A Review of Women of Tarot: An Illustrated History of Divinators, Card Readers, and Mystics by Cat Willett

“Mystical history lies in mystery.”

Women of Tarot: An Illustrated History of Divinators, Card Readers, and Mystics by Cat Willett is a collection of the biographies of mystical women and women occultists throughout time, published on June 18, 2024.

Cat follows the history of tarot through the lens of influential women who have made it what it is today, weaving a web of discovery through the belief and practice of mysticism.

Many of these women weren’t recognized in their time or credited for their work, and this book helps to bring light to their continued impact.

Beginning with Nefertiti in 1370 and her royal rituals and ending in the present day with myself, making the story of tarot accessible to all, this book introduces the reader to the women who forged the rivers that flow beyond the rigid rules of society, refusing to relinquish the ancient stories that make up their bones.

Cat’s illustrations that accompany such a convoluted timeline keeps the reader interested, engaged, and inspired.

From the Chapter about Lady Frieda Harris

Illustration by Cat Willett

From Marie-Anne Lenormand’s Chapter

Illustration by Cat Willett

It’s an honor to be included in this book, holding the baton for further generations.

Using tarot in my daily life, I’m very familiar with some of the names in this book.

For example, there’s a biography on Pamela Colman Smith (1878-1951), whose work I reference to regularly. Her artwork is displayed on the Smith-Waite Tarot Deck, a set of cards that have become widely popular.

You’ll frequently see her work featured in Today’s Energy Reading.

Cat writes, “Through their work, Smith and Waite connected members of the greater society with the previously hidden aristocratic knowledge of tarot. Tarot was no longer a practice reserved for the elite members of secret societies; rather, it could now be obtained and understood by anyone with the ability to read.”

Cat writes, “Through their work, Smith and Waite connected members of the greater society with the previously hidden aristocratic knowledge of tarot. Tarot was no longer a practice reserved for the elite members of secret societies; rather, it could now be obtained and understood by anyone with the ability to read.”

There’s a race, with each participant bravely following their intuition, and it will continue on. This race is all about keeping the story of the human experience alive.

It’s not about speed, power, or greed.

It’s about truth.

Resisting the most common path for women became mislabeled as disobedience.

Rebellious women with unmarked graves are being brought back to life through Cat’s book.

Although rarely acknowledged, The Women of Tarot have made the biggest impact in our current understanding of mysticism, tarot cards, and spirituality.

Now, more than ever, this information is accessible through the internet, and the ability to connect and share stories has a wider reach than in the past.

History is always being uncovered and rewritten, and this book helps to clarify the impact of these influential women and uncover the roots of tarot in an easy to grasp fashion.

Overall, Women of Tarot by Cat Willett puts the spotlight on the women who’ve transformed pain into meaningful art. She follows the web of women’s intuition that turned a card game into poetry. It’s what we’ve been doing for centuries.

I recommend this book to not only those who are interested in tarot, but anyone who has a rebellious spirit. There are many who have come before you, and it’s empowering to reconnect with strong-spirited women who have rebelled against the norm to keep mysticism alive and make it more accessible.

Being featured in this book has grown the flame within me. I was reminded of an essential connection that’s shared between all women who follow their intuition.

Want to get yourself a copy? It’s now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever books are sold near you.