7 July 2026

Some tarot decks challenge us, others comfort us. A rare few manage to do both at the same time. The Shadows We Cast Tarot by Nicky Ferrada is one of those rare creations and, in our view, one of the gentlest shadow work decks available. It gently encourages us to step into the hidden corners of ourselves with courage, curiosity and compassion, reminding us that our shadows are not something to fear, but something to understand.

As someone who works with tarot every day, I have handled countless decks over the years. Each has its own personality, its own rhythm and its own voice. Some feel like wise teachers, others like storytellers, while a few seem almost mystical in the way they communicate. The Shadows We Cast feels different. Sitting with this deck is like spending time with a trusted soul being, one who listens without judgement, asks thoughtful questions and quietly encourages you to discover your own answers.

Although created as a shadow work tarot deck, it truly never feels oppressive or intimidating. Instead, it radiates warmth, acceptance and most of all hope. Making it an excellent choice for both experienced tarot readers and those just beginning to explore the deeper psychological aspects of tarot.

If you are searching for a beautifully illustrated Rider-Waite-Smith inspired tarot deck that balances emotional honesty with genuine encouragement, The Shadows We Cast Tarot deserves a place at the very top of your list.

What is The Shadows We Cast Tarot?

Created and illustrated by Nicky Ferrada, The Shadows We Cast Tarot is a contemporary interpretation of the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith system. While its foundations remain comfortably familiar, Ferrada brings her own very distinctive artistic style and emotional intelligence to every card.

Rather than reinventing tarot entirely, she honours the symbolism that readers know and trust while gently modernising the imagery. The result is a deck that feels both timeless and refreshingly new.

Every illustration appears intentionally crafted to encourage reflection rather than simply provide answers. There is room within each card for personal interpretation, allowing your intuition to work alongside the traditional meanings instead of being overshadowed by them.

That balance is perhaps one of the deck's greatest strengths.

My First Impressions

Before even drawing the first card, there's an unmistakable sense of care that has gone into creating this deck.

The artwork immediately captures your attention. Rich without becoming overwhelming, expressive without becoming chaotic, every image feels thoughtfully composed. There is an unmistakable softness throughout the illustrations, even when exploring difficult themes.

Unlike many shadow work decks that rely heavily on darkness and horror aesthetics or unsettling imagery, The Shadows We Cast chooses compassion over confrontation.

Its colour palette moves beautifully between muted earth tones, glowing celestial blues, warm golds and gentle botanical greens. This creates a visual language that feels emotionally safe while still allowing difficult truths to emerge naturally.

It's a deck that quietly invites you in, rather than demanding your attention.

As someone who regularly reads for others, I find this especially valuable. Difficult messages become easier to receive when they are delivered with kindness and this deck excels at exactly that.

A Familiar Structure with Fresh Perspective

One of the reasons The Shadows We Cast Tarot feels so intuitive is its faithful relationship with the Rider-Waite-Smith tradition. Readers already familiar with classic tarot will quickly recognise the underlying symbolism throughout the deck.

Major Arcana remain true to their archetypal journeys, while the Minor Arcana continue to illustrate meaningful scenes rather than relying solely on suit symbols.

This makes intuitive reading remarkably natural. Yet despite respecting tradition, Ferrada never feels constrained by it. Instead, she gently expands upon familiar meanings, encouraging readers to notice emotional nuances that may otherwise be overlooked.

This isn't tarot that shouts.

It's tarot that whispers.

And often, whispers are exactly what we need.

Understanding the Deck Structure

The Shadows We Cast Tarot contains 79 beautifully illustrated cards, offering the traditional 78-card Rider-Waite-Smith structure alongside one additional bonus card that complements the deck's reflective nature.

Within the deck you'll find:

• 22 Major Arcana
• 56 Minor Arcana
• Four traditional suits
• Sixteen Court Cards
• One unique bonus card

Because the structure remains comfortably familiar, readers can begin working confidently with the deck almost immediately.

The additional card feels less like a novelty and more like a thoughtful extension of Ferrada's philosophy, another opportunity for reflection rather than simply another meaning to memorise.

The Major Arcana: Walking the Journey Within

The Major Arcana have always represented life's profound lessons and spiritual milestones.

Within The Shadows We Cast, these archetypes become deeply personal. Rather than depicting distant mythical figures, many cards feel wonderfully human. Their emotions are recognisable. Their expressions believable. Their challenges relatable.

The Fool becomes less about reckless adventure and more about trusting yourself despite uncertainty.

The Hermit feels less isolated and more peacefully introspective.

Death transforms from an ending into a compassionate invitation to release what no longer serves you.

Even traditionally challenging cards such as The Devil or The Tower avoid sensationalism.

Instead of instilling fear, they ask gentle questions.

• What are you holding onto?
• What belief is keeping you small?
• What freedom waits on the other side of change?

This subtle shift transforms the reading experience.

Instead of dreading certain cards appearing, you begin welcoming them as opportunities for understanding.

The Minor Arcana: Everyday Magic and Emotional Honesty

The Minor Arcana continue this same compassionate philosophy.

Each card illustrates recognisable human experiences while remaining deeply rooted in Rider-Waite-Smith symbolism.

Rather than presenting abstract concepts, Ferrada gives readers emotional moments.

• Small gestures.
• Quiet reflections.
• Tender expressions.

These scenes make interpretation wonderfully intuitive.

Whether you are reading for yourself or others, the imagery naturally encourages conversation and personal insight.

The cards never feel prescriptive.

Instead they gently ask:

"What does this mean for you?"

That is a remarkably powerful quality in any tarot deck.

Artwork That Speaks Directly to the Heart

Perhaps the most unforgettable aspect of The Shadows We Cast Tarot is its artwork. Every illustration feels emotionally alive. Ferrada masterfully blends symbolism with storytelling, allowing traditional tarot imagery to evolve into something deeply contemporary without losing its foundations.

There is movement throughout the deck. Expressions communicate emotion before you consciously analyse them. Body language reveals hidden feelings.

Natural elements quietly reinforce each card's message.

Flowers bloom.

Branches twist.

Stars illuminate.

Water flows.

Every detail contributes to the narrative without becoming visually overwhelming.

This careful balance makes the deck accessible for beginners while still offering extraordinary depth for experienced readers.

The longer you spend with each image, the more you notice.

And perhaps that's exactly the point.

Like shadow work itself, understanding unfolds gradually.

Not everything reveals itself immediately.

Sometimes wisdom simply waits patiently until we're ready to see it.

Exploring the Four Suits

Like the Rider-Waite-Smith tradition that inspires it, The Shadows We Cast Tarot uses the familiar four suits, Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles. Each retains its traditional elemental correspondence while embracing Nicky Ferrada's distinctive visual storytelling and compassionate approach to interpretation.

Rather than simply illustrating the meanings of each card, Ferrada invites readers to experience them emotionally. Every suit develops its own personality, making the Minor Arcana feel like an unfolding story of everyday life.

Wands: Passion, Creativity and Personal Growth

Keywords: Inspiration, creativity, ambition, courage, purpose, confidence, action.

Representing the element of Fire, the Wands explore what ignites the soul. They speak of creative projects, personal aspirations, spiritual growth and the courage to follow your own path.

Throughout the deck, the Wands feel vibrant without becoming overwhelming. Even when challenges arise, there is always an underlying message that growth is possible through perseverance and self-belief.

Ferrada captures the spark of inspiration beautifully, reminding us that creativity is not always loud or dramatic. Sometimes it begins with one small, hopeful step.

Cups: Emotion, Relationships and Intuition

Keywords: Love, compassion, intuition, healing, connection, emotional wellbeing.

The Cups, aligned with the element of Water, gently guide us into the heart. These cards explore our emotional landscape, our relationships with others and, perhaps most importantly, our relationship with ourselves.

This is one of the most beautifully realised suits in the deck.

The imagery carries a quiet tenderness that encourages vulnerability without making it feel uncomfortable. Joy, grief, hope and love are all honoured equally, reflecting the full spectrum of human emotion.

For anyone using tarot as part of a healing or self-care practice, the Cups feel especially nurturing.

Swords: Truth, Clarity and Perspective

Keywords: Communication, truth, intellect, decisions, challenges, mental clarity.

Associated with the element of Air, the Swords traditionally carry a reputation for being difficult. They address conflict, difficult decisions, limiting beliefs and the stories we tell ourselves.

Yet in The Shadows We Cast Tarot, these cards never feel harsh.

Instead, Ferrada reframes them as opportunities for understanding. Rather than dwelling on struggle, the Swords encourage honesty, self-awareness and personal growth.

They gently remind us that while truth can sometimes be uncomfortable, it is also deeply liberating.

Pentacles: Stability, Nature and Abundance

Keywords: Home, wellbeing, security, manifestation, work, nature, prosperity.

Grounded in the element of Earth, the Pentacles celebrate the tangible aspects of life. They speak of career, finances, physical wellbeing, home, family and our connection to the natural world.

Ferrada's artwork shines particularly brightly here.

Organic textures, flourishing plants and earthly colours reinforce the feeling of stability and belonging. These cards encourage readers to appreciate the beauty found in ordinary moments while building solid foundations for the future.

Rather than focusing solely on material success, the Pentacles ask a deeper question:

What truly nourishes you?

The Court Cards Feel Wonderfully Human

For many tarot readers, the Court Cards can be the most challenging part of any deck. They often seem mysterious, symbolic or difficult to interpret.

One of the greatest strengths of The Shadows We Cast Tarot is how approachable these cards become.

The Pages embody curiosity, openness and the willingness to learn.

The Knights represent movement, passion and the courage to pursue meaningful change.

The Queens radiate wisdom, compassion and emotional maturity, encouraging us to nurture both ourselves and those around us.

The Kings offer grounded leadership, confidence and thoughtful responsibility, demonstrating that true strength is rooted in kindness rather than control.

Rather than portraying distant archetypes, Ferrada presents individuals whose emotions are visible in their expressions, posture and interactions with the world around them. This makes the Court Cards feel less intimidating and far easier to connect with intuitively.

Whether they appear as aspects of ourselves or reflections of the people in our lives, they offer guidance with warmth rather than authority.

A Guidebook That Truly Enhances the Deck

An exceptional tarot deck deserves an equally exceptional guidebook and Nicky Ferrada delivers exactly that.

Rather than functioning as a simple keyword reference, the companion guidebook feels like an ongoing conversation.

Each card is explored with care, balancing traditional Rider-Waite-Smith meanings with Ferrada's own thoughtful interpretations. There is enough depth to satisfy experienced readers while remaining wonderfully accessible for beginners.

The writing itself mirrors the personality of the deck, gentle, encouraging and deeply compassionate.

Rather than telling readers what they should think, the guidebook invites reflection through insightful explanations and thoughtful prompts. It creates space for intuition to flourish while providing enough structure to build confidence.

For those who enjoy journalling alongside their tarot practice, this guidebook is an invaluable companion. It transforms each reading into an opportunity for self-discovery rather than simply predicting outcomes.

Reading with The Shadows We Cast Tarot

Some decks immediately establish a connection.

This is one of them.

Whether reading for yourself or for others, The Shadows We Cast Tarot has a remarkable ability to create a calm, supportive atmosphere. Even when difficult cards appear, they rarely feel confrontational. Instead, they gently encourage honest conversations about healing, acceptance and personal growth.

As someone who works regularly with tarot, I particularly appreciate how naturally the imagery encourages intuitive interpretation. Often, before consulting the guidebook, the artwork itself begins telling the story. That is the hallmark of thoughtful tarot design. The more time you spend with this deck, the richer those conversations become.

It never feels as though the cards are judging you.

Instead, they quietly ask:

"How can I support you today?"

That compassionate presence is what makes this deck so memorable.

Who Is The Shadows We Cast Tarot For?

One of the most impressive aspects of this deck is its versatility.

It is an excellent choice for:

• Readers looking for a compassionate shadow work tarot deck.
• Beginners seeking a Rider-Waite-Smith-inspired system with intuitive artwork.
• Experienced readers wanting a fresh yet familiar perspective.
• Journalling and personal development practices.
• Meditation and mindfulness.
• Readers who value emotional honesty delivered with kindness.
• Collectors of beautifully illustrated independent tarot decks.

Whether you're exploring tarot for spiritual growth, creative inspiration or everyday guidance, this deck has something meaningful to offer.

If gentle, reflective decks are your thing, our review of the Rooted Remembrance Tarot is a natural next read.

Final Thoughts

There are tarot decks that impress with their artwork.

There are decks that stand out because of their guidebooks.

And there are decks that become trusted companions.

The Shadows We Cast Tarot belongs firmly in that final category.

Nicky Ferrada has created something genuinely special, a deck that honours the rich symbolism of the R-W-S tradition while offering a fresh, deeply compassionate perspective for modern readers.

Every card feels thoughtfully crafted, every illustration invites reflection and every reading becomes an opportunity to meet yourself with greater understanding.

What I admire most is that this deck never asks us to conquer our shadows.

Instead, it encourages us to sit beside them with curiosity, kindness and patience.

After all, our shadows are simply parts of ourselves waiting to be acknowledged, understood and ultimately embraced.

If you're searching for a tarot deck that feels like a wise, encouraging friend, one that offers honest guidance while always reminding you to treat yourself with compassion, The Shadows We Cast Tarot is a beautiful choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Shadows We Cast Tarot suitable for beginners?

Yes. While the deck explores themes of shadow work and self-reflection, its Rider-Waite-Smith foundation and beautifully written guidebook make it highly accessible for those beginning their tarot journey.

Is this a dark or intimidating shadow work deck?

Not at all. Although it encourages honest self-reflection, the overall tone is warm, compassionate and reassuring. It feels far more like a supportive conversation than a confrontation.

What makes The Shadows We Cast Tarot unique?

Its greatest strength lies in the combination of emotionally resonant artwork, thoughtful symbolism and an outstanding guidebook. Together they create a reading experience that feels gentle, insightful and deeply personal.

Would experienced tarot readers enjoy this deck?

Without question. While accessible to beginners, experienced readers will appreciate the emotional depth, nuanced symbolism and intuitive storytelling that reveal new insights with every reading.

Is The Shadows We Cast Tarot worth adding to your collection?

If you value tarot as a tool for personal growth, healing and self-understanding, then absolutely. It is a beautifully crafted deck that offers both visual beauty and lasting wisdom, making it a rewarding companion for readers of every level.