Interview with Allyson Williams-Yee – Creator of Soul Trees Oracle Cards

Interviews

Interview with Allyson Williams-Yee – Creator of Soul Trees Oracle Cards

Oh Instagram, how I love thee. That wonderful social media space has connected me to yet another talented Oracle creator. Here Allyson is going to share her experiences with creating her Soul Tree’s Oracle deck, which I have been using for over three months now. the unboxing video for the deck can be found here.

Can you share a little about yourself. Where you are from, what you are passionate about and what is your profession?

I am originally from the Detroit Metro area and I moved to Los Angeles after college for a few years before settling in Chicago with my husband. I am passionate about people following their dreams. I love painting, creating, spirituality, exploring and using intuition. I consider myself a painter by profession, I am an intuitive artist and a mom.

How did this journey of creating the deck unfold?

I had always wanted to create my own tarot deck, but it always seemed to be way down the road. I had been creating Soul Trees, where I create a personalized tree painting and it is accompanied by a typed reading. The reading interprets the tree and other messages that come through and the tree is the reading visualized. I began doing several Soul Trees® and was amazed by how each painting was completely unique and had a different message.

The artwork of many of the Soul Tree paintings are in the deck. I realized an oracle deck was coming together before me, unintentionally. So I began playing with putting an oracle deck together. I added chakra cards to the deck because when I create a Soul Tree sometimes the chakras are involved in the message. I originally began with the intention of creating the deck for my own use, but as I showed friends and family I received such great feedback that I decided to self-publish.

What were the unexpected challenges creating this deck?

A big challenge was sharing the deck beyond friends and family. It is hard to share something you’ve created that you feel such love for, it’s so personal. In the beginning I found it hard to put it “out there” but I enjoy sharing it now and this challenge has become a good lesson and gift to overcome.

Another challenge was printing! It was a long road with printing. When I thought I was just going to use the deck for myself I was printing the cards on my own. Very tedious. The first printer I found was very frustrating, I couldn’t seem to submit the files in the correct format and they were very slow to respond. Printing was a very long road, however I see that it allowed me the extra time to continue to tweak the deck. It all worked out in the end.

Creating this deck while having kids and working from home. It’s been a challenge and a juggling act.

What is your favourite Oracle Card? (of your deck or in general)

Interestingly it is The Beginning card in the Soul Trees oracle deck. This was the very first tree I painted when I was figuring out how I wanted to create a Soul Tree. When this card comes up it holds a very special meaning for me.

How do you use Oracle decks in your spiritual practice?

I use Tarot and Oracle often. When I don’t feel like working, but I need some insight and inspiration, I love to pull cards. Also, when I am feeling indecisive and am overthinking, it is a very helpful tool. What I love about cards is that you can just pull a card or two quickly or go into in-depth readings. Either way they are always spot on. Cards are an incredible spiritual support, I love them!

Any advice for the artists and creators reading this? Don’t give up. Trust the journey, it is all a lesson and whatever your struggles and frustrations along the way, they will make your work stronger and you wiser. It is worth the journey and the wait.

Any exciting projects in the creative pipeline?

I have a completely new deck that will be available in the Spring. The new deck is called The Dreamers Journey and will feature my oil and canvas paintings. This artwork is more ethereal and the colors are deep and rich. This work is where my love for painting trees began.

Rapid Fire Round!

Starsign: Libra

Favourite flavour of ice-cream: Mint Chocolate Chip

Do you have any pets: A cat named Miles

What book are you currently reading: Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach

Name a film you have seen more than 5 times: Edward Scissorhands

Who is your biggest inspiration: People who blaze their own trail, are true to themselves and follow their passion. That really inspires me and my journey.