressed enchantingly in green, ready to bewitch unwary travelers and dance them off into danger. The lure of exotic adventure beckons, but beware lest the world’s vices lead you astray and devour you.

• Keywords: Beginnings, naiveté, adventure, inexperience, fearlessness, intoxication, frenzy
• Interpretation suggestions: The thrill (and danger) of new beginnings and the heady freedom of naiveté. The Fool always reminds us that the future is truly unknown, and we must embark on it embracing our inexperience yet striving to keep our wits about us.

I-The Magician (Werewolf)

The legends of the shape-changing Werewolf are myriad, and while some describe the ability to transform from human to wolf as an uncontrollable condition or even a disease, several 12th-century French romance poems describe Werewolves as creatures of great nobility and controlled gentleness, with an enviable power to transform, which they use to protect the weak as well as to enact vengeance upon the treacherous. Poems such as Marie de France’s “Bisclavret” and the anonymously penned “Guillaume de Palerme” show examples of the Werewolf’s ability to channel its power into an ultimately triumphant transformation.

• Keywords: manifestation, strong will, control (or lack thereof), duality, transformation, creative forces
• Interpretation suggestions: By learning to tap into primal forces, we can control and direct our present and future. As long as we are willing to believe in ourselves and channel our energies, we can create powerful outcomes. Transformative journeys can be painful, requiring us to both embrace our animal nature and tame it, but you possess this magic. Learn to work with your dual nature, rather than fighting it or suppressing it, and you will be on the path to manifesting your destiny.

II The High Priestess (Kuchisake-onna)

Approach Kuchisake-onna incautiously, and risk her wrath. The Japanese yōkai (supernatural entity) known as Kuchisake-onna, or Slit-Mouthed Woman, beckons from the shadows, a filmy veil concealing the grisly gash across her face, to lure victims with her mysterious appearance and the question: “Watashi, kirei?” (“Am I beautiful?”) If the answer is “yes,” Kuchisake onna tears away the veil, exposing her grotesque ear-to-ear bloody grin, and asks, “Kore demo?” or “Is this still (beautiful)?” In most versions of this Edo-period legend, either a “yes” or “no” answer to this second question leads to disfigurement or death at the hands of the ghostly Kuchisake onna, who chooses this riddling afterlife as the means of extracting vengeance upon the world for her violent death. Only the most clever can hope to outsmart her with a confusing answer or a bribe (of coins or even hard candy) to buy time for an escape.

• Keywords: secrets, mysterious knowledge, wisdom, silence, cunning, vengeance
• Interpretation suggestions: Wisdom comes at a price. The secrets of the universe are alluring, but peeling away the veil of mystery to unlock them may reveal things you wish you hadn’t uncovered. Be careful and clever when pursuing scientific or mystical knowledge— remember, once you see things, you can’t unsee them. Be prepared to pay the price for answers to your questions: pay it boldly and without fear. 

III-The Empress (Bloody Mary)

The legendary “Bloody Mary” now waits in a darkened mirror, appearing to those who venture to summon her by calling her name, but the historical Mary I of England has a fascinating and complex history. The first woman to hold the crown of England in her own right (rather than as the spouse of a male monarch), Mary built a coalition of support to seize the monarchy from her half-brother Edward VI’s designated heir, Lady Jane Grey. Mary’s reign continued the bitter and ruthless religious persecutions of the time, which bestowed upon her the legendary and gory moniker of Bloody Mary, yet history shows that she was not in fact any “bloodier” than her contemporaries, and that perhaps it was not her fever for burning Protestants that gained her the nickname, but rather her audacity in seizing and holding power as a fiercely principled and trailblazing woman. Although she ruled only five years before her death, she laid key groundwork that set the future course of England’s fiscal policy, support for the arts, and naval expansions for years to come.

• Keywords: initiative, conquering over adversity, productivity, material gain, imagination (perhaps overactive), passionate drive
• Interpretation suggestions: Do you dare to peer into the mirror and face your shadowy adversaries—real or imagined—to attain luxury and comfort? You have the attributes required to take control, but be aware that the fruits of your labor may fall to others, and you may even be reviled or feared for your efforts.

IV The Emperor (The Headless Horseman)

The Headless Horseman is perhaps most famous for his appearance in Washington Irving’s spooky “Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” but the concept of a vengeful soldier, decapitated in battle, riding furiously forth, is well known in Irish and Scottish folklore as well as popular contemporary fiction. The Headless Horseman stops at nothing, not even death, in pursuit of his quarry, as he lights his path with the fiery intensity of his blazing head, held aloft before him.

• Keywords: leadership, determination, conviction, command, ambitious quests, intensity, reason
• Interpretation suggestions: Take command and approach your issues head-on with confidence. You may need to fling your reasoning in the face of those who oppose you, and some may perceive your intensity as overbearing or even a little scary, but hold to your convictions. Realize that determination is good, and don’t let anything stand in your way as you assume a role of leadership.

 V-The Heirophant (Baphomet)

The half-human, half-goat deity Baphomet has a complex and often misrepresented history, but, like the traditional Hierophant, is associated with the transfer of wisdom and spiritual teachings via secret rituals and ceremonies in several not-so-secret mystical orders, among them the Knights Templar and the Church of Satan. The horned figure appears to float in midair before twin pillars, beneath the crescent moon, ready to bestow access to wisdom and knowledge, or to deny such access to those whom Baphomet deems unworthy.

• Keywords: inspiration, guidance, spiritual revelation, passed-down knowledge, gatekeeping of power
• Interpretation suggestions: Spiritual traditions, rules, and rituals can be important keys to unlocking universal wisdom, so guides can serve a purpose. That said, rigid conformity to the rules can be a roadblock, especially where faith is concerned. Faith in the everyday and one’s self remains important even as you seek wisdom from those who can teach you to access a higher power. Embrace your spirituality, whatever it be, and use your knowledge to guide others, not to keep others down. 

VI-The Lovers ( Doomed Lovers)

Orpheus and Eurydice, Romeo and Juliet, Gatsby and Daisy... the Doomed Lovers always see the beauty in themselves and in each other, even when their circumstances doom them to tragic choices or impulsive decisions. Even death can pave the way for new life and beauty, provided that true love is present to maintain a universal balance.

• Keywords: partnership, balance, equality, self-respect, devoted relationships, trials conquered
• Interpretation suggestions: Love will not work if each partner doesn’t also love themselves, but with self-respect and attention to equality, love truly can conquer all. Examine the balance in your partnerships, romantic and not. A true lover will find the beauty in you right down to the bone, and will stick with you through all adversity. If you are seeking love, first seek it in yourself often we find what we’re looking for while preoccupied with improving ourselves.

VII-The Chariot (Viking Burial into Valhalla)

Norse mythology and popular cultural imagery conjures up a burning longship as the perfect “Chariot” to provide a triumphal entry into Valhalla for the deserving Viking warrior. Nothing like traveling in a blaze of glory!

• Keywords: drive, impetuosity, travel, perseverance, triumph
• Interpretation suggestions: Strength of personality and character stay with you throughout your earthly journey and into the next realm, to help you navigate all calamities with perseverance. The chariot is your vehicle, your drive to overcome adversity. Don’t ever discount your own strength, and use it to propel yourself to your reward. However, be cautious sometimes this drive can lead to impulsive decisions. Do not derail your achievements by burning out too soon.

VIII-Justice (Anubis)

Also known as Anpu in Egypt, the jackal-headed Anubis guards the door into the hall of judgement through which the deceased must pass. In Egyptian mythology, Anubis serves as the primary guide for the soul, ensuring that life is fairly and logically set in order at its conclusion, so that justice is always served. Anubis also serves as a protective guide between worlds, offering clarity of perception.

• Keywords: justice, fair consequences, good instincts, clarity after confusion
• Interpretation suggestions: Justice is all about balance; do not let your story remain confused and one-sided. Instead, ensure that all the proper steps are taken so that the facts can be weighed and the truth revealed. Understand that your actions have consequences, then trust your instincts.

IX-The Hermit (Yeti)

The reclusive Yeti has been said to lurk in hidden areas of the Himalayas for centuries, and has been more recently described in the West as the “Abominable Snowman.” While many think this mysterious creature is mere legend, some Nepali people and even scientists believe practical evidence exists of an apeor human-like species (or perhaps several species), which thus far has left behind only huge footprints for us to find. The Yeti seems big and scary, but most legends agree that they are even-tempered and even gentle creatures, seeking only to be left alone. Just as prudence and dedication to its secretive lifestyle has kept the Yeti free from discovery, only patient searching and an open mind will ever offer hope of yielding an encounter with them.

• Keywords: serenity, reflection, prudence, open-mindedness, even temper, long-term outlook
• Interpretation suggestions: Like the hermit, this card implores you to seek stillness and quiet in order to find what you seek. Unnecessary noise and a closed mind are distractions that will keep you from understanding your long-term priorities. Spend some time alone focusing on what’s actually important, and exercise patience.

X-Wheel of Fortune (Seance)

Mid-19th century America saw an explosion of interest in the supernatural, and was fueled by a religious movement known as Spiritualism. People claimed they could communicate with spirits by gathering in a circle, often in a darkened room, and the communication often took the form of mysterious rapping sounds and unexplained movements of tables or other objects in the room. The impact of Spiritualist séances lingers in popular culture to this day, and although some séance phenomena remain unexplained, several of the most famous and popular Spiritualist mediums were discredited as frauds and died in disgrace after tempting fate with their deceptions.

• Keywords: karma, cause and effect, luck (good and bad), laws of nature
• Interpretation suggestions: “Treat others as you would like to be treated.” The Wheel of Fortune reminds us that karma is ever present; bring awareness to the energy we emit into the universe. Open yourself up the idea of destiny maybe incidents that seemed like coincidence or trickery truly are meant to be. Keep in mind, however, that even when we don’t understand them, the world has rules: what comes around, goes around.

XI-Strength (Knight Versus Dragon)

We may be most familiar with the Arthurian imagery of the medieval knight slaying the ferocious dragon, but the idea of an alltoo-human hero fearlessly tackling a winged serpent or dragon, often in order to rescue helpless victims, is a common one in many cultures’ myths and legends. The imagery appeals on a psychological level—we all want to believe we have the power and courage within ourselves to transcend our human frailties and conquer against seemingly insurmountable odds.

• Keywords: confidence, self-worth, self-protection, inner development, fearlessness 
• Interpretation suggestions: Slaying our own internal dragons—conquering our biggest fears—helps us reconnect with the power and goodness we know we have within us, and internalize that strength to become better people. Love yourself enough to want to protect yourself. Sometimes this means facing fears and tackling issues head on.

XII-The Hanged Man (Jersey Devil)

The U.S. state of New Jersey is the only one to have its own official state demon—the infamous Jersey Devil. With origin stories dating back 250 years, the Jersey Devil is kangaroo-like, with the face of a horse, the head of a dog, bat-like wings, horns and a tail; it’s often depicted resembling a gargoyle. Various legends surround the origin of the Jersey Devil, but often revolve around women who are somehow cursed, or who curse themselves; their child is born in the form of the Jersey Devil which screeches and flies off into the wilderness. In any case, the creature’s unusual appearance comes as quite a shock— certainly the opposite of the expected human child.

• Keywords: intuition, sudden reversals, the unexpected, spiritual connection
• Interpretation suggestions: Hard work and sacrifice have given you keen intuition and awareness of the world around you, even perhaps an unusual spiritual understanding. You march to the tune of your own drum rather than being led by others. This will serve you well when circumstances lead you in the opposite direction of where you thought you were headed.

XIII-Death (Mictlantecuhtli)

In Aztec mythology, the souls of the dead must pass through eight Underworld levels to reach the ninth and final level, Mictlan, where Mictlantecuhtli presides as the Lord of Death. Mictlantecuhtli is depicted as a bloodstained skeleton wearing paper clothing, owl feathers, and a necklace of eyeballs. The soul’s quest to meet him is a long, difficult journey with many horrors and challenges, so arrival in the realm of Mictlan signifies final rest and the end of an unendurable situation.

• Keywords: renewal, change, immortality, portents
• Interpretation suggestions: You are more than ready for the end of a difficult situation. Don’t worry, change is coming--change that will bring you renewal and the flowering of new things that are bigger, better, and more enduring than you can now imagine.

XIV-Temperance (Gamayun)

The Gamayun is a mythical large and beautiful bird with the head of a woman. In Slavic folklore, when the Gamayun is seen, she represents happiness, prosperity and harmony--a peaceful life in balance. She sings beautiful melodies. Because she knows everything that happens or will happen amongst both humans and gods, nothing surprises her, so she remains in control, and she can even offer prophecies to those who can understand her.

• Keywords: happiness, harmony, even temperament, balance, prophecy or communion between psychic and material planes
• Interpretation suggestions: You’re making progress keeping your world in balance and adapting to a new situation. Keep up the good work and don’t lose your footing. Moderation is the key to continue in a positive direction.

XV-The Devil (Succubus)

The Succubus is a demon who takes the form of a beautiful woman in order to seduce men in their sleep. They promise delights and immortality, but these are all illusion. Succubi are artifacts of the era of European witch hunts, as are their male counterparts, the Incubi, and acted as agents of the Devil. Both types of demon could persuade their human victims to commit other acts of depravity as well.

• Keywords: illusion, hidden danger, greed, lust, bad influences, temptation
• Interpretation suggestions: Something isn’t as it seems. Work on seeing beneath the surface to understand the forces at play in your life. If something seems too good to be true, look for the illusion; this will allow you to see right through it and steer clear. Excessive giving in to your passions usually benefits those who profit from them; you’re the one who pays the price.

XVI-The Tower (Mato Tipila)

Similar legends exist, among multiple indigenous North American tribes, to explain and describe the purpose of the Wyoming geological formation now known in English as Devil’s Tower. To the Lakota people, this distinctive tower of volcanic rock is known as Mato Tipila, or “bear lodge.” One version of the Lakota legend tells the story of two boys who wandered from their village and were attacked and chased by Mato, an enormous bear. The Creator, taking pity on them, caused the earth to suddenly shift and rise beneath them. The confused and angry bear tried and tried to climb the tower of rock, leaving large claw marks as he climbed and fell. Wanblee, the Eagle, then came and helped the boys escape the rock and return to their village.

• Keywords: sudden shift in circumstances, adversity, traumatic but necessary change, divine intervention
• Interpretation suggestions: Something about your life that you thought was solid is now revealed to be unstable and rapidly shifting. Stay strong and stay humble to make the most of a learning experience. It can feel traumatic, but know that these changes are happening for a reason.

XVII-The Star (La Llorona)

The Weeping Woman of numerous Northern Mexican legends, La Llorona is a ghostly figure who wanders the night moaning and crying, in search of her murdered child or children. Some legends claim she murdered the children herself after being abandoned by a lover who did not want children; others claim she has merely lost her children, and now wanders, eternally lost herself, in search of them. It’s said that seeing La Llorona may presage death or bad luck within the year.

• Keywords: loss, abandonment, deprivation or bad luck, calm and renewed hope after loss
• Interpretation suggestions: If you need time to mourn a loss, take it. However, as The Star, La Llorona may also signify that your tears over a catastrophic situation are all poured out. Certainly things can’t get any worse than they have been, so calm yourself and know that better days await.

XVIII-The Moon (Alklha)

From the indigenous Buryat people of Siberia, we find the legend of Alklha, a gigantic dragon that chases the moon to repeatedly devour and regurgitate it, thus creating the moon’s many phases. Personifying the darkness of the night sky, Alklha’s black wings conceal the light of day for a time, but we know the sun is too hot for him to consume, so it remains present even when it’s hidden to our eyes.

• Keywords: subconscious, intuition, hidden talents, instincts
• Interpretation suggestions: Dig deeper. Give in to the mysterious pull of your subconscious instincts and learn to trust your intuition. Calm your instinctive fears not by suppressing them, but by acknowledging them. In this way, you will guide yourself to develop your imagination and perhaps even discover a hidden talent.

XIX-The Sun (Utu)

One of the most important deities in the Mesopotamian pantheon, Utu appears in the earliest Sumerian writings. God of the Sun, Utu was drawn across the sky in a fiery chariot. Gracious and wise, Utu helped all mankind by illuminating the dark parts of life, and by providing warmth and sunlight for plants to grow.

• Keywords: contentment, joy, graciousness, kindness, positive energy
• Interpretation suggestions: You’ve been through a lot, which makes it all the more amazing that you’re free of bitterness and negativity. Time to relax and enjoy your accomplishments with simple joy and contentment. This is a time for opportunities to enjoy successful partnerships; let them flower in the warmth.

XX-Judgement (Mothman)

Small-town America abounds with weird tales, and one of the weirdest has to be the mysterious appearance of Mothman, a menacing 6to 7-foot tall creature spotted hovering, lurking, or chasing cars and dogs around the town of Point Pleasant, West Virginia in 1966 and into 1967. No one ever figured out if Mothman was a demonic creature, an alien, an enormous bird, or something else, but some viewed its appearances, complete with glowing red eyes, as a harbinger of doom. John Keel’s book, The Mothman Prophecies, and the follow-up 2002 movie starring Richard Gere, have ensured that the eerie tales of Mothman live on across the nation, and the annual Mothman festival in Point Pleasant certainly rejuvenates and revitalizes the tiny town with its many visitors.

• Keywords: liberation, release, healing, renewal
• Interpretation suggestions: Get ready to experience release from pains and from desires that have haunted you. Your future holds liberation and healing from the ravages of the past. Renewed satisfaction lies ahead, as the burdens of loneliness and old habits are cleared away.

XXI-The World (Ala)

Ala is the Igbo deity of fertility, morality, creativity, and of course, the world. Unfortunately, due to colonization and the slave trade, the religion of Odinala has been almost decimated. Aspects of their religious rites still exist from North Carolina to the Caribbean, and the Igbo culture itself is still celebrated in southeastern Nigeria, as a continually growing mix of ancient and modern traditions, nurtured and continually renewed as Ala herself ensures.

• Keywords: rewards, next steps, journeys, renewal, success, morality
• Interpretation suggestions: Whether you’re planning a trip across the globe, a move to a new home, or a step along your career path, you’ve prepared well for it, and your dedication to your principles will be rewarded. Keep in mind all you have learned and let others share in your success; false pride, envy and prejudice have no place in your destination.

Minor Arcana: Suit of Wands

Cards in the suit of Wands are traditionally associated with the element of Fire. They’re all about eagerness, getting things done, action and movement. Wands represent the forces that make things happen. In The Myths & Legends Tarot, warriors and witches from history, legend, and contemporary culture make their mysterious and powerful presence known.  

Queen of Wands (Hecate)

In the mythology of the ancient Greeks, Hecate is the powerful patron of witchcraft and magic, with the power and passion to create or destroy as she sees fit. She is simultaneously three deities in one, representing phases of the moon: goddess of fertility and plenty, goddess of the Moon, and queen of the night. Hecate’s three faces look in all directions while her burning torch guards against the dangers of the night, so she is also goddess of the crossroads. As Queen of Wands, Hecate pulls no punches, and is to be feared or revered depending upon your intent. Only dogs can see her: if you hear howls in the night, Hecate’s pack may roam nearby.

• Keywords: defender of home and family, natural energy, strength, magic
• Interpretation suggestions: Think of a powerful personality in your life who loves home and family above all else. The Queen of Wands represents such an influence. This card’s energy represents a powerful confluence of forces, sitting ready to be unleashed but requiring great caution in directing them.

King of Wands (Merlin)

With roots in the mythos of ancient Wales and the British Isles, Merlin is the archetypal wizard guardian and prophet. Casting his gaze into the future, Merlin as King of Wands serves as a complement and partner to Hecate, as he, too, is often portrayed in three aspects: the youthful magician, the mature prophet, and the wise elder statesman.

• Keywords: prophetic wisdom, nobility, conscientious leadership, loyalty, passion, magical advisor
• Interpretation suggestions: This card represents a being or influence who is well-educated and wise, perhaps even seeming prophetic at times, with many noble ideas they are passionate about manifesting. The King of Wands is a true leader, but one who is practical, family-focused and conscientious. 

Knight of Wands (Ogun)

An important orisha (god) from the Yoruba religion of Nigeria, Ogun also is a key figure in other religions such as Santeria. Wielding a machete (which he invented in his role as god of iron, tools, and metalworking), and using his innate strength and determination, Ogun blazed the trail between heaven and earth so that humanity and the other orishas could come to earth, and his keen energy is behind the drive to carve civilization out of the wilderness. Despite his tireless work ethic, Ogun is restless and will always return to the wilderness in search of his next quest. Because of his key role as a connector between the worlds, Ogun also has power over witchcraft, as symbolized by the spotted hyenas which often accompany him, either as mounts or companions.

• Keywords: seeking, journeys, adventures, claiming new territory, toolmaking, technology, trailblazing, transformation
• Interpretation suggestions: Blazing a trail and forging a connection between wilderness and civilization, the Knight of Wands represents an inventive and intrepid spirit that is hungry for opportunities to test their mettle and transform the world. Perhaps a move to a new home is on the horizon, or a breakthrough invention or innovation is about to make a huge difference in your current tasks.

Page of Wands (Iris)

Iris, Greek goddess of the rainbow, spreads her colorful wings and flies between the realms with her messenger’s wand, delivering news from the gods and serving as a conduit between the worlds, even between the living and the dead. Iris is also sister to the Harpies and can be relied upon to administer not only messages, but justice.

• Keywords: spiritual messages, reliable, helpful, trustworthy, unexpected news, justice, conduit
• Interpretation suggestions: Reliable and helpful information may be on its way to you. Keep your mind open--this news might sound strange at first, or come from an unexpected but highly trustworthy source. Maybe a surprise is in the mailbox, perhaps one that finally delivers a just outcome.

Ace of Wands (Witch’s Broom)

The witches’ broom symbolically sweeps away the bad and the old to make room for the good and the new. A symbol of home and hearth, European and North American witches also traditionally use the broom to fly—they may fly to a gathering for a celebration, or perhaps fly out to sea to raise a storm. Either way, the image of a witches’ broom is a sure sign magic is in the air and something exciting’s about to begin.

• Keywords: ignition, beginnings, a magical spark, sweeping away the old, family
• Interpretation suggestions: Something’s getting started and starting to soar. It’s an exciting moment; old energies are being swept away and the spark that’s needed to bring a project to life is about to ignite. Get ready to feel the energy of growth and new beginnings, perhaps even literally the start of a family in the form of a birth or marriage celebration.

Two of Wands (Muso Koroni)

Muso Koroni’s lovely spotted cape trails behind her, showcasing her status as Leopard Goddess of the Bambara people of Mali. She hold the globe in her hand and invokes the whirlwind of creation around it, which also earns her the title Mother of Chaos. A bit of her wild nature resides within us all, giving us the will to explore, learn and choose between creation and destruction. Patroness of witchcraft and women’s secret societies, Muso Koroni as the Two of Wands also embodies the dichotomy of possibilities inherent when choosing between two pathways. Those willing to commit to steady progress and careful research will choose the correct one and find fertile good fortune; the less wise may reap a more destructive harvest.

• Keywords: watchfulness, learning, exploring options, alternatives
• Interpretation suggestions: Keep your eyes open and carefully explore the options that are before you. One path leads to success but the other will be less satisfying. To choose the best one, now is the time to watch, research, and learn, not to act impulsively.

Three of Wands (Urganda)

A mythological witch, Urganda appears in Portuguese lore as well as making several famous poetic appearances in medieval romances, notably as a Fate who protects and aids with her enchantments. As the Three of Wands, she looks into the distance and is distinctively robed in the “capote-e-capelo” of the 17th and 18th-century Portuguese Azores.

• Keywords: reliable partnerships, dependable help, necessary assistance
• Interpretation suggestions: Look for and expect help from a reliable and steady source. If assistance is offered, especially in a business opportunity, it’s safe to depend on that help. In fact, you may not succeed without it.

Four of Wands (The Craft)

The 1996 film “The Craft” enchanted a generation of young witches. Although the film contains its share of cautionary moments, one of the newly formed coven’s successful brushes with nature’s energies is serene and delightful, as they conjure dozens of fluttering Monarch butterflies in a peaceful meadow. Dark shadows lurk in the background, and the theatrical scene means the tranquility might only be temporary or illusion, but for now, the joy of friends working together creates wonder and beauty.

• Keywords: getaway from reality, rejuvenation, stability, recharge, harmony, peaceful success
• Interpretation suggestions: Things are under control; it might be the perfect time to rest and recharge your batteries with a quiet getaway or healthy outdoor activity with a close companion or two.

Five of Wands (Boudicca)

A warrior queen of the ancient Iceni tribe (based in what is now the East Anglia region of Britain), Boudicca led her people in a revolt against Rome in the years 60/61 of the Common Era. Conflict over the division of the lands of the Iceni led Rome to attempt a takeover, which in turn instigated Boudicca’s violent revolt. While ultimately defeated, Boudicca ravaged several major cities with her army, leaving ruins and over 80,000 dead Roman British citizens in her wake.

• Keywords: Competition, disorder, obstacles to cooperation, struggles against oppression, conflicts over resources
• Interpretation suggestions: Competition and cooperation can be healthy, and contribute to the success of relationships or projects, but don’t let anyone take what’s yours without a fight. And be careful not to take it too far--too much tension or too much heavy-hitting conflict can ensure that everyone loses.

Six of Wands (Joan of Arc)

Although a medieval peasant seems an unlikely hero, especially when that peasant is also a teenage woman, Joan of Arc did in fact succeed in convincing French military leaders to follow her powerful, divinely inspired convictions to victory in the Hundred Years’ War. Although she was ultimately killed by the English as she stood by her claims of divine visions in support of France’s victory, she was later exonerated, proclaimed a martyr, and canonized as one of the patron saints of France.

• Keywords: diplomacy, visionary leadership, collaboration, support from others leading to victory
• Interpretation suggestions: Now is not the time to push your own opinion without clarifying your vision and building a coalition. Visualize your dream clearly, then use your diplomacy skills and your brains to share your vision and gain the backing of important followers. Others may be surprised at your success, but you’ll have known it was possible all along.

Seven of Wands (Syn)

Defender of the weak and the wrongly accused, Syn is the Norse goddess of watchfulness, who stands guard against the unworthy. A handmaid to the goddess Frigg, Syn’s name itself means “refusal” and thus represents the Seven of Wands perfectly, refusing to back down and valiantly protecting the innocent even in the face of great opposition.

• Keywords: bravery, conviction, facing adversity, vigilance, protection, truth
• Interpretation suggestions: Be brave and stand your ground. You’re in the right, even though it seems like it’s you against the world right now. You’ll come out on top, but don’t let your guard down because it’ll take some hard work to get there. If you’re involved in a trial, someone’s lying, but the truth will come out.

Eight of Wands (Witches in flight)

Eight witches in silhouette against the moon point their broomsticks toward their mysterious destination. Their streaming hair and robes clearly show their speedy pace: these witches are in haste. There must be something exciting or fun about to happen when they arrive!

• Keywords: speed, swift action, a trip, opportunity
• Interpretation suggestions: If things seem stuck in place or moving too slowly for you now, don’t worry. They’re about to speed up and things will happen fast! New love or opportunities may be on their way to you right now, or you may find yourself rushing out to meet them with a trip somewhere new.

Nine of Wands (Kitsune)

The Japanese fox spirits known as Kitsune are shapeshifters that can appear human, but in their fox form they have many tails. As they age, they become more powerful and wise, and grow additional tails—the oldest and strongest have nine. Although there are many varied legends about Kitsune, white Kitsune are the messengers of Inari, the Shinto deity of rice. These white Kitsune are strong guardian spirits against trouble.

• Keywords: alertness, strength against trouble, trustworthy, sentry
• Interpretation suggestions: Are you expecting trouble? If so, stay alert and stick to your current situation; you’ve got the backup you’ll need to meet your troubles head-on and come out a winner.

Ten of Wands (Hel)

Youngest child of the god Loki and the giantess Angrboda, the goddess Hel rules the realm of the dead in Norse mythology. Grim and inexorable, if Hel is determined to find you, you won’t escape. She is represented as half alive and beautiful, but she is also literally half-dead, dragging her other half along as a rotting corpse. Hel has two servants in her realm named “Delay” and “Slowness.”

• Keywords: determination, delay, slowness, heavy burdens
• Interpretation suggestions: You’ve been carrying a heavy burden; at times it may seem like you’re half-dead with the weight of it. Fortunately, you’ve got the determination to carry you through to better times. Grit your teeth and accept delays as part of the process.

Minor Arcana: Suit of Cups

Cards in the suit of Cups are traditionally associated with the element of Water. They represent aspects of going with the flow, being open to love and imagination. Cups cards help us find a place for tranquility in our lives while avoiding stagnation. The Myth & Legends Tarot’s Suit of Cups is filled with many legendary creatures associated with the water. Their mysterious images will help remind you of the imaginative and water-associated overtones of this suit.

Queen of Cups (Nessie)

Nessie (less affectionately known as the Loch Ness Monster of Scotland) has been spotted by fishermen and tourists since at least 1771. Black or grey, with a long, elegant neck and sinuous humps rising and undulating through the waters of the lake, Nessie is said to be 15 to 30 feet long. Although some claim to have been attacked by Nessie, the long-hidden evidence of its presence seems proof of its gentle nature, at peace with its surroundings. On the wild shores of a remote lake, it’s easy to see how those with strong imaginations might be able to see something fascinating and beautiful beneath the surface.

• Keywords: generosity, intuition, dreams, imagination, gentleness
• Interpretation suggestions: It’s best to approach your current situation with a calm mind and eyes open to the world of imagination and dreams. Look for the Queen of Cups represented in your life by a kindly being with strong intuition who is at ease with the world.

King of Cups (The Kraken)

The many-armed Kraken of Norse legend is perilous to sailing ships; its huge presence can influence the ocean’s currents, or even pull ships to its lair on the sea floor. Scientists in the late 19th century were ultimately forced to reckon with the fact that the Kraken legends were based in fact, when giant squid up to 60 feet long, with tentacles up to 35 feet, were discovered washed ashore in Newfoundland and Labrador. Beware of possible manipulation of appearances—the Kraken is big enough to wield their influence in an outsize way, and is adept at hiding their true self from the unwary.

• Keywords: influencer, advisor, generous, possible manipulation
• Interpretation suggestions: Be on the lookout for a powerful influencer in the world of science, art, or the law; they have some good advice to share with you. But use their information wisely; appreciate their generosity but be aware that the King of Cups may be looking to manipulate situations to their own advantage.

Knight of Cups (Kelpie)

With its streaming mane of aquatic plants, the beautiful Kelpie of Scotland’s lakes and rivers takes the shape of a grazing horse, and tempts the unwary to approach it for a ride. Its peaceful appearance is convincing, but approaching is inadvisable, because the Kelpie’s invitation is a trick and those who attempt to ride will be seized upon and drowned.

• Keywords: influencer, open mindedness, invitations, unrealistic promises
• Interpretation suggestions: An invitation or proposal to collaborate on an artistic project may be coming your way. Prepare to be persuaded to spread your creative wings, but be wary of those whose promises sound too good to be true—they probably are.

Page of Cups (Narcissus)

The mythology of the Greeks tells the cautionary tale of Narcissus, a charmingly handsome young man who made the tragic mistake of scorning love. Cursed to love only himself, Narcissus pined away by the water’s edge after he spied his own reflection in the depths. The flawless beauty of his own appearance was forever unattainable, but he never stopped yearning after that perfection. After his death, the nymphs found only the lovely flower that now bears his name.

• Keywords: grace, enjoyment of beauty, perfectionism, obsession with artistic endeavors at the expense of practical matters
• Interpretation suggestions: Quiet contemplation of beauty and grace has value in its own right, but don’t be overly critical of your own efforts or those of others—you’ll come to be dissatisfied with everything. Appreciate talent even when it doesn’t match your high ideals, and you’ll find yourself rewarded. Practice makes perfect.

Ace of Cups (Napi or the Old Man)

The Blackfoot people indigenous to North America tell many tales of Napi, also known as Old-Man. A hero and a demigod, varying legends describe Napi as the creator and shaper of the first people, plants, animals, and many landmarks, but also sometimes describe him and his wife, Old-Woman, as the first humans, who worked together on many projects including the birth of humanity on earth and the teaching of important knowlege.

• Keywords: new beginnings, romance, birth or rebirth
• Interpretation suggestions: Could a great romance be about to begin? It’s possible, but perhaps the beginning of some other type of love: a new and deep family connection, a birth, a spiritual rebirth.

Two of Cups (The Cowherd & the Weaver Girl)

The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl is a romantic Chinese folk tale telling of the love between the fairy Zhinü (the weaver girl) and the human Niulang (the cowherd). After their marriage, the Goddess of Heaven becomes angry that a fairy should have married a human, and ultimately the two are placed in the heavens, far apart from each other, as the stars Vega (Zhinü) and Altair (Niulang). Doomed to be forever separated by the Milky Way, each year on the seventh night of the seventh moon all the magpies in the world form a bridge, which allows these two devoted lovers to be together for just that one night.

• Keywords: commitment, depth, understanding, connection, passionate union
• Interpretation suggestions: Look for a strengthened commitment in a relationship of some kind, likely a romantic partnership. The spark of new love deepens into a real bond of understanding that stands the test of time and can’t be broken by circumstances.

Three of Cups (Horus, Osiris, and Isis)

Ancient Egyptians had their own Holy Trinity, consisting of mother and father Isis and Osiris, and their son Horus, to whom Isis gave birth by using her own magic to conceive, after the murder of her husband Osiris. This divine family certainly went through a lot to try to be together, according to Egyptian mythology. One or the other was always being killed, healed or resurrected, transformed, and killed again, so when and if they finally managed a reunion on the same plane together, it would certainly have been cause for celebration.

• Keywords: celebration, enjoyment, plenty, friends and family
• Interpretation suggestions: It’s time to celebrate! Surround yourself with plenty of good food and drink, and enjoy time with good friends.

Four of Cups (Sea Witch)

The 19th-century Danish tale of The Little Mermaid, as recorded by Hans Christian Anderson, features a dangerous Sea Witch with fearsome magical powers. The Little Mermaid, in love with a human prince, seeks out the Sea Witch to ask to be given legs and allowed to seek her prince. Unlike the movie version of this fairy tale, however, this story doesn’t have a happy ending: although the Sea Witch warns the Little Mermaid that her plans won’t turn out as expected and that the price will be high, she holds out the possibility that her heart’s desire might be achieved, so the Little Mermaid can’t resist the temptation to pursue her dream.

• Keywords: possibility, temptation, discontent with current circumstances, unexpected opportunity
• Interpretation suggestions: Possibilities are everywhere; you may be tempted to take on more than you can handle so choose wisely. You don’t want to give up too much of yourself and wind up losing everything.

Five of Cups (Dracula)

The historical story of Vlad Dracula (Vlad the Impaler) of Romania forms the seed of countless myths of Dracula and other vampires. One constant theme in the stories of Dracula is the vampire’s insatiable desire for dominance, control, and taking more than there is to give. Predictably, Dracula as the Five of Cups ignores his castle and the full goblets behind him: he’s too busy brooding over the spilled blood in the cups on the ground before him.

• Keywords: bitterness, insatiability, disappointment, ignoring the full picture
• Interpretation suggestions: Keeping your attention fixed on the things you’ve lost or consumed can make you overlook the good things and life energy you still have. Take time to grieve loss, but don’t let negative energies suck you dry. 

Six of Cups (Ofrenda)

The Mexican Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos), often celebrated over several days from October 31 to November 2, is a time for honoring and remembering friends and family members who have died. The ofrenda, or altar, is a focus for those memories and a way to honor loved ones that have gone on to another world, and accept and welcome their continued but changed presence in our lives. The ofrenda varies for each family, but a common item included for its symbolism includes skulls, often colorfully made of sugar, to represent those who have passed and also the sweetness of life. Marigold flowers also appear, as their bright orange color attracts souls to the altar. Delicate papel picado, or small perforated paper banners and decorations, symbolize the fragility of life as well as offering holes through which the souls may pass to visit. Food and drink items such as bread, salt, water or tequila nourish the souls, and photographs of the departed help draw them to the altar to commune with the living.

• Keywords: happy memories, nostalgia, old friends, regained innocence, acceptance
• Interpretation suggestions: Make room in your life for old friends and positive childhood memories. Remembering the person you once were can help you reconnect with the ability to accept people just as they are, and see others with the fresh perspective of youth. Reconnecting with those we’ve lost is possible—it just takes a different form than reunions with the living.

Seven of Cups (Siren)

Greek and Roman mythology featured Sirens, enchanting creatures with beautiful voices who lived on an island in the sea; their alluring songs fired the imaginations of sailors who were lured to their death. We may assume they were also lovely to look at, but no one really knows, as those unfortunate sailors who allowed themselves to be distracted too far off course by the dreamy voices of the Sirens were never seen again.

• Keywords: possibility, fantasy, daydreams, imagination, choosing from many options
• Interpretation suggestions: Your head’s in the clouds, and your imagination dances with the allure of possibilities that seem too good to be true. If you try to chase them all, they’ll all be out of reach. Resist temptation and stay on your chosen course or you’ll be lost. 

Eight of Cups (The Mary Celeste)

Many explanations have been offered for the story of the ghost ship, Mary Celeste, but no solid answers. In November of 1872 the Mary Celeste set sail for Italy from New York, with the captain and his family as well as a small crew. A month later, a passing ship sighted the Mary Celeste under full sail, but adrift and completely abandoned about 400 miles east of the Azores off the coast of Portugal. Other than a little water in the hold and a missing lifeboat, the ship was undamaged, with six months’ worth of food and water on board. A promising journey, inexplicably abandoned.

• Keywords: disappointment, new beginnings, moving on, persistence after sorrows
• Interpretation suggestions: A quest once seemed very important, but now you can’t quite remember why—is it time to jump ship? Others might be bewildered at what looks like an abandoned goal, but you’ve got your reasons: you don’t owe anyone an explanation. 

Nine of Cups (Ninkasi)

Ninkasi’s name means “mistress of beer” in the Sumerian language, so it’s no surprise that she’s the Mesopotamian goddess associated with beer, brewing, and the positive and negative effects of drinking beer. Ninkasi is liberal in sharing her refreshments with all, a good example!

• Keywords: good fortune, abundance, satisfaction, generosity
• Interpretation suggestions: Satisfaction with your achievements makes you generous and good natured. Many friends and acquaintances are ready to help you enjoy your good fortune, and you’re happy to share. If you’re worried about how an upcoming project will turn out, relax—you’ll have more than enough resources to make it a success.

Ten of Cups (Radha and Krishna)

The Hindu festival of Holi is a celebration of spring; the festivities of Holi are enjoyed across India and Nepal. The love story between Radha and Krisha is associated with the celebration of Holi. Krishna feared that Radha would not love him, because of his dark blue skin which had been transformed by a demon who tried to poison him as a baby. Krishna’s mother suggested that he should playfully smear brightly colored powder on Radha’s face; the ploy worked and the two shared a beautiful love together. Splashing or smearing colored water or powders is thus part of the celebration of Holi.

• Keywords: security, peace, trust, togetherness, the good life
• Interpretation suggestions: Life doesn’t get much better; the tears and laughter you’ve shared over the years with friends and family have brought you closer than ever. Security, trust, and boundless love are coming to bring peace into your home. 

Minor Arcana: Suit of Swords

Cards in the suit of Swords are traditionally associated with the element of Air. Swords cut through the clutter in our minds and in our circumstances and help us see ways to hack at the roots of problems. Like Air itself, Swords can represent gentle breezes that clear the air, but also the violent storms of our troubles. The Swords cards often feature creatures associated with the air. Minor Arcana Suit of Swords

Queen of Swords (Oya)

Said to be the most intellectual of orishas (gods) from the Yoruba traditional religion of Nigeria, Oya is a warrior woman who controls storms and winds—the winds she raises in West Africa become Caribbean hurricanes. Although she is a wise healer, Oya is also suspicious, secretive, and on guard against attacks by adversaries—she has a painful past with her former husband, the orisha Ogun.

• Keywords: caution, wisdom from pain, healing, stubborn, fierce family protector
• Interpretation suggestions: Individuals like the Queen of Swords are focused on getting their own way. Wise, but their lessons have been learned the hard way, so the Queen of Swords is always on guard against getting hurt again.

King of Swords (Mithra)

Mithra, powerful ancient Persian deity of the sun, rules over justice and oaths. Mithra uses his keen analytical powers and authority as a judge to ensure that contracts are upheld and that the truth is protected. The worship of Mithra eventually spread into Rome and evolved into a mystery tradition and secret society, one whose power and influence was broken only by the advent of Christianity.

• Keywords: power, impartial justice, logic, authority, contracts and legal matters
• Interpretation suggestions: The King of Swords wields the power of life and death, and delivers justice without being swayed by emotional pleas. The best way to deal safely with the King of Swords is to respect their authority and stick to facts and logical analysis.

Knight of Swords (Dragon)

Early Chinese people considered the dragon a god that embodied the will and ideals of the Chinese people, and even today, the Chinese often consider themselves “descendants of the dragon.” The Chinese dragon symbolizes heroic valor, excellence, perseverance, divine protection, and nobility. A dragon fights through all obstacles to emerge victorious. Its celestial breath, known to many as “Sheng Chi,” yields life, making the Dragon the ultimate representation of the forces of nature. It is regarded as the greatest divine force on earth and the ultimate symbol of good fortune.

• Keywords: bravery, confidence, skill, valiance, heroism
• Interpretation suggestions: Bravery and skill can conquer all opposition. Heroic confidence and perseverance are excellent qualities, but remember not to sacrifice too much in pursuit of a single goal, lest you burn out.

Page of Swords (Pegasus)

Magnificent, wind-swift Pegasus sprang from the blood of the Gorgon Medusa when she was slain by Perseus, according to Greek mythological sources. Too fast and agile to be captured by any normal means, Pegasus was only tamed by a magical golden bridle. Even then, Pegasus was able to detect misplaced ambition and bad intent; when his rider, the hero Bellerophon, tried to fly to Mount Olympus to take a place with the gods, Pegasus refused and threw him off to his ultimate destruction.

• Keywords: detection, secrecy, swiftness, agility
• Interpretation suggestions: Don’t let your ambitions get out of hand, and avoid doing anything that could cause trouble with authority figures—someone may turn on you and throw you over. On the other hand, perhaps you’re the one doing a little detective work; you’re wily and quick, but make sure your intentions are pure to avoid disaster. 

Ace of Swords (Faery Ring)

A type of reddish-capped mushroom grows in dark rings on grassy areas, which is known as a faery circle or faery ring. Common to the British Isles, Scandinavia, and other areas of Europe, as well as North America, faery circles are said to have magical powers associated with the faeries who create them. Appealing to the faeries for a wish while within the circle may grant you the power to achieve your goal or emerge victorious over your adversaries.

• Keywords: justice, higher causes, power, championship, victory
• Interpretation suggestions: Now may be a great time to jump into the ring, to champion some just cause about which you feel strongly. It will likely be a battle, but the surprising power you bring to the fight makes you the victor.

Two of Swords (Tenome)

The Tenome is a particularly frightening type of yōkai (supernatural entity) from Japanese folklore, which loves to feast upon humans. Although he first appears to be an elderly blind man, the Tenome is a vengeful spirit with a powerful sense of smell and even eyes on the palms of its hands, which you may not observe until it’s far too late to escape his clutches. Some even appear as giants, emerging from the sea to further cause chaos.

• Keywords: game-changing decisions, unknown consequences, lack of information
• Interpretation suggestions: You may need to rely on unusual sources to get the information you need to make an important decision. At some point you’re going to need to make a move; even if you’re not sure of the consequences, staying stationary will have dire results.

Three of Swords (Manananggal)

Phillippine legends tell of shapeshifting creatures known as aswang, and arguably the most terrifying of these is the Manananggal. The Manananggal flies through the air as a bodiless head, trailing gory entrails in its wake. It feeds by sucking viscera through its long, tube-shaped tongue—not only blood, but organs and mucus as well. One particularly gruesome trait of the Manananggal is its ability to suck a fetus from its mother’s womb.

• Keywords: emotional disturbance, heartache, loss of something precious, miscarriage
• Interpretation suggestions: Brace yourself for a strong emotional drain or distressing event on the horizon. You may feel that all your energy’s being sucked away by just getting through the day, but try to remember that heartaches and sorrow are a part of life. Don’t go it alone—find help, and this too shall pass.

Four of Swords (Wendigo)

According to Algonquin legends, the Wendigo haunts the wintry northern forests of the United States and Canada. Once a lost hunter whose intense hunger drove him to cannibalism, the Wendigo now roams the forest in search of more people to eat. Unable to rest due to its ravenous hunger, the Wendigo looks like a gaunt skeleton recently disinterred from the grave, with its ashy skin, tattered and bloody lips, and deep-socketed eyes. A spirit of seemingly quiet wilderness, the Wendigo is said to be able to imitate the voice of humans and lure them to lonely places.

• Keywords: retreat from the world, solitude, loneliness, exile, tomblike quiet
• Interpretation suggestions: Solitude can be just what you need to feed your soul. Take care not to turn your quiet retreat into a self-imposed exile. 

Five of Swords (Tāwhirimātea)

New Zealand’s distinctive and tumultuous weather patterns make Tāwhirimātea a particularly important deity, as the Māori god of storms. When the world began, Tāwhirimātea’s brothers decided to separate their parents, the Earth and the Sky. To show his anger with his brothers (who protect nature and humanity) at what he perceived as betrayal, Tāwhirimātea sent his children (various types of wind, clouds, rain, mists and fog) to do battle and wreak havoc with tricky-to-predict storms, floods, and other bad weather. The struggle between humans and the weather continues to this day.

• Keywords: deception, betrayal, trickery, temporary defeats or victories
• Interpretation suggestions: When you’ve been tricked into parting with something precious to you, it can feel so disheartening that you want to lash out. Keep in mind that a victory won in anger is often temporary, and will likely end up costing both you and your rival in the long run. On the other hand, even a catastrophic loss can be built back and overcome. 

Six of Swords (Lamlha)

Tibetan protector of travelers, the goddess Lamlha rides upon a golden bee. Also known as Chammo Lam Lha, this young goddess guards the road, and she and her bee steed serve as protectors for all those traveling through adversity.

• Keywords: troubles near ending, safe travels, peaceful destination
• Interpretation suggestions: Dark times are almost behind you. You have the assistance you need to move through the turbulence and get to smoother sailing and better days very soon. Stay on top of things and you’ll be able to relax soon.

Seven of Swords (Ayar Kachi)

Incan legend tells a creation story of the emergence of the four Ayar brothers and their wives from Pacaritambo Mountain after a major flood that destroyed the earth. The four brothers were an argumentative lot who often squabbled over control of the world. Of these brothers, the strongest was Ayar Kachi, who had a slingshot that threw stones which reached the sky, making rain and thunder. Ayar Kachi was also a great trickster. His three brothers were so jealous and distrustful of him, that they hatched a devious plot. They told Ayar Kachi that some important things had been left behind in the mountain, and that as the strongest of them, he must go fetch these items. Ayar Kachi was so confident in his own strength and skill that he didn’t see the betrayal coming. He was trapped by a large stone once he entered the cave, which angered him greatly, and he yelled so loudly he shook the sky itself.

• Keywords: trickery, overachieving, tackling large goals, divided attentions, petty quarrels, deception
• Interpretation suggestions: No need to be such an overachiever; this can come across as greed for praise or power, and is an invitation for others to try to take you down. If you take on too much you may find you’ve bitten off more than you can chew. You may also get so carried away with your own cleverness that you leave some basic but important information overlooked.

Eight of Swords (Baba Yaga)

One of the best-known Slavic legends, Baba Yaga is an old woman who kidnaps children, then cooks and eats them. Unwary children can become trapped in Baba Yaga’s hut, which stands in the forest on hens’ legs and can move about from place to place. Older versions of Baba Yaga are sometimes described as a healer who knows many botanical secrets if only she can be persuaded to reveal them, and in still other stories she sometimes dispenses justice to bad caregivers (“evil stepmothers”), allowing the children themselves to break free of their bad circumstances and escape.

• Keywords: self-doubt, inner fears, prisoner of circumstance, lack of confidence, slow healing from sickness
• Interpretation suggestions: Feeling trapped in a bad situation? Feel your way through the next small step or two; you’ll soon find that what’s really holding you back is just the voice of doubt inside your head. You’ve got what it takes to escape your situation, but your fears may keep you trapped.

Nine of Swords (Bulgasari)

Korea’s mythical iron-eating monster, Bulgasari, eats iron and spits fire, which is ironic since fire is the only way in which it may be killed. Bulgasari is a fearsome hybrid of many animals: a bear’s body, an elephant’s nose, rhino eyes, tiger’s feet and a bull’s tail, with hacksaw-like teeth. As a monster, Bulgasari symbolizes disorder and despair, and is the stuff of nightmares, yet ironically, his legend indicates that he has the ability to protect sleeping people from evil nocturnal spirits and eat their nightmares.

• Keywords: fear, despair, grief, caught in a nightmare
• Interpretation suggestions: When you’ve lost someone or something very important, it can feel like the nightmare will never end. Although it’s natural to despair, or to feel that no one can help you, it’s important to not to get locked too tightly in your own grief. The day for healing will eventually dawn, and there are those who want to help you through the dark times.

Ten of Swords (Papinijuwari)

The Tiwi people are an Aboriginal people of Australia. In their mythology, Papinijuwaris are fearsome one-eyed giants who live in a large hut at the end of the sky. Papinijuwaris can find sick people by smell; when they locate a victim they make themselves invisible and suck the person’s blood without leaving a wound. As the sick person progressively weakens, the Papinijuwari makes itself small enough to enter the body through the mouth and drinks up the rest of the blood from the inside. The appearance of a shooting star is a Papinijuwari stalking across the heavens with a burning firestick in one hand, throwing sparks of stars, and a fighting club in the other.

• Keywords: desolation, affliction, pain at its worst
• Interpretation suggestions: It just keeps getting worse and worse, and you can’t even quite see how or why. You may have followed someone you trusted down the road that led you here, but they used you up and leached the life out of you, and that hurts most of all. The good news is that things are at their worst right now; they can only get better from here. 

Minor Arcana: Suit of Pentacles

Cards in the suit of Pentacles are traditionally associated with the element of Earth. Pentacles provide the grounding required to bring our plans and dreams to life. They often represent our most basic needs--food, shelter, money, satisfying work. When these needs are fully met, we have the right foundation for exploring and fulfilling higher needs in a healthy way. The Myths & Legends Tarot’s Suit of Pentacles often features mythic creatures and deities associates with the land, family and prosperity. Minor Arcana Suit of Pentacles

Queen of Pentacles (Mat Zemlya)

Mat Zemlya was an important deity to Slavic people in the Middle Ages. Essentially Mother Earth herself, Mat Zemlya often didn’t appear in a human form until much later in history, but rather was worshipped simply as the Earth herself. Associated with the full range of life, Mat Zemlya nurtured life with her wealth of resources, and received humans gently back into herself at death. Representative of the generous fertility of the earth itself, Mat Zemlya as the Queen of Pentacles wears an opulent version of the traditional Ukrainian flower crown, the vinok.

• Keywords: wealth, generosity, stability, helpful influence
• Interpretation suggestions: You could use a stabilizing influence right about now. The Queen of Pentacles represents just such an influence, bringing much-needed resources. This may take the form of material resources--an arts grant, an inheritance, a campaign donation? Or perhaps what you need most to succeed is a wise, nurturing perspective.

King of Pentacles (Tudi Gong)

Tudi Gong (“Lord of the Soil and the Ground”) also known simply as Tudi (“Soil-Ground”), is a benevolent Earth God in the Taoist and folk religions of China. Tudi Gong is in charge of individual villages or communities, and nearly every Chinese village had their own shrine to him. Prayers for wealth and well-being can be offered to him, and he is also traditionally worshipped before the burial of deceased persons to thank him for using his land to return their bodies to the earth. Tudi Gong is often portrayed as an elderly man with a long white beard, and garments which signify his position as a bureaucrat. People often called Tudi Gong “Grandpa” (yeye), which reflects his close and mentoring relationship with the common people.

• Keywords: helpfulness, business aptitude, lessons for success, sensible protection
• Interpretation suggestions: A sensible, smart and successful being is a welcome presence in your life. Perhaps you have met a helpful mentor? You have your own path to explore and achieve success, but don’t ignore the protection and advice the King of Pentacles offers. They have something to teach you that will help you find your way.

Knight of Pentacles (Minotaur)

The half-bull, half-human Minotaur of Greek legend was imprisoned in an enormous Labyrinth in Crete. Young people from Athens were offered in tribute every nine years, until one year the hero Theseus was offered in tribute, which sealed the fate of the Minotaur. The daughter of the king of Crete fell in love with Theseus, and provided him with a ball of thread to tie near the entrance to the Labyrinth. In this manner, Theseus was able to carefully and methodically navigate the Labyrinth. This gave him the confidence to rush in and seek the Minotaur, whom he quickly killed before retracing his steps, making his escape out of the Labyrinth, and fleeing Crete with the king’s daughter in tow.

• Keywords: diligence, materialistic tendencies, methodical nature
• Interpretation suggestions: Slow and steady wins the race; you may get lost along the way if you don’t plan out your route first. Expect some help from a capable source, but you’ll need to put in the work yourself. You’ll be rewarded by a cautious, orderly approach when you need to get things done. 

Page of Pentacles (Cikap-kamuy)

The Ainu people of Japan consider Cikap-kamuy the kamuy (god) of owls, and of the land. A deity of material success, Cikapkamuy oversees the behavior of both humans and gods. He is depicted as a great owl, and some say he sheds tears of silver and gold. He loves the finer things in life, but is insistent that the correct rituals and rules be followed in order to ensure the good life is available for the deserving.

• Keywords: diligence, careful thought, idealism, rewards of hard work
• Interpretation suggestions: Appreciative of a life filled with good things, the Page of Pentacles doesn’t expect to be dropped into luxury without work. Careful thought, diligent study, following the rules, and a take-it-slow approach are all part of the road to material success.

Ace of Pentacles (Nang Kwak)

Nang Kwak is a spirit or household divinity of Thai folklore. She is deemed to bring good fortune, wealth and prosperity. She can be found amid lotus and golden orchids. Nang Kwak is represented as a beautiful woman sitting or kneeling, and wearing a golden crown. She raises her right hand in the Thai gesture of beckoning a customer into a business, which makes sense, as Nang Kwak is the patron deity of merchants and salesmen.

• Keywords: prosperity, blessed life, material comforts
• Interpretation suggestions: Life is just about as good as it gets. If you’re not quite there yet, the road to prosperity is right in front of you; all you need to do is stick to your work. 

Two of Pentacles (Duwende)

Duwende are small dwarves and house spirits described in the folklore of the Philippines. When treated well and left offerings (particularly sweets, fruits and chocolate), those kind to them will prosper. Mind your manners when encountering a Duwende, and you’ll likely receive aid and information. However, if you’re rude or dismissive, bad luck and curses of all sorts may befall you. The Duwende can feed off the emotions around them, so it’s important to maintain balance in your household to ensure that your Duwende is happy to keep your prosperity flowing.

• Keywords: balance, scheduling, getting what you give
• Interpretation suggestions: If you put bad things into the world, you won’t get much good back out, but the reverse is also true. Be polite and take care of your social obligations, and you’ll find yourself rewarded. Spend less time worrying and more time creating and sticking to a healthy schedule that includes plenty of time for fun, sleep, and laughter as well as job and business responsibilities.

Three of Pentacles (Tlaltecuhtli)

Tlaltecuhtli is an earth goddess who is usually shown as a squatting toad-like creature with massive claws, a gaping mouth, and crocodile skin, which represents the surface of the earth. Her mouth is often shown with a flint knife between her teeth, in reference to her bloodthirsty nature. Some of the Aztec gods felt that such a fearsome creature should be destroyed, and so they ripped her in two, creating the earth and the sky, and then further dismembered her. However, other gods reacted to her suffering in dismay, and ensured that various parts of her dismembered body would become the features of the new world. Their skill at her transformation ensured that Tlaltecuhtli’s skin became grasses and small flowers, her hair the trees and herbs, her eyes the springs and wells, her nose the hills and valleys, her shoulders the mountains, and her mouth the caves and rivers.

• Keywords: attention to detail, skill development, creation, rewarding work
• Interpretation suggestions: Developing your skills and talents yields self-satisfaction and confidence in addition to admiration and material rewards. Enjoy taking your time to complete a project with the careful attention to detail you know it deserves.

Four of Pentacles (Chupacabra)

Chupacabras (Spanish for “goat suckers”) are mysterious beasts that are said to combine the look of kangaroos, gargoyles, giant birds, or even gray alien-type creatures with large round heads. The Chupacabra was first sighted in the 1970s, and many local legends now exist of encounters with the beasts. They kill chickens, goats, dogs, and other small livestock, according to people living in Puerto Rico, Mexico, and the Southern United States. Although many don’t take the tales of Chupacabras seriously, for small livestock farmers the loss of wealth represented by the Chupacabra attack is no joke.

• Keywords: concerns over financial security, overdependence on material possessions
• Interpretation suggestions: Financial success and material possessions give you a sense of security and a comforting feeling, but don’t get too caught up in thoughts of money alone. Doing so can block the way to a well-balanced life.

Five of Pentacles (Feronia)

Feronia is an ancient, mysterious figure who may have started as an Etruscan or Sabine spirit, eventually adopted by Romans. Originally a goddess of abundance, prosperity, and freedom, she refused to be banished after the advent of Christianity, and her spirit is said to haunt the marketplaces she once ruled, but she now appears as an old, shabby, muttering beggar-woman. If you encounter Ferona, it’s best to be polite. Those who are kind to her are blessed with good fortune, whereas those who spurn her find themselves on the receiving end of fearful curses.

• Keywords: troubled times, comfort, guidance, healing partnership, adaptation
• Interpretation suggestions: Hard times are always made easier if you’re kind to those in worse straits than yourself. Money or health troubles may be causing you pain and sorrow; rather than yearning for better days of the past, seek comfort and guidance and you’ll find you can get through this time without too much continued distress.

Six of Pentacles (Tiurakh)

The Serer people are a group of more than one million people in the West African countries of Senegal and Gambia. Most Serers converted to Islam and Christianity in the 20th century, but many still follow the Serer religion. One of their many gods is the god of wealth, Tiurakh. To be blessed with abundance and wealth, the Serer may make an offering to Tiurakh in a sacred place, such as at the foot of the baobab tree.

• Keywords: shared abundance, generosity, balanced living, alert to opportunities
• Interpretation suggestions: If your solid business sense means that you find yourself in a position to help others, indulge your generous impulses. Sharing abundance with others feels good, plus it’s a necessary part of living a balanced life. The gifts you give will cycle back and reward you in return.

Seven of Pentacles (Lugh)

Handsome, silver-tongued Lugh is a significant god of the ancient Celts. Lord of craftsmanship among many other things, Lugh is a master builder, skilled musician, warrior, sorcerer, metalworker, cupbearer and physician. He’s definitely a god of all trades and a dedicated worker with many accomplishments. In contemporary Paganism and Witchcraft, Lugh is also closely associated with harvest. The festival of Lughnasadh on August 1 celebrates the marriage of Lugh to the goddess Eiru; thanks are given for the harvest and rites may be performed to ensure the birth of spring at Beltane, nine months away, and the bounty of the next year’s crops.

• Keywords: accomplishment, harvest, fruits of labor
• Interpretation suggestions: It’s fine to take a breather and admire what you’ve accomplished so far, but the best is yet to come. Your harvest is about to bear fruit, so be patient and get ready to dig back in to work--you’re almost at your goal.

Eight of Pentacles (Inkosazana)

Inkosazana is an ancestral deity of the South African Zulu people. She can shift her shape, but often appears in the form of a mermaid to the pure of heart. Associated with agriculture and growth, she is also regarded as the source of all fertility and water. Some myths relate that Inkosazana may call certain chosen people to apprentice with her, to be given healing skills and powers of divination.

• Keywords: apprenticeship, rewarding creative work, diligence, successful harvests
• Interpretation suggestions: Creative work is its own reward, but if you’re diligent, crafts and artistic projects can also bring you financial benefit and praise of your mastery. Don’t cut corners or compromise your vision for the sake of profit, though--you’ll never be happy with the result.

Nine of Pentacles (Medusa)

Many Westerners are familiar with the Greek legend of Medusa as the most beautiful Gorgon sister, who was transformed by Athena into a terrifying creature with hair made of snakes. Medusa took her vengeance by turning those who gazed upon her face instantly to stone. However, Medusa’s story is a bit more complicated than that, and her legend extends back farther than the Greeks. She is linked to a Libyan snake goddess, who was ultimately subsumed by Athena--in effect, she may be Athena’s ancestor or mother, and a goddess of powerful female magic in her own right. Coral is allegedly Medusa’s blood, where it spilled into the sea and petrified after her head was cut off. Coral cameos in the shape of Medusa heads are a traditional and extremely powerful protective amulet. Her image was used in Byzantine Greece to protect pregnant women and newborns, and her mysterious, serpentine aid is sought in the attainment of luxury and success.

• Keywords: protection, luxury, success, accomplishment, prudence
• Interpretation suggestions: You’ve done it; success is yours and your accomplishments have brought you not merely comfort, but downright luxury. You know how to choose the best for yourself, and you deserve it.

Ten of Pentacles (Huldufólk)

The magical landscape of Iceland is home to the bewitching sky displays of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), so maybe that’s why it seems so easy to believe it’s also the home of the Huldufólk. The Huldufólk (“Hidden People”) are elves or supernatural beings who live in nature, according to Icelandic and Faroese folklore. They love to celebrate on several holidays, and invade Icelandic farmhouses on Christmas to hold wild parties. Icelanders leave candles out on New Year’s Eve to help the Huldufólk find their way to a new location. It’s said that on Midsummer Night, if you sit at a crossroads, the Huldufólk will attempt to seduce you with food and gifts. Resist their offers, because there are dire consequences for accepting, but you’ll be rewarded with great riches if you resist temptation.

• Keywords: new home, a family party, secure refuge, great prosperity
• Interpretation suggestions: The highest symbol of financial success, for many, is the acquisition of a home. Make sure you create a place of security and refuge not only for yourself, but where you can generously share with family and loved ones, and your house will truly be a home where all are welcome to celebrate.

Suggested Spread

Tarot spreads are a way of arranging several cards in a particular formation, with each spot in the formation revealing a different aspect of the situation or question at hand. The tarot books in this booklet’s Source Notes contain illustrations and explanations for several popular tarot spreads, if you are interested in learning more about patterns that will help you gain additional insights from the cards. Here is a simple spread created just for The Myths & Legends Tarot, the Anansi Storyteller Spread.

To use this spread to interpret the cards, follow the steps outlined below.

The Anansi Storyteller Spread is based on the West African storyteller, Anansi the Spider. When Anansi requested that the Sky-God Nyame name him lord of all stories, Nyame set Anansi three tasks, which Anansi needed to use all his wit and cunning to complete. In addition to being a storyteller of great wisdom, Anansi is also well known as a trickster—when Anansi speaks, not all he says may be as it seems, so great care is needed in dealing with him to avoid being duped. You can use the Anansi Storyteller spread to help you carefully consider all the possibilities in a given situation.

1. Think of a question, concern, or situation. On what do you want to seek guidance from the cards?
2. Take a deep breath and clear your mind. Continue to remain calm and open, and shuffle the cards, without looking at the card images, for as long as you like. Focus on your question.
3. When you are ready, choose four cards from the deck and place them face-up in the order shown in the illustration above. Here are a few possible ways to select the cards for the reading: use whichever works best for you. -
• Simply choose the top four cards. -
• Cut the deck into four piles and choose the top card of each pile. -
• Fan the cards out and choose four that appeal to you.
4. Each of the four positions in the Anansi Storyteller spread reveals a different aspect of the situation you’ve asked about. Use your intuition, and the card meanings in this book, to help you consider what the cards have to say about your question. Each card has multiple possible meanings; the card position in the spread may help you understand which meaning applies to you and to the situation or question you have focused on for the reading.

• Positions 1, 2 and 3: The Tasks. Each of these three cards may reveal an important facet of the situation to be considered. They may represent people whose guidance or assistance you’ll need to work through your concerns, or they may represent roadblocks, intermediary goals you’ll need to complete, or even locations that will be important to visit as part of the resolution to your situation.
• Position 4: The Trick What haven’t you considered? This card might completely change how you think about the previous three cards you drew, and put the information in a new light, or it may simply add a new twist that will be important to consider to avoid any “gotchas” or unintended consequences. Keep your wits about you and work through the possibilities before you act. III IV 172

Source Notes

Most legends and tales have multiple variations and complicated meanings. If you find the legendary beings and myths referenced in the Myths & Legends Tarot cards fascinating, you may wish to explore unfamiliar legends further to gain additional insight into the cards. The following sources have been used in researching and writing the card meanings described in this book. In addition to the following references, general information about common myths or creatures has been gathered from other open-source information sites such as Wikipedia.org. Anderson, H. C. (2007, December 13). The Little Mermaid. Retrieved from Hans Christian Anderson Fairy Tales and Stories: http://hca.gilead.org.il/li_merma.html Anele, U. (2021, August 2). The Traditional Religious Beliefs of the Serer People of West Africa. Retrieved from Talk Africana: https://talkafricana.com/the-traditional-religious-beliefs-of-the-serer-people-of-west-africa/ Bernard, P. (2008, January). The fertility goddess of the Zulu: Reflections on a calling to Inkosazana’s pool. Retrieved from ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/291896871-The_fertility_goddess_of_the_Zulu_Reflections_on_a_calling_to_Inkosazana’s_pool Dixon-Kennedy, M. (1998). Encyclopedia of Russian & Slavic Myth and Legend. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, Inc. Ellington, T. N. (2016). The Origin of Anansi The Spider. Retrieved from Iowa State University Digital Repository: https://dr.lib.iastate.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/d346b61d-9f654d74-9644-2a23f943d7e7/content Fuqua, A. (2015). An extremely brief primer on Filipino mythology. Retrieved from Writeups. com: https://www.writeups.org/filipino-mythology-primer/ Gerulskis-Estes, S. (1981). The Book of Tarot. Stamford, CT: U.S. Games Systems. Guiley, R. E. (1999). The Encyclopedia of Witches and Witchcraft, Second Edition. New York, NY: Checkmark Books. Guiley, R. E. (2004). The Encyclopedia of Vampires, Werewolves, and Other Monsters. Infobase Publishing. Hamilton, E. (1942). Mythology. Camp Hill, PA: BOMC. Hernandez, J. (2022, May 10). Kuchisake-onna, the Slit-Mouthed Woman of Japanese Folklore. Retrieved from jahernandez.com: https://www.jahernandez.com/posts/kuchisake-onnathe-slit-mouthed-woman-of-japanese-folklore Himalayan Art Resources, Inc. (2022). Bon Deity: Lamlha (Goddess of Travel). Retrieved from Himalayan Art Resources: https://www.himalayanart.org/search/set.cfm?setID_1388 Jansari, S. (2018). The Hindo festival of Holi. Retrieved from The British Museum: https:// blog.britishmuseum.org/the-hindu-festival-of-holi/ Keane, B. (2006, June 12). Story: Tāwhirimātea – the weather. Retrieved from The Encyclopedia of New Zealand: https://teara.govt.nz/en/tawhirimatea-the-weather Mallow, G. (2021, June 7). An Ode to a Hometown Creature: Mothman of Point Pleasant, West Virginia. Retrieved from Folklife: https://folklife.si.edu/magazine/mothman-point-pleasant-west-virginia Mark, J. J. (2013, November 8). Boudicca. Retrieved from World History Encyclopedia: https://www.worldhistory.org/Boudicca/ Mark, J. J. (2017, January 31). Utu-Shamash. Retrieved from World History Encyclopedia: https://www.worldhistory.org/Utu-Shamash/ Mark, J. J. (2019, March 28). Joan of Arc. Retrieved from World History Encyclopedia: https:// www.worldhistory.org/Joan_of_Arc/ Ministry of Culture, P.R. China. (2003). The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl. Retrieved from China Culture: http://en.chinaculture.org/focus/focus/2010qixi/2010-08/16/content_391106.htm Source Notes 173 174 Ministry of Culture, P.R. of China. (2003). The Almighty Dragon. Retrieved from China Culture: http://en.chinaculture.org/gb/en_chinaway/2004-02/25/content_45896.htm Munn, C. J. (n.d.). Jersey Devil-Fact or Fiction? Retrieved from Atlantic County, NJ: https:// www.atlantic-county.org/history/jersey-devil-pg1.asp Nalewicki, J. (2019, October 31). The Meaning Behind Six Objects on Día de los Muertos Altars. Retrieved from Smithsonian Magazine: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/ meaning-behind-six-objects-dia-de-los-muertos-altars-180973442/ Native Languages of the Americas. (1998-2020). Native American Legends: Napi (Old-Man). Retrieved from Native Languages of the Americas: http://www.native-languages.org/napi. htm Occult World. (2003-2022). Retrieved from Occult World: www.occult-world.com Park, J. (2019, May). Born of Two Koreas, of Human Blood: Monstrosity and the Discourse of Humanity and Pacifism in the Film Bulgasari. doi:10.13185/KK2020.03307 Peru for Less. (2022). The Ayar brother’s legend. Retrieved from Machu Picchu Gateway: https://www.machupicchu.org/the_ayar_brothers_legend.htm Pollack, R. (1997). Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom: A Book of Tarot. London, UK: Element. Project Gutenberg. (1992, October). The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, by Washington Irving. Retrieved from Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/41/41-h/41-h.htm Pruitt, S. (2019, December 3). What Happened to the Mary Celeste? Retrieved from History: https://www.history.com/news/what-happened-to-the-mary-celeste Sallusio, M. (2018, December 21). Huldufólk: The Truth Behind Iceland’s Obsession With Elves. Retrieved from The Portalist: https://theportalist.com/huldufolk-the-truth-behindicelands-obsession-with-elves Scott-Robinson, R. (1996). William and the Werewolf. Retrieved from Medieval Mysteries: https://reflection.eleusinianm.co.uk/portals/0/pdf/william-and-the-werewolf.pdf Solly, M. (2020, March 12). The Myth of “Bloody Mary’. Retrieved from Smithsonian Magazine: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/myth-bloody-mary-180974221/ The Department of Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic, University of Cambridge. (2019). Burial Practices. Retrieved from asncvikingage.com: https://www.asncvikingage.com/burial-practices The White Goddess. (2022). Retrieved from The White Goddess: http://www.thewhitegoddess.co.uk/ Vanishing Arts Gallery. (2017-2021). Tudi Gong: The Taoist and Popular Religion Earth God. Retrieved from Vaishing Arts: https://www.vanishingarts.gallery/tudi-gong-the-taoist-andpopular-religion-earth-god/ Vintage Everyday. (2019, December 26). 24 Amazing Vintage Photos of Portuguese Women From the Azores Islands in Their Tradition Hooded Capes. Retrieved from Vintage Everyday: https://www.vintag.es/2019/12/azores-costumes.html Waite, A. E. (1971). The Pictorial Key to the Tarot (republication). Blauvelt, NY: Steiner Publications. Wyoming Magazine. (2015, March 7). The Great Myths of Devils Tower. Wyoming Magazine. Retrieved from https://wyomingmagazine.com/the-great-myths-of-devils-tower/ Yokai.com. (2022). Retrieved from Yokai.com: www.yokai.com About the Creator Colophone The Myths and Legends tarot uses the typeface Elfreth, a softer and more modern spin on classic black letter. Elfreth was designed by the JTD Type Foundry in 2020. Booklet copy set in Oculi, a roman inspired typeface also by the JTD type foundry, designed in 2022. Both available at JTDtype.com Roman Numerals on the tarot cards use Adobe Jenson. Decks designed and illustrated by Taylor Hultquist-Todd. Booklets and spreads written, designed, and edited by Constance Lindstrom. The Myths & Legends Tarot was designed and illustrated by Taylor Hultquist-Todd, an illustrator based in Philadelphia, PA. As a budding illustrator, Taylor often copied tarot layouts and imagined one day creating original decks. The Myths & Legends Tarot is Taylor’s fourth deck. Taylor’s other work includes The Ocean Tarot, The Cat Tarot and her first deck, The Dog Tarot, which features Taylor’s own beloved Chihuahua as The Empress.

Thank you! To every wonderful backer, commenter, patron, follower the immense love and support for each deck has blown me away. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for allowing this weirdo to pursue her dreams