Review: The Shadowland Tarot

The Shadowland Tarot

Author: Monica Bodirsky

Red Feather/Schiffer Publishing, 2020

Description: 78 card deck, 208 page companion guide, Schiffer signature box with magnetic closure lid.

“This deck and book explore the realm of shadows and shadow work to help you seek the wisdom and light of self-awareness.”

The Shadowland Tarot follows the traditional Waite-Smith Tarot system; however the author has changed two of the Major Arcana cards: the Fool is now the Seeker, and the Judgement is Discretion. The artwork of the deck pulls from traditional cards, but is unique in its style. The images are meant to cast light on the shadows to aid in shadow work.

The guidebook first takes you into the reasoning behind this deck and the intent of the author.

"When you use The Shadowland Tarot you will see yourself, your personality, and others reflected within the artwork. After all, aren't we all monsters and misfits to some extent, given our individual quirks and differences?"

The two-page layout for each card is perfect for this deck, with just enough information to make your journey exciting and guided.

After exploring each card, the author leaves you with tips on how to use the deck, guided symbolism, and spreads designed specifically for this deck.

The Three of Wands shows an octopus perched upon a rock, holding candles, lighting the way for a ship to enter the harbors.

"You are lighting the way for many people right now, and they rely upon you to navigate life more than your realize."

Reflection: Am I prepared to respond when opportunity shows itself?

Shadows: Solitary, failure, inaccuracy

The Eight of Pentacles shows an artist decorating a collection of skulls. He is focused and patient as he creates his artwork.

Reflection: What skill do I feel I could use to improve my current situation?

"This message often appears when you are seeking more from your life and are not sure where to begin."

The matching drawstring bag, sold separately, makes a great addition to complete the set. 

I recommend this deck to anyone wanting to do shadow work, but also for any tarot reading. 

Grab your copy from Red Feather/Schiffer Publishing.

(Review Product supplied by Schiffer Publishing)

Review: The Grail Tarot

The Grail Tarot

Author: John Matthews

Illustrator: Giovanni Caselli

Red Feather/Schiffer Publishing, 2020

Description: 78 Card Deck, 192 page companion book

"The Grail Tarot brings together two of the most enduring and enigmatic mysteries of the Middle Ages: that of the Holy Grail, once described as the holiest relic in Christendom, and the Order of the Poor Knights of Christ and the Temple of Solomon, better known as the Knights Templar."

Schiffer Publishing has brought back The Grail Tarot from the previous published, out of print, edition of 2007.

The cards of the Major Arcana "form a continuous frieze when laid side by side, creating a landscape in which events follow each other somewhat in the manner of a cartoon." The four suits of the Minor Arcana also form a sequence, following the journey of the seeker.

The guidebook begins with a brief history of The Grail and the Knights Templars, and then delves into the cards. Matthews begins with a short overview of the Major Arcana. Each individual card is described in a short paragraph, presented with a background, and meaning. He also offers a Grail Question for each of the cards. 

The Gnostic Christ/Grail Question: What knowledge informs your life?

After a brief overview of the Minor Arcana, the author gives an overview of the suit and then the individual cards, including description, background and meaning.

The Two of Lances, traditionally the Two of Wands, shows: Gray skies and lashing rain. The knight stands dejectedly at a crossroads, soaked and bedraggled, his former determination gone. Hidden within the rain is the shape of the lance, but the knight cannot see it because he is turned inward on his own feelings.

The One of Vessels, traditionally the Ace of Cups, brings "the presence of bounty, fulfillment, plenty-the richness of life itself. The Seeker rediscovers the joy of the quest."

Matthews closes the guidebook with a chapter on Working with The Grail Tarot where he offers some thoughts on getting to know the deck and a variety of different spreads to use with this deck, along with sample readings.

I recommend this deck to anyone who wants a better understanding the mysteries of The Holy Grail and The Knights of Templar. 

 

Grab your copy from Red Feather/Schiffer Publishing.

(Review Product supplied by Schiffer Publishing)

Visit Rowan Tarot for some more thoughts on this deck and a sample reading.

Review: The Transparent Tarot 2nd Edition

The Transparent Tarot 2nd Edition

Author: Emily Carding

Red Feather/Schiffer Publishing, 2020

Description: 78 Card Deck, 304 page companion book, Schiffer signature box with magnetic closure lid.

I'm very excited to have this deck. I own the original, but this second edition has so many improvements.

The new packaging is so much better. The original came in a big bulky box that didn't fit into my collection. Now it's in one of Schiffer's signature boxes with the magnetic closing lid.

The dull cloth has been replaced with a shiny layout cloth. The cards no longer stick together as in the original. And the companion book has added material. There's a new chapter on combining this deck with other decks and a new keyword table for quick reference. 

With all the improvements, I would definitely seek out the 2nd edition over the original.

Of course, if this is your first look at the Transparent Tarot, you may be wondering what this deck actually has to offer over other Tarot decks. This is a very unique deck that allows for layering your reading.

As single cards, the images are relatively simple. The Fool features a butterfly and a small white rose. Why a butterfly as the main feature of this card? The author says, "The butterfly and its incredible journey from caterpillar to chrysalis to winged beauty are a powerful symbol of transformation, and it is that potential for transformation that the Fool represents."

A look at some card combinations shows the complexity of this deck as a whole.

The layering of these four cards shows a very active creative project from the burst of ignition all the way to the final steps of creation. You have a team working toward the completion of this project.  

This layering shows a time of mental anguish. The fears and negativities of the situation is mostly in your head, but as the Ace of Swords slices through those fears, leaving you with the reality of the moment, you feel like the whole situation was a waste of time. Although this may seem dark, with every end, there is a new beginning. Getting through this moment is in itself an achievement.

I recommend this deck to anyone who wants to go a little deeper into the Tarot. The layering effect is sure to bring you a better understanding of the individual cards and more clarity to your overall readings.

Grab your copy from Red Feather/Schiffer Publishing.

(Review Product supplied by Schiffer Publishing)

See other posts on the original deck for more card images and thoughts on this amazing deck.

Review: The Transparent Tarot (originally published on The Examiner)

The Transparent Tarot by Emily Carding (a sample reading)

Do You Dare Succeed? (a sample reading)

Review: Kipper Oracle Cards

Kipper Oracle Cards

Author: Alexandre Musruck

Red Feather/Schiffer Publishing, 2020

Description: 36 card deck, sturdy cardboard box, with magnetic closure

Card Size: 3 ¼ inches by 5 1/8 inches 

The Kipper Oracle Cards is the companion set to the guide The Art of Kipper Reading. The deck consists of 36 cards and comes in the Schiffer signature box with magnetic closure lid. The cards are made of good card stock and have a gold trim, with no flaking. It does not come with a little white book, so if you are new to Kipper you will need a guide, the companion book or another source.

I recommend this deck for beginners with the separately sold companion book, or anyone who is already familiar with the Kipper cards.

Grab your copy from Red Feather/Schiffer Publishing. 

See Companion Book review.

(Review Product supplied by Schiffer Publishing)

Review: The Art of Kipper Reading: Decoding Powerful Messages

The Art of Kipper Reading: Decoding Powerful Messages

Author: Alexandre Musruck

Red Feather/Schiffer Publishing, 2020

Description: Card Size: Paperback, 288 pages

“with Kipper cards, the position of the seeker is Key!”

The Kipper cards are similar to the Lenormand, but with its own personality. When I first came across these cards, I was intrigued by the 36 card deck. I wish I’d had this book from the beginning. Alexandre Musruck has written the one guide you need to uncover the secret of reading this German deck and have accurate readings.

The Author gives a brief history of the deck, a short introduction to the individual cards. 

The bulk of the book covers the meanings of each card and their connection to one another. In each card section, there are the basic keywords, core meaning, mantra, influence, direction, quick answer, and topic card. Each section has card combos, plus positional combos for the people cards. 

The author wraps up the book with some spreads and reading examples, diving deep into the Grand Tableau layout, and a few more additional tips. At the back of the book, you find 32 pages devoted to your own Kipper Journal.

I recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn to read the Kipper Cards.

Grab your copy from Red Feather/Schiffer Publishing. 

See Companion Deck review.

(Review Product supplied by Schiffer Publishing)