The Book of Shadows Tarot, created by Barbara Moore and published by Lo Scarabeo, is a unique tarot deck designed to express and contain modern pagan spiritual teachings. It is presented as a two-volume set, with Volume 1 titled "As Above" and Volume 2 titled "So Below." This deck is specifically crafted to resonate with pagan and Wiccan beliefs, although it remains accessible to readers of all backgrounds. The Major Arcana cards represent fundamental principles of Wicca, serving as an educational tool for beginners to form a basis for further study. The deck follows archetypal ideas expressed in traditional tarot but interprets them from a pagan perspective, making it an excellent reading platform for those following an earth-based spiritual path.
The structure of the deck is built upon Wiccan themes. The minor arcana are assigned their elemental names, corresponding to the suits of air, fire, water, and earth. The court consists of knaves, knights, queens, and kings. The deck follows the traditional Rider-Waite system in its general structure and meanings, with Strength as card 8 and Justice as card 11. However, there are some minor changes to the naming of the Major Arcana cards in Volume 2, such as "The Hierophant" becoming "The Hyerophant," "The Chariot" simply "Chariot," "The Wheel of Fortune" as "The Wheel," and "The Star" as "The Stars." The deck also features gender fluidity in its court cards; for example, the King of Wands, Knight of Wands, Knight of Swords, and King of Swords are depicted as female. This emphasizes that the cards represent the energy of the person rather than their sex.
Deck Composition and Visuals
The Book of Shadows Tarot is visually distinct. Volume 1, "As Above," focuses on the workings of the Universe and draws on Wiccan and pagan themes, including pagan fire festivals. It also incorporates some eastern imagery. The artwork for Volume 1 is noted by some reviewers to have a disjointed feel due to the involvement of four different artists, and it is described as lacking "light" in the imagery.
Volume 2, "So Below," focuses on how Wiccan spirituality can be practiced in everyday life. The artwork for this volume is described as softly colored, with images that are not overly vibrant but are deeply engaging. The cards are smaller than average, measuring 6.5 cm x 12 cm, but this does not negatively impact the imagery. The cards are noted to be very "slippy," making them easy to shuffle and fan. The card back is reversible, suitable for readers who use reversible card meanings.
The imagery in Volume 2 is praised for its ability to convey messages effectively. For instance, the Queen of Wands is depicted as a woman who is unconcerned with societal norms, radiating strength, confidence, and freedom. This card, along with others, is highlighted for its powerful and inspiring depiction of personal power.
Spiritual Focus and Accessibility
The core philosophy of the deck is encapsulated in the phrase "Magic … is working with universal energies to create change in the world." Volume 2 specifically aims to show that magic is found in everyday experiences and in making changes that move individuals towards comfort with themselves and their life path. While the deck is deeply rooted in Wiccan spirituality, it is designed to be open and accessible to everyone, regardless of their familiarity with earth-based magic or animal totems. The publisher states that the deck allows users to encounter beautiful gods and goddesses, joyous Sabbat celebrations, spell-weaving rites, and vivid scenes central to Pagan spirituality.
Companion Book and Reading Tools
The companion book, often referred to as the Little White Book (LWB), is a typical Lo Scarabeo production. It is 64 pages long, with only 14 pages in English; the rest are in Italian, Spanish, French, and German. For a more comprehensive book, one would need to purchase the kit that contains both volumes. The LWB provides a "Divinatory meaning" and a "Reversed" meaning for each card, though each is typically only a single sentence.
Despite its brevity, the book includes one highly recommended spread: the "Almost All Purpose Spread" (a 6-card spread). This spread is noted to provide a wealth of information and has been deemed worthy of inclusion in tarot journals for regular use.
Conclusion
The Book of Shadows Tarot is a specialized deck that successfully integrates Wiccan and pagan themes into the traditional tarot framework. It offers two distinct perspectives: Volume 1 ("As Above") provides a view of universal workings and spiritual principles, while Volume 2 ("So Below") grounds these principles in the practicalities of daily life. Its strength lies in its ability to be both a tool for spiritual education and a practical guide for personal change, all while remaining accessible to a broad audience beyond the pagan community. With its unique artwork, gender-inclusive court cards, and practical reading tools like the "Almost All Purpose Spread," it serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to explore spirituality through the lens of tarot.