Tarot Deck

Light and Shadow

• Tarot Deck Name: Light and Shadow
• Manufacturer: Destiny Books
• Date Created: 1996, Tarot cards by Michael Goepferd, book written by Michael Goepferd and Brian Williams
• Level: Beginner to Intermediate - the Tarot card definitions provided are satisfyingly deep and involved but may be too much for newbies.
• Approximate Cost: $20 US
• Especially Good For... anyone who wants a Tarot deck that combines the stark beauty of woodcuts with a solid book of definitions.
• Availability: rare in bookshops, a better selection in specialty shops or online via auction sites
• Illustrated Minor Arcana: Yes

When it comes to the Light and Shadow Tarot deck, people either love it or hate it. I proudly fall into the first category. I have met a fair number of Tarot card readers that dislike it for its over-sized cards or lack of colour - a black and white deck doesn't appeal to everyone. Let's focus on the positives first though.

A labour of love for the artist, Michael Goepferd, the Light and Shadow Tarot deck is illustrated from start to finish with detailed woodcut-style prints. While they stand on their own merit, Goepferd was clearly inspired by two classic Tarot artists, Pamela Colman Smith and Frieda Harris (illustrators for the Rider-Waite and Thoth Tarot decks). The resulting images are in keeping with more traditional Tarot decks but carry their own stamp of authenticity.

The accompanying booklet is thick and filled with general and detailed card information. It was a pleasant surprise to encounter an actual bound book compared to the tri-fold booklets that are usually included with a Tarot deck. There is enough information that a supplementary book almost isn't as necessary for a beginner. When was the last time you could say that about a Tarot deck? That being said, someone new to Tarot cards might find the wealth of information a little overwhelming at first.

And now on the the common criticisms of the Light and Shadow Tarot deck.

First the size. Yes, absolutely, if you are used to using a standard sized Tarot deck, these card will feel big and clunky to you. The first couple of times (and then some) that I used these cards, I kept dropping the cards, spitting cards from the deck in every direction whenever I shuffled. There was a learning curve in developing what I'll call "Light and Shadow deck co-ordination".

Now to the colour palette - or lack thereof. I know that the monochromatic black and white scheme of the deck is a turn-off for many people. When I teach classes, with so many of us gravitating to colour, this deck often gets overlooked. For myself, the detail and texture present in each card is enough to capture my attention. Another alternative, if the style of deck appeals to you, is to colour it yourself.

I bought this Tarot deck in 1997 and have been happily using it ever since - I did mention I was biased, didn't I? This deck is perfect for people with an eye for detail who have been looking for a Tarot deck with some panache. Bold and striking, you may like it or hate it but I don't think anyone is indifferent to the Light and Shadow Tarot deck.

Lucy's Rating: 4.5 cards (out of 5) Find the Light and Shadow Tarot deck on Amazon...