Having a bee-themed deck for our first deck review here on the Tarot Hive was always a given, wasn’t it? So when the Keeper of the Sacred Bee Tarot by Kelly Burton showed up on eBay here in the UK, I didn’t hesitate. This Kickstarter indie deck had been on my wish list for a while and I’m now finally the proud owner of my very own copy. You can probably tell how excited I was to get my eager hands on this deck from the unboxing video below:
Keeper of the Sacred Bee Tarot Deck Specs
The Keeper of the Sacred Bee Tarot by Kelly Burton is a high-quality deck that completes the Journey of The Sacred Bee trilogy. The cards are printed on 350gsm cardstock with a smooth matte finish, ensuring durability and ease of handling. Each card measures 3 inches by 5 inches which is slightly larger than your standard RWS deck (2.75 inches by 4.75 inches). The deck features metallic edging and embossing on the card backs, adding a touch of elegance to the overall design.
In terms of design, the deck adheres to the Smith-Waite (aka Rider Waite or RWS) system, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced readers. The card titles remain consistent with traditional Tarot nomenclature, which makes it easy to read straight out of the box if you are familiar with that system. The art style is incredibly rich in symbolism, with vibrant and intricate illustrations that reflect the sacred journey of the bee, enhancing the depth and meaning of each card.
The deck comes in a beautiful golden orange flip-top magnetic box (my favourite) with a lilac satin ribbon. This sturdy box does a great job of protecting the cards and also makes them easy to access. So there is no need to transfer the cards over to a bag or wooden box.
Quote printed on the inside bottom of the box:
The consciousness of the beehive, not the individual bees, is of a very high nature. Humankind will not attain the wisdom of such consciousness until the next major revolutionary stage. – Rudolf Steiner
All in all, the practical and thoughtful packaging adds to the deck’s appeal, making it a valuable addition to any Tarot deck collection.
Keeper of the Sacred Bee Tarot Deck Interview
For this deck interview, I’m premiering my brand-new deck interview spread inspired by the vision I have for the Tarot Hive. This is the yardstick with which I will measure any future incoming decks. And, as you can see in the reading below, four out of six cards are from the Major Arcana. Additionally, the only two Minors are from the Suit of Wands which is fitting for a Bee (Solar/Fire)-themed deck. It’s safe to say, the deck and the spread played very well together!
1. The Deck’s Essence: Death
The Keeper of the Sacred Bee Tarot embodies the transformative energy of Death. At its core, this deck seeks to guide you through profound soul alchemy, offering clarity as you release what no longer serves. It holds the energy of transformation and rebirth, reminding you that endings pave the way for new beginnings and deeper wisdom.
2. How It Empowers You: The Hierophant
The deck empowers you by connecting you to sacred traditions and spiritual wisdom represented by The Hierophant. It encourages you to embrace the teachings that resonate with your soul while gently challenging outdated beliefs. This deck becomes a mentor, helping you align with your inner truth and values.
3. How It Connects You: The Moon
The Keeper of the Sacred Bee Tarot facilitates connection through intuition and mystery. It offers guidance in navigating the unknown, deepening your relationships by encouraging trust and vulnerability. This deck nurtures an emotional awareness that strengthens bonds within yourself and with others. It’s very much a deck that resonates with the One Mind and the universal conscious and subconscious realms.
4. The Magical Manifestor: Page of Wands
With the Page of Wands, this deck ignites the spark of inspiration and creative potential. It acts as a playful and curious guide, urging you to take bold steps toward your dreams. This card’s energy supports you in discovering new possibilities and embracing the magic of fresh starts.
5. Shadow Work Support: The Empress
The nurturing energy of The Empress provides a safe space for shadow work. This deck supports you in uncovering hidden aspects of yourself while cultivating self-compassion and growth. It helps you transform challenges into opportunities for personal healing and abundance.
6. The Gift of the Bee Goddess: 9 of Wands
The 9 of Wands represents the resilience and determination gifted by the Bee Goddess. This deck reminds you of your inner strength and the courage to persevere through life’s trials. Its wisdom encourages you to honour your boundaries and protect your energy while staying true to your path.
Make sure to check out my review of The Bee Tarot by Kristoffer Hughes and Nadia Turner as well!
