Deck time: Tarot Familiars by Lo Scarabeo

 

Tarot Familiars 

by Lo Scarabeo

Artwork by Lisa Parker

The Tarot Familiars is a 78-card tarot deck published by  Lo Scarabeo⁠ and illustrated by the celebrated fantasy artist Lisa Parker. First released in 2017, it combines the traditional structure of the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot with Parker’s enchanting imagery of cats, wolves, owls, ravens, dragons, and other magical animal companions.  

What Are “Familiars”?

In folklore and modern witchcraft, a familiar is often understood as a spiritual companion that assists a witch, magician, or practitioner of magic. Traditionally these beings were believed to appear in animal form—especially cats, toads, owls, ravens, or other creatures associated with wisdom and mystery.

The Tarot Familiars deck explores this concept by presenting animals not merely as decorative elements but as symbolic guides. The creatures in the cards often mirror the emotional, spiritual, and magical themes of the traditional tarot archetypes.

Deck Artwork and Style

The artwork is one of the deck’s greatest strengths. Lisa Parker is known for her highly detailed fantasy paintings that blend realism with magical symbolism. Her style is atmospheric and evocative, featuring:

• Mystical cats and kittens
• Wise owls and ravens
• Wolves and other spirit animals
• Moonlit landscapes
• Crystals, candles, pentagrams, and magical tools
• Gothic and Pagan imagery

The deck has a strong appeal for readers interested in Wicca, modern Paganism, witchcraft, and animal symbolism.  

Structure of the Deck

The Tarot Familiars follows the standard tarot format:

• 22 Major Arcana cards
• 56 Minor Arcana cards
• Traditional suits of Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles

Because it remains close to the Rider-Waite-Smith tradition, it is relatively easy for beginners to learn while still offering depth for experienced readers.  

Spiritual and Magical Themes

The deck emphasises several recurring themes:

• Connection with animal spirits
• Intuition and psychic awareness
• Nature-based spirituality
• Personal transformation
• The wisdom of the natural world
• The magical relationship between humans and animals

Many readers find the deck particularly useful for:

• Spirit animal readings
• Shadow work
• Moon rituals
• Pagan seasonal celebrations
• Divination focused on intuition and emotional healing

Strengths of the Deck

Beautiful artwork – The illustrations are rich, detailed, and emotionally expressive.

Accessible symbolism – Traditional tarot meanings remain recognisable.

Appeals to animal lovers – The familiar spirits create an immediate emotional connection.

Excellent for Pagan practitioners – The imagery resonates strongly with witchcraft and nature-based spirituality.

Possible Drawbacks

Some tarot readers note that:

• The deck relies heavily on Lisa Parker’s fantasy aesthetic, which may not appeal to those who prefer historical or minimalist tarot artwork.
• The companion booklet is relatively brief, as is common with many Lo Scarabeo decks.
• Readers seeking highly esoteric or occult symbolism may find it less complex than decks such as the Thoth Tarot or the Hermetic Tarot.

Overall Assessment

Tarot Familiars is one of Lo Scarabeo’s most charming modern decks. It successfully combines traditional tarot structure with the magical symbolism of animal familiars, making it especially attractive to witches, Pagans, and anyone who feels a strong spiritual connection with animals. The deck has a warm, mystical atmosphere that encourages intuitive reading and a sense of companionship with the natural and spirit worlds.  

For many practitioners, Tarot Familiars feels less like a collection of cards and more like a gathering of magical animal guides offering wisdom, protection, and insight through the language of tarot.

A must for tarot and Lisa Parker fans !

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tarot-Familiars-Lisa-Parker/dp/0738755524

About the artist Lisa Parker

Lisa Parker is one of the most recognisable contemporary fantasy artists in the Pagan, Gothic, and witchcraft communities. Born in Devon, England, she originally trained in Natural History Illustration at Bournemouth & Poole Institute of Art & Design, developing a strong foundation in realistic wildlife art before moving into fantasy themes. 

Her paintings often create a feeling that the viewer is looking into a hidden magical world existing alongside ordinary reality. Animals are usually portrayed not merely as creatures but as intelligent spiritual companions or guardians.  

Although her work is fantasy art rather than religious instruction, it has become extremely popular among modern Pagans, Wiccans, and practitioners of folk magic. Her imagery frequently incorporates symbols associated with witchcraft, including pentagrams, cauldrons, moon phases, spell books, and familiar animals.  

Parker herself has explained that her fascination with witchcraft grew through her artistic career and collaborations within the fantasy and Gothic art world. 

Many people who practice tarot or nature-based spirituality feel that her animals seem alive with personality and wisdom. Her cats, wolves, and owls often appear as archetypal spirit guides, bridging the worlds of nature, intuition, and magic.  

For many modern witches and tarot readers, Lisa Parker’s artwork captures the feeling of enchantment that lies at the heart of contemporary Pagan spirituality: a world where animals, nature, and magic are deeply interconnected.  

Mineral Marvels: Ruby

 

Ruby

The gemstone of love with a firery heart

Planet:Sun

Element: fire

Sign: Capricorn

Chakra: root

Deities: Sekhmet, Befana 

Yang

Ruby has long been regarded as one of the most powerful and revered gemstones in both spiritual and metaphysical traditions. Its deep red color, reminiscent of blood, fire, and the life force itself, has made it a symbol of vitality, passion, courage, and divine power across many cultures. While scientific evidence does not support claims of crystal healing, ruby continues to hold profound symbolic and spiritual significance for many practitioners of crystal work, meditation, and esoteric traditions.

The Symbolism of Ruby

Ruby is a red variety of the mineral corundum and has been treasured for thousands of years. Ancient civilisations in India, Burma (Myanmar), Persia, Egypt, and Europe considered ruby the “King of Gems.” It was often associated with royalty, warriors, and spiritual leaders because of its perceived ability to strengthen the heart, protect the soul, and inspire noble action.

The rich crimson colour of ruby symbolises:

• Life force and vitality
• Passion and love
• Courage and strength
• Protection and power
• Leadership and confidence
• Spiritual devotion

In many traditions, ruby represents the sacred flame that burns within every person—the divine spark of consciousness and purpose.

Metaphysical Properties

Energy and Vitality

Ruby is often considered one of the most energising crystals. Crystal practitioners believe it stimulates physical and spiritual energy, helping to overcome lethargy, fatigue, and feelings of stagnation.

It is said to awaken enthusiasm for life and encourage individuals to pursue their goals with determination and passion. Many people use ruby during periods of major life changes, believing it can rekindle motivation and strengthen personal resolve.

Courage and Confidence

Throughout history, warriors carried rubies into battle because they believed the stone granted courage and protection. In modern metaphysical practice, ruby is associated with self-confidence, determination, and personal empowerment.

It is believed to help:

• Overcome fear and self-doubt
• Strengthen willpower
• Encourage leadership qualities
• Foster independence
• Promote decisive action

For those seeking to step into positions of responsibility or authority, ruby is often viewed as a stone of noble leadership.

Passion and Creativity

Ruby is strongly connected with passion in all its forms—not only romantic love but also creativity, ambition, and enthusiasm for life itself.

Many spiritual practitioners use ruby to stimulate:

• Artistic inspiration
• Creative expression
• Motivation
• Romantic passion
• Joy and zest for living

Its fiery energy is thought to awaken dormant talents and encourage individuals to follow their deepest desires.

Spiritual Properties

Connection to the Root Chakra

In modern crystal healing systems, ruby is most commonly associated with the Root Chakra, the energetic center located at the base of the spine.

The Root Chakra governs:

• Survival instincts
• Grounding
• Physical security
• Stability
• Connection to the Earth

Ruby’s vibrant red energy is believed to strengthen this chakra, creating a sense of safety, confidence, and rootedness. Practitioners often use ruby when seeking greater stability in their lives or when feeling disconnected from their physical existence.

Awakening the Heart’s Fire

Although primarily linked with the Root Chakra, ruby is also associated with the Heart Chakra due to its connection with love and devotion.

Rather than the gentle compassion represented by green stones such as rose quartz or jade, ruby embodies a more intense and passionate expression of the heart. It is said to encourage:

• Deep emotional commitment
• Loyalty
• Courageous love
• Devotion to spiritual ideals

Some mystical traditions view ruby as a bridge between earthly desires and spiritual aspiration, teaching that passion itself can become a path to spiritual growth.

Spiritual Protection

Many ancient cultures believed ruby possessed protective powers. It was thought to guard against negative influences, psychic attacks, and misfortune.

In folklore, a ruby was said to darken when danger approached and regain its brilliance once the threat had passed. While this belief belongs to legend rather than science, it reflects ruby’s long-standing reputation as a protective talisman.

Practitioners today may carry ruby as a symbolic shield against negativity and emotional depletion.

Healing Associations

Within crystal healing traditions, ruby is associated with strengthening and revitalising the body.

It is traditionally believed to support:

• Physical vitality
• Circulation
• Stamina
• Recovery from exhaustion
• Emotional resilience

Because of its blood-red color, ruby has historically been linked through the ancient principle of sympathetic magic with the heart and circulatory system. Medieval healers often viewed it as a stone that nourished life energy and promoted vigor.

Emotionally, ruby is believed to help individuals overcome:

• Apathy
• Depression
• Emotional numbness
• Feelings of powerlessness
• Lack of motivation

Many crystal practitioners consider ruby particularly useful during times of grief or major personal transformation, when renewed strength and determination are needed.

Ruby in Meditation and Magical Practice

In meditation, ruby is often used to cultivate courage, confidence, and focused intention. Some practitioners visualize a brilliant red flame radiating from the stone and filling the body with strength and vitality.

In magical traditions, ruby may be incorporated into spells and rituals related to:

• Love and passion
• Prosperity
• Success
• Protection
• Courage
• Personal empowerment

Because of its association with fire, ruby is frequently linked with solar energy and the transformative power of the element of Fire.

Ruby in Astrology

Ruby is traditionally associated with the Sun in several astrological systems. The Sun symbolises:

• Vitality
• Identity
• Leadership
• Creativity
• Personal power

In Vedic astrology, ruby is particularly connected with the Sun and is sometimes worn as a gemstone believed to strengthen solar qualities such as confidence, authority, and self-expression.

Folklore and Mysticism

Ancient Hindu texts referred to ruby as “Ratnaraj,” meaning “King of Precious Stones.” It was believed that offering rubies to the gods could bring favorable rebirths and spiritual blessings.

In Burmese folklore, warriors sometimes embedded rubies into their skin, believing the stones would make them invincible. Medieval Europeans considered ruby a symbol of divine wisdom and heavenly love.

Across cultures, ruby has consistently represented the sacred flame of life—a jewel embodying courage, passion, and spiritual power.

Ruby is one of the most celebrated gemstones in the metaphysical world. Symbolically, it represents life force, courage, passion, protection, and spiritual vitality. It is associated primarily with the Root Chakra, where it is believed to strengthen grounding and personal power, while also inspiring the heart with devotion and purpose.

Whether viewed as a spiritual tool, a symbol of inner strength, or simply a beautiful gemstone steeped in myth and tradition, ruby continues to captivate those seeking to connect with the fiery essence of life itself. Its enduring message is one of courage: to live fully, love deeply, and allow the inner flame of the spirit to shine brightly in the world.