Easier said than done though.  I have a lot of decks. Some I bought for the art and some I bought because they work well. I use all of them depending on my mood but I realized I wanted to find one deck that fit me intuitively - one I can study more deeply.  

So, I went through all of my decks, one by one and narrowed them down by how I felt when I read with them.  I was a bit bummed that two of my favorite decks, The Tarot of the Magical Forest and The Ceccoli Tarot, didn't really feel intuitive like I wanted them too.  Because I know what the cards mean, having learned by memory, I can read with them, but if one were  to just look at them without knowing the meanings, they would be very different.

That is NOT a bad thing and I plan on using the Ceccoli Deck to do dream work with. But I really think the deck you work with most should feel like you just know it.

After a LOT of work, I have narrowed it down to the decks pictured above. Each one of them feels more verbal to me. I can look at the cards and see what they are saying or trying to say and each of those decks have layers of symbols and nuances, which I love.  I plan on using each of those decks for a month or so, or until I feel like that is THE deck.

Again, using many decks is awesome because you get to see a wide spectrum of images and symbols and you can learn a lot that way.  But getting to know at least ONE deck intimately brings you closer to yourself. Always learning, always seeing something new. Never stop learning!

The final line of the Major Arcana

15 - The Devil
16 - The Tower
17 - The Star
18 - The Moon
19 - The Sun
20 - Judgement
21 - The World

This last line concerned itself with the superconscious, the development of a spiritual awareness within us.  This goes beyond just us, as these last 7 cards depict confrontation and then unity with the great forces of life. 

These ideas often seem kinda "out there," to some people because as a society we aren't really taught that these are important ideas.  So, this last line can often be uncomfortable and understanding the cards and ideas might be harder for some but in the end, we are rewarded greatly!

We started with the Fool and as we travelled through the cards, we integrated the lessons of those cards as we moved forward. Becoming more whole, more ourselves. Keep learning the lessons and integrating what you learn. It is a life long journey but a very fulfilling one.

Thank you for joining me on this journey with this Vice Versa Tarot deck. I really enjoyed the extra layer these cards added by having 2 sides and I hope you enjoyed it too!

Fool's Journey Day 22

With The Vice Versa deck the original side is called This Side and the added side is called That Side. There is no good side or bad side or right side and reverse side. It simply another aspect of the card.

The next step on our journey is 21- The World

This side: A laurel wreath looped with gold rings forms a portal between worlds and through this opening a dancer emerges, veiled in purple, the color of wisdom.  She is ecstatic and free from all constriction. At the corners of the wreath are images representing the 4 fixed signs of the zodiac: Aquarius (angel) Scorpio (eagle) Leo (lion) and Taurus (bull) as well as the 4 elements and archangels.  

In a reading: Completion. This is the last card in the Major Arcana and the 4 divine beings are here to see that a cycle has reached its end. The dancer (from the back of the Death card,) and her pose evokes joy and spiritual surrender. Life has triumphed and the soul renewed. You did it. Now get ready to start the next cycle!

That side: Now, the wreath is an ouroboros, no beginning and no end. The snake eating its own tail represents eternal movement and regeneration. Energy that is consumed and renewed. The  cyclical nature of all things, starting over after it ends. 

In a reading: If you are not feeling any sense of completion think about things as cycles instead of a straight line. Everything is linked but we need to mark milestones. Acknowledge the achievements and be joyful.  Don't hurry onward - everything is happening just as it should.

Fool's Journey Day 21

With The Vice Versa deck the original side is called This Side and the added side is called That Side. There is no good side or bad side or right side and reverse side. It simply another aspect of the card.

The next step on our journey is 20 - Judgement

This side: A man, woman and child stand on barren, cracked earth, looking up at the angel of resurrection. They come naked and without shame, hiding nothing.

In a reading: A time of spiritual awakening has arrived. Now you are being asked to look over your past and atone for any wrongs you may have committed. It is time to ask forgiveness and offer forgiveness, to others and to yourself.  This atonement is not groveling or self-loathing, it is accepting human failings - a gift and opportunity to wash your spirit clean.

That side: We can see that the people have been called from their graves to be judged. The man holds a skull to show the transitory nature of flesh. The woman holds a golden egg that contains the Universe and primal creative power. The child's hands are empty as he has nothing to prove and has a clear innocent conscious. Horus the God of the Rising Sun soars above them.

In a reading: Time to consider what you would bring before the angel of Judgement. What do you understand of your life so far and what can you offer as you move into your next phase? What do you need to do to be as lighthearted as the young child?

Fool's Journey Day 20

With The Vice Versa deck the original side is called This Side and the added side is called That Side. There is no good side or bad side or right side and reverse side. It simply another aspect of the card.

The next step on our journey is 19 - The Sun

This side: The Sun child, innocence and joy, is wearing a red tunic, a symbol of action in the world. His horse companion ready to carry him wherever he needs to go. This child only knows goodness and like those sunflowers behind him, always turns to the light.  One of the most positive cards in the deck, The Sun shines for all life that flourishes in its warmth.

In a reading: In any reading this card bodes well. No matter your own doubts or worries, success is assured here.  The Universe is in your favor now and if you have been waiting for the perfect time to start something, now is that time. Let your joy shine - all will work for you now!

That side:  The Sun has set here leaving stars, also small suns, in its wake.  The horse and child give comfort to each other knowing the sun will be back.  An obelisk to the Sun God Ra rises before a walled fortress. Sentinel's stand guard at the borders of the child's garden.  Mountainous lands look challenging in the background but the optimistic Sun Child will still go forward to share the light.

In a reading: The Sun card is positive on both of its sides. The difference now being that your doubts or fears are justified.  Be aware of challenges and be prepared for any troubles you think may come. But like the other side, all will be well. Always keep moving forward - just be sure to have a plan for any contingencies that may be in your path. The morning will always bring more light!

Fool's Journey Day 19

With The Vice Versa deck the original side is called This Side and the added side is called That Side. There is no good side or bad side or right side and reverse side. It simply another aspect of the card.

The next step on our journey is 18 - The Moon

This side: The full Moon rises above the sea, its face masked, for its secrets are unknowable. Two towers form shimmer portal, windowless they seem to have no purpose other that to create a frame for the Moon.  Two dogs, red and white, symbols for passion/purity, instinct/intuition, moon gaze while drawn by the tidal pull, a crab rises to the ocean surface.

In a reading: Have you ever noticed that everything looks different in moonlight? Or maybe we just look at this differently in that silvery blue glow. The deep waters of the subconscious cannot be navigated by rational thought and your lunar awareness (intuition) is heightened now. Listen to your dreams and make a ritual in your life that places importance on sleep and the dream world. The Moon rules intuition and instinct because there are things you need to see, that can only be seen by moonlight.

That side: The Moon has put the sun in full eclipse here and the stars now seen show Cancer, the crab,  above. The back of the towers here are open, much like the Tower card, but here there are no bits of rubble or any sense of destruction. The imagination is able to flow freely here in this place of dreams and visions.

In a reading: This is a feminine energy place with feminine power, as the Moon's cycles reflect those of Women.  The woman here is the dark side of the High Priestess and she is offering a choice between a bowl of water and a glowing orphic egg. Which are you most drawn to and what does that tell you about your psyche?   Always remember there is no rational solar thinking here. The moonshadow has turned day to night.

Fool's Journey Day 18

With The Vice Versa deck the original side is called This Side and the added side is called That Side. There is no good side or bad side or right side and reverse side. It simply another aspect of the card.

The next step on our journey is 17 - The Star

This side: A lovely woman pours water in the starlight from two vessels. From silver she pours onto the Earth and from Gold she pours into the Universal Consciousness.  An 8 pointed star shines above, radiating cosmic energy. The 7 smaller stars are The Pleiades, sister stars that sing in harmony as an Egyptian Ibis flies away from his perch in the acacia trees (overcoming death/resurrection.)

In a reading: A card of hope even if you are in deepest despair. The stars will always be shining above, giving you light and hope. The ibis and acacia are signs of healing and overcoming. Renew your faith and trust - your destiny is written in those stars and remember, you are stardust.

That side:  The sky is filled with falling stars now and they announce the presence of the Cosmic Man, a life force born of desire. He is a symbol of Osiris, a god resurrected from the acacia tree and at his arrival, a red rose of passion grows in the water weeds.

In a reading: A breakthrough is on its way to you and it will be more powerful than you could dream of. Everything is coming into place and harmony is restored. Receive these blessings in thanks and remember when you heed the call of your highest self, you can expect such miracles.

Fool's Journey Day 17

With The Vice Versa deck the original side is called This Side and the added side is called That Side. There is no good side or bad side or right side and reverse side. It simply another aspect of the card.

The next step on our journey is 16 - The Tower

This side: A bolt out of the blue hits the Tower and knocks the two people out of it. They thought it would be indestructible. Whatever illusions they held about their own power and permanence was wiped out with one bolt as they tumble to the waters below. A dove, the holy spirit, does assure them that they haven't been abandoned but they probably cannot hear that at the moment.

In a reading: No matter what you do, there is no way to prepare for a Tower Moment in life. You can prepare as best you can by looking for weaknesses in your own foundation. Where are you vulnerable and do you have the inner and outer resources to deal with it when it happens?  It is a very alarming card to get but it is also a great wake up call. You need to pay attention to what is happening here, no more denials. You need to deal with it.

That side: Here we see that The Tower was only a facade.  Notice that the Chariot's sphinxes are swimming away from the empty shell and the Chariot itself is crashed upon the rocks. Each of the sphinxes are going in different directions now because there is no will, powering them to drive in the same direction. A huge vanity mask hangs from the top of the Tower and from that pile of rubble grows one tiny green tree.

In a reading: That broken mask my seem familiar as it is the same one from behind the Hanged Man's gallows. How did the Sphinxes get there anyway? Now you need to look back over your life choices and the events past that led you to now.  Did you trust your own intuition? Or did you rush down the wrong roads not paying any attention to what was going on? Learn from you errors and move forward more carefully.

Fool's Journey Day 16

With The Vice Versa deck the original side is called This Side and the added side is called That Side. There is no good side or bad side or right side and reverse side. It simply another aspect of the card.

The next step on our journey is 15 - The Devil

This side: The Devil crouches on top of a rough pedestal. Chained to it stand The Lovers (card 6).  The Devil, part human and part beast with bat wings symbolizing his dark essence.  Goat legs depict his beastial nature. 

In a reading:  You need to seriously examine things right now. Which are you in this scene? Devil, with the power or are you the vulnerable person?  Look closely at your behavior and see what badly needs to change. If you are bound, you need to break those chains and if you are in servitude to something... addictive behavior, bad habits, bad relationship... you need to let those things go. Find help, someone to talk too. 

That side: Is very much the same as the first side. The Devil is the Devil, he does not change.  He awaits new arrivals now. Behind him burn the tributes he demands from those who serve him.  Burning book - the Devil hates knowledge. But there is a lotus that perhaps The Devil is unaware of.  The flower born from mud, represents the spirit that can rise from the deepest inferno.

In a reading:  While the meaning is much the same as the first side, it also says The Devils attentions are elsewhere for the moment.  You have a chance to escape what has kept you trapped. Take the hope that flowers before you.

8- Strength
9- The Hermit
10- The Wheel of Fortune
11 - Justice
12 - The Hanged Man
13 - Death
14 - Temperance

We have now completed our second line of the Journey, that of turning inward. The subconscious search to find out who we really are.  The psychology of us so to speak.  There was a hermit-like withdrawal to find our self awareness then a symbolic death and rebirth. Temperance, the last card symbolizes the part of us that we discover after ego and rigid habits, old stories, die. 

Now that we have found the essential *us* we will take the last leg of the journey - into the superconscious, where we look at spiritual awareness, we will face confrontation and then unity with life itself.

Next up: 15 - The Devil