Baba Yaga Tarot Spread (2024)

Who is Baba Yaga?

We first hear of Baba Yaga by name twice in Mikhail V. Lomonosov’s Russian Grammar in 1755. She is shown as one deity, but in some stories she is part of a triad, a common theme for darker deities. A witch of the dark forest, she is associated with death, harvests and the wildness of nature.

A slavic deity completely unique, and even whilst a dark goddess, Baba Yaga doesn’t have an equivalent in other dominant pantheons. In Central and Eastern Europe, there were similar trait figures including the Bulgarian gorska maika (Горска майка’, ‘Forest Mother’, also the name of a flower); the Hungarian vasorrú bába (‘Iron-nose Midwife’), the Serbian Baba Korizma, Gvozdenzuba (‘Iron-tooth’), Baba Roga (from Bosnia, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia), šumska majka (‘Forest Mother’), and the babice; and the Slovenian jaga baba or ježibaba, Pehta or Pehtra baba and kvatrna baba or kvatrnica. In Romanian folklore, there are many identified similarities including Mama padurii (‘Forest Mother’) or Baba Cloanța referring to the nose as a bird’s beak. In neighbouring Germanic Europe, similarities have been observed between the Alpine Perchta and Holda (or Holle) in the folklore of Central and Northern Germany, as well as the Swiss Chlungeri.

According to Andreas Johns research, there are scholars that have proposed that the concept of Baba Yaga was influenced by East Slavic contact with Finno-Ugric and Siberian peoples. The “hut on chicken legs deep in the forest” plainly resembles huts raised on one or several stilts using stump with roots for the stilts, in popular use by Finno-Ugric peoples and also found in forests rather than villages. The stumps with roots may be uprooted and laid in a new place as in the example exhibited in Skansen, or in ground where it was felled. Like Baba Yaga’s hut, these are normally cramped for a person, though unlike Baba Yaga’s house they do not actively walk and also do not contain a stove, being intended as storehouses and not for living. The Karelian figure Syöjätär has some aspects of Baba Yaga, but only the negative ones, while in other Karelian tales, helpful roles akin to those from Baba Yaga may be performed by a character called akka (‘old woman’).

If you strongly value beauty or youth as a priority, you have a lot of shadow work to do. Crone energy is the feminine embodiment of wisdom, and if any oligarch or monarchy was involved, they would do whatever they could to undermine and misrepresent the importance of women sharing valuable knowledge.

Her dates are Jan 20th, and the first Full Moon in November. Her archetype is the wise old woman, and she represents duality in life: black, white, good, darkness, wild, crafted, help, hindrance.

Natural symbols of her are the birch tree, cauldrons, mortar and pestles, ovens, hearths, corn, iron, chicken bones, rye, wild flowers, thankfulness, phoenix, firebirds, three horns and many more.

What is Baba Yaga’s feast?

According to “It’s Raining Zen & Terra Luna”, her feast is celebrated over 48 hours and with all the gluttonous foods she would want. Different sources dedicate different times to her, but I’d suggest when you feel most connected to do throw a feast in her honour is the best time to dod so. Like most feast days in any calendar, an altar with items like mortar, pestle and broom would be displayed. Make use of her colours, her correspondences and themes as a way to work with her energy and celebrate her.

How to work with Baba Yaga

1. Riddles, puzzles, rhymes and wordplay all work well, so maybe you could create a piece dedicated to her – it could even be a rap if you’re that creative!
2. Read and enjoy her lore, stories, mythologies and histories.
3. Leave personal offerings that are important to you such as hair cuttings or fasting for a short period (maybe a day or two) to show seriousness.
4. Create a decorative wreath including corn shucks, and leave as an offering.
5. Russian caravan tea or Russian vodka dedicated to her – I once had a Balkan vodka that was 88% proof and it ruined me for a weekend, so I don’t advocate drinking it yourself, but using it as an offering or as part of your potion work.

Additional reading:

• https://shirleytwofeathers.com/The_Blog/pagancalendar/baba-yagas-feast-day/
• https://tarotpugs.com/2018/09/02/witchcraft-and-healing-with-baba-yaga/

To begin, shuffle your deck and draw a card for each position as shown in the layout below

Finally, take some time to reflect on the questions that each card position represents and what message the tarot cards in that position might be trying to tell you.

If you’re just starting to learn tarot, or if you’re still getting to know your deck, you may find my in-depth articles on the meanings of every tarot card helpful.

Card 1: Mortar Pestle Grind – What needs to be ground down and away to create new potency within me?

For this card placement, Baba Yaga is sharing what needs to be released or let go of in order for you to experience transformation and growth. The mortar and pestle are symbols of her alchemy, so pay attention to this card for insights into how you can refine your energy and remove any stagnant or negative influences. This may look like the 7 of Swords, and may indicate that you need to let go of old ways of thinking or patterns of behaviour that no longer serve you.

Card 2: Crone Callings – Why is Baba Yaga reaching out to me now?

She may be reaching out for good, bad, or grey area reasons. This card may reveal what obstacles or challenges you have been avoiding that need to be addressed in order for progress to be made. Baba Yaga’s broom is a powerful tool for sweeping away negativity and creating a clear path forward, so pay attention to this card for guidance on how to overcome any roadblocks. If you work with magick, using your own besom to aid you as you move forward would be a great way of honouring her energy. This may look like the Tower card, indicating a sudden upheaval or release that will ultimately lead to growth and transformation.

Card 3: Woodland Retreat – What is being asked of me to withdraw from or retreat to?

When looking to see what is being asked, we need to keep it broad instead of specific, because we know there are elements of wordplay and double meanings when we meet Baba Yaga at her cottage – she did ask us “Who are you? Who is this that comes?” The card may reveal what areas of your life need to be put on hold or reevaluated in order for you to gain clarity and rejuvenation. Baba Yaga’s cottage in the woods represents a sanctuary away from the chaos and noise of everyday life, where you can connect with your inner wisdom and intuition. This may look like the 4 of Swords, indicating a period of rest and reflection in order to recharge and refocus. It could also indicate the Hermit card, encouraging you to take time for introspection and soul searching.

Card 4: Animal Familiar – What instincts can I hone in on to make my path more finessed?

Baba Yaga is often associated with animals, particularly her familiars – the black cat and the crow. These creatures possess powerful instincts that guide them through life, and Baba Yaga herself relies on their guidance as well. When this card appears, it may be asking you to tap into your own animal instincts in order to navigate your path more skillfully. This could mean trusting your gut feelings, paying attention to signs and omens from nature or listening to your intuition more closely. It could also suggest developing a deeper connection with any animal allies you have or seeking out new ones for guidance.

Optional Card 5: The Chicken Foot – What is the power source of my ritual?

Have you ever raised energy with stamping your feet, clapping loudly or dancing? This card will show you a way to bring more power to your rituals during your current situations and desires – the chicken foot. In traditional folklore, the chicken foot is a powerful and protective talisman used by witches to ward off evil and bring luck. When this card appears, it may be asking you to incorporate elements of movement, rhythm or sound into your rituals in order to enhance their effectiveness. Think of the 6 of Swords, using a boat or being on water. This could mean incorporating dancing, chanting, drumming or any other form of physical expression that helps you raise and direct energy towards your intentions. It may look like the 5 of Wands, suggesting the use of conflicting personalities or community competition to fuel your ritual power (like a battle of the bands, or dance off competition), but the cards remind us that true power comes from within and harnessing our own energies in harmony with nature. The “chicken foot” reminds us that rituals are not just about words and symbols – they are also about connecting with our bodies and the natural world around us to amplify our magick. So stomp, clap, chant and dance your way to more powerful rituals and manifestation!

Optional Card 6: Trickster Moves – How can I prevent any ruses from tampering with my journey?

We always want to foolproof our journeys, forgetting that we are indeed the Fool ourselves. For this card, it will suggest a way to prepare and prevent any obstacles or tricks that may come our way. The card of Trickster Moves reminds us to stay one step ahead, always anticipating the unexpected and being ready to adapt and respond accordingly. The Eight of Pentacles could also be advising you to use your own cleverness to master the elements in front of you, or maybe the Two of Wands suggests partnering with someone who has the skills and resources to help you navigate any potential obstacles. Remember, no journey is ever completely smooth sailing – there will always be some twists and turns along the way. Trust in your abilities to handle whatever comes your way. Stay flexible, stay prepared, and don’t be afraid to get a little creative when it comes to outsmarting those tricky situations.

Generally speaking in some tales, Baba Yaga is portrayed as a wise and benevolent figure who helps those who seek her out for guidance. In others, she is seen as malevolent and cruel, using her powers to harm or trick those who cross her path.

Despite these conflicting portrayals, one thing remains constant – Baba Yaga is a powerful force to be reckoned with. Working with her can be a daunting and challenging experience, but it can also be immensely rewarding. It’s an energy to match, a threads balance between submission and dominate, and if you feel signs from Baba Yaga then you are likely being called to play. Until next time xox

This page is part of our collection of free tarot spread layouts. If you enjoyed the read, then you’ll love the following articles.

How to do a tarot spread to connect with deities

How to connect with Persephone with a tarot spread

How to connect with Hekate with a tarot spread

How to connect with Lilith with a tarot spread