The Tarot of the New Vision represents a significant evolution within the realm of divinatory tools, specifically building upon the foundational imagery of the Rider-Waite-Smith system. Created by Pietro Alligo and illustrated by the twin brothers Raul and Gianluca Cestaro, this deck was first published in 2003 by Lo Scarabeo. The core concept involves a literal 180-degree rotation of the traditional card images, offering a perspective from behind the key figures or looking directly at them, rather than observing the scene from the original vantage point. This shift is not merely a visual novelty but serves as an extension of the standard Tarot meanings, providing a "complement and completion" to the traditional system.
The deck consists of 78 cards, adhering to the standard structure of 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana, divided into the suits of Wands, Chalices (Cups), Swords, and Pentacles. The court cards include King, Queen, Knight, and Knave (Page). The artistic style intentionally references Pamela Colman Smith’s original work, utilizing similar shades and drawing techniques to maintain a sense of familiarity for traditionalists while introducing new elements.
The Conceptual Foundation
The primary objective of the Tarot of the New Vision is to broaden the semantic field of the Rider-Waite deck. By changing the perspective, the artists reveal areas of the card that were previously obscured or "backstage." This approach allows the querent to look deeper into the unconscious or underlying meanings of a situation. The deck suggests that every word spoken, decision made, or action taken has a specific reason, and nothing happens by chance. It aims to illuminate the true motives behind behaviors, whether in personal relationships or business contexts.
The twin artists, Raul and Gianluca Cestaro, add a layer of symbolism through their relationship, echoing the deck’s purpose of exploring opposites and different points of view. This dynamic mirrors the concept of a coin and its other side, reinforcing the idea that knowledge and awareness are broadened by looking at things from a new angle.
Symbolic Additions and New Elements
One of the most distinct features of the Tarot of the New Vision is the introduction of new characters, animals, and objects that were not visible in the original deck. These additions are not arbitrary; they are intended to provide further clues regarding the meaning of the card or the situation at hand.
The High Priestess
In the traditional Rider-Waite deck, the High Priestess sits before a veil. In the New Vision, the perspective shifts to behind the veil, looking past the High Priestess’s back. This change suggests a look into what lies beyond the conscious knowledge, hinting at secrets or information that is hidden from immediate view.
The Empress
The Empress card in this deck features a white swan, symbolizing purity of soul and beauty. Additionally, children sitting behind the throne are visible, speaking directly to the possibility of conceiving and bearing offspring, or generally representing fertility and nurturing energy.
The Tower
The Tower card reveals an apple tree and a snake in the New Vision. This imagery suggests a relationship between decisions made and future consequences. It implies that the destruction often associated with the Tower could have been avoided if the individual had made different choices, emphasizing personal responsibility and the cause-and-effect nature of actions.
The 5 of Swords
This card reveals a ruined building in the background that would have been out of sight originally. This detail hints at a destructive battle or the heavy consequences of conflict, suggesting that the fallout of a situation is often more extensive than it initially appears.
The Devil
The New Vision deck introduces extra demons or gargoyles in the Devil card, emphasizing the shadow aspects of the personality and the depth of internal blocks or negative beliefs that may be holding the querent back.
Other Minor Arcana Additions
- Eight of Wands: An angel appears, potentially offering a glimpse of divine intervention or positive momentum.
- Four of Cups: A winged horse is visible, symbolizing potential or spiritual elevation that may be overlooked.
- Seven of Pentacles: A ghost or spirit appears, suggesting that past energies or unresolved issues are influencing the current assessment of progress.
Divinatory Interpretation and Usage
The Tarot of the New Vision is designed to be interpreted based on the classic meanings of Waite, which serves as the foundation to avoid confusion and ensure accurate prediction. However, the innovations of the authors must not be ignored. The deck is particularly effective for:
Understanding Shadow Aspects
Giordano Berti’s work, referenced in the context of this deck, focuses heavily on the shadow aspect of the personality. The images are viewed as representing the unconscious or underlying meanings. Spreads using this deck can highlight the causes of human behavior, helping the querent understand why they act in a certain way. It illuminates the "backstage" of habitual behavior, allowing for the identification and resolution of complexes.
Relationship and Business Dynamics
The deck is noted for its ability to illuminate the true motives of partners in personal relationships or colleagues in business. It emphasizes secret desires, self-interest, or virtue. By revealing these hidden elements, the querent can make informed decisions about whom to trust and whom to distance themselves from.
The Knight of Cups
Specifically, the Knight of Cups in this deck is associated with love, forgiveness, and a new chance. It suggests that the querent has the ability to solve problems easily, provided they draw the right conclusions from the situation presented.
Suitability for Different Users
The Tarot of the New Vision appeals to several groups of practitioners: * Fans of the creators: Those who follow the work of Pietro Alligo and the Cestaro brothers. * Traditionalists: Users of the Waite system will find the deck familiar yet intriguing, as the style references the original Pamela Smith artwork. * Beginners: The deck is considered ideal for those new to Tarot. The visual additions often make the card stories more explicit, smoothly preparing the user for interaction with other mantic systems. * Experienced Practitioners: Even seasoned readers can find new insights, as the "backstage" view offers a fresh look at established meanings.
Historical Context and Physical Specifications
- First Published: 2003.
- Reissues: 2010 and 2015.
- Publisher: Lo Scarabeo (Italy), distributed by Llewellyn.
- Card Size: Standard size is 6.6 cm by 12 cm (approx. 2.5" x 4.75").
- Contents: The deck includes 78 cards, an instruction booklet (64 pages, 5 languages), a publisher card, and a title card.
- Card Back Design: Symmetric (reversible).
- Language: Card titles are provided in English, Italian, Spanish, French, and German.
- Style of Numbered Suit Cards: Story pictures.
The deck is categorized as a full divinatory tarot deck with Latin suits. The "Extras" listed in the source data include a title card and an advertising card. The artistic license taken during the creation process involved the enlargement or reduction of figures and objects to ensure the new compositions worked visually. For example, the edge of a curtain behind the High Priestess and Justice was allowed to fall to make the main character more visible.
Conclusion
The Tarot of the New Vision serves as a profound tool for self-reflection and divination. By physically rotating the perspective of the Rider-Waite imagery, it forces the user to look at the "backstage" of situations, revealing the hidden motives, consequences, and potential outcomes that lie in the periphery of awareness. It maintains a respectful adherence to traditional Tarot structures while expanding the symbolic vocabulary to include elements of the unconscious and the shadow self. Whether used by beginners seeking clarity or experienced readers looking for a deeper layer of meaning, this deck offers a unique lens through which to view the complexities of human experience.