The Book of Shadows Tarot - Volume 1 as Above

The Book of Shadows Tarot - Volume 1 Above - a visual grimoire of universal forces

Most tarot decks hold to the structure of Rider-Waite or Crowley. This one does not. Barbara Moore uses the 78 cards as a visual grimoire, focused on the spiritual teachings of modern witchcraft.

As Above stands for the universal, the divine, the forces that operate above us. The cards show moon phases, Sabbats, goddesses and nature spirits. This is not a tarot for quick answers, but for those who want to understand and apply the symbolism of witchcraft.

What you see on the cards

The illustrations deliberately depart from traditional tarot imagery. Instead of a Magician with table and tools, you see ritual scenes, altar arrangements, seasonal cycles. Each card is built around an aspect of natural magic.

The colours are warm and dark, with plenty of gold, brown and deep purple. The figures wear ritual clothing, hold wands, stand by fires or under full moons. The visual language speaks to those who already know what a pentagram means, what a Sabbat signifies, how the elements work.

The cards have a matte finish and are handy to hold (66 x 120 mm). They feel solid, not slippery. That suits the character of the deck.

Who this deck is designed for

This is not an entry-level deck. You need knowledge of tarot or modern witchcraft to place the images. The 160-page guidebook helps, but assumes you already have a foundation.

Many users reach for this deck during ritual work or natural cycles such as the full moon or the Sabbats. It reads less easily for everyday questions. The focus is on the spiritual, not the practical.

Draw a card during a full moon and let the symbolism work through you for a few days. The imagery is dense enough that it does not reveal itself all at once.

As Above and So Below

The deck is the first part of a two-volume set. As Above focuses on the divine, the universal. The second volume, So Below, addresses the earthly, human side. Together they form a complete system.

You can use both decks separately, but the two complement each other. As Above gives context and direction, So Below brings it into practice.

About Barbara Moore

Barbara Moore writes about tarot and modern witchcraft. She combines classical tarot principles with contemporary spiritual traditions and has several decks and books to her name.

Her strength lies in translating complex magical concepts into workable systems. This deck is a clear example of that.

Specifications

• Number of cards: 78
• Card size: 66 x 120 mm
• Finish: matte
• Guidebook: 160 pages
• Language: English
• Publisher: Lo Scarabeo
• Packaging: sturdy storage box
• Author: Barbara Moore

Questions we often get

Can I use this deck if I have no experience with witchcraft?
That will be difficult. The symbolism is specifically aimed at natural magic, Sabbats and ritual practices. Without that knowledge the cards remain abstract. The guidebook explains much, but does not replace foundational knowledge.

Do I need both volumes to understand this deck?
No. As Above stands on its own. The second volume adds another layer, but is not required to work with this deck.