ShadowFox Tarot

Ex umbris et imaginibus in veritatem. (From shadows and types to the reality.) – Cardinal Newman 1801-1890

When I first saw this minimalist deck, I had my reservations: would the ghost-like depictions in the ShadowFox Tarot—images resembling photographic negatives— impart intuitive information? Would the absence of color, detailed surroundings and intricate symbolism hamper readings or stymie attempts at contemplation?

As always, there’s only one way to test first impressions of a Tarot deck: actually read with it.

Cynical me, I wasn’t expecting much but, WOW, was I blown away! I did a one-card spread about, well, the issue I usually do personal readings for: “What creative project should I focus on now?” (I am plagued by a condition that’s the opposite of creator’s block).

I drew what I consider “my” card, especially connected to this recurring issue—the 7 of Cups (in this instance, reversed). The ShadowFox Tarot version of this card spoke clearly and loudly (whether because of the minimalist style or something else, I’m not sure): “COMMIT, for crying out loud!”

Ouch. Yikes.

I was so busted.

At that moment, I realized that I was a commitment-phobe—not in personal relationships…but in creative pursuits! Yes, I worked on them all in a scattershot manner (which is why I chase my tail in this area), but I needed to focus on ONE at a time…and “git er done” (as they say in these parts).

As if the “aha” moment wasn’t enough, my realization spurred a concrete action that led to a publisher requesting a proposal (so unplanned!). If I hadn’t accessed the ShadowFox Tarot and its unusual, otherworldy wisdom…who knows? That book idea might have remained in a stack with the others!

Schiffer Books produced another high-quality box set with the ShadowFox Tarot, with its sturdy, glossy cards measuring approximately 4 ¾ x 3 inches. I love how these cards shuffle so easily, and the simple gray graph paper backing (reversible) lends itself to a quiet, meditative state.

And the companion book to the ShadowFox Tarot? Holy cow! The 224-page Book of Shadows blows away any deck companion book simply because of the correspondences and accessible charts. I Ching, Hebrew letters, Astrology, Runes, Numerology, Tree of Life paths, Esoteric Titles, Parts of the Body, Blood Type, Psychological Temperament, Sabbats, Time of Day, Angelic Regents, Magical Phrase, Alchemical Qualities, Gematria Values, Herbs….and more!

In fact, as a lover of 70s and 80s rock, my favorite correspondences in the book are the Musical Mood associations for every card. (Rush, Triumph, Blue Oyster Cult, Queensryche, Kiss, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Blackmore’s Night, Rainbow—heart be still!)

Don’t worry if you’re not into rock music, though: Richard and Jennifer ShadowFox also correspond cards with artists like Miley Cyrus, Sting, Keith Urban, Michael Jackson, Garth Brooks, John Lennon, David Bowie, Alanis Morissette, The Carpenters, Simon and Garfunkel, Kool and the Gang, Santana, Destiny’s Child, Green Day…

I know, isn’t that insanely awesome? And all that incredible information is in addition to Keywords, Possibilities, Influencing Cards and comprehensive Upright and Reversed Meanings!