The Light and Shadow Tarot

Review by for The Light and Shadow Tarot
Rating:
Like most of the other reviewers, I have nothing but praise for this deck of cards. I ordered mine based on the positive reviews here, and since receiving them two days ago, I have hardly been able to put them down.As a newcomer to Tarot I am still in the process of getting aquainted with the images and their meanings. Also as an amateur artist, I buy my decks based on the visual appeal and feel of the artwork and not so much for what esoteric system or culture they are created for. This deck even incorporates many cultures seamlessly as well as the artist’s personal visions and ideas, but overall maintains much of the traditional Tarot symbolism so that the beginner will not have problems identifying the cards.What speaks to me may not speak to everyone, but I find these bold linocuts to be alive and vibrant with joy and creativity quite unlike any other deck I’ve come across. The images are strong and dynamic enough that colour would only take away from them. The artwork alone is worth the price, I dare say even the four queens are reason enough to get this deck! The accompanying booklet offers a short intro to each of the 78 cards, as well as an intersting bit about the life and work of the artist. As co-author Brian Williams writes in the preface, the ideas of Michael Goepferd are so rich, potent, and beautifully realized that they do not need any embellishment. Still I find the book a good little companion that enhances one’s understanding and enjoyment of this particular deck. For longer in-depth discussion on Tarot, there are other and brilliant books out there.

Review by El Brujo for The Light and Shadow Tarot
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Okay, I do not understand how any one could give this deck a bad review; it makes no sense to me. With all due respect, I guess the individual does not understand the complicity of linoleum block, which is not the same as just drawing a deck, it is much more complex and difficult to work with. But with all that said, this deck is very strong in it’s style. Yes this is a very big deck, but for one to truly appreciate the art within the cards, it needed to be this big. I strongly recommend this deck to the beginners as well as the advanced / or collectors. I am a reader and collector of tarots for many years, and I have used this deck, especially when teaching younger adults or pre-teens. I bought a few decks, and with my three daughters, (actually one is younger, and I got her the Hello Kitty Tarot) But I got a few of these decks, this past summer and every day we would color the deck with markers. As we did so we spoke on the meanings of the deck, or what a card meant to one of my daughters. Happily each Light and Shadow deck became beautifully unique and an art project that gave us much time to spend together. Also instead of studying the tarot alone, we made it a group project, and learned so much from one another.For that alone I recommend this deck so much. You will have a deck all your own. I was saddened to learn that Michael Goepferd the artist of this deck, did not live to see his deck in print, and I hope he can see, that he has created a deck that will defiantly become a classic.

Review by Sarah Ovenall for The Light and Shadow Tarot
Rating:
The Light and Shadow Tarot is a marvelous example of an all-too-rare occurance: a deck that works on both the artistic and esoteric levels. These linoleum block prints by the late Michael Goepford were originally published in a limited edition as the Contrast Tarot. I feel lucky to have access to this deck, now including a book by Brian Williams (creator of the Renaissence Tarot, PoMo Tarot and Minchiate Tarot).
 
Goepford’s art is superb. Tarot enthusiasts accustomed to decks that look like illustrations from a sword and sorcery novel will find Light and Shadow a pleasant change of pace. The cards show all the expressiveness associated with block prints, but are finely detailed, with delicate, clean lines. As is common with block prints, the cards are all black and white. Unusual for a Tarot deck, but fortunately the cards are well-printed with deep blacks. The effect is not one of cheapness but of rich, complex art.
 
The imagery on the cards keeps fairly close to tradition, though Goepford exercised some creative freedom in his interpretations. All the cards are richly illustrated with symbolic details; every corner of each card is filled with tiny details that add additional meaning.
 
The book accompanying Light and Shadow is as enjoyable as the deck. The book was written by Brian Williams, based on interviews with Goepford. It includes detailed interpretations in a lyrical style typical of Williams, and a short poem for each card. The book also includes a brief biography of the artist, with examples of his non-Tarot work.Light and Shadow Tarot is my favorite deck, a highlight of my collection. To my mind this deck is the gold standard against which all black and white Tarot decks must be measured. I highly  recommend Light and Shadow Tarot as an art deck for collectors, to readers who want a fresh perspective on the Golden Dawn tradition, and for anyone interested in block print art.