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.