The Book of Shadows Vol. 1 is not officially out in the UK yet, but I somehow managed to get my hands on an early copy via eBay. My only regret is that I didn't order two as my friend wanted one as soon as she saw them and now the eBay seller seems to have run out. Doh!
As indicated, this deck is Vol. 1 (out of two) and is subtitled 'As Above' with Vol. 2 quite naturally being 'So Below.' This is such a great concept. The first volume establishes the spiritual principles from a Pagan point of view and the second volume shows how they are practically applicable in the modern world.
At a glance, the artwork is quite dark but without being sinister. The colours are muted and even though three artists have collaborated on this project, the end result has a unified feel to it.
The Majors are centred around the Wheel of the Year and principles of magick, and the minors are labelled according to the Element names for each suit:
Air for Swords
Fire for Wands
Water for Cups
Earth for Pentacles
The court cards have Elementals for Pages, Maidens for Knights, Mothers for Queens and Crones for Kings. The Elementals have the symbols for each Element in the top border triple moon crest and the other court cards have the corresponding lunar phase within the crest: New Moon for Maiden, Full Moon for Mother and Waning/Dark Moon for Crone.
To me, the most fascinating suit in this deck is Fire/Wands because of how each of the minors have been associated with one of the planets in our solar system. Wow!! This opens up so many layers of interpretation. I was in love with the artwork of these gorgeous cards from the off but with the planetary Fire minors, it's fair to say I'm bowled over. It's a stroke of genius.
Also, there are many, many cards in this deck that give new and deeper meaning to already existing archetypes. As much as I love the artwork in the Steampunk Tarot, the Book of Shadows Tarot so has the edge when it comes to both depth and innovation.
Deck Interview with the Book of Shadows Vol. 1
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| Click picture to enlarge |
1. Describe yourself in three words or less
Magical realist (Knight of Pentacles)
2. How would your best friend describe you using only three words or less?
Safe place (6 of Pentacles)
3. What gifts do you bring?
Like Brigid, I bring light and healing into the world. The greater the darkness, the brighter I shine. I excel at assisting with starting over and new beginnings. I illuminate the path before you. You can use me to see what to leave behind and what to take with you. Together, we can make change a little less scary and see healing, hope and possibilities where others may just see loss. (Imbolc/The Star)
4. What do you expect in return?
You will be expected to align your heart and mind and to keep the peace. You will need to transcend the intellect and learn to pierce the illusion of duality. (2 of Air)
5. How can you help me serve?
You have in your hands a tool for pathworking on a path of your own making. I'm your ally on the path less travelled. (The Path/The Hermit)
6. Is there anything else you would like to tell me about yourself?
Sure. You wanted to know how to sustain the Fire and be less 'phosphorous'... I will help you with that so that by the time of your croning you will completely own your Fire. Call on Salamander for help if you feel lost.
Read more about the release of Vol. 2 and other 2013 LoScarabeo/Llewellyn releases HERE.
Angel Blessings,
Lisa
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11 comments:
Wow, this is a jewel, Lisa! Thank you for bringing it to my attention! I loved your interview.
So glad you enjoyed the interview, Zanna!
Lovely post Lisa how did I not know about this! And thanks for enabling me once more lol xx
This deck looks scrumptious! Thanks for the deck interview and a hint of the pics...I am DYING to see them bigger to see which cards are which etc.
I've been anxiously awaiting this decks release...I do know the 1st Tarot does come with a book...did you get the kit?? The 2nd Tarot just comes by itself...I thought this wasn't getting released until Sept? Hmmmm....I'll go check my usual sources!
Thanks Anton! Always happy to help with that :D xx
"." if you click on the picture, you will be able to see the cards better. i didn't get this deck as a kit, just the deck on its own. but it makes sense that it comes with a book if Barbara Moore is involved in the production.
I am buying this now :), and FYI some more copies are available on ebay, blessings xx
Thanks, Anton - I already got another copy for a friend... Enjoy yours! :) xx
Great interview! I just did a post mentioning the behind the scenes movie at Llewelyn. Will now edit to make a link to your interview! Lovely idea these interviews.
Nelly
Great interview. I just did a post mentioning the behind the scenes video from Llewellyn. Will now go back and edit to link to your interview. Lovely idea these interviews!
Thanks Nelly! That's a great little behind the scenes video.
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