The Sabbath Tarot

The Sabbath Tarot is a 78-card deck that blends the classical structure of tarot with a modern, dark, and empowering vision of witchcraft, specifically highlighting the male witch. Created by fitness photographer and witch Allan Spiers, this deck challenges traditional stereotypes by featuring predominantly male figures in its imagery, while still acknowledging female representation. The deck includes the standard 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana, though some Major Arcana names are rephrased to better suit the deck's theme, and the suits are renamed to Blades (Swords), Disks (Pentacles), Staffs (Wands), and Vessels (Cups).

A central feature of The Sabbath Tarot is its unique "Devil's Arcana," which expands the traditional XV Devil card into three distinct cards: Lucifer, Diabolus, and Satan. Readers can choose to use one, two, or all three in their deck, each offering a nuanced interpretation of rebellion, temptation, and liberation. This innovative approach aims to provide deeper, more personalized readings, particularly for those exploring themes of empowerment and overcoming negative influences. The deck is designed not only as a piece of art but as a functional tool for practitioners of the Craft, both men and women.

Physically, the cards are printed on 400 GSM Art Paper with a soft matte finish, measuring 88mm x 126mm. The design incorporates gold foil outlined pentagrams on the cards, book, and box, along with spot UV details for elemental and astrological symbols on the Major Arcana. A rich matte red edge enhances the aesthetic, contributing to its overall witchy appeal. The deck comes with a deluxe box and a hardcover guidebook that explains each card's meaning and offers custom layouts.

This deck is ideal for experienced tarot readers and practitioners of witchcraft who are looking for a deck with a strong, dark, and empowering aesthetic. It particularly appeals to those interested in male representation in witchcraft and occult themes, or individuals who appreciate photographic art in their divination tools. Readers who enjoy challenging traditional tarot interpretations and exploring nuanced, empowering meanings for cards like The Devil will find this deck compelling.

Allan Spiers, a fitness photographer and practicing witch, created The Sabbath Tarot to merge his two previously separate worlds. He felt compelled to stop hiding his witchcraft, which profoundly influenced his life, and decided to use his photography skills to glorify the image of the male witch, who he felt was historically persecuted and underrepresented. The project also aims to introduce the fitness community to witchcraft, and vice versa, fostering new ideas and challenging stereotypes. Spiers was inspired by the positive response from models and the community, many of whom expressed interest in witchcraft or shared stories of their own family's practices.