By Corrine Kenner at the Haunted Antique Shop.
For as long as I’ve been reading tarot cards, I’ve loved the Light and Shadow Tarot by Michael Goepferd. It came out in 1996, just a year before I picked up my first deck of tarot cards.
Back then, when I was starting out, I didn’t know how rare it would be to find a truly original spin on classic tarot images. All I knew is that I liked the artwork — black and white linocuts — and the layers of symbolism carved into each card. Just look at the details in that Queen of Swords on the right, for example.
The deck comes with an amazing little guidebook by the immortal Brian Williams. It’s actually one of the best introductions to tarot I’ve ever read.
I’ve seen a lot of tarot decks come and go, but the Light and Shadow Tarot is still in print. And even though it’s 26 years old, the images are still fresh and contemporary. If you’re building your tarot practice — or your deck collection — you should get it.
From the publisher: Drawing its inspiration from many spiritual traditions, including Celtic, Native American, East Indian, African, Medieval and Renaissance European, The Light and Shadow Tarot is an innovative collection of potent images and interpretations. The striking black-and-white images stress contrast and balance, resolution and completion, while remaining a strong and workable analogue to the traditional Tarot. Crafted with an enduring and haunting authority, this deck brings to light the shadow side of all of us, an essential part of the creative process that leads to growth, movement, and change…. The highly original block prints serve as both works of art and as an illuminating parallel to the accompanying text, which includes a detailed interpretation of each card.
About the Author
Corrine Kenner is an author, astrologer, certified tarot master, and owner of the Haunted Antique Shop and Paranormal Museum. Click here to schedule a reading with Corrine. (We can even use the Light and Shadow Tarot.)