The Tarot of the New Vision offers a profound and innovative approach to divination, serving as a "complement and completion" to the traditional Rider-Waite tarot system. Conceived by Pietro Alligo and illustrated by twin brothers Raul and Gianluca Cestaro, this deck introduces a unique 180-degree rotation of perspective, revealing previously unseen elements and deepening the semantic field of the cards. This shift allows querents to explore the "backstage" of any situation, illuminating the unconscious, underlying motives, and the shadow aspects of personality. By extending the meanings of the Rider-Waite, the Tarot of the New Vision provides a powerful tool for self-discovery, internal block resolution, and the accurate interpretation of interpersonal dynamics. It serves as a universal guide for beginners and experienced practitioners alike, facilitating a journey toward greater awareness, personal growth, and energetic alignment.
The Genesis and Philosophy of the Tarot of the New Vision
The Tarot of the New Vision, first published in 2003 by Lo Scarabeo, was born from a creative desire to expand the spatial and symbolic universe of the Rider-Waite tarot. The core concept involves a literal rotation of the classic images by 180 degrees, which fundamentally alters the viewer's perspective. Instead of observing the scene from the traditional viewpoint, one now looks from behind key figures or faces them directly. This is not merely a visual novelty; it is a conceptual shift designed to extend the knowledge and awareness of the user.
The deck's philosophy is deeply intertwined with the symbolism of duality and perspective, aptly represented by the twin artists who brought the vision to life. Their collaborative relationship mirrors the deck's purpose: to show the other side of the coin, the opposite point of view, and the hidden reality that complements the known image. The authors state that "every word spoken, decision made, or action already taken has a specific reason," and the deck is designed to reveal this reasoning. It encourages the querent to be brave enough to accept the truth of both positive and negative aspects of any phenomenon. This approach aligns with holistic principles of understanding the complete energetic picture, rather than focusing on a single, limited view. The deck is not intended to replace the Rider-Waite but to work alongside it, offering a fuller, more nuanced understanding of its archetypes and narratives.
Exploring the Visual and Symbolic Shift
The most striking feature of the Tarot of the New Vision is its altered visual landscape. By turning the cards around, new characters, objects, and landscapes emerge that were previously hidden from view. This expansion of the visual field is central to the deck's divinatory power. For instance, in the High Priestess card, the querent is no longer observing her from the front but is now positioned behind her, gazing past her back and through a veil into a hidden space. This perspective invites a deeper inquiry into the mysteries she guards and the secrets of the unconscious.
Similarly, the 5 of Swords reveals a ruined building in the background, an element that would have been out of sight in the original. This addition powerfully hints at the destructive consequences of the battle depicted in the foreground, emphasizing the theme that actions have far-reaching results. The Empress, once a solitary figure, now reveals children sitting behind her throne and a white swan, symbolizing fertility, purity of soul, and beauty. The Tower card shows an apple tree and a snake, introducing the theme of cause and effect and suggesting that destruction could have been avoided through different choices. These new elements are not random additions; they are symbolic layers that enrich the card's traditional meaning, prompting the querent to consider the "why" and "what led to this" behind the primary scene. The deck is rich in such symbolism, including new angelic and demonic elements, such as an extra demon in the Devil card or a winged horse in the Four of Cups, each adding a specific shade of meaning to the interpretation.
Divinatory Applications: Illuminating the Shadow Self
The primary utility of the Tarot of the New Vision in a divinatory context is its ability to illuminate the shadow aspects of the personality and the unconscious drivers of behavior. As highlighted in Giordano Berti's work on the deck, the images serve as a gateway to the underlying meaning and the unconscious. This is particularly useful for querents seeking to understand the root causes of their actions, internal blocks, and negative beliefs.
When performing a reading, this deck excels at revealing the "backstage" of a situation. It helps to answer questions such as: What is the secret desire behind a partner's actions? What is the true motive of a business colleague? Is there hidden self-interest or genuine virtue at play? By uncovering these hidden dynamics, the deck empowers individuals to make more informed decisions about their relationships, both personal and professional. It allows one to "cut off unreliable people" and "hold on to true friends" by providing a clearer vision of character and intent. The process involves a journey into habitual behavior patterns, enabling the querent to correctly interpret the behavior of others and react accordingly, thus fostering healthier interactions and reducing internal conflict.
The Deck as a Tool for Personal Growth and Holistic Well-being
Beyond its use for specific predictions, the Tarot of the New Vision serves as a powerful catalyst for personal growth and holistic well-being. It offers a chance to reach a new level of understanding about oneself and the world. The deck's structure, which continues the tradition of the Rider-Waite, makes it an ideal starting point for beginners. It smoothly prepares them for interaction with other mantic systems while remaining grounded in a classic framework. The artistic style, which consciously references Pamela Smith's work, provides a sense of familiarity and tradition, making the transition to the "new vision" less jarring.
For experienced readers, the deck offers a fresh lens through which to re-examine the tarot. It challenges preconceived notions and encourages a more nuanced approach to card interpretation. By forcing the user to consider what is happening "behind the scenes," it promotes a deeper level of intuitive and analytical thinking. The deck's universal appeal lies in its ability to function as a mirror, reflecting not just the external circumstances but the internal landscape of the querent. It facilitates a dialogue with the subconscious, helping to bring hidden truths to light and thereby promoting healing, self-acceptance, and a more authentic way of being. The message is clear: understanding the full picture, including the hidden parts, is essential for achieving true balance and success in any endeavor.
Practical Considerations and Deck Composition
The Tarot of the New Vision is a complete divinatory tarot deck, comprising 78 cards, consistent with the standard tarot structure. It is published by Lo Scarabeo in Italy and is designed to be accessible to a global audience. The deck includes 22 Major Arcana cards, named in the traditional Rider-Waite system (Fool, Magician, High Priestess, Empress, Emperor, Hierophant, Lovers, Chariot, Strength, Hermit, Wheel, Justice, Hanged Man, Death, Temperance, Devil, Tower, Stars, Moon, Sun, Judgement, World). The Minor Arcana consists of four suits: Wands, Chalices (Cups), Swords, and Pentacles (Coins). Each suit contains the standard cards: Ace through 10, plus the court cards of King, Queen, Knight, and Knave (Page). The numbered suit cards are presented in the "story picture" style, which tells a narrative, a hallmark of the Rider-Waite tradition.
The physical cards measure 6.6 cm by 12 cm (approximately 2.6 x 4.7 inches), a standard size that is comfortable for handling. The deck also includes a title card and an advertising card. The instruction booklet is multilingual (English, Italian, Spanish, French, German), reflecting its international release and appeal. The copyright is held by Lo Scarabeo, with distribution often associated with Llewellyn. This standardized composition ensures that the deck can be used for any traditional tarot spread or reading style, with its unique perspective adding a layer of depth to every card drawn.