Divine Heart In Flight Oracle

Our latest interview is a little different from the previous ones as there is no Kickstarter. It is with the creator of the Divine Heart in Flight oracle deck, Claudia (or Cloud) of Seeking Celestial Grace. It is a beautiful healing love oracle with vintage bird images.

The deck will be sold on etsy and pre-orders will open soon. To keep up to date, follow the link to the Seeking Celestial Grace newsletter at the end of this interview.

Where in the world do you call home?

I am a Canadian from Hamilton, Ontario who followed my dream and moved to Paris, France. I found my soulmate here, and I haven’t left!

What was your first experience with tarot or oracles and when did you fall in love with it?

I was given my first Tarot deck and book by my mother at 12 years old. It instantly felt familiar and I was soon bringing it to sleepovers with my girlfriends and doing readings at lunch in school. Eventually, I turned Tarot Reading into a side-gig (in 2015) and in 2020 I was able to make it my primary source of income. Work no longer feels like work; every day is exciting for me being able to do what I love!

What made you want to create this deck? What was your inspiration?

All of my decks come to me in dreams. I know it sounds crazy, but I’ll be taking a nap and wake up with an idea that didn’t exist there the day before, and I literally pull out my laptop and get to work! The inspiration behind this deck was driven by the fact that my love story is a real-life fairy tale (this is not an exaggeration!) and so many friends and clients come to me asking for advice or how to manifest this kind of love into their own lives. Healthy relationships start with healthy partners as individuals, and this deck aims to shift your thinking and strengthen the bond between partnerships of any kind.

Aside from your own deck, do you have a favourite deck? If so, which one?

I have a few! For reading clients, I like the White Cat Tarot (a gift from my brother and sister-in-law). For reading myself, I like the Petit Prince Tarot (also a gift from my brother and sister-in-law). And my most spectacular deck is the deluxe Taschen edition of the Dali Tarot (gifted by my husband). As for oracle decks, I’m really loving the Oracle of the Hidden Worlds right now.

Do you have a favourite card (either from your deck or just the card in general). If so, why is it your favourite?

My favourite Tarot card is the 2 OF CUPS because it represents, to me, the healthiest and happiest soul-mate bond in the deck. Love is at the root of everything in life; love is energy. And a card that oozes love just brings me such joy! In regards to my own oracle deck, I love the DIVINE DEVOTION card. The vintage imagery I chose for this really resonates, and I think we should always give ourselves completely - and trust that the Divine has intentions to keep us safe in this partnership - to everyone in our lives.

What have been your challenges in creating this deck?

The challenges in creating this deck is that initially it was going to be a mini deck with solely vintage bird imagery at the centre of it. It started with 20 cards and the feedback I got was, “That’s not enough,” and “Expand the imagery,”. I began to think of how I could expand it while also keeping the message and vintage feel without adding more birds; I wanted some variety.

What is one thing you really want people to know about this deck?

What I really want people to know about this deck - and my decks in general - is that I never make something that I don’t love. Everything I make comes from my soul (literally dream-built!), and I put all of myself into all I create. I truly believe that everyone deserves healthy, happy, and stress-free relationships of all kinds in their life, and love is at the root of that. I just want people’s lives to be filled with joy. Everyone’s life should feel like a fairy tale. I hope my deck helps them get there.

There are many decks out there focused on romantic relationships. Yours covers the spectrum of all relationships. Was it difficult to make the messages relate to any relationship, not just a romantic one?

Like I mentioned - love is the root of the universe, it’s energy given a name. And all our relationships, whether friendship, work partners, family, or romantic, are rooted in that same desire to be loved. Everyone wants to be loved, respected, understood, and strengthened by the person they’re sharing their energy with. All of the messages on this deck aim to strengthen that energy by better understanding the blockages that may stand in the way of that. Therefore, it’s easy to apply these strategies to all relationships. For example, a message like ‘affection’ doesn’t necessarily mean intimacy, but could mean giving someone attention when they are needing it most. And a message like ‘privacy’ is infinitely applicable to any of the relationships you are in.

How will you celebrate when your deck is finally published?

My goal with every deck I create is to get it into hands where it will be loved and shared with others. That is a celebration, alone, for me! I will celebrate when I start getting tagged in photos and receive messages from customers saying how impactful the guidance was for them.

And maybe I’ll have a glass of champagne with my husband -- I am in France, after all!

How can people pre-order?

As of right now, I am anticipating running pre-orders through my Etsy site. The best way to be informed of when this pre-order goes up and how to get your hands on it is to fill in the survey at the bottom of my Announcement Newsletter, here:

Seeking Celestial Grace Newsletter

The Spiral Oracle Deck

The Spiral Oracle Deck is a deck full of soul-searching art. The creator, Lili, gave us an insight into how she has poured her heart and soul into this amazingly beautiful deck that she hopes will bring more love and compassion into our lives.

To pre-order - The Spiral Oracle Deck

Where in the world do you call home?

There are two special places for me:

Chile, my homeland and where my family lives... and Australia, where I live.

What was your first experience with tarot and when did you fall in love with it?

It may sound unusual... but I like being honest. I had never owned or even used a Tarot nor an Oracle Deck before creating my own.

What happens, is that I grew up in a place where this form of art was not something common at all. Back then in Chile, I didn’t know anyone that had one. Maybe they were known within some circles, but I didn’t really have any experience with decks until I started creating the Spiral Oracle.

In fact, still today I have to explain to many people in South America what an Oracle Deck is, and how it works. 

When I finished the very first edition, I was already living in Australia. I remember showing what I had created to my friend for the first time, and explaining the wonderful magic that happens when one interacts with this tool of love. 

He was fascinated, because he felt that it was very different from all the other decks that he knew. I was surprised, because I had no idea that there were so many types of decks. There was a whole universe to be discovered.

Until today, I marvel with the mysteries that these precious and sacred tools let us explore.

What made you want to create this deck? What was your inspiration?

My inspiration comes from the people, the planet, the plants and the animals... from life in all its forms.

Many years ago I had an inner vision: to put my paintings and everything I had learned with each of them at the service of the people, so that everyone could explore and listen to themselves through a kind of inner mirror.

At first I didn’t know how to do it. My first attempt was with some postcards I had made with my art.  I wrote all the meanings on the back of the postcards and laminated them all. Then I put them inside one of those fancy socks box, which I painted. (My mum still has that very first prototype :D)

I remember feeling so delighted as I came to finally understand the vision, once having the prototype in my hands. That was when I knew exactly what I wanted to do. From that moment, I have been shaping the Spiral Oracle with paintings and teachings I find especially meaningful.

Aside from your own deck, do you have a favourite deck? If so, which one?

The only Oracle I came to know well is "The Warrior’s Oracle" by Lucas Estrella. It is a very small, pocket-sized book with teachings from Martial Arts. All you had to do was pick a random page and read a short tale that would help you gain some insight.  

As I write this, I’m thinking that it was THE seed that planted the beautiful “Oracle” idea in me.

Do you have a favourite card (either from your deck or just the card in general). If so, why is it your favourite?

I don't have a favorite card. There is one painting though that is especially meaningful to me. It marked the beginning of a new stage in my life.

In 2012 I was living in Argentina, and on this particular day I was painting and feeling very sad, because I was living in the middle of a crazy city, and I just wanted to be living closer to nature. Then the sadness began to turn into anger against the piece that I was painting. I put the canvas against the wall, as if I was telling it off.  I said: "I have put in all my effort to create you, it is time for you as well to reflect on what your responsibility is!".

…While looking at the painting right there, it appeared to me like it was facing the wall in punishment. I felt like I was dissolving and I received a monumental insight. I understood that it was pointless to be angry, because in that very moment I became everything. I don't know how to explain it very well with words. I felt that I was the air, the cement, the soil. I felt there was no separation from anything. I was pure consciousness.  

So I realised that I had never been separated from nature, and that everything was connected. From that very moment of insight, the way I painted and my whole lifestyle changed forever. 

The card that reflects that moment of my life is called: “I am the Source”.

What have been your challenges in creating this deck?

My biggest challenge for sure has been the translation of the texts into English.

I wrote all the messages originally in Spanish. I knew I didn’t have the level of English that was needed to be able to express the depth of what I wanted to say. 

Luckily, I did have a team of amazing people (that love me as much as I love them), who were available to help me in that journey of building a bridge to another culture.

My husband Francisco prepared the first draft. He knows me impeccably, and he is also a Language Teacher. We knew that everything had to be revised by native speakers, so three friends from Australia did the proofreading: Rae, Rakib and Andy. 

Each one of them, with holy patience and love, took the time to accompany me on this journey. Together as a team, we made sure that the texts would remain faithful to the essence of the original writings.

What is one thing you really want people to know about this deck?

What I want people to know is that the Spiral Oracle Deck is a nurturing guide, and that love and compassion are its compass. 

Each card is a painting that you have personally created. How has it made you feel to put your own soul’s journey out there for the public to see?

It makes me feel really happy, because I feel that this is one of my purposes on this planet Earth. 

I feel that Art is meant to be shared… If a person connects with one of my creations and discovers a forgotten part of their soul, or remembers the mystery, the beauty and the love that resides within, I feel incredibly grateful and blessed.

How will you celebrate when your deck is finally published?

Going to the sea at dawn, sending thanks to the planet Earth that supports us, and raising a prayer for each one of you.

Thanks to the contributions of the Kickstarter backers, we are now able to allocate a percentage of the profits to plant, protect and conserve medicinal and native plants in South America. Just imagining that puts a smile on my face.

What is on offer for people who pledge?

There are basically 3 beautiful rewards that people can choose from:

• The Spiral Oracle Deck: 56 cards with original paintings + (hopefully) some extra cards if we can achieve our stretch goals. It comes with a guide book with a message for each card. The deck comes in a beautiful sturdy box which has a painting called "Pure Medicine" on the cover. That painting portrays some of the myriad of medicinal plants there are in the Amazon. In order that people carry with them that source of strength and wisdom from Nature itself. 

• Stickers: A set of 8 with paintings from the deck.

• Signed Giclée prints: There are several options to choose from, printed on 310gsm museum grade paper. I will post them from Australia, packaged with much love. (The decks and stickers ship from within the US).

I want to thank Cindy for the Interview, and invite you all to check out our campaign on KickStarter. Sending much love. 

To get your hands on of these beautiful decks, click here: The Spiral Oracle Deck

The Destiny Deck Tarot

Lisa Santine has created this sensual, luxurious tarot deck, each card featuring a beautiful work of art. The deck integrates astrology with tarot for an added dimension.

To order - The Destiny Deck Tarot

Where in the world do you call home?

Los Angeles, California

What was your first experience with tarot and when did you fall in love with it?

On Sundays after church, my dad used to take us to the local bookstore because it was his opportunity to get the international newspapers. We would stay for hours. I would go to the very back section that was called the ‘new age’ section back then... I would find my favorite tarot book.. and get lost in the descriptions and the beautiful illustrations of each card. My dream was learn how to read these cards… but I could only do this on Sundays until my father agreed to buy me very own book on tarot. I still remember the day he came into my room and surprise me with my first Tarot book. I must have been 12 years old.

What made you want to create this deck? What was your inspiration?

I wanted to create a deck that was not intimidating. As much as I love all tarot, sometimes the imagery can be overwhelming to some people. I wanted to create a deck that exuded love and positivity. I am also drawn to single needle tattoo art, so I wanted to merge my love of this art form with my love for tarot.

Aside from your own deck, do you have a favourite deck? If so, which one?

I love so many. But one of my favorite decks that I was very drawn to is The Fountain Tarot. The gorgeous illustrations and the ephemeral imagery. It is my go-to deck and I am obsessed with it.

Do you have a favourite card (either from your deck or just the card in general). If so, why is it your favourite?

Well, I have 2 favourites:

The Empress, because it is a card that I resonate with. I love that she is the supreme archetype of femininity, nourishment, and security. I look at the Empress as the Divine Goddess..the goddess of all goddesses.

Another card that I love just as equally is the 3 of Pentacles. This is the card of The Architect. And that is not only my profession, it is also my love…just as much as Tarot and Astrology. This card represents, for me, building something from nothing. The act of creation.

What have been your challenges in creating this deck?

One huge challenge was that I felt that I had a deeply held secret that I had not told my friends and family about. This was something very close to my heart, and I did not think I wanted to ever reveal it. However, the messages I was receiving from spirit was otherwise. So..kicking and screaming, I went to work. It felt a higher guidance as I was in creation mode.

What is one thing you really want people to know about this deck?

I want people to feel the positive energy these cards emanate. They are created with a very open heart and mind..during a time when the world needs so much love and healing. Each and every deck, each and every card in each deck, comes from the most positive place and energy. I also want anybody who has ever been intimidated by Tarot to feel welcomed into this beautiful and mystical world. Tarot has aided in the healing of so many people, and this is my desire for every person who picks up this deck.

Your deck integrates astrological symbols into the cards Have you studied astrology? How do you see the connection between tarot and astrology?

I have studied astrology for as long as I can remember. My fascination of the planets and how they are reflected in our human experience is a huge part of who Lisa Santine is. I am a better person because of astrology. Each card has it’s own astrological association and takes on the personality of the astrological sign or planet it is associated with. And this helps me understand the wisdom and message of each card when I am doing a reading for myself or for someone else. It adds a certain depth and almost scientific layer to the cards. And my engineer brain loves this.

How will you celebrate when your deck is finally published?

Well, first of all, I will sleep. Many don’t realize that a campaign on any crowd funding site is a full time job. Also, I came in with nobody knowing who I was and no help from outside resources. No advertising. So…this is why..I will sleep.

And then I will have a small celebration with my family and friends. I will probably shed a few tears because I cannot believe I did this.

What is on offer for people who pledge?

Each deck has 2 bonus cards. They are symbolic of life path 9 and life path 22.

I have created a beautiful silk chiffon scarf that can be used as a tarot cloth to lay spreads on, or to protect the cards. It also becomes a beautiful accessory for yourself. I can’t wait to wear mine!

I also have an upgraded box that was a design challenge in itself. I have never seen a tarot box like this, and I am super excited about it.

And finally, the PDF book is full colour and there have been hundreds of hours of work put into that. I will be publishing this book in the future. It will be a hardcover book with gold gilt edges. I can’t wait to do this.

And I have a lot of future ideas in the works.

To get your hands on of these gorgeous decks, click here: The Destiny Deck Tarot