The Shadowscapes Tarot was created by fantasy artist Stephanie Pui-Mun Law and published by Llewellyn in 2010. It is a 78 card deck, based on the traditional tarot imagery and symbolism of the Rider-Waite Smith deck. This deck is an enchanting blend of motion, mood and beauty and it has become one of my top five tarot decks to read with.

Likes:

• Engaging artwork – you can gaze at a card all day!
• Artwork captures the energy of the card’s meaning
• Deck has a good feel to it – cards are the right thickness and texture
• There are no “scary” cards in this deck

Dislikes:

• Cards are very detailed and the images are quite small, which can make them seem “busy” and I often find myself wishing the cards were bigger!

First I must say that I have a very large collection of tarot decks and within that collection I have a smaller collection of decks that I actually use for readings on a frequent basis. This collection includes The Robin Wood Tarot, Crystal Visions Tarot, Universal Waite Tarot, Osho Zen Tarot and….Shadowscapes Tarot!

I truly enjoy using the Shadowscapes Tarot deck, particularly for doing readings with friends, because everyone always loves them – the cards have a positive vibe, are fascinating to look at and there is not a single frightening card in the whole deck.

While the artist Stephanie Law has based her deck on the Rider-Waite symbolism, her cards offer fresh interpretations of the card meanings, so that it is not just another rider-waite clone. Also, each card has a distinct feel to it, so there is never that feeling of sameness throughout all the cards. Each and every card has a unique feel and gives you the feeling that you are entering into a different world.

There is a real feeling of movement and energy in these cards. When you do a large layout, like the Celtic Cross Spread, you can clearly see how the energies are moving when you take a step back and look at the reading as a whole. I am sure you can do this with other decks too, but it seems much easier with the Shadowscapes Tarot. When I was browsing the artist’s site, I came across this bit of info, which made perfect sense: “Her background of over a decade as a flamenco dancer is also evident in the movement and composition of her paintings. Every aspect of her paintings moves in a choreographed flow, and the dancers are not only those with human limbs.”

The Shadowscapes Tarot Cards are great for meditating on. The more you look at a card, the more insight you will get from it. I find this deck really useful for doing my own personal readings as you can get insights from this deck like no other. The Shadowscapes Tarot Deck has many layers and reading with it is like peeling off the layers of an onion. If you ever feel like you come up short for things to say when you are doing readings, this deck will cure that!

The feel of these cards are really quite nice. The Shadowscapes Tarot cards have a matte finish and are just the right thickness, in my opinion. They feel great to shuffle and fan out.

This deck also comes with a companion book. The book includes some basic information on how to do a tarot reading and a few different tarot spreads, but the majority of the book is dedicated to the artist’s interpretations of the cards. The book is beautifully written and includes larger, black and white, blown up pictures of each tarot card, which is nice since the cards are so detailed. You have the option of just purchasing the cards without the book (note: all Amazon.com links are my affiliate links) for a few dollars less, and honestly, while the book is nice, it isn’t a must-have. If you are new to Tarot and don’t have many tarot books, I would say get the deck and book set, but if you already have lots of books with tarot card meanings, you can skip getting the companion book.

My only complaint with the Shadowscapes Tarot Deck is that the artwork is so detailed that it feels like the cards should be a bit larger. The cards are standard Tarot Card size, yet I feel like some of the detail is hard to see.

Buy this deck if:

• You are searching for a more complex Tarot Deck
• You want a gentle, yet powerful Tarot Deck
• You love fantasy art!

 

Click here to purchase Shadowscapes Tarot on Amazon.

Do you own the Shadowscapes Tarot Deck? How do you like using it in Tarot Readings?

 

Read more Tarot Deck Reviews…

When I first watched Doreen’s promotional video for her Angel Tarot Cards on YouTube and heard her say that this deck was a “totally safe and gentle deck”, I thought oh great, a tarot deck for wimps. Virtue wanted to create a tarot deck that was 100% safe and positive without sacrificing any of the depth and wisdom of traditional tarot cards, so she teamed up with tarot expert Radleigh Valentine and Artist Steve A. Roberts to create Angel Tarot Cards.

The scarier cards like Death, The Devil and The Tower have been re-imagined so that their images and messages are more uplifting. I was anxious to find out whether these cards would be a unique and useful addition to my tarot collection or just another deck that I use for bookmarks and coasters….

Likes:

• Court cards are easier than ever to interpret
• Card meanings are written right on the card
• Artwork is appealing and interesting to study
• Cards are slightly larger than a regular tarot deck

Dislikes:

• The water suit is very dark in color and the mermaids are a bit spooky
• Large size of deck makes it difficult to shuffle

Angel Tarot Cards remind me of oracle cards because they are slightly bigger than most tarot cards and the card’s meaning is written on the bottom. This makes it a perfect deck for those not familiar with tarot – and also good for days when you are feeling lazy and can’t be bothered remembering what the card meaning is!

However, the larger size of the cards, combined with their thickness make it a pretty hefty deck that is not the easiest to shuffle. On the plus side, these cards are sturdy and glossy and will wear very well over time. They don’t have the gold edges that many of Virtue’s oracle decks have, but honestly, I don’t miss it. (update: these cards now have silver lined edges)

I especially like the court cards. Just below the cards name are four characteristics of that court card. For example, the King of Earth is “generous, professional, responsible, practical” and at the bottom of the card is its meaning: “A successful time. Confidently accept opportunities you’re offered. The Midas touch.” I find court cards can be tricky to interpret sometimes, but having the characteristics and meaning right on the card makes it a breeze.

You can spend quite a bit of time just examining these cards, as the artwork by Steve A. Roberts is both beautiful and intriguing. Many of the cards depict life on some other planet, with multiple moons glowing in the background and magical creatures like mermaids, unicorns and dragons prancing about. Even Doreen Virtue herself shows up in the Nine of Water as a happy mermaid.

Angel Tarot Cards are unique in that they are truly uplifting and safe without being sappy and meaningless. Often, I find decks that are all rainbows and lollipops can be as infuriating and insulting as the time when everyone in my elementary class got an “A” for effort. Huh? What’s the point?

Not so with this deck. For example, Life Experience replaces The Tower and the caption on the bottom says “A significant life event. A powerful revelation that leads to change. Time to spread your wings.”

So you can see how you could interpret this card in both positive and meaningful ways without scaring the crap out of your client!

Another thing I really appreciated about Angel Tarot Cards is that apart from all the angels it is a non-religious deck. Some of Doreen’s other decks make reference to God and Heaven. While this doesn’t bother me personally, I hesitate to use it with clients whose religious attitudes are unknown to me.

Enough gushing. Now onto my major complaint…..

I don’t really love the Suit of Water. The mermaids look like corpses or ghosts on some of the cards and in a couple water cards, I can see a shark lurking in the shadowy depths. Ahhhh!

The coloring of this suit is very dark and has a foreboding feel to it, like a storm is brewing and it just gives this suit a generally cold and depressing vibe. But I will say that the water court cards are my favorite in the whole deck, particularly the Queen of Water.

Buy this deck if….

• You have little or no previous knowledge of Tarot
• You are an avid deck collector and want something a bit different
• You find traditional tarot cards to be scary and harsh
• You like angels and you are a fan of Doreen’s other decks
• You love gorgeous fantasy art

Doreen Virtue cranks out a few oracle decks each year and if you already have some of her other decks then it can feel like just another Doreen Virtue deck. However, this deck is different and even if you already have all of her other decks, you wont be disappointed in this one.

A lot of thought and creativity has been put into Angel Tarot Cards and while it is a more positive and safe re-imagining of the traditional Rider-Waite deck, it does not lose its power as a tarot deck. Angel Tarot Cards are definitely a tarot deck worth owning!

Click here to purchase this deck on Amazon (this is my affiliate link).

Read more Tarot Deck Reviews!

Life Purpose Oracle Cards by Doreen Virtue
Crystal Visions Tarot by Jennifer Galasso

Welcome to my tarot deck reviews page, where I give honest, straight up reviews on Tarot Card Decks and Oracle Decks. If you are shopping for a new pack of Tarot Cards, my Tarot Deck Reviews should give you a good idea of whether or not you will enjoy a particular deck. Some of the reviews also have a video component, which gives you a good sense of what the cards are like.

Tarot Deck Reviews:

 

Shadowland Tarot by Monica Bodirsky
This deck is full of witchy critters, delightful monsters and fascinating creatures making it the perfect tool for shadow work and self exploration.

 

Modern Love Tarot by Ethony
This deck is everything I look for in a Tarot deck – bright colours, matte finish cards, relatable scenes & characters and good vibes….

 

 

The Spacious Tarot by Carrie Mallon & Annie Ruygt
The older and more irritable I get, the more I have come to appreciate decks that have a simple art style – something that leaves you lots of room to breathe and contemplate. The Spacious Tarot excels at doing just that!

 

Accurate AF Tarot
This deck has so much to love – soft pastel colours with a buttery matte finish and a simple, calming style of artwork that beckons your intuition….

 

 

Black Cat Tarot by Helena Isabel Isidro de Almeida
When I first took this deck out of the box, I fell in love with the card backs – they’re very cute and eye catching. The style of this deck is simple and uncluttered with the only colours being black, white and ochre yellow…

 

Lux Ex Umbra Tarot
My first impression of this deck is that it’s a high quality Tarot deck, full of imagery that seems to glow and pulse with life. But let’s dig a little deeper…

 

 

Tarot of Why by R. Campbell
Created while on tour with Cirque du Soleil and originally only intended for personal use, R Campbell decided to print multiple copies of the deck at the urging of a co-worker. And I’m glad he did! Have a look and see what makes this deck so special…

 

The Dark Mansion Tarot
This may just be the perfect deck (according to me, anyway!). With it’s fresh, gothic flavor and fun, yet mysterious vibe, this deck is a delight to the senses…read more

 

Playful Heart Tarot by Kitten Chops
If you like cats, feeling happy and doing readings that leave you feeling uplifted, then you will LOVE this unique and playful Tarot deck…read more

 

Ember & Aura Tarot by Jamie Richardson
The artwork of this deck is simple in it’s style and calming in its colours. I love how when I read with it, the cards help me re-connect with my center of being. Read more…

 

Chakra Wisdom Tarot by Tori Hartman
From the creator of the Chakra Wisdom Oracle comes a unique deck that blends chakra stuff with Tarot stuff – what’s not to love?! Read more…

 

Hip Chick Tarot by Maria Strom
This is a fresh and diverse Tarot deck for the modern woman! Suits, courts and some majors have been renamed in a simple, easy to understand way. Bright colors, good feels and an appealing 70’s vibe make this an intriguing deck…read more

 

Angel Tarot Cards by Doreen Virtue
When I first heard about this deck being 100% safe and gentle, I was worried it would be wimpy and I was anxious to find out whether these cards would be a unique and useful addition to my tarot collection or just another deck that I use for bookmarks and coasters. Read more…

 

Prisma Visions Tarot & Light Visions Tarot by James Eads
These two decks are gorgeous, high quality decks with some very unique features. One deck is colorful and wild like your free spirited cousin and the other one is less colorful and more reserved…yet more mysterious….Read more!

 

Wolff’s Cartomancy by Bianca Wolff
Modern, sacred, Bohemian, edgy, free…so many words to describe this special Tarot deck. I’ll be honest – I was drawn to this deck because of all the nude dudes, but there is so much more to this deck than meets the eye. Read more…

 

78 Tarot Nautical: Tarot of the Water
This Kickstarter funded, Global Art Collaboration deck is an 81 card deck (there are three wild cards), with each card being created by a different artist. Find out why all your Tarot friends will be jealous if you get this deck…..read more

 

Hezicos Tarot by Mary Griffin
When I first unwrapped the Hezicos Tarot and took the cards out of the box, I was delighted at just how special these cards are! They seem to emit a lovely, magical energy that instantly puts me in a playful, contemplative mood. Read more…

 

Frau Grand Duchess Tarot by Jen Kruch
This is an atmospheric, retro, collage style deck that gives the reader a dreamlike experience as the quirky images are contemplated!
Read more…

 

 

The Lost Tarot of Nostradamus by John Matthews & Wil Kinghan
This unique and historical deck will have Tarot deck collectors practically peeing their pants with excitement. Find out why…

 

Tarot of the Dream Enchantress by Marco Nizzoli
Nude pixies, fairies and angels prance through this ultra-feminine deck and transport you to another world! There are few men in this deck, save for the occasional background lurker….Read more….

 

 

Sirian Starseed Tarot by Patricia Cori and Alysa Bartha
The first thing I noticed about this deck as I took it out of the box was how big, glossy and beautiful it was. The cards felt sturdy and dependable, making me feel like I could really trust this deck. Read more…

 

Crystal Visions Tarot by Jennifer Galasso
This deck speaks to you right away, like the voice of a wise and gentle friend, offering encouragement, guidance and secrets. You just feel good when you look through this deck – however, there is a disappointing lack of nudity…Read more…

 

The Rider-Waite Tarot Deck Review
The Rider-Waite Tarot Deck is the most widely used tarot deck today and can be seen as the gold standard of tarot decks. While the artwork is pretty basic (yellow abounds!), this is one of the easiest decks to interpret. Read more…

 

Osho Zen Tarot Deck Review
These beautiful and special cards uniquely emphasize being in the present moment and making the NOW your point of power. There are a million things I love about the Osho Zen Tarot, but my favorite thing is the way they feel. Read more…

 

Shadowscapes Tarot by Stephanie Pui-Mun Law
This deck is an enchanting blend of motion, mood and beauty and it has become one of my top five tarot decks to read with. My only complaint is that the artwork is so rich in detail that it can be overwhelming and difficult to see everything….Read more…

 

The Steampunk Tarot: Wisdom from the Gods of the Machine by John and Caitlin Matthews and Wil Kinghan
This deck is spunky, unique and fresh. Lovers of Steampunk will have a field day with this one! Read more…

 

 

Oracle Deck Reviews:

 

The Awakened Soul Oracle by Ethony
This deck is freakishly accurate, gorgeous and gives me goosebumps and tinglies whenever I read with it…

 

 

Oracle L’Absolu by Ange De Gaia & Gabriel Leroy
Cards are beautiful, easy to understand and always direct and clear. Whether I ask a simple question or want to explore a more complex topic, these cards both invite contemplation and provide clear insights.

 

Spirit Cats by Nicole Piar
Meow, meow, meow, meow, meow! This Inspirational 48-card deck is bursting with frisky feline wisdom and gentle guidance. Read review…

 

 

Cosma Visions Oracle by James R. Eads
This deck was inspired by the spiritual journey we take between lives, which is a topic I’ve been fascinated by for most of my life. Join me as I unbox this deck and take it for a test drive…

 

Green Glyphs Lenormand by James R Eads
Lenormand is very different from Tarot – yes, it’s still cards with pictures of stuff on them and you read them, but it’s done very differently. I decided to start my Lenormand journey with the Green Glyphs Lenormand…

 

The Power of 8 Chakra Oracle Cards
This is 44 card Chakra Oracle deck created by Trina Amiot and Michelle Gill. Join me as I unbox this deck and look through these cards for the very first time…

 

 

Emotion Energy Oracle by Dawn Beedell
This is a unique deck of cards, designed to stimulate intuition, feeling and contemplation. I find they work nicely as a one card, daily draw first thing in the morning…

 

Animal Wisdom Oracle Cards by Cara Gubbins
As an animal lover, I absolutely adore decks that feature furry and feathered creatures and other little critters! There is something special about connecting with the animal kingdom at the same time I am connecting with my intuition.

 

Cat Herbal Oracle Deck by Kathy Crabbe
If you know me, you know I LOVE cats and I get so excited whenever I discover a new cat themed deck. Join me as I unbox the Cat Herbal deck, a 36-card oracle deck by Kathy Crabbe….

 

Terra Qi Goddess Oracle
Join me as I unbox the Terra Qi Goddess Oracle, a gorgeous oracle deck that celebrates the divine feminine….

 

Deck of Character
Here is a fun, fresh, modern oracle designed not just for readings but for sparking conversations – with both your friends and your “higher self”!

 

Zodiac Goddess Power Deck

This is a new oracle deck by Kathy Crabbe, creator of the Lefty Oracle Deck and Elfin Ally Oracle. It blends two awesome things – the Zodiac signs and goddesses!

 

Magick and Mediums Oracle by Anielle Reid
The Magick and Mediums Oracle by Anielle Reid is modern, mystical and powerful! Join me as I go through this deck and explore the cards…see unboxing video…

 

Amenti Oracle by Jennifer Sodini
Here’s a deck that beautifully blends the ancient and modern. Join me as I slowly reveal the magic that is the Amenti Oracle… See unboxing video…

 

 

Oracle of the Essences by Monica “The Enchantress”
Every once in a while a deck comes along that totally takes me by surprise and makes me go oh yeah, I just know I’m going to be using this deck for years to come! Read more…

 

Elfin Ally Oracle by Kathy Crabbe
This deck is a delight! It has an innocent and whimsical vibe and is so easy to work with. It would make a wonderful gift, even for someone who isn’t used to doing card readings…Read more…

 

The Wisdom Keepers Oracle Deck by Rosy Aronson
Wise faces stare back at you from this 64 card deck! An empowering tool for doing shadow work and self inquiry, this colorful deck is a must for anyone serious about exploring the depths of their soul. Read more…

 

Duality Deck by Tanya Bond
Pretty girls and animals grace these and beautiful cards and will make your heart go pitter patter! When I first unwrapped my Duality Deck I was so enchanted by the youthful, fresh, feminine vibe of these cards! Read more…

 

Vintage Wisdom Oracle by Victoria Moseley
This deck is feminine, mysterious and enchanting…and even your atheist, science worshiping friends will love it! Goddesses, divas and intriguing figures grace these cards, as do many owls, songbirds, butterflies and flowers. It’s a delicious concoction of glamor and innocence! Read more…

 

Conscious Spirit Oracle Deck by Kim Dreyer
This is a fabulous oracle deck of extreme beauty and femininity with a spiritual evolution theme. Working with these cards will open gateways, uplift your spirits and…its kind of like a non-scary magic mushroom trip…read on!

 

Amira’s Love Oracle
It’s fun to have a deck that’s geared specifically toward relationship readings and I like how bright, bold and straightforward this deck is.

 

 

Vibrational Energy Oracle Cards by Debbie A. Anderson
Here is a unique, spiritual, simple to use deck that will help you put your chatter box mind to rest, get centered and get some wonderful insights. These cards are deliciously zen-like and a fabulous addition to your oracle deck collection…read on!

 

Ascended Masters Oracle Cards by Doreen Virtue
Like all of Doreen Virtue’s oracle card decks, this deck is 100% positive and easy to use, regardless of your experience level. Unlike her other decks, this one has a more masculine vibe as it features plenty of men – some of them rather creepy looking….Read more…

 

Life Purpose Oracle Cards by Doreen Virtue
These cards are wonderful for doing career and life path readings. While everyone seems to respond really well to these cards when I use them in readings, I don’t love all of the cards. Read more…

 

Magical Mermaids and Dolphins Oracle Cards by Doreen Virtue
This is a delightful and uplifting deck and it often sits on my coffee table, looking all happy and cheery. Sometimes I use it to brainwash myself with positive messages…Read more…