The Book of Shadows Tarot, particularly Volume 2 titled "So Below," represents a unique fusion of Wiccan spirituality and practical, everyday experiences. Created by Barbara Moore and published by Lo Scarabeo, this deck is designed to be accessible to a broad audience, regardless of their familiarity with Earth-based magic or specific Pagan traditions. Unlike decks that focus solely on universal cosmic workings, this volume emphasizes the application of spiritual principles within daily life. The deck’s philosophy is rooted in the concept that magic involves working with universal energies to effect change in the world, moving individuals toward greater comfort with their identity, actions, and direction.
The imagery in the Book of Shadows Tarot is distinct in its approach, utilizing soft colors and relatable archetypes. While some users note that the art may lack vibrancy compared to other decks, the visual style is intended to draw the viewer in and convey messages clearly. The deck consists of two volumes: "As Above," which focuses on the workings of the Universe, and "So Below," which grounds these concepts in the mundane. The Minor Arcana in this deck are particularly notable for their elemental focus, depicting energies that individuals may be aware of, working with, or ignoring. By observing the interaction of these elemental forces within the cards, readers can gain depth in their interpretations.
Structural and Artistic Composition
The Book of Shadows Tarot is structured around the traditional Major and Minor Arcana, but it diverges significantly from the standard Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) system in its Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana maintains a connection to RWS archetypes, ensuring that the core meanings remain recognizable to readers familiar with traditional tarot. However, the Minor Arcana is entirely unique, serving as a foundation for further study in astrology, the faces of the Goddess, physical realm magic, and various divinatory methods.
The deck is comprised of four suits representing the classical elements: Air, Fire, Water, and Earth. * The Suit of Fire draws upon astrological wisdom, focusing on the masculine energy of gods and depicting the Sun, Moon, stars, and planets. * The Suit of Water balances this masculine energy with representations of the Goddess in various forms, such as Flora, Saraswati, Ma’at, Cerridwen, and Hecate. * The Suit of Air explores methods of accessing Divine wisdom, including Runes, Pendulums, I Ching, and Tarot. * The Suit of Earth (or Pentacles) reveals magical sources found on the planet, reading the Earth’s "chapters" through liminal places like beaches, plant life, animal life, and mountains.
The physical characteristics of the deck are practical for readers. The cards are slightly smaller than the standard tarot size, measuring approximately 6 1/2 cm by 12 cm. Despite the smaller dimensions, the images remain impactful. The card stock is described as "slippy," which aids in shuffling and fanning, making the deck user-friendly for frequent use. The card backs feature a reversible design, accommodating readers who prefer or require that symmetry.
Interpretive Themes and Key Cards
The interpretation of the Book of Shadows Tarot relies heavily on the depiction of elemental energies and everyday scenarios. The deck encourages readers to look for how individuals on the cards are interacting with these energies.
- The 6 of Swords: This card illustrates a woman moving from darkness toward light. Unlike traditional depictions where a figure is ferried by another, this image shows the individual controlling her own thoughts and actions. It is a message of self-directed movement and mental transition.
- The Tower: One critique noted regarding this deck is the depiction of The Tower. In this version, the image shows a woman on the phone, with coloring suggesting anger, leading to the shattering of a cup. Some users find this imagery does not fully capture the catastrophic, earth-shattering nature typically associated with a Tower moment, suggesting a more personal or communication-based disruption.
- The Hermit: The depiction of the Hermit is relatable, though one reviewer noted a personal preference for the inclusion of a water bottle, symbolizing the physical necessities that accompany spiritual retreat.
- Strength: This card is viewed positively as a representation of self-comfort and confidence. The figure is depicted as radiating strength and freedom, unconcerned with societal norms or judgments, embodying the act of doing what one desires.
- The Book of Shadows (replacing The Hierophant): In the "As Above" volume, the traditional Hierophant is replaced by "The Book of Shadows." This card represents the tradition of recording spiritual experiences and knowledge. It signifies a dynamic, ever-evolving practice rather than a static dogma.
Elemental Suit Breakdown
To provide a clearer understanding of the deck's Minor Arcana structure, the following table outlines the elemental focus and key themes of each suit as described in the source material.
| Suit | Elemental Focus | Key Themes and Imagery |
|---|---|---|
| Fire | Masculine energy, Astrology | Depictions of the Sun, Moon, Stars, and planets; focus on gods and heavenly wisdom. |
| Water | Feminine energy, The Goddess | Representations of various Goddess faces (Flora, Saraswati, Ma’at, Cerridwen, Hecate). |
| Air | Divine Guidance, Divination | Methods of accessing wisdom such as Runes, Pendulums, I Ching, and Tarot. |
| Earth | Physical Realm Magic | Magical sources found in nature: liminal places (beaches), plant life, animal life, mountains. |
Spiritual Context and Accessibility
The Book of Shadows Tarot is deeply rooted in Wiccan and Pagan spirituality. It incorporates themes such as the pagan fire festivals and the concept of the Goddess. However, the deck is designed to be open and accessible to everyone, regardless of their spiritual background. The Little White Book (accompanying guide) suggests that the magic of the deck lies in its ability to help individuals make changes in their world that lead to being comfortable with who they are and where they are going.
The deck does not require the user to be well-versed in Earth-based magic or animal totems. Instead, it focuses on universal human experiences, actions, and feelings. This accessibility is cited as the deck's true power, allowing it to be used effectively for clients who may not share the specific spiritual framework of the deck but can readily recognize the messages portrayed in the relatable archetypes.
While the deck is celebrated by many for its unique approach, some critiques exist regarding the artistic execution. With four different artists credited for the illustrations, some users feel the deck has a disjointed feel. Furthermore, a specific critique mentions a lack of "light" in the imagery, which may affect the visual appeal for those who prefer vibrant or uplifting art styles.
Conclusion
The Book of Shadows Tarot Volume 2 offers a distinct approach to tarot reading by grounding Wiccan spiritual teachings in the context of everyday life. Through its unique elemental suits and relatable imagery, it provides a tool for personal insight and magical practice that is accessible to both seasoned practitioners and newcomers. Its structural deviation from the Rider-Waite-Smith system in the Minor Arcana offers a fresh perspective on elemental energies, encouraging readers to explore the interplay of the divine and the mundane. Despite minor criticisms regarding art style and specific card interpretations, the deck remains a valuable resource for those seeking to integrate spiritual awareness into their daily existence.