The Biblical Tarot Shadows of the Soul Deck Review and Interview ⋆ Angelorum Tarot

Krasimir Kalin’s Biblical Tarot: Shadows of the Soul is his third Tarot deck, distinct from his previous editions. Designed specifically for shadow work, this black-and-white deck explores the depths of the subconscious through a striking monochrome aesthetic. This latest edition, alongside its companion book Illuminating the Path Within: The Biblical Tarot and Its Shadows, offers a polished and complete experience for those intrigued by his visionary approach to the Tarot. (You can find reviews for the first edition HERE and the second edition HERE.)

As someone who has been through the process of religious trauma recovery by doing shadow work, I’m in awe of how complete the information is in the companion book. Though I may not have been able to use this book (or deck) while deconstructing from religious programming (too triggering), I see it as the perfect companion now that I have reconstructed my faith.

This deck and book set will bring you everything you need to do deep shadow work if you can work with the Biblical allegories, stories and metaphysical metaphors without feeling the need for dogma or a certain set of beliefs.

The Shadow Card

The deck has an extra Major Arcana card and it is stunning. It’s titled “The Shadow” and features Jacob wrestling with the Angel of the Lord. You can view that (along with all the other cards) in the video flip-through below.

Video Flip-through of Biblical Tarot Shadows of the Soul

Cardstock & Quality

One of the standout improvements in this third edition is the cardstock. The deck features a smooth yet sturdy finish, making shuffling a pleasant experience. While the previous editions had a good quality standard feel, this version strikes an excellent balance between flexibility and durability, ensuring longevity even with frequent use. In the image below, you can see that the silver-edged shadow version is thicker than the 2nd edition (3.5 cm vs. 3.0 cm). Oh, and I love the silky matte finish in the shadow edition–It really shows the artwork off!

Biblical Tarot edges - comparing the Shadow version and the 2nd edition — The Biblical Tarot Shadows of the Soul has gorgeous silver edges.

Artwork & Aesthetic

Kalin continues to refine his artistic vision in this edition. The imagery maintains his signature style, combining classical religious artwork with Tarot symbolism in a way that feels thought-provoking and evocative. The black-and-white aesthetic doesn’t just work for shadow work readings. I will probably reach for this deck for many other types of readings too. I’d been waiting for a monochrome deck that sang to me and I can safely say the wait is over!

Silver Edging & Finishing Touches

A particularly luxurious touch in this edition is the silver edging, which adds an elegant sheen to the deck. This not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also gives it a tactile richness that feels special. The silver detailing complements the deck’s sacred theme, creating an almost illuminated manuscript effect. Using silver edges on a shadow work deck is genius. This is because of silver’s correspondence with the Moon and the ability of lunar light and silver to cleanse and detox. When we do shadow work, we purge the deeper layers of our psyche of toxic, stagnant emotions.

The Guidebook: Illuminating the Path Within

The 365-page companion book, Illuminating the Path Within, provides a much-needed deep dive into the Biblical Tarot’s structure, meanings, and use in shadow work. This book is full of information about shadow work. I was amazed and delighted to find so many practical tips and exercises. There are also insightful interpretations for each of the cards. It’s a welcome addition for both newcomers and those already familiar with the Tarot, helping to unlock the deck’s layered symbolism as well as introducing the beginner to shadow work.

Here is a sample page from the book on how to get started with a single card pull for shadow work: