Newly revealed tarot and oracle decks arrive on Amazon, Etsy, crowd-funding platforms, and in bookstores each month. Right now there are actually hundreds of decks to select from, together with out-of-print decks in addition to revealed ones. Reviewing a deck is a subjective judgement supposed to assist readers decide in the event that they wish to personal the deck.

The vital evaluation of a deck for AskAstrology entails trying on the high quality and measurement of the playing cards, visible accessibility of the artwork, high quality of the companion guide or booklet, and potential usefulness in skilled apply. This month I’ve chosen to evaluation Shadowscapes Tarot by Stephanie Pui-Mun Legislation.

The Playing cards

From the again of the field:

Give up to the fantastical world of your deepest desires…the place butterflies float upon shifting mists set aglow by the rising solar. A spot the place twisting branches arc throughout shimmering skies, willowy fairies dance on air, and tree spirits sing from a hallowed oak. Delve into the shadows of your desires―and awaken to reality.

Weaving collectively Asian, Celtic, and fantasy kinds of art work, this breathtaking Rider-Waite-Smith-based tarot deck by famend artist Stephanie Pui-Mun Legislation is infused with common symbols present in fairy tales, myths, and folklore from cultures all over the world.

A companion guidebook presents the artist’s evocative interpretations of every card’s significance. It additionally options an introduction by award-winning tarot professional Barbara Moore that features tarot fundamentals, directions for giving insightful readings, and sensible spreads.

Concerning the writer:

Stephanie Pui-Mun Legislation is an artist based mostly in Oakland, CA. Her work is an exploration of the mythic arts, journeying via a surreal otherworld, to hunt the manifestations of need and archetype when seen with a shifted notion. A lot of her inspiration stems from mythology and folklore, mingled with the motion of dance, and the chaos of Nature’s wild progress.

Her work has been featured as inside and canopy artwork for quite a lot of shoppers together with Wizards of the Coast, LUNA Books, Tachyon Books. She has authored and illustrated Dreamscapes (North Gentle Books), a collection on watercolor method. She is the writer and illustrator of the tarot deck, the Shadowscapes Tarot (2009, Llewellyn Worldwide).

She displays authentic works with common exhibits throughout the nation in galleries in San Francisco, Seattle, Nashville, and San Diego. Her work has additionally been included within the Spectrum annual of implausible artwork for a number of years. (Amazon authors web page)

Card Inventory and Shuffling

Printed on light-weight cardstock, these playing cards have a shiny end with rounded corners, making them straightforward to shuffle, particularly for newbies. The playing cards flex easily and slide aside effortlessly with out sticking collectively. Nevertheless, with heavy utilization, the deck may require substitute inside a brief interval.

Paintings and the Visible Accessibility of the Deck

The art work is beautiful, extremely detailed, and wealthy in colours. Nevertheless, it isn’t what I’d take into account visually accessible. You can’t simply take a look at the playing cards and discern the that means, like you’ll be able to with a deck just like the Osho Zen Tarot or the Legislation of Attraction Tarot.

The Satan

Which means:

The Satan signifies dealing with internal fears and detrimental patterns. It urges you to confront addictions, materials attachments, and unhealthy relationships. Acknowledge the facility you’ve given to exterior forces and reclaim your freedom. Be cautious of manipulations or deceit. Embrace self-awareness, break away from limitations, and embrace constructive transformations to transcend the Satan’s affect.

5 of Pentacles

Which means:

When the 5 of Pentacles seems in a studying, the cardboard signifies monetary challenges and emotions of lack or isolation. Be cautious of focusing solely on materials wants, neglecting emotional and non secular well-being. Search assist from others and don’t hesitate to ask for assist. It encourages resilience and perseverance throughout tough instances. Do not forget that hardships are momentary, and higher days will come. Stay open to new alternatives and stay steadfast in your efforts to beat adversity.

9 of Wands

Which means:

The 9 of Wands seems in a studying and indicators resilience and perseverance amidst challenges. It’s possible you’ll really feel exhausted from previous struggles, however your willpower retains you shifting ahead. Take a second to evaluate your progress and regain your power. Put together for potential obstacles, however think about your talents to beat them. Keep targeted, shield your boundaries, and draw from previous experiences to realize your targets with confidence.

Clarification of the Playing cards

This deck comes with a companion guide that provides glorious, clear explanations for every card, together with ample steering. The guide’s introductory part supplies helpful recommendation on using the playing cards successfully, enhancing your general tarot expertise. It’s a helpful useful resource for each newbies and skilled readers.

Usefulness

As an expert reader, I discover this deck visually charming as a result of its lovely art work. Nevertheless, it has its limitations, primarily regarding the measurement of the playing cards in relation to the intricate particulars of the illustrations. The small playing cards make it difficult to discern the finer components with out a magnifying glass, which may disrupt the circulate of a studying and restrict the deck’s visible accessibility.

For skilled use, I’d not advocate this deck because of the measurement difficulty. Nevertheless, as a private assortment, it’s a pleasant addition, offering inspiration and appreciation for the artistry. With common apply and familiarity, you’ll be able to nonetheless derive worth from this deck at a private degree, connecting with its symbolism and messages on a extra intimate scale. Whereas it will not be superb for skilled readings, its attract and inventive magnificence make it an gratifying and helpful deck to have for private use.

Score

I give this deck 3 out of 5 stars. The meanings within the booklet are well-written, and intensely insightful. The art work is beautiful, however poorly delivered on playing cards which can be too small to do it justice.

The place to Purchase this Deck

For those who like this deck and want to buy a duplicate, you are able to do so on Amazon.