Unveiling the Oracle du Soleil Levant, Oracle of the Rising Sun
My Magical Journey of Illustrating a 60-Card Oracle Deck Rooted in Japanese Folklore and Culture
In the world of divination and spiritual guidance, oracle cards have long been a source of inspiration and insight. Each deck is a unique reflection of its creator's vision, and my experience with illustrating the Oracle du Soleil Levant; Oracle of the Rising Sun in English. is a testament to destiny, chance encounters, and the transformative power of art.
The Oracle du Soleil Levant consists of 60 cards, all drawing inspiration from the vivid folklore and culture of Japan. Within this collection lies a diverse range of cards, each carrying its own distinct insights and guidance. From the Geisha card, signifying the awakening of creative abilities, to the Zen Garden card, which advocates embracing acceptance and fostering patience, and the venerable Samurai card, symbolising self-control, courage. One of my favrotie cards to illustrate was the Kitsune card because I loved detailing the mythical fox like creature.
The Story of the Oracle du Soleil Levant
The story with Oracle du Soleil Levant Oracle Deck begins on Halloween night in 2019 in a vibrant Tokyo nightclub. It was on this fateful evening that a chance encounter brought together Thierry Surgeon, a fellow Parisian, card reader and song writer, and me, an artist seeking adventure in Tokyo. Little did we know what this serendipitous meeting would lead to.
Thierry was in search of an illustrator to help bring his vision of the Oracle du Soleil Levant to life. I walked into the scene as if guided by unseen forces, and destiny had more in store for us than we could have ever imagined. We soon discovered that we were not just creatives in search of a collaborative project but also neighbors in the City of Light! In fact, I could see his roof from my balcony!
A Creative Journey Through a World on Hold
The Oracle du Soleil Levant project began in March 2020, a time when the world collectively pressed pause. While many faced uncertainty and introspection during this period, Thierry and I embarked on a journey into the realm of creativity. We began crafting the cards, each infused with the rich tapestry of Japanese folklore and culture.
As we delved into the artwork, a series of magical and synchronistic events unfolded. One such instance occurred while working on the “Kokeshi” card, symbolizing birth, children and new projhects. It was precisely while illustrating this card, that a friend called with news of her pregnancy, a breathtaking manifestation of the card's essence.
The Oracle du Soleil Levant was personally and artistically transformative for both Thierry and me. Through the act of creating, we found solace and purpose amid the uncertainty of the outside world. For me, it was a journey of self-discovery that led to the mastery of digital illustration, discovery of my Japanese heritage and the unexpected acquisition of a new language – French 🙂 Thierry has gone on to create several other oracle decks based on his love of music.
Join Us in Paris!
If you find yourself in Paris, mark your calendar for October 21, 2023. Thierry and I will be hosting a book signing event from 3 to 6 pm at Le Renard Doré (41 Rue Jussieu 75005 Paris). While the Oracle and book are currently available only in French, the themes and imagery of the cards transcend language, offering intuitive insights and guidance to all who seek them.
You can purchase the Oracle deck via the Arcana Sacra website here: Shop Oracle Deck
