The Bee Tarot: A Hive Mind of Symbolism and Insight
The Bee Tarot Boxed Set
Author: Kristoffer Hughes
Artist: Nadia Turner
Publication Date: 8 April 2024
Deck Specifications:
Number of Cards: 78
Card Dimensions: 7 cm x 11.75 cm (Standard tarot size—won’t cause existential crises when shuffling)
Guidebook: 296-page full-colour guide titled Into the Hive
Boarderless: Deck had no boarders
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
Inside The Bee Tarot Box Set
Buzzing Through the Deck
At first glance, The Bee Tarot is an earnest and well-constructed love letter to the natural world, particularly the highly structured, industrious, and frankly fascinating world of bees. Kristoffer Hughes—renowned author, Druid, and presumably a man who knows how to handle a honey dipper—infuses this deck with deep reverence for both traditional tarot archetypes and the mythology of the hive.
And while I fully appreciate a deck with a strong conceptual foundation, a few creative liberties took me by surprise. Chief among them: the suit of Cups has been replaced with Jars. Yes, Jars. Now, I understand the reasoning—bees, honey, jars—but there was a moment where my brain short-circuited at the shift. Cups, after all, carry emotional fluidity, spiritual depth, and the poetry of the human experience. Jars? Jars are for pickles and regrets at the back of the fridge. But, after some contemplation (and a strong cup of tea), I conceded that symbolically, it works. Honey is a sacred nectar, after all, and the hive is a vessel of emotional intelligence and interconnectedness. Still, let’s just say I didn’t fall head over wings for the change.
The Guide Book Cover & The Back of the Deck
But Jars weren’t the only titles to undergo a transformation. The Fool emerges as The Keeper, a fitting nod to the guardian of wisdom (and, presumably, the one ensuring the hive doesn’t descend into complete anarchy). The High Priestess takes on the mantle of The Melissae, an ancient term for bee priestesses, reinforcing her role as a sacred keeper of mysteries. The Hierophant transforms into The Delphic Bee, an elegant nod to the oracle traditions of Delphi, where bees were revered as messengers of the divine. The Lovers become The Honeymoon (a rather sweet, albeit literal, twist), while The Chariot buzzes in as The Barrow, conjuring imagery of movement and tradition tied to the hive. Beyond these, a few other minor adjustments to the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith titles appear, making for a deck that truly leans into its unique, hive-minded vision.
The Art: Stunning, Just Not My Brand of Stunning
Nadia Turner’s illustrations are, objectively speaking, exquisite. There is an undeniable grace in how the cards are composed—the colour palette, the intricate linework, the soft but vivid atmosphere. Every card is a miniature ecosystem teeming with life, much like an actual hive. If you love nature-inspired tarot with an ethereal yet grounded quality, you will absolutely swoon.
That said, and here’s where personal preference rears its opinionated little head, this particular style of art doesn’t quite make my heart sing. It’s like being served an exquisitely plated meal that, while beautiful, isn’t exactly to my taste. I can still appreciate the craftsmanship, but my personal visual preferences lean in another direction. No shade—just a matter of aesthetic alignment.r it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
The Prince of Wands
The Guidebook: Rich, Yet Leaves Me Hungry
Hughes’ accompanying guidebook Into the Hive is, as expected, well-written, thoughtful, and rich in symbolism. His deep love for the subject matter is evident, and there’s an underlying warmth to the text that makes it engaging. However—and this is a purely personal quirk—I found the interpretations just a little too… tidy.
I like guidebooks that feel like a layered conversation, ones that open doors instead of just handing you the key and walking away. Into the Hive certainly provides valuable insights, but at times, I found myself wanting more dimension, more provocation, more of those delicious little moments that make my brain whir like a well-tuned tarot engine. This, of course, could just be my problem. I have a curious mind that refuses to be satisfied with a single perspective, so your mileage may vary.
A look inside the guide book
Final Thoughts: To Bee or Not to Bee?
Overall, The Bee Tarot is an intelligent and thematically cohesive deck that seamlessly weaves tarot tradition with the rich lore of the hive. While a few stylistic choices didn’t entirely resonate with me (Jars, I’m looking at you), the deck is undoubtedly a labour of love. The artwork is stunning (even if not my personal style), and the guidebook, while not as layered as I’d prefer, is still an excellent resource.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely—especially if you have an affinity for nature, bees, or just want a deck that brings a fresh and structured perspective to tarot. Plus, it’s Llewellyn, so you know the cardstock is going to be that lovely matte-finished shuffle dream.
So, if you’re a lover of bees, folklore, and symbology with a buzz, this deck might just be your honey jar (see what I did there?).
Big love, Avalon
PS, if you are a paying member of my Patreon (March 2025, you might win the chance to receive this deck as a gift. Head on over to my Patreon and see what other giveaways I have going on:
