Shadowscapes Tarot

Shadowscapes

by Stephanie Pui-Mun Law, Barbara Moore

Book annotation not available for this Shadowscapes Law, Stephanie Pui-mun/ Moore, Llewellyn Worldwide LtdPublication 2010/05/08Number of Binding PAPERBACKLibrary of

Genres: Tarot, Spirituality, Divination, Art, Nonfiction, Witchcraft, Reference

253 pages, Tarot Deck & Book

First published May 8, 2010

About the author

Stephanie Pui-Mun Law has been painting fantastic otherworlds from early childhood, though her art career did not begin until 1998 when she graduated from a program of Computer Science. After three years of programming for a software company by day and rushing home to paint into the midnight hours, she left the world of typed logic and numbers, for painted worlds of dreams and the fae.

Her illustrations have been for various game and publishing clients, including Wizards of the Coast, HarperCollins, LUNA Books, Tachyon Books, Alderac Entertainment, and Green Ronin. In addition to the commissioned projects, she has spent a great deal of time working up a personal body of work whose inspiration stems from mythology, legend, and folklore. She has also been greatly influenced by the art of the Impressionists, Pre-Raphaelites, Surrealists, and the master hand of Nature. Swirling echoes of sinuous oak branches, watermarked leaf stains, the endless palette of the skies are her signature. 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. What Stephanie tries to convey with her art is not simply fantasy, but the fantastic, the sense of wonder, that which is sacred.

While most of Stephanie's work is done with watercolors, she experiments with pen & ink, intaglio printing, acrylic, and digital painting as well.

[source: http://www.etsy.com/people/shadowscapes#]

Reviews

[Laurie (barksbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most gorgeous tarot decks I've seen. And it's MINE! I can hardly believe it's here. Sadly, Llewellyn could have done a better job. The artwork is so incredibly detailed and the cards are a wee bit too small to do the artist justice. I'll have to wear my glasses while reading this deck or keep this accompanying book nearby. Fortunately the book devotes a full page to the artwork that is larger than the cards but alas the artwork is in black and white print.

Here's a small taste of the beauty found within this deck:
5 of Pentacles Spiritual poverty, material troubles, insecurity, hard times, neglecting the body's needs, being ostracized and excluded.

©Stephanie Pui-Mun Law
Shadowscapes.com

[Angharad · Rating 3 out of 5]

the cards are beautiful but the book is pretentious

[Jenna ✨DNF Queen✨Here, Sometimes... · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this deck!! The artwork is absolutely stunning and I could wax poetic about it endlessly. I picked this deck off of a small out-of-the-way shelf without really looking at it very closely, and I fell in love on the first card. Personally I really connect with it, and it works very well for me. The mix of celtic influence and fantasy is brilliant, and the Rider-Waite foundation makes it easily relatable to traditional Tarot interpretations and technique. As someone with small hands, I actually rather like the size of the cards. They are easier to handle than say, the larger oracle decks, and are easier to shuffle and manipulate. The gorgeous artwork is so superbly detailed that even if these designs were on a much larger scale, you would still see something new every time you look at the cards. As for the booklet, my deck came with a teeny-tiny little paper pamphlet (I guess you could call that a book??) with very basic descriptions for each card and a brief history of the deck design. I never rely on these pamphlets much anyway, and honestly with the deck based on the Rider-Waite, the brief pamphlet is sufficient. This is the best deck I have owned yet!

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This deck is one of my favourites. The artwork is breathtaking and I love the interpretations that are given with them. There is something uplifting and positive about each card meaning, and I find they resonate with me more than almost any other deck that I've used. Stephanie's art is so intricate and detailed that you can look at a card over and over and still see something new. Even if I didn't enjoy tarot, I would probably own this deck just so that I could enjoy the beautiful artwork.

[Jaimie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephanie Pui-Mun Law’s Shadowscapes Tarot has always been on my wishlist for artistic tarot decks, and I am so glad that I got the deck that comes with a guidebook when I finally took the plunge and purchased it. The cards themselves are wonderful pieces of artwork that bring the tarot to life using Law’s signature whimsical watercolour style, but the guidebook gives readers a much more in depth view of the stories that are hidden in the cards. When I started reading the guidebook, I thought that it would be a good idea to do a short reading each night to get more familiar with the deck itself alongside the stories, since it doesn’t make much sense to separate the two mediums. Low and behold, the first reading revealed the 8 of cups as the finale, which promises a deep dive in the spiritual side of life by entering into a period of self reflection and isolation. Well played, Shadowscapes tarot, well played. As I was reading the book alongside the cards, I found that even though I drew on some of the traditional interpretations of the tarot Law’s cards revealed different messages and pathways due to their unique imagery. Most decks I see the cards as separate entities that occasionally play together in readings, but with Law’s deck a more intensive story is revealed, spurred on by imagery that brings the tarot’s characters to life and themes which spiral among the various suits. Some of these stories are revealed in the pages of the guidebook, but few are complete narratives, giving us instead small snapshots into a fantastical world populated by magical creatures and fey courts that characterise the traditional qualities of the tarot - and of humanity. Law’s stories are such short pieces that we are inevitably left wanting more, but the tarot cannot reveal all; instead we must take its wisdom in glimpses and bring its knowledge into the real world. After all, magic isn’t just contained in the pages of stories (or tarot cards, in this case); it can be all around us, if we just choose to see it.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my absolutely favorite tarot deck and has been my "working deck" for 10 years now. The artwork is beyond beautiful and inspirational. I absolutely love Stephanie Pui-Mun Law's art style and the way that she weaves spiritual and mythological elements into each and every card. Each card tells a story in vignette that really helps to remember and inspire card interpretations, making the card fantastic for experienced readers, novices, and querants alike. In addition, the illustrations are also very non-intimidating, so I rarely receive negative reactions when I draw the 3 of Swords, the 10 of Swords, The Tower, or Death, which is nice. They are not optimistic cards, but they don't illicit the normal panic one comes to anticipate.

The book included with the deck is beautiful as well - it is a real book, rather than a booklet, that, in addition to providing card interpretations, provides a beautiful guide on how to read tarot cards in the first place. It is more than adequate for first time readers and the book is worthwhile for experienced readers as well.

The cards are lighter cardstock than the standard Rider-Waite deck, though still durable and resilient. The cards are smooth to shuffle with, though not gloss or shiny. After 10 years of constant use, however, they are showing definite signs of wear and tear and I will be getting a second set soon, retiring this to personal/loaner use only. The cards are slightly smaller in size than the Rider-Waite deck. I have small, child-like hands and have no trouble shuffling these cards at all - though I am an "accomplished" shuffler.

This deck is not intended to be read with reversals, though, of course, you can do whatever you want. Enjoy!

[Aira · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shadowscapes Tarot features 78 beautifully illustrated cards that blend Asian and Celtic themes with elements of fantasy. Each card is intricately designed, showcasing Law's unique style that combines delicate lines, vibrant colors, and enchanting imagery. The artwork is not just visually appealing; it evokes a sense of movement and energy, drawing the viewer into a magical world where faeries, mythical creatures, and nature coexist harmoniously.

The beauty of this deck is akin to that of a "supermodel" among other tarot decks—its allure is undeniable and captivating. The cards invite you to explore deeper meanings and insights, making them perfect for meditation and personal reflection.

While some may find the intricate details of the cards a bit overwhelming at first glance, many users appreciate how these elements contribute to a rich reading experience. The deck's ability to convey complex emotions and themes makes it suitable for various types of inquiries—from love to personal growth. Despite its artistic complexity, the deck remains accessible for beginners as well as seasoned practitioners.

With its breathtaking artwork, thoughtful design, and supportive companion book, it encourages users to delve into their intuition while exploring the rich tapestry of tarot. Whether you are looking for a deck to use in readings or simply wish to enjoy the artistry, Shadowscapes is sure to delight and inspire. It is no wonder that this deck has remained a bestseller since its release in 2010, continuing to enchant tarot enthusiasts around the world.

[Mary McCormack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This tarot deck is the most beautiful one I have ever seen; the artwork is detailed and nuanced and completely takes me into the imagination. I love it and can't say enough good things. Take a look at the cards on Stephanie Pui-Mun Law's website, and you'll see what I mean. Some personal favorites from the deck are: Three of Wands, The Magician, Death, King of Swords, The Hanged Man, Eight of Swords, Page of Swords, Five of Pentacles, and The Fool. Okay, so, that list could continue. I just want to look at these cards all day!

The accompanying book is a great guide to interpreting the cards, and it's nice to see a larger version of the images (though in the book they're black and white). I wouldn't read the stories that go with each card straight through; I enjoyed reading a few at a time and letting the descriptions sink in.

[Edith Campo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este año encontré un tarot de la dibujante Stephanie Pui Mun Law, a la que conocía porque copié alguno de sus dibujos durante las noches que trabajaba en el hotel. Llevaba tiempo queriendo un tarot con el que me sintiese identificada y voilá. En mis manos unas cartas basadas en dioses y personajes mitológicos (y además llenas de zorros) No se puede pedir más. Estoy encantada con la baraja y con el libro que la acompaña, contando el significado de los arcanos y el origen del dibujo.
He visto que hay algún libro de The art of shadowscapes que completan la colección. Directos a mi wish list...

[Xenon Starstryder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephanie's art is first and foremost some of the most breathtaking art I have ever had the pleasure of viewing. It leaves a lasting impression and a distinct mark that keeps the viewer coming back.

In this whimsical and masterfully made tarot deck, I find myself lost in a land of dreams. All the worlds problems are laid out so perfectly in each card, and every card tells a unique story. The companion book is also rich and full of life. The Shadowscapes Tarot is by far my favorite deck to work with.

[Sarah ~Goddessofthestory~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essentially companion read for the Shadowscape Tarot cards. Offering further details needed to interpret these beautiful cards. My only complaint is that I would have liked a few more specific details about the symbols used in the cards. I have since decided to look at the animal choice and symbols in there myself. But the art is wonderful and the stories are helpful in interpretation. This is the first deck I have spent the time to learn card by card. Highly recommended!

[Silas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything about this set - the cards are beautifully painted and fully of meaning, the stories and descriptions behind the major arcana are excellent, and the minor arcana too are written about in a fresh way. This is a wonderful book to go with my favourite deck.

[Isabelle Carignan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Les images sont superbes. Évidemment, j'aurais aimé que les images dans le livre qui accompagne le tarot soient également en couleur. Ma carte préférée du tarot : la Mort représentée par un phoenix...comme quoi la fin de quelque chose représente aussi la naissance d'autre chose.

[Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted this set in college and it’s my only tarot deck. I feel so lucky to have such a beautiful collection, the cards really invite you to sit with the illustrations and draw deeper connections.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is hands down, my favorite deck to work with. It's imagery is beautiful and it's symbolism easy to read!

[Quân Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is great, especially for a newbie in Tarot like me.

[Cid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Art! Wish there is larger borderless edt!:) also available as android app that let you see all card details! I enjoy & recommend both!^^

[Tranquil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not books but tarot cards with a book. I'm so in love with this deck too

[Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful art, and I loved that each card had a little story to help make sense of the meaning in a memorable way.

[Dora Amalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

So lovely. Will be coming back to those spreads at the end for sure. This one is lovely both as an art piece and as a valuable book of information. Definitely recommend!

[Hailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most gorgeous tarot deck! I love the imagery and the storytelling. I am immediately transported into a new world when I look at these cards.

[Ny Ny · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite artist - dreamy, skillful, magical watercolor paintings.

[Wons Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadowscapes is my very first Tarot deck so I gotta read this

[Kate L · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful deck :)

[Alonso Calderon Mayor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ha sido una herramienta muy útil para entender la simbología que aporta esta visión de Stephanie Pui Mun Law. Es muy enriquecedora, ya que desde su enfoque, no se desconectan los símbolos que usa, en representación de los que ya conocemos habitualmente en el tradicional rider Waite. Me encanta el arte de cada carta y leer cada significado es muy inspirador. Me sentí muy conectado con este tarot, y este libro es magnífico, con un lenguaje muy onírico. Ampliamente lo recomiendo

[Fati · Rating 5 out of 5]

nice

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This tarot deck is gorgeous and the book tells such wonderful stories that go along with the cards. Usually I flip through tarot companion books. However I enjoyed the weaving of the card meanings and stories, I sat down and read this entire book in one sitting. This book is also great if I need to reference a card meaning for a clarification during a tarot reading.

[Nadia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I´m sooo into Shadowscapes Tarot. It´s wonderful. Full of magic and sweetness. Sometimes i get lost in the cards for hours. The book is very nice with the black and white full page images, which give you the oportunity to dive deeper into the cards. However, the writen part is not what i had expected. The magical stories are very enjoyable but i wish i could get more insight about the meaning of the card, sometimes i have to pick another book to learn properly about the card meaning.

[Rowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In general, I feel there are few ways to objectively judge a Tarot deck because it's up to what you find aesthetically appealing and what calls to your purpose in using Tarot cards to begin with. Much like with any work of art, yes of course there can be something of a basic rubric on grading them, but even that can be thrown out the window. So while I'm reviewing this, I can't say that my review is objective.

This is the only Tarot deck I own, and probably will by my only deck ever. It's so beautiful and portrays and aesthetic that appeals to me, and on top of that each card is so packed with meaning. Everywhere you look, there are images with symbolic meaning to that card. I love that it is heavily fae inspired, and I know that is not appealing to everyone. Also, the book that comes with this deck is one of the most helpful Tarot books I've encountered. Clearly written, with both relevant stories/quotes for each card as well as a more pragmatic breakdown of them. I don't use Tarot cards often, but when I reach for this deck it's always delightful to use and part of this is definitely the size of the cards-I love that they're larger than a standard playing card. It adds to the drama of the moment, and I like the way they feel.

[Junji Takeda · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book itself is a good basic guidebook to someone who's just starting to read the tarot. For someone who already know more than the basics, it's not the best option to go deeply in the topic. However, if you are interested to know more about the symbolism of the pictures, the book is for you. The only criticism I have, and that contributed for my rating, is the way the artist describe the symbols and the elements of the pictures doesn't catch the reader's attention. I felt lost countless times in what she was trying to say and had to reread the previous paragraph to keep reading until the end.