I received this Vice Versa Tarot deck with two Lo Scarabeo “Total Tarot” magazines that I bought second-hand. While the deck art is not my usual style, I formed a bond with the seller after another order I made from her was lost in the mail abyss, and I was interested in the concept of this tarot deck. Instead of having card backs, this deck shows the front and back of every tarot card.
The Vice Versa isn’t just interested in what a card means; it is interested in the whole scene. What is happening on the other side? What happened immediately before this? What exists outside the obvious image? This leads to very intuitive card reading and expands upon the standard Rider Waite interpretation of the imagery.
I decided to do a tarot interview with my deck, after I let it sit on my bookshelf, under a quartz crystal for around two weeks. I haven’t been drawn to work with it until today. Here’s what it revealed to me:
Tell me about yourself and what I need to know about you – [Teacher card at the bottom of the deck] Ten of Cups [Front]
Starting off with a beautiful message, this deck tells me that it’s here to teach me through wholeness (in the expansion of the imagery). It’s here to fulfill me with something emotionally attainable, and through an authentic relationship. It presents itself to me as family, with love.
Why have you come into my life at this point? – Ace of Pentacles [Front]
Face-to-face with me, this card literally says: I am a tangible new tool in your life, ready to be used as you desire – and ready to bring you a grounded sense of Abundance as a result. This is rather fitting considering all I have been (elementally) navigating lately, and this deck is saying: here is the perfect time to begin using me.
How will we work together? – IV. The Emperor [Front]
This deck will give me a sense of guidance and structure, much like a father figure. It will present messages to me in an organized fashion that doesn’t soften the weight so that it’s easier for me to bear. It will help me build something of meaning in my spiritual practice.
How will you challenge me? – Knight of Cups [Back]
How interesting that my first ‘Back’ of a card comes with this question; the challenge already exists in how it has presented itself to me, asking me, how will you look at things when you’re forced to do so from a different perspective? What happens if I push myself beyond the message I already know? I also love that this shot forces me to look up at the night sky beyond all else; what happens when I release control and let the Divine speak?
What do you think about me? – 9 of Pentacles [Front]
I’m honoured by the way this deck sees me: it sees me as a woman established in her garden of self, who tends to her spirit with grace and humility, rooted in her sovereignty. And by showing me the ‘Front’ of the card, perhaps it is also saying: what you see is what you get.
How will our journey begin with one another? – 7 of Swords [Front]
In any regular reading, this card may make your eyebrows raise up in concern, but it is almost as if the deck is once again saying to me: what will you notice when you go beyond what you believe to be truth? This is a card of secrecy and deception, and perhaps Vice Versa Tarot is telling me that there is always more to notice in cards I believe I already know – secrets they are eager to reveal. My journey with the deck begins by questioning what I have always known to be truth within the tarot.
I think that is a rather perfect place for our journey to begin.
This little interview has already shown me that the Vice Versa Tarot is going to ask me to look twice, to question what I think I know, and to pay attention to what exists beyond the first interpretation. I don’t know yet where this relationship will take me, but I am very curious to find out.
For a deck I wasn’t initially drawn to, it certainly has a lot to say. I look forward to seeing how this relationship unfolds.
If you wish to support my work further, have a look at all my books, journals, and decks, available here. If you want to work with me as a spiritual healer, check out my services through Seeking Celestial Grace and Awakened Little Souls. I am offering limited spots each month for my Year Ahead Tarot Reading. And: What if the wisdom you need could be found in the spirit of flowers – in a 78-card oracle deck? Have a look at fleurs célestes – a Flower Essence Oracle & Tarot Deck created by yours truly.
xx C
