The Vedic Tarot by Dwina Murphy-Gibb, published by REDFeather MBS*, is a new deck and book set with a unique blend of Eastern and Western Esotericism. What first drew me to this deck was the artwork. It reminds me of Emily Carding’s beautiful art for the Tarot of the Sidhe. It also reminds me of how my mum used to draw when she was alive, which may be a big part of why this deck is pulling at my heartstrings in such a major way.
The deck and the hefty, nearly 300-page guidebook draw on Vedic wisdom, Qabalah, the Ogham Tree Alphabet, and sound energy through musical correspondences. It’s a wonderful and sometimes whimsical blend of influences, all magically pulled together by Dwina in art and the written word. She has been working with all these streams for a long time, so it’s a gift to be able to sit at her feet and learn from her when working with the deck. Even though you can certainly read intuitively with this deck, the Vedic Tarot benefits from checking in with the guidebook. You’ll be amazed at what you learn and how this enriches your readings!
The Vedic Tarot Deck Structure and Cardstock
The deck structure is traditional in that the five traditional suits are present. Only the suit of Pentacles has been renamed ‘Shields’. Some of the Major Arcana cards have alternative titles, such as ‘The Maga’ for The High Priestess and ‘The First Traveller’ for The Fool. The Devil has been given the Old English title ‘Dêofol’ (devil) and is represented by the Vedic demon deity Ravana.
On the borders of the cards, you find the corresponding Sanskrit, musical instrument and Ogham stave. The cards are brimming with colourful detail in a way that is reminiscent of the Pearls of Wisdom Tarot by Roxi Sim. The edges of the cards are a beautiful matte black, and the cardstock is good quality (sturdy but with plenty of ‘flex’) and with a silky matte surface. This deck shuffles like a dream in spite of the cards being slightly wider than a standard deck.
Video Unboxing and Flip-through Showing All 81 Cards
As you can see, this deck has three extra Major Arcana cards. The first is 00 Supreme Soul and you can use this card to meditate and centre yourself before doing a reading. This is such a unique element in this deck and I love it!
The other two extra cards are the Arbor Vitae/Tree of Life and Oogenesis/The Orphic Egg.
Each of the three extras begins a set of eight Major Arcana cards. I was excited to see the Arbor Vitae card show up in my deck interview (below). The Tree of Life symbolism and the three sets of eight make it feel as if this deck also ties in with the Norse/Runic tradition.
The Vedic Tarot Guidebook
The fully illustrated guidebook is a tome and I will definitely keep referring to it when I do readings. By the way, there is no shame in using the guidebook for any deck, no matter how long you have been reading the cards. It’s always valuable to take another person’s perspective on board. This is how we grow and learn. Besides, as I don’t hesitate to divulge in the flip-through video, I’m pretty ignorant when it comes to Vedic philosophy and the Ogham Tree Alphabet. So, yes please, educate me!
In addition to rich information about each of the cards, Dwina has provided the reader with a unique way of reading the cards. Dwina learned this method of reading at an early age from a seasoned fairground reader named Mrs Heron who used ordinary playing cards. I have experimented with the basic concept but have yet to try the more advanced Tree of Life and Mandala layouts. However, I’m intrigued to see where developing this concept further might take me. It feels as if I’m at the start of an exciting journey with this deck.
The Vedic Tarot Deck Interview
1. Describe yourself in three words or less.
VT: Charming and sincere (yes, you can be both!)
2. How would your best friend describe you in three words or less?
Arbor Vitae
VT: Wisdom-lover, expansive, connected
3. What gift do you bring?
VT: Bliss, happiness, truth and understanding. I help you reconnect with your inner child from a place of deep knowing.
4. What do you expect in return?
VT: That you remain open and receptive, trusting your inner guidance.
5. How can you help me serve?
VT: I can help you connect with your soul family which can be found more among those who are immersed in omnist or syncretic spiritual practices.
6. Is there anything else you would like to tell me about yourself?
VT: Yes, I don’t take life too seriously. We’re here to have fun, right? Friendships are everything.
Me: Well, I feel I have a new and already cherished friend in you, for sure, and I look forward to many fun sessions together!
Check out my other Tarot and Oracle Deck Reviews!
* REDFeather MBS sent me a review copy of the deck and book set. The Vedic Tarot is distributed by Gazelle Book Services in the UK.