€ 32,95
Two complete tarot decks in one box. One deck light, the other shadow. Together they show what happens above and below the surface.
A system that asks you to look twice: at the facts and at what lies beneath.
Only 2 left in stock
Many tarot cards have a light and a dark side, depending on how you read them. This deck makes that system physical. Two full sets of 78 cards, each from a different perspective. One deck for what is visible, one for what stays hidden.
Designed by John Matthews and illustrated by Andrea Aste. Matthews has been writing about mysticism and tarot for decades. Aste works as a visual artist and filmmaker, bringing together medieval forms with alchemical symbols.
The imagery is expressive and dense. Medieval aesthetics form the foundation, with strong lines and archetypal figures. Colours are saturated, symbolism is in the details: a key, a mirror, a hand gesture.
The Light deck shows everyday reality. Situations you recognise, choices that seem obvious. The Shadow deck goes beneath the surface. What you do not immediately see, what you would rather avoid, what flashes by but stays with you.
The cards are printed on sturdy cardstock with a matte finish. They shuffle smoothly, the corners are rounded. The format is 70 x 120 mm, standard tarot size.
You can use both decks at the same time. For a question, draw one card from the Light deck and one from the Shadow deck. The first shows what is happening, the second why it is happening. The tension between those two cards gives more space than a single card alone.
You can also use one deck separately. The Light deck works as a regular tarot deck. The Shadow deck is stronger for introspection, shadow work, processes that need time to reveal themselves.
The guidebook runs 160 pages. Each card receives a double interpretation: one for the light, one for the shadow. It also includes spreads specifically designed for this dual system.
Lay both cards side by side and notice which one draws your attention first. Often that first glance already says enough about where you are right now.
This deck is designed for those who already know how tarot works and are looking for more layers. The guidebook explains the system clearly, but assumes you know the basic structure of tarot.
It also works well if you are interested in shadow work or Jungian psychology. The Shadow deck brings up patterns that otherwise stay out of sight.
John Matthews has written dozens of books on Celtic mysticism, Arthurian legends and tarot. His strength lies in translating ancient wisdom traditions into clear, workable systems.
Andrea Aste studied film and visual art in Italy. His work combines alchemy, mythology and symbolism. For this deck he drew all 156 cards in the same iconographic language, so that both decks connect visually.
Do I always have to use both decks together?
No. You can also use them separately. The Light deck works as a regular tarot deck, the Shadow deck is more focused on introspection.
How does this deck differ from a traditional Rider-Waite-Smith deck?
The structure is the same: 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana. The difference lies in the dual execution and the medieval imagery. The symbolism is denser and less immediately recognisable than RWS.
| ISBN | 9781786784117 |
| Uitgeverij | Watkins |
| Auteur | John Matthews |
| Taal | English |
| SKU | 1472-DB631 |
Since 1999, Tarot.nl has been the trusted source for the largest collection of cards in the Benelux. As a Dutch family business, we personally select every deck based on quality and character.
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