Exploring the Depths: A Five Card Reading with Light and Shadow Tarot
Written on
Introduction
Greetings to all! I trust you are having a wonderful day. Recently, I received The Tarot of Light and Shadow by John Matthews and Andrea Aste. It arrived during a particularly hectic weekend, so I set it aside for a moment. As I browsed through the accompanying book, I sensed the depth this deck possesses and decided to wait for a more suitable time to delve into it.
I want to clarify that this is not a formal review of the deck, and neither the authors nor the publisher have commissioned this reading. I bought this deck myself, and the insights shared here are purely based on my own experiences, free from any external influence.
This article focuses on a reading I perform with each new deck to better understand its nuances and what it has to say about itself. Notably, this deck is designed to be utilized in tandem, so you'll find two readings here: one from the light deck and one from the shadow deck. I will conduct a comparison of both readings and share my reflections.
First, let's examine the light deck:
What Are Your Strengths as a Deck?
The Three of Wands symbolizes unity and collaboration, suggesting that this deck excels in fostering connections. It represents community building and teamwork, indicating that this deck serves as a supportive partner in your tarot journey.
What Are Your Limits as a Deck?
This deck follows a Marseille style, where the cards are not fully illustrated but instead depict the suit's number alongside corresponding items. In the case of the Ten of Swords, we observe ten swords, eight of which are curved and stained with what appears to be blood, while the remaining two resemble scimitars.
The Ten of Swords often signifies endings, and while it may seem ominous, it also embodies the promise of new beginnings. I interpret this as a reminder that what we perceive as limitations may simply be our inability to see beyond a transitional phase. Thus, endings can pave the way for fresh starts.
What Are You Here to Teach Me?
One unique aspect of this deck is the suit of Serpents, replacing the traditional Pentacles. The Eight of Serpents features eight serpents, each biting its tail, symbolizing infinity. This imagery conveys that there is no definitive start or end—only an ongoing journey. I believe this card suggests that there is a wealth of knowledge to be gained from this deck, emphasizing the abundance of insights it offers.
How Can I Best Learn and Collaborate with You?
This card radiates warmth and energy, akin to the sun that sustains life on our planet. It serves as a reminder that we can share our inner light with the world. To learn and collaborate effectively with this deck, we must embrace and disseminate the insights and guidance it provides.
What Is the Potential Outcome of Our Working Relationship?
In the Two of Serpents, the serpents again form an infinite loop, representing unity and collaboration. This card suggests that our partnership will thrive through teamwork. Interestingly, these serpents appear more like dragons, which introduces a magical element. This indicates that our collaborative experience with this deck will be unique and enriching.
Now, let’s turn our attention to the shadow side of the reading, where the cards were shuffled and drawn in the same manner as the light deck.
The Shadow Deck:
What Are Your Strengths as a Deck?
The Six of Swords depicts swords in varying states of disrepair, hinting at the potential challenges we may face on our journeys. This suggests that the true strength lies within us; while the deck can provide insights, we must also seek answers from within.
What Are Your Limits as a Deck?
The Five of Swords presents a different perspective, showcasing swords with blue tips that may symbolize emotional wounds. This card warns us that understanding requires recognizing the duality inherent in tarot readings, which may necessitate grappling with contrasting interpretations.
What Are You Here to Teach Me?
This card, reminiscent of the Empress, appears weary and may not always provide the guidance we seek. In the shadow aspect, it suggests that reliance on our own intuition is crucial. Reading this deck will require patience and perseverance, as insights may come sporadically.
How Can I Best Learn and Collaborate with You?
The Moon card emerges in this position, contrasting the Sun from the light reading. The Moon’s influence can be unpredictable, urging us to go with its flow rather than resist it. This teaches us to embrace the unconventional aspects of this deck, acknowledging that its guidance may come in unexpected ways.
What Is the Potential Outcome of Our Working Relationship?
Typically, this card symbolizes renewal and rest after turmoil. However, in this instance, the figure holds onto her vases, suggesting a moment of satisfaction following chaos. This reflects the duality of experiences: while storms may arise, tranquility will follow.
In summary, engaging with these two decks has proven to be a profound experience. The light deck emphasizes collaboration and teamwork, while the shadow deck introduces a playful, albeit challenging, dynamic. I sense that readings with the shadow deck will require effort, as its meanings may not always be apparent—much like how shadows can distort our perception.
I hope you found this exploration as fascinating as I did. While I may not frequently conduct dual readings, I believe they can offer valuable insights from time to time. Please share your thoughts on this reading in the comments, and let me know if you would like to see more light/shadow readings in the future.
Thank you for joining me on this journey!
Other places you can follow me:
The Tarot of Light and Shadow (Double Deck!) - Review This video provides an in-depth look at the dual nature of the Tarot of Light and Shadow, exploring how to navigate both light and dark aspects.
Learn to Read Tarot with Me #5 | Simple Shadow Work and Closing with Affirmation Cards In this session, discover techniques for incorporating shadow work into your tarot practice, along with affirmations to enhance your readings.