What is The Phoenix Game?

The Phoenix Game is a philosophical tool for seeing what’s happening beneath the surface.

Originally created in 2011 by French philosopher Vincent Cespedes, it was never designed for divination. It’s a practice in symbolic fluency and energetic navigation — a structured, visual way of meeting your own subconscious.

Played on a nine-quadrant board with a deck of 26 archetypal cards, it externalizes your internal state, revealing the energetic imprint of a moment so you can see what’s moving, what’s blocked, and what’s becoming.

How is The Phoenix Game different from tarot or oracle cards?

Tarot tells a story. The Phoenix Game shows a structure.

Where tarot offers messages or guidance from an archetype, The Phoenix Game maps energy in real time.

Each placement on the board creates a symbolic geometry — a visual architecture of your current state — revealing how your energy is organized around a question.

It’s not about prediction or belief. It’s about seeing the mechanics of transformation so you can move with clarity.

Do I need to believe in anything to use it?

No beliefs or rituals are required.

The Phoenix Game is a philosophical system of symbolic cognition, not a faith-based practice. It works through image, story, and pattern — the language your subconscious already speaks.

You can be spiritual, skeptical, or somewhere in between — the Game simply meets you where you are and mirrors what’s true in that moment.

Where do I start?

Begin with the free Mini Mapping to experience your first energetic draw.

From there, visit the Learn page for a Quick Start Guide, video walk-throughs, and resources for working with the full board.

→ [Start Mini Mapping]    [Explore Learn]

Do I need the board, or can I just use the deck?

You can begin with the deck alone. The full kit — board, deck, and guidebook — creates a visual architecture that helps you see relationships between dimensions and interpret your energetic mapping more precisely. Most people find the board becomes an anchor for focus and flow.

Can I use The Phoenix Game with clients or groups?

Yes. Many therapists, coaches, and facilitators use the Game to illuminate energetic and emotional patterns in real time. Because it’s symbolic and non-interpretive, it integrates beautifully with analytic, creative, and somatic modalities.

What’s included in the full kit?

– One deck of 26 cards

– The nine-quadrant board

– The Édition Clarté guidebook (linen-finish, gold-edged, printed in France)

Do you ship internationally?

United States: $9 flat-rate shipping via USPS — orders ship same or next business day.

Mexico & Canada: $20 flat-rate shipping; customers are responsible for local duties and taxes.

Check back soon for expanded international availability.

What’s your return policy?

We don’t offer returns or exchanges. If your item arrives damaged, email info@phoenixgame.com within 14 days of receipt with your order number and a photo of the damage, and we’ll replace it.

Can I buy extra decks?

Yes. The Bonus Deck (extra deck only) in the Shop is perfect for travel, workspaces, or double-deck readings.

Do you have a referral or wholesale program?

Wholesale inquiries: info@phoenixgame.com

Affiliate and referral programs are in development.

How can I stay connected?

Subscribe to our newsletter for new releases and practice prompts, and follow @thephoenixgame on Instagram for ongoing insights and examples.

→ [Join the Newsletter]    [Shop the Game]