finding flow in the creative process
+ how my oracle deck was born
When I was twelve, I rode my bike to a local New Age shop most weekends. I would sit in the aisles on their scratchy, blue carpet for hours, devouring books on dreams, astrology, metaphysics, and the chakra system. In the summer of 1988, I saved my allowance to buy crystals, books, my first tarot and oracle decks.
For those not yet familiar, an oracle deck is simply a deck of cards containing illustrations and messages used for self-reflection and insight. Oracle decks are different from tarot decks in that tarot decks all have 78 cards, with each card’s meaning as an archetype that stays the same from deck to deck. Oracle decks don’t have a set system like the tarot — their style and theme is up to their creator. If you're seeking a quick, fun, and meaningful way to look inward, working with oracle cards could be an enriching practice. The simple act of choosing a card (or a few) is an immediate path to self-inquiry, whether you are starting your day, pondering a lingering question in your life, or invoking nighttime dreams. You don't need to be a professional tarot reader or even a believer of woo-woo to make oracle cards part of your day.
⭐️ Stay tuned for this Friday’s weekend prism prompt, dear paid subscribers, as I’ll share my favorite card pull prompts and other ways to use decks. If you’re a free subscriber, this is the perfect time to upgrade so you can get in on fun every weekend:
Over the past 36 years, I’ve amassed an embarrassingly large collection of both tarot and oracle decks. I weed through them every couple years to give away the ones that aren’t resonating, so there’s a constant rotation. A handful of decks always survive the periodic cleanse — like many you see in the picture below by Kim Krans, Bakara Wintner, Rider-Waite-Smith, and even one created by my kid when they were nine.
A little over eight years ago, in the spring of 2016, I happened into self-publishing an oracle deck that I titled the SoulSpace Oracle, because it came into being by my making space for my soul to lead the way. Before creating this deck, every time I purchased a new deck or when I pull my daily card or spread from a favorite deck, I'd always thought it'd be so meaningful if the cards I pulled were of my own creation.
I attribute the birth of my own deck to the concept of flow. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (looks like a mouthful but is pronounced chick-sent-me-high-ee) discovered that people find genuine satisfaction during a state of consciousness called flow. In a flow state we are completely absorbed in an activity, especially an activity which involves our creative abilities. During this “optimal experience” we feel “strong, alert, in effortless control, unselfconscious, and at the peak of their abilities.”
Csikszentmihalyi describes eight characteristics of flow:
Complete concentration on the task
Clarity of goals and reward in mind and immediate feedback
Transformation of time (speeding up/slowing down)
The experience is intrinsically rewarding
Effortlessness and ease
There is a balance between challenge and skills
Actions and awareness are merged, losing self-conscious rumination
There is a feeling of control over the task.
How did this particular flow state happen for me? One sunny day, back in early 2016, I set up a bunch of small pieces of watercolor paper, not knowing where I was headed with the art... just trusting, playing, listening to the materials. No audience in mind, no finished product in mind.
I got truly absorbed in the flow of the liquid watercolors oozing on the page. And just like that, images were created. Next, I sat down with each little painting and listened to the art. This is something we art therapists do (and teach our clients to do) quite a bit. I listened (with a sort of ear turned inward while my eyes were fixed on the image) until a word came for each image. I had an intention that the flavor of the words might give a 'how I want to feel' sort of vibe. A few images had other ideas in mind, and produced more shadowy elements, which I completely welcomed in, as they offer balance and wholeness. I used little alphabet stamps to spell the words on the bottoms of the cards. I went on a trip to L.A. the following weekend, and I brought the cards with me because I felt like they may not quite be finished. While I was in the hotel room one day, I drew a little bit on each card using both black and white inks.
They suddenly felt complete -- in an effortless sort of way. I began to post photos of my personal card deck on Instagram, and to my absolute surprise, I received inquiries about where they could be purchased. (This was way back before everyone and their sister were making oracle decks, so it probably seemed novel at the time.) Could I actually print and sell these? I followed that whim with curiosity.
A quick internet search provided options for self-publishing my deck, and a chance conversation with my neighbor afforded me a scanner to borrow one afternoon to digitize the images. Many tarot and oracle decks are accompanied by guidebooks, but I made the conscious and careful decision NOT to create one for this deck. As an art therapist, I believe a person’s own reflections on the words and images will reveal the messages meant for them in that time — that is far more important than any guidebook written by me projecting meaning onto their cards.
The images were then scanned, uploaded to the printing company, order, and a first batch of decks were shipped to me. Poof! This was happening... and with oddly less effort and more serendipity than I'd felt in a while. This is what happens when flow is underway... we can ride the wave and take a stance of allowing, just watching it unfold. I saw this oracle deck come into being almost all on its own.
My 60-card deck has been for sale in my Etsy shop ever since. I’ve also offered it wholesale in a few brick and mortar locations over the years. It’s not something I very actively promote. Even so, it has taken on its own life, as I have shipped decks to over 700 cities in 30 countries in the past 8+ years on a weekly basis. I love seeing images of The SoulSpace Oracle pop up on social media (mostly Instagram and YouTube) when people share using the hashtag #SoulSpaceOracle. (You can click that to see images from deck keepers worldwide.) The deck has earned consistent 5-star reviews, and I love hearing from customers about their experiences with it. Here are a handful of heartwarming reviews:
This is one deck that I truly connected with on a Soul level.
SoulSpace is now one of my top oracle decks - it's colorful, and the white space and expansive keywords make it very versatile.
I bought these cards to help facilitate journal entries for a group. These are perfect. And it's ok that there isn't a guidebook. Everyone can use them intuitively to help with their journal writing.
Instantly connected with this deck. Every card is gorgeous. I can feel the energy even without the words - the art was very well chosen and created for each card.
These cards are even more magical up-close and in-person. Worth every penny!
This deck has exceeded my expectations! It’s profoundly intuitive and works beautifully to clarify energies within the situation I am asking about or [to supplement] a tarot reading.
These cards are so beautiful. The messages that flow from these cards are always spot on. The best part about them is that there is no guidebook. This allows you to interpret the meaning of the cards based on your own intuition and knowledge. They have become my go-to deck, and they never disappoint.
I adore my deck! I’ve been drawing three cards weekly without looking to act as intentions/guidance for my week, and they’ve been spot on. Sometimes validating, sometimes challenging, but just what I need. The artwork is beautiful, the words are great, and the quality is superb.
Oh, are these cards GORGEOUS! I will use them on a daily basis. I've only just received them, and I just can't put them down! I love the beautiful artwork, the way that the words are "stamped on," and the fact that the reverse side of the card is a solid peachy color. All of these things lend the cards to being beautiful, quiet, and gentle. If you so desired, you truly can use them as a gift tag, or slide one into a birthday or wedding card or the like to express a sentiment. Or use them right along with your rocks and crystals and have some quiet time with your thoughts. The artist is wonderful to do business with! Thank you for creating these cards!!!
I have a limited quantity of decks in stock today. I’m offering prism subscribers (free and paid) 15% off your deck if you place your order before July 8 with code ILOVEPRISM15. Click the button below:
currently pulling cards from: Lately, I’ve been loving the rich, warm, desert colors and images from The Radiant Wilds Tarot. And (Happy Pride!) I want to shout out Ash + Chess’ Queer Tarot deck - another favorite of mine!
reading about the tarot: I love the accessibility and humor in Wintner’s book, WTF Is Tarot?…And How Do I Do It?
painting these sorts of abstract images with: liquid watercolor paint
listening to while in a creative flow state: Ann Licater’s flute music
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