Welcome, spellcasters!
To advertise Marvel’s newest show, Agatha All Along, tarot designs were released that draw inspiration from the classic Rider-Waite deck. Let’s dive into each design and interpret what they reveal about the series’ themes and character journeys.
Back of the Deck
Blade and Chalice
Let’s start by examining the back of the deck. This design symbolizes Agatha’s coven, with two interlocking triangles that form a powerful image of balance and duality. Historically, this “blade and chalice” motif has represented the merging of male and female energies, or the unification of cosmic and earthly forces.
The Star of David is a well-known example, combining these two triangles to illustrate harmony and symmetry.
The hexagonal star was originally used by ancient civilizations like Egypt, where it was associated with the worship of the celestial star. Some interpretations associate the six points of the star with the original “old” planets known in ancient astrology.
These triangles coming together could represent a few things:
- The dual energies of the female witches and male Teen.
- The wisdom of magic merging with the planet’s stable energy.
- Agatha coming to terms with the Rio conflict.
- The complicated history and sacrifice that Agatha has endured with Rio.
- The reconnection of Agatha with her son.
- The internal conflict and reconciliation within Agatha herself.
Phases of the Moon
The next symbol is the circle of moon phases. Curiously, the phases of the moon are on the bottom triangle. Historically, the blade, or an upward-pointing triangle, is a symbol of masculinity that represents male force, dominance, and aspiration. It is a very phallic representation of masculinity.
There is only one male member of the coven, Teen, and he has never been part of an official coven, has never walked the trials of witchcraft. I think this is what the full moon cycle represents; the journey that Teen had to go through with these witches to find himself.
As we saw in Agatha All Along, Teen’s transformation had many layers. Each phase of the moon represents a new level of self-realization he gained on the Road.
Crescent Moon
The biggest mystery here is which phase of the moon the top circle represents. It is sitting over the top triangle, also known as the chalice. The chalice is a symbol of the divine feminine and is used to represent nurturing, restorative, and sustaining values. This symbol has been transformed into multiple concepts throughout time, including the magical Holy Grail, the all-knowing Cauldron of Ceridwen, and even the shape of the female womb. Considering this, it’s obvious that the top moon represents the journey of the witches. BUT, what version of the crescent moon does it symbolize? Waxing or waning?
The Waxing Crescent is a time to set intentions and hopes for the coming lunar cycle. It is a rebuilding phase, when the moon re-emerges with new energy; a time when senses are heightened and more sensitive. This is when practitioners are known to start new journeys or life plans. Does this represent starting the journey on the Witches’ Road?
Given what we’ve seen, the Waxing Crescent could also signify Agatha’s reclaiming of her identity and her power, as she began to remember herself and break out of the imposed identity of “Agnes.”
In contrast, the Waning Crescent represents a time for self-care, rest, and healing. This is when you surrender and let go of things that are out of your control to reconnect with yourself and find inner peace. Could this represent the journey of the Road itself? Reconnecting with the self and refinding one’s purpose as a witch. Consider how each of the trials are out of the witches’ control; they simply have to follow the rules to survive.
This phase could also be reflective of Agatha’s realization that the path to her power lies not in control, but in surrendering to her fate. Each trial peeled back her motives and revealed her vulnerabilities, forcing her to confront who she is without the shield of power.
Next week, we’ll look at the first card Lilia called out in the series: Three of Pentacles. Stay tuned! And make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out.
Stay magical!
– The Researcher –
Myths & Mischief 
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