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