Wicked: For Good is our last theatrical trip into Oz for the foreseeable future, but fans of the films (and play) can continue their personal journey through this fantabulous world with the official Wicked Tarot Deck and Guidebook. Authored by Casey Gilly, illustrated by Cynthia Álvarez and published by master IP title house Insight Editions, the official Wicked Tarot Deck and Guidebook introduces a new way for fans to interact with their favorite characters and themes from the films.
Sharing what makes the world of Wicked the perfect grounds for an iconic tarot deck, Gilly explains, “It’s such an iconic story and the visual language is rich, beautiful, unique and very special." She adds, “I was excited to find those moments I knew would resonate with card readers – ones that were meaningful and aligned to the feelings, experiences and learnings within tarot.”
Gilly, a household name for collectors, has authored a slew of licensed tarot deck titles with Insight Editions, including Stranger Things, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Lord of the Rings and The Dark Crystal. That said, the Wicked Tarot Deck and Guidebook is unlikely to be her last. “It’s the same thing that keeps us enjoying movies, books and stories – archetypes don’t change throughout time.” She explains, “There are very few stories that are truly original at their core, but we return because we love nuance. We love character. We love humor, language and the diversity of voices in the telling. While standard Rider Waite tarot meanings don’t change a ton, they do (and should!) evolve through time to be less binary, more inclusive and more relevant to a zeitgeist.”
As such, she adds that her approach to translating popular titles to tarot is less about encompassing a central theme than it is about viewing those familiar tarot elements through a different artistic lens. “I don’t approach Rider Waite tarot as seeing each deck with one vibe,” Gilly explains. “While they have consistent theming, every tarot deck is about the same thing: our personal journey through the Major and Minor Arcana, confronting paradigm-shifting experiences and day-to-day learnings. While the lens changes and the art changes to feature the aesthetic of the license, the messaging is the same.”
Ultimately, in choosing a project, she notes that it comes down to appreciation for the source and her fellow collaborators. “I come back because I love the particular license and want to interpret tarot through that lens and because I love working with the different artists and teams at Insight Editions,” says Gilly. She adds, “I feel like part of their family; the editors are so talented, and everyone has always made me feel extremely welcome.”
Likewise, Gilly says she authors her guidebooks from the perspective of someone unfamiliar with the practice, particularly as it relates to thematic spreads, of which the Wicked deck has three. “My approach is to always assume the point of view of someone who is new to tarot – what types of spreads will they use the most? What will they get the most out of? What are commonly explored scenarios that can be built on as experience and confidence are gained?” She further explains, “For each deck, I then find appropriate call backs from the story or characters who may find themselves in similar situations.”
Gilly also emphasizes the important role illustrators play in realizing the full artistic vision, praising Cynthia Álvarez for her work in particular on the Wicked Tarot. “Cynthya did an extraordinary job creating beautiful, colorful, and detailed interpretations of the characters and locations.” Gilly adds, “Even if someone doesn’t know the story, they can pick this deck up and feel immersed and welcomed by Cinthya’s art. I feel that no matter if someone is a fan or not, this deck is a true showpiece.” So much so, that not even Gilly can settle on a favorite card or component. “I love the Suit of Flowers because of how lovely the design and art are, but honestly this entire deck is incredible.”
For those excited for Gilly’s next collaboration with Insight Editions, she says, “I have a lot of other announced projects in the works.” In the meantime, Gilly adds, “I’m writing Tomb Raider for Dark Horse Comics and Return to Sleepy Hollow is coming out monthly from IDW.”
Fans can also follow Gilly on Instagram.