The Tarot of the Old Path is a 78-card, Wiccan-inspired deck featuring a 159-page full-color guide that explains unique pagan symbolism, including floriography and specific card meanings designed by a coven of consultants. This, now often out-of-print, resource details specific imagery, such as The Lovers card dedicated to Barbara Cartland and the use of Cauldrons instead of Cups. Read the full review at Tarot of the Old Path 19 May 2025 —
The Tarot of the Old Path book is an essential companion if you own the deck. But even as a standalone read, it offers a refreshing, earth-honoring alternative to mainstream tarot literature. Gainsford writes with the clarity of a teacher and the devotion of a nature mystic. If you follow the Old Path – or simply want to see tarot through Pagan eyes – this book will deepen your practice considerably.
Subject: [Request/Release] Tarot of the Old Path – Companion Book (PDF)
Post:
Title: Tarot of the Old Path – Full Guidebook (PDF Scan)
Body:
Does anyone have a clean PDF copy of the companion book for the Tarot of the Old Path deck by Sylvia Gainsford, Howard Rodway, and illustrated by Wendy Stainthorpe?
I’m looking for the original 1998/2000 edition guidebook (often called The Tarot of the Old Path Book), not just the little white booklet. This is the one that covers the Celtic/Saxon mythology behind the cards, the symbolic differences from RWS, and the specific spellwork/meditation exercises tied to each arcanum.
If you have it:
If you’re looking for it:
Any help appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Downloads / Links: (Link removed – please PM me or check the replies below)
Note for public forums: Do not post direct copyrighted links. Instead, use "PM me" or link to archive.org if a legal copy exists there.
Discovering the Tarot of the Old Path The Tarot of the Old Path is one of the most celebrated decks for modern Wiccan and Pagan practitioners. Created by Howard Rodway and Sylvia Gainsford in consultation with prominent Wiccan high priests and priestesses, this 78-card deck translates traditional tarot archetypes into the rich, natural symbolism of the "Old Path"—a common synonym for Wicca and traditional witchcraft.
Whether you are looking for the accompanying Tarot of the Old Path instruction book in PDF format or seeking to understand the deep symbolism of the cards, this guide breaks down the core elements, suit associations, and how to use the book to elevate your readings. 🔮 The Core Philosophy of the Deck
The deck was deliberately designed to reflect modern Pagan beliefs while respecting the foundational structure of traditional tarot.
Nature-Centric Art: Sylvia Gainsford's artwork incorporates specific plants, flowers, and animals that hold distinct magical and folkloric meanings.
Feminine & Masculine Balance: Traditional archetypes are subtly shifted. For example, the Hierophant is renamed The High Priest, and Temperance is renamed The Guide, highlighting personal spiritual agency rather than institutional dogma.
The Elements in Action: Instead of traditional medieval imagery, the deck emphasizes elemental magic and seasonal shifts. 🌿 The Structure of the Major & Minor Arcana
In the accompanying guide, authors provide a two-page breakdown for each Major Arcana card. This includes its astrological and elemental associations, a thorough explanation of the artwork, and both upright and reversed meanings. 1. The Major Arcana: The Fool's Journey
The Major Arcana cards are viewed as degrees of initiation or stages of the spiritual path.
The High Priest (Card V): Replaces the Hierophant, signifying inner wisdom, mastery, and spiritual counseling.
The Hanged One (Card XII): Depicts ultimate surrender, personal sacrifice, and viewing the world from a different perspective.
The Guide (Card XIV): Replaces Temperance, representing alchemy, balance, and the integration of opposing forces (Anima and Animus). 2. The Minor Arcana: The Four Magical Suits
The suits in the Tarot of the Old Path are tied directly to the tools of the craft: Traditional Tarot Suit Elemental Association Core Meanings Rods Ambition, career, creativity, and drive Cauldrons Emotions, intuition, love, and healing Swords Intellect, communication, logic, and challenges Pentacles Wealth, home, nature, and physical manifestation 📖 Using the "Tarot of the Old Path" Book & PDF
The original paperback instruction book spans 160 pages. For readers who use the digital PDF version, the book serves as an indispensable reference tool:
Visual Descriptions: Breaks down the exact plants and symbolic objects within Gainsford's detailed illustrations, revealing hidden layers of the reading.
Reversed Meanings: Provides concise keyword and key-phrase interpretations for blocked or internally directed energies.
Spreads & Layouts: Offers specific divination spreads tailored to personal growth, problem-solving, and spiritual alignment. Where to Find the Book and PDF
You can purchase physical editions or view digital resources through these online platforms:
Find physical copies and collector's editions on Amazon's Tarot of the Old Path Listing. Tarot Of The Old Path Book Pdf
Explore community reviews and track editions on the Goodreads Howard Rodway Page.
View digital excerpts and document uploads on Scribd's Document Repository. Tarot of the Old Path
The Tarot of the Old Path is a widely acclaimed Wiccan-inspired deck first published in 1990 by AGM-Urania. It was created through a collaboration between artist Sylvia Gainsford and author Howard Rodway, with expert guidance from a "Coven of 8 Consultants"—well-known figures in the Wiccan community such as Margot Adler, Janet and Stuart Farrar, and Lois Bourne. The Role of the Guidebook
While the deck often includes a "Little White Booklet" (LWB) with basic meanings, the Tarot of the Old Path Instruction Book is a comprehensive 160-page guide essential for fully grasping the deck's intricate symbolism.
Symbolic Depth: The book explains the unique "language of flowers" and animal symbolism integrated into each card by Gainsford, which often differs from standard modern interpretations (e.g., lavender signifies distrust rather than peace).
Contributor Profiles: It features biographies of the eight Wiccan consultants, grounding the deck in authentic pagan tradition.
Unique Spreads: Beyond the standard Celtic Cross, the book provides specialized layouts like the Witches Circle, the Astrology Spread, and Howard's Six-Card Spread.
Major Arcana Insights: It details the reasoning behind renamed cards, such as "The Lone Man" (Hanged Man) and "The Close" (Death), to better align with the "Old Religion". Accessing the "Tarot of the Old Path" Book PDF
As a 30-year-old publication, physical copies of the full-size guidebook can sometimes be out of print and sought after on eBay or through specialty retailers like US Games Systems. For those specifically seeking a digital version for study:
Scribd: A digital document titled TAROT OF THE OLD PATHa is hosted on Scribd, allowing users to read it online or download it as a PDF with a subscription.
Archive.org: While the specific "Old Path" guide may vary in availability, general Tarot reference books often used alongside it—like The Ultimate Guide to Tarot—are frequently available for free public viewing. Deck Structure and Themes
The deck follows the Rider-Waite-Smith system but reinterprets it through a pagan lens. The suits are renamed to reflect natural elements: Rods (Wands/Fire) Cauldrons (Cups/Water) Swords (Air) Coins (Pentacles/Earth)
The artwork features a "pseudo-medieval" style that emphasizes female energies and wisdom, making it a favorite for those practicing earth-based spiritualities. Tarot of the Old Path
The Tarot of the Old Path: A Guide to Wiccan Wisdom The Tarot of the Old Path
is a distinctive 78-card deck and companion book rooted in the traditions of the "Old Religion" or Wicca. Designed to bridge traditional tarot symbolism with modern pagan insights, it serves as a "magic tarot of female energies and wisdom". Origin and Creation
The deck was a collaborative effort born from the insights of a coven of eight witches who served as advisor-contributors.
Artist: Sylvia Gainsford, a member of the Fellowship of Isis, created the vibrant artwork.
Author: Howard Rodway wrote the companion guidebook, which provides detailed interpretations for each card.
Advisors: Notable Wiccan figures like Margot Adler, Janet and Stewart Farrar, and Patricia Crowther contributed to the deck's conceptual development. Unique Symbolism and Themes
Unlike standard Rider-Waite decks, the Tarot of the Old Path incorporates specific elemental and natural themes:
The Language of Flowers: Gainsford integrated her deep knowledge of floriography into the imagery. For instance, lavender on the Queen of Swords represents distrust, while a yellow lily on "The Lone Man" (The Hanged Man) signifies falsehood.
Animal Guides: The cards are rich with animal symbolism, such as butterflies representing the soul's journey.
Renamed Major Arcana: Several traditional cards are renamed to better fit the Wiccan theme: The Lone Man (The Hanged Man) The Close (Death) The Guide (Temperance) The Wise One (The Hermit)
Suit Variations: The suits are renamed to correspond with the four elements: Rods (Wands/Fire), Cauldrons (Cups/Water), Swords (Air), and Coins (Pentacles/Earth). The Companion Book Tarot of the Old Path
The Tarot of the Old Path is a highly regarded deck and book set created in 1990 by Howard Rodway and artist Sylvia Gainsford. It was designed with the consultation of several prominent Wiccans and Pagans to create a modern deck deeply rooted in the "Old Religion." 🔮 What is the Tarot of the Old Path Book?
The companion book is essential for mastering this specific deck. Unlike standard rider-waite clones, this deck features unique symbolism, plant lore, and alternative card names.
The Creators: Written by Howard Rodway, illustrated by Sylvia Gainsford.
The Experts: Consulted by Margot Adler, Lois Bourne, Janet and Stewart Farrar.
The Focus: Highlighting Wiccan practices, nature worship, and natural magic. 📖 Key Features of the Book
The guide provides deep insights that you cannot get from intuition alone. The Tarot of the Old Path is a
Detailed Card Meanings: Upright and reversed interpretations.
Botanical Symbolism: Every card features specific flowers and herbs with magical meanings.
Custom Spreads: Layouts designed specifically for this deck's energy.
Cultural Context: Explanations of Celtic and Pagan mythology used in the art. 📥 Can You Find a Tarot of the Old Path Book PDF?
Finding a legitimate digital copy of this specific book can be challenging due to copyright laws. 🟢 Legal Digital Options
Publisher E-Books: Check if the publisher (U.S. Games Systems) offers a licensed e-book version.
Internet Archive: You can sometimes borrow a digital scan of the book legally for a few hours through the Open Library.
Scribd or Kindle: Check authorized subscription services for a legal digital read. 🔴 Warning About Free PDF Downloads
Searching for a "free PDF" of this copyrighted book online often leads to risks:
Malware and Viruses: Many free PDF sites are fronts for malicious software.
Copyright Infringement: Downloading unauthorized copies violates the author's and publisher's rights.
Incomplete Scans: Pirate PDFs often lack pages or have poor image quality. 💡 How to Get the Most Out of the Deck
If you cannot find a legal PDF, you can still master the deck using these methods:
Buy the Physical Kit: The book is frequently sold bundled with the deck.
Study the Little White Booklet: The deck comes with a smaller, condensed booklet of meanings.
Keep a Tarot Journal: Create your own reference guide by studying the rich floral and Pagan symbolism on each card.
Title: Navigating the Legacy: An Informative Guide to "Tarot of the Old Path" and Its Digital Availability
Introduction
The "Tarot of the Old Path" is a distinctive entry in the world of esoteric cartomancy. Created by Sylvia Gainsford and Howard Rodway, this deck and its accompanying book have carved out a specific niche among enthusiasts of Wicca, Paganism, and natural magic. For students and collectors, the search for a "Tarot of the Old Path Book PDF" is a common quest, driven by the desire for instant access to the deck's complex symbolism.
This paper provides an objective overview of the "Tarot of the Old Path," analyzes the content of its guidebook, and discusses the context and considerations regarding the availability of the book in PDF format.
I. Origins and Authorship
The "Tarot of the Old Path" was first published in the early 1990s, a period that saw a resurgence of interest in Goddess spirituality and Earth-based religions.
II. Content and Structure of the Book
The book accompanying the deck is essential for a full understanding of the imagery. While the cards follow the standard 78-card structure (22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana), the book provides specific interpretative nuances.
III. Artistic Style and Visual Language
The PDF version of the book is frequently sought after specifically to decode the detailed artwork. Gainsford’s style is characterized by:
IV. The "Book PDF" Landscape: Access and Legality
The specific search query "Tarot of the Old Path Book Pdf" usually arises because physical copies of the book-and-deck sets can go out of print or become expensive.
V. Conclusion
The "Tarot of the Old Path" remains a significant work for bridging the gap between traditional tarot structure and modern Pagan theology. Its accompanying book is a valuable resource for decoding a visual language that speaks to the natural world and the cycles of the earth. While the demand for a PDF version highlights the modern shift toward digital learning, students of the tarot are encouraged to seek out authorized digital editions or physical copies to support the creators and ensure the preservation of this esoteric work. Final Verdict The Tarot of the Old Path
Disclaimer: This paper is for informational purposes only and does not facilitate or encourage the illegal downloading of copyrighted material.
Tarot of the Old Path guidebook, authored by Howard Rodway with art by Sylvia Gainsford, provides in-depth interpretations for this 78-card Wiccan-themed deck. While a full, free PDF is not legally available, the comprehensive 160-page manual can be found in physical sets from retailers like You can purchase the full set from
or explore detailed, card-by-card interpretations on websites like LearnTarot Tarot of the Old Path: Howard Rodway - Amazon.com
About the Tarot of the Old Path:
The Tarot of the Old Path is a tarot deck and book set created by Vicki Noble and Karen Vogel, first published in 1978. The deck is designed to reflect a feminist, goddess-centric perspective, drawing inspiration from various cultures and mythologies. The accompanying book provides interpretations and guidance for using the deck.
Review:
One reviewer on Amazon describes the book as "a classic in the tarot world" and "still relevant today." They appreciate the deck's focus on feminine power and the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth. The reviewer notes that the book is not only a guide to the deck but also a valuable resource for understanding tarot symbolism and intuition.
Key Features:
PDF Download:
As for a downloadable PDF version of the book, I couldn't find any officially available sources. However, some online archives and libraries might offer e-book versions or scanned copies of the book. You can try searching online platforms, such as:
Authenticity and Copyright:
Please be aware that downloading copyrighted materials without permission might be against the law. Make sure to verify the authenticity and legitimacy of any sources offering the book or deck for download.
If you're interested in exploring the Tarot of the Old Path, consider purchasing the original book and deck or looking for authorized digital versions from reputable sources.
How can I help you further? Are you interested in learning more about tarot readings or exploring other tarot decks?
The Tarot of the Old Path is a Wiccan-inspired deck and companion book set created by artist Sylvia Gainsford and author Howard Rodway, first published in 1990 by AGM-Urania and later U.S. Games Systems.
While digital previews and snippets exist on platforms like Scribd and Academia.edu, a full legal PDF version of the 160-page companion book is not officially available for free download. Book & Deck Overview
Wiccan Foundation: Developed with guidance from eight Wiccan advisors, the deck explores "female wisdom" and the magical "Old Path".
Symbolism: Notable for its heavy use of floriography (the language of flowers) and animal symbolism, which are detailed in the companion book.
Structure: Features 78 cards with unique names for several Major Arcana, such as Mastery (The Chariot), Wise One (The Hermit), and The Close (Death). Suits are renamed as Cauldrons (Cups), Rods (Wands), Swords, and Coins (Pentacles).
Companion Book Content: Beyond card interpretations, the full book includes a biography of the creators and an explanation for dedicating The Lovers card to romance novelist Barbara Cartland for her work with British gypsies. Where to Find the Book
Since the full text is under copyright, you can acquire it through these channels:
The Tarot of the Old Path, created by artist Sylvia Gainsford and author Howard Rodway, is a distinctive Wiccan-inspired deck designed to reconnect the Tarot with the "Old Religion". While the physical deck and its accompanying 160-page guidebook are classic staples of modern occultism, seeking the content in PDF format allows seekers to delve into its complex botanical and elemental symbolism digitally. A Wiccan Re-imagining of the Tarot
Unlike standard Rider-Waite-Smith-based decks, the Tarot of the Old Path was developed with the consultation of eight practicing witches. This collaborative effort ensured that the cards authentically reflect the "Old Path" of female wisdom and nature-based spirituality.
Several traditional Major Arcana titles were renamed to align with this theme:
The Magician becomes The Shaman, emphasizing a primal connection to elemental forces.
The Hanged Man is reimagined as The Lone Man, focusing on individual perspective rather than just sacrifice.
Temperance is renamed The Guide, illustrating the balance of male (electric) and female (magnetic) energies. The Language of Flowers and Nature
A hallmark of this deck is its extensive use of floriography (the language of flowers) and animal symbolism. Artist Sylvia Gainsford, a member of the Fellowship of Isis, integrated her deep knowledge of botany to add layers of meaning. For instance, a yellow lily on "The Lone Man" card may represent falsehood, a departure from more common floral interpretations. These natural elements transform each card into a dense study of environmental and spiritual interconnectedness. Esoteric Philosophy and Modern Utility
The companion book (often sought as a Tarot of the Old Path PDF) goes beyond simple card meanings. It frames the Tarot as a tool for psychic insight and inner transformation, bridging ancient esoteric traditions with modern psychological self-exploration. By changing the suits to Rods (Fire), Swords (Air), Cauldrons (Water), and Pentacles (Earth), the deck emphasizes a grounding in the natural world while providing a map for the soul's journey. Tarot of the Old Path
While the physical deck and book are still in circulation (often via second-hand markets like eBay or Etsy), they are frequently out of print and command collector’s prices. Consequently, many practitioners turn to the Tarot of the Old Path Book PDF. Here is why the digital format is so popular:
If you acquire the Tarot of the Old Path Book PDF, you can expect to find the following sections, each vital to understanding the deck’s unique system: