January 28, 2013
The Book of Shadows Tarot, Volume 1: As Above
In 2008, Italian Tarot publisher Lo Scarabeo asked Tarot author and expert Barbara Moore to create a pair of decks called the Book of Shadows Tarot; beyond that, they specified no other requirements. Barbara was free to do whatever she wished within that framework. How did she arrive at her foundation of "As Above, So Below?"
The following entry was originally posted by Barbara Moore in the Llewellyn Journal on January 28, 2013. Here she discusses the creation of the Book of Shadows Tarot Kit and the first volume in the kit, the As Above Tarot Deck.
In 2008 I spent some time in Italy with the good folks at Lo Scarabeo. They asked me to create a deck, or rather a pair of decks. The set was to be called Book of Shadows Tarot and was to be comprised of two separate decks. Beyond that, they had no requirements. I was free to do whatever I wished within that framework.
Also, because I was trained in the Rider Waite Smith (RWS) tradition of tarot, those are the kinds of decks I've created. Maybe it was time to try something completely different. Tarot is continually evolving; it didn't begin as the RWS and likely won't end as that. So why not take this opportunity to create something completely new?
After considerable thought, I decided to use the spiritual belief, "As Above, So Below as my organizing theme.
The first deck would represent "As Above." In this deck, I would explore the non-RWS possibilities. Each card would represent the theory and teachings of Wicca.
The second deck, So Below, would be a RWS-based deck that shows how the magic of Wicca (for I believe that all of Wicca is Magic...although not necessarily the same as Witchcraft) is experienced by Wiccans in every day life.
Creating As Above was an exhilarating challenge. I worked within the structure of the Major Arcana and for suits with fourteen cards each. I kept the archetypal core meanings of the Majors fairly closely to RWS. The Minor Arcana, however, are not at all related to the RWS. For all of those who say all I make are RWS clones, well, here is my best effort at something completely uniquely mine.
As Above is a tarot deck designed to hold and express modern Pagan spiritual teachings. Pagan beliefs are broad and hardly unified, but more on that in a moment. The Major Arcana cards represent some of the basic tenets of Wicca and the Minor Arcana thoroughly explore elemental energies while providing foundations for further studies in the areas of astrology, the faces of the Goddess, the magic of the physical realm, and various forms of divination. Because each card is a portal into vast realms of knowledge and experience and because space in this book is limited, each section includes a reading list of excellent texts for further studies.
Here, I'll introduce you to some of the things I like best about the deck. The first is Key V. In traditional tarot, it is called The Hierophant, and in some Pagan decks, The High Priest. I call it The Book of Shadows, a book where write down their tradition, which is an ever-evolving experience, always growing, always changing, always dynamic.
Early on in the tarot's history, the Major Arcana cards were not numbered. However, we are now quite accustomed to putting numbers on these cards. This provides a number of benefits. For example, many readers like to incorporate numerology into their readings. Others consider the numerical sequence as a variation on the Hero's Journey (a concept popularized by Joseph Campbell and, in tarot circles, is called the Fool's Journey, a phrase first used by Eden Gray). As for me, I think one of the most practical aspects is so that beginners can easily find the card they are looking up as they first learn tarot. Mundane, perhaps, but from a beginner's standpoint, it is very much appreciated.
Following this useful tradition, the Major Arcana cards in this deck are indeed numbered.
However, the Major Arcana cards are in groups that do not relate to the numbers printed on them. Instead, they are divided into different classifications that illustrate various aspects of Pagan beliefs.
The Major Arcana cards in this deck follow the archetypal ideas expressed in traditional tarot decks but express them from a Pagan point of view. In this way, the deck becomes an educational tool that a beginner can use to form a foundation for further studies. It is also an excellent reading deck that will resonate with the Pagan soul.
The first five cards represent very basic core beliefs. These are the essential aspects upon which all else is built. These include The God, the Goddess, the World, the Elements, and the Summerlands.
The second section includes the Wheel of the Year and eight Sabots that make up the Pagan calendar.
The third group consists of the tools and experiences of the practicing pagan, such as initiation, Book of Shadows, and spellcasting.
In fact, here are all the Majors in their groupings listed by their traditional names and their Book of Shadows Tarot names in parentheses:
1. A Pagan Framework
XXI, The World (The World)
III, The Empress & IV, The Emperor (The Goddess & the God)
I, The Magician (The Elements)
O, The Fool (The Summerlands)
2. The Circle of Life
X, The Wheel (The Wheel of the Year)
XVIII, The Moon (Samhain)
XIII, Death (Yule)
XVII, The Star (Imbolc)
XIV, Temperance (Ostara)
VI, The Lovers (Beltane)
XIX, The Sun (Litha)
XV, The Devil (Lammas)
XI, Justice (Mabon)
3. The Pagan Experience
IX, The Hermit (The Path)
VIII, Strength (Spellcasting)
V, Hierophant (Book of Shadows)
VII, Chariot (Transformation) VXI, The Tower (Warnings)
XII, The Hanged Man (The Circle)
XX, Judgement (Initiation)
II, High Priestess (Wisdom)
The Court Cards do not have traditional court cards. Instead, we have the Elemental, Maiden,
Mother, and Crone.
The Elementals are pretty self-explanatory, and represent the Elementals of Air, Water, Earth, and Fire. The Maiden, Mother, and Crone cards represent the waxing, full, and waning aspects of each element. And so, you see, they are not like the Knight, Queen, and King.
Here are a few details of the Earth court by way of example:
The Maiden of Earth takes her place among the new blossoms of the field. She brings a sense of lightness and gratitude, a joyful appreciation and celebration of everyday blessings.
The Mother of Earth takes her place as Mother Nature, providing a rich harvest. She nourishes our bodies and our souls with the best of Her creation.
The Crone of Earth lays the Earth to rest. Even the Earth must regenerate, and there is a time for everything in this life, including death.
The numbered Minor cards represent different elemental aspects of the Pagan universe.
The suit of Fire focuses on the wisdom and energy of the heavens and as such depicts astrological wisdom, with cards representing the Sun, Moon, Stars, and planets, with the focus on the masculine energy of gods for whom the planets are named.
The suit of Water balances the mostly masculine energy of the planets with various faces of the Goddess (for example Flora, Saravati, Ma’at, Cerridwen, and Hecate).
The suit of Air explores different methods of accessing Divine wisdom and guidance through various divinatory methods, such as Runes, Pendulums, I Ching, and of course Tarot. The suit of Earth reveals magical sources found on our planet.
The suit of Pentacles is my favorite in any tarot deck and this one is no different. If Wicca has any agreed upon sacred text it is the Earth herself. And so the suit of Earth reads her various "chapters" like liminal places such as the beach, where water and earth meet; plant life; animal life; mountains; etc.
Book of Shadows Tarot Kit is indeed unusual. For Pagans, it will be easy to adapt to, since you probably already have a firm understanding of the tenets used here as the images and concepts that shape the meanings. If you want to learn about the Pagan path, then it is a great deck for you, because it was designed to be a teaching tool, as well as a divinatory one. For tarot readers who aren't familiar with Pagan concepts but are interested, as lovers and interpreters of symbols, it should be an easy transition.
The first volume in the kit, the As Above Tarot Deck, is truly a book without bounds but pages you can shuffle to determine your path and create your own Book of Shadows that will help advise and comfort you through your life.
January 3, 2013
Llewellyn's Affiliate Update, January 2013: Winter Sale, Special Promotions
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The January issue of the Llewellyn Affiliate Update is now available.
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December 3, 2012
Llewellyn's Affiliate Update, December 2012: Holiday Sale, Enchanted Timekeepers, Special Promotions
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The December issue of the Llewellyn Affiliate Update is now available.
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September 24, 2012
Watch a Behind-the-Scenes Video on the Making of the Book of Shadows Tarot
The following entry was originally posted by Barbara Moore on the Llewellyn Tarot Blog Tarot Pathways on August 28, 2012.
The Book of Shadows Tarot is a unique project, many years in the making.
It is an ambitious project based on a two-deck system. Each deck is designed to work independently but also to work together.
The decks are based on the concept of As Above, So Below. The first deck, As Above, is a non-traditional (that is, not based on the Rider Waite Smith images) exploration of Wiccan/Pagan theories. So Below is a traditional deck that shows how magic is manifest in everyday life.
The kit comes with the book and the As Above deck. The box includes a space for the second deck, So Below, available in February 2013.
Below is a video created by Lo Scarabeo. Take a peek into the creation of this fascinating new tarot system.
You can also view more behind-the-scenes videos on Lo Scarabeo's YouTube channel.
August 28, 2012
Paranormal Fall Release Roundup
Editor's Note: This was originally posted in Llewellyn's Paranormal Blog.
Fall is my favorite time of year for many reasons: football, cooler weather, my birthday, the colorful fall leaves, and Halloween. It's my favorite holiday, and what goes along with Halloween? GHOST STORIES! And do we ever have some fabulous books debuting this fall.
Being the paranormal editor here, I read a lot of spooky things. I'm a bit immune to getting freaked out (I thought Paranormal Activity was boring, in some parts inaccurate, and shut it off after the first half hour), so when I AM freaked out when I read a proposal, that really speaks to me. I clearly remember the day I read the proposal for Restless in Peace
by Mariah De La Croix. I read the section that involves spirit graffiti, turned to my coworker in the cubicle across from me, and stated, in a shaky voice, "I just read a story from a psychic mortitican and I'm really freaked out! I have goosebumps!" Yes, you read that right: psychic mortician. Mariah has tales that will scare you, warm your heart, and make you laugh. Her book really has it all, and it's such a fascinating book that you absolutely must read.Another ghostly tale that will make you hide under the covers is In the Presence of Spirits by Barbara
Parks. Imagine how terrifying it must be to be the focus of poltergeist activity as a teenager and to be absolutely petrified when someone you know passes away because you know they will visit you and say goodbye. Barbara has had paranormal experiences ever since she can remember. Spirit encounters have always left her terrified and caused her to shut out her abilities. This book is a chronicle of her life through the terrifying experiences, but she has learned to embrace her abilities, which have helped many (including herself) deal with grief and be comforted with the fact that loved ones are always around us. Barbara is such an excellent storyteller, you will get so wrapped up in this book you will not want to put it down!
If you love ghost stories and want to search out ghosts yourself, So You Want to Hunt Ghosts by Deonna Kelli Sayed will arm you with all the information you need to know in order to investigate haunted locations and form a team. Deonna is a member of Haunted North Carolina and has been investigating for many years. Her expertise and excellent perspective is exactly what you need in order to get off the couch and be proactive when it comes to ghosts.
True Casefiles of a Paranormal Investigator by Stephen Lancaster relays some of the most amazing and scary investigation that Stephen Lancaster has conducted over his years as an investigator. The Brentwood Wine Cafe, which is a chapter in this book, was featured on Bio's My Ghost Story. Stephen was interviewed for the segment as the paranormal investigator.
If you want to discover and explore some haunted locations, why not go to your local college or university? America's Haunted Universities by Matthew L. Swayne roams the halls of higher learning and unearths some spirits that are still bound to their alma mater. Check to see if your local school has some spirits that are still hanging out on the campus mall.As the temperature drops, curl up on the couch with a steaming cup of cocoa and a spooky tale or two from Llewellyn. If you are like me, you'll have a black cat perched beside you as a sentinel to keep you safe as you read some truly hair-raising tales.
July 2, 2012
Llewellyn's Affiliate Update, July 2012: Magick Sale, 30% Coupon, Special Promotions
Get fresh Llewellyn banners and text links and the scoop on special offers, sales, and promotions.
The July issue of the Llewellyn Affiliate Update is now available.
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June 26, 2012
Llewellyn's 2012 COVR Award Winners
Each year, the Coalition of Visionary Retailers (COVR) selects winners that best represent mind/body/spirit products. The Visionary Awards are judged by retailers and seasoned professionals who evaluate each title based upon content, presentation, and their own knowledge of the industry. At the International New Age Trade Show (INATS) banquet this past weekend in Denver, eight Llewellyn titles were honored.
- Chakra Awakening, by Margaret Ann Lembo (WINNER, Alternative Health & Healing Book Category)
- Spirit & Dream Animals, by Richard Webster (WINNER, Divination Book Category)
- The Healing Wisdom of Birds, by Lesley Morrison (WINNER, General Interest/How-To Book Category)
- The Witch's Heart, by Christopher Penczak (WINNER, Wicca/Paganism Book Category)
- Never Letting Go, by Mark Anthony (First Runner Up, Spirituality/Alternative Science & Spirituality Book Category)
- Llewellyn's 2012 Dragons Calendar, by Llewellyn & Anne Stokes (First Runner Up, Other Sideline Category)
- The Flying Witches of Veracruz, by James Endredy (Second Runner Up, Magick/Shamanism Book Category)
- The Small-Town Pagan's Survival Guide, by Bronwen Forbes (Second Runner Up, Wicca/Paganism Book Category)
Llewellyn's 2013 Calendars, Almanacs, and Datebooks Are Here!
It's that time again--time for Llewellyn's 2013 calendars and almanacs to appear in our warehouse! Each and every June, it is always so wonderful to see the product that results after another year of hard work on our calendars, datebooks, and almanacs.
A look at Llewellyn's 2013 calendars and almanacs:
Llewellyn's 2013 Astrological Calendar: Llewellyn’s Astrological Calendar is the best-known, most trusted astrological calendar sold today. Everyone, even beginners, can use this beautiful and practical calendar to plan the year wisely. There are monthly horoscopes, best days for planting and fishing, rewarding and challenging days, travel forecasts, and an astrology primer. Advanced astrologers will find major daily aspects and a wealth of other essential astrological information. This edition features Kristin Kest’s vivid, evocative artwork, inspired by the signs and symbols of astrology.—A guide to the planets, signs, houses, aspects, and transits
—Travel forecasts by Bruce Scofield
—Best days for planting and fishing
—The Moon's sign, phase, and void-of-course dates
—Graphic planetary retrograde table
—Major daily aspects, monthly ephemerides, and 2013 eclipses
Llewellyn's 2013 Astrological Pocket Planner:Plan your future according to the stars. Essential astrological information is at your fingertips with Llewellyn’s Astrological Pocket Planner. Both beginners and advanced astrologers can use this award-winning datebook—the only one to offer three years of ephemeris and aspectarian data. Set the best dates for job interviews, weddings, business meetings, and other important occasions. Choose the ideal times to plant a garden, begin new projects, conduct self-reflection, go fishing, and more. Avoid planetary pitfalls by following the easy-to-read retrograde and Moon void-of-course tables. Comprehensive and compact, Llewellyn’s 2013 Astrological Pocket Planner also contains a world map of time zones, a time zone conversion chart, and space to jot down your daily appointments.
—Daily signs, Moon phases, and aspects
—2013 week-at-a-glance
—Planetary stations chart
—Moon void-of-course table
—Word time-zone map and conversion table
—Best days for planting and fishing
Llewellyn's 2013 Daily Planetary Guide: Empower your life with the most trusted and detailed astrological guide available. Take advantage of cosmic forces on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis with Llewellyn’s Daily Planetary Guide.
With exact times down to the minute, this astrological planner lists ideal times to do anything. Before setting up a job interview, signing a contract, or scheduling anything important, consult the weekly forecasts and Opportunity Periods—times when the positive flow of energy is at its peak. Plan your year wisely according to aspects, ephemeris, retrograde planets, eclipses for 2013, and more astrological information.
Even beginners can use this powerful planner, which explains the planets, signs, houses, and how to use this guide.—Planet and Moon aspects and ingress times
—Moon sign, phase, and void-of-course periods
—Planet retrograde and direct station times
—Ephemeris tables that include Chiron and four asteroids
—Sunrise and sunset timetables
—Planetary hours with complete instructions
—A stargazer's guide to planetary sightings and eclipses in 2013
—Weekly forecasts by Pam Ciampi
-Bonus: Find out the best times to undertake any activity with "Opportunity Periods" by Jim Shawvan.
Llewellyn's 2013 Herbal Almanac: Spice up your favorite dishes with French tarragon. Chase away stress with delicious soup. There are hundreds of ways to benefit from nature’s most versatile plants inside Llewellyn’s Herbal Almanac.
This treasury of innovative herbal ideas spans five categories: gardening, cooking, crafts, health/beauty, and myth/lore. Learn about endangered herbs, hyssop, and the apple in Nordic ritual. Discover how to whip up antioxidant-rich purple passion parfait, use herbs in energetic healing, relieve dry skin with a borage face pack, treat your feet to a wormwood bath, turn your garden into a wildlife paradise with minimal effort and cost, and much more.
From moon gardens to plant numerology to the perfect "cuppa" hot chocolate, this practical almanac is your gateway to the herbal kingdom.
Llewellyn's 2013 Magical Almanac: Llewellyn’s Magical Almanac has been inspiring all levels of magical practitioners for over twenty years. Filled with practical spells, rituals, and fresh ideas, you’ll find new ways to deepen your craft and enhance everyday life.This edition features compelling articles, grouped by element, on ribbon magic, answering the goddess’ call, lunar potions, the magical uses of foxglove, caring for house elves, bringing steampunk principles into Pagan traditions, connecting with raptor energies, and other magical topics. Also included is a handy calendar section— shaded for easy “flip to” reference—featuring world festivals, holidays, and 2013 Sabbats. You’ll also find astrological info, plus incense and color correspondences, to empower your magical work.
Published annually for over twenty years.
Llewellyn's 2013 Moon Sign Book: Since 1905, Llewellyn’s Moon Sign Book has helped millions take advantage of the Moon’s dynamic energies. This essential planning tool can help you choose the best time to do almost anything: buy stock, get married, buy or sell your home, start a new job, travel, have surgery, and much more. With lunar timing tips on planting and harvesting and a guide to companion plants, this book is a gardener’s best friend.
In addition to New and Full Moon forecasts for the year, you’ll find insightful articles on 2013 eclipses and careers, moon goddess energy gardening, preserving your bounty, foraging for food, lunar fertility, and waxing Moon yardwork. —A monthly lunar aspectarian with Moon tables
—Detailed weather predictions for each region by renowned astrometeorologist Kris Brandt Riske
—New and Full Moon forecasts for 2013 by Sally Cragin
—A companion planting guide that features over one hundred plants
—Electional rules and dates for ventures in love, relationships, business, finances, and other areas
The number one lunar guide to natural living since 1905.
Llewellyn's 2013 Sun Sign Book: Prepare for what’s coming in the near future. Take advantage of huge opportunities and dodge potential pitfalls with Llewellyn’s Sun Sign Book.
Filled with practical planetary wisdom, this easy-to use guide will answer your questions about money, success, career, relationships, and more—for the whole year. In addition to horoscopes for every sign by popular astrologer Kris Brandt Riske, you’ll discover which areas in your life have potential for great success, and which require extra attention. Included are rewarding/challenging days for each month and a guide to the best dates to find a job, begin a romance, take a vacation, move, and plan other important endeavors.
Published annually since 1984.
Llewellyn's 2013 Witches' Calendar: Packed with a wide array of content, it’s no wonder Llewellyn’s Witches’ Calendar is the top-selling calendar of its kind. Get inspired by unique and provocative articles. Take advantage of astrological data and magical correspondences. And delight in enchanting original artwork. Each month features an essay, along with a spell or ritual, on a wide range of compelling topics: gems for the cat goddess, balance and self awareness, energy and positive movement, innovative uses of chives, the rewards of winter hibernation, garden magick, and more.
Llewellyn's 2013 Witches' Companion: Live your craft every day with Llewellyn’s Witches’ Companion. This indispensable guide will keep you one step ahead of the latest Witchy trends, Craft practices, Pagan issues, and ideas in green living.This year’s edition is filled with wry and thought-provoking essays—spellcraft for community change, celebrating Christmas with Christians, karma, the ethics of weather magick, Pagan home birth, integrating Northern and Southern Hemisphere energies, simple kitchen alchemy, keeping an electronic Book of Shadows, and much more. Innovative thinkers, authors, and experts keep you up to date on timely topics spanning hot debates in the Pagan community, Witchy lifestyles, Craft essentials, and magical transformation.
Bonus: A sixteen-month calendar featuring Moon void-of-course data, plus spotlighted monthly national causes and ways for you to get involved.
Llewellyn's 2013 Witches' Datebook: Today’s busy Witches can stay on top of it all— the magical and the mundane—with Llewellyn’s Witches’ Datebook. Add a little magic to each day and keep pace with the ever-turning Wheel of the Year with this indispensable, on-the-go tool.New for this year is Elizabeth Barrette’s insightful introduction to thirteen magical stones that includes spells and rituals. You’ll also find fun, fresh ways to celebrate the sacred seasons and enhance your practice—inspiring Sabbat musings (Ellen Dugan), tasty Sabbat recipes (Susan Pesznecker), and Moon rituals (Ember Grant). For spellwork, there’s astrological information and daily colors. Also included are in-depth articles on good energy (Tess Whitehurst), cauldron magic (James Kambos), rainy day magic (Melanie Marquis), and many more.
Llewellyn's 2013 Witches' Spell-A-Day Almanac: Make every day magical with a spell from Llewellyn’s Witches’ Spell-A-Day Almanac. Spellcasters of all levels can enhance their daily life with these easy bewitchments, recipes, rituals, and meditations.
Susan Pesznecker, Tess Whitehurst, and other experienced magic practitioners offer simple spells for every occasion that require minimal supplies. For convenience, the 365 spells are cross-referenced by purpose: love, health, money, protection, home and garden, travel, and communication. Beginners will find advice on the best time, place, and tools for performing each spell. With space to jot down notes, this unique spellbook can be used as a Book of Shadows. There’s also astrological data and daily color and incense recommendations to enhance each day’s magic.
Llewellyn's 2013 Woodland Faeries Calendar: A year of faerie magic and enchantment awaits you. Vividly illustrated by renowned fantasy artist Linda Ravenscroft, this gorgeous faerie-themed calendar captures the whimsy and grace of beautiful nature spirits in their secret forest realm. Original, evocative scenes—alive in sensuous detail—bring us oh so close to seductive nymphs, dancing pixies, and joyful sprites. Llewellyn’s 2013 Woodland Faeries Calendar also includes holidays and moon phase information.
Llewellyn's 2013 Sabbats Almanac: From Samhain 2012 - Mabon 2013: Make the most of each season of the Witches’ year with Llewellyn’s Sabbats Almanac. Packed with rituals, rites, recipes, and crafts, this essential guide offers fun and fresh ways to celebrate the eight sacred Wiccan holidays—and enrich your spiritual life throughout the year.Get a unique perspective on honoring the Wheel of the Year from your favorite Wiccan and Pagan authors. Plan spiritually uplifting celebrations and family activities. Perform Sabbat specific rituals and world folk rites. Whip up tasty treats and crafts as reminders of the season’s gifts and lessons. Also featured are astrological influences to help you plan rituals according to cosmic energies.
June 4, 2012
Llewellyn's Affiliate Update, June 2012: Summer Solstice Sale, Lo Scarabeo Sale, Special Promotions
Get fresh Llewellyn banners and text links and the scoop on special offers, sales, and promotions.
The June issue of the Llewellyn Affiliate Update is now available.
Click here to view this month's issue.
May 2, 2012
Llewellyn's Affiliate Update, May 2012: Bestseller Sale, Natural Magick Sale, Special Promotions Share
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