Journey of fools

Living Tarot Oracle returns to Durango

by Jaime Becktel

Julia Hesse, co-founder of the Living Tarot Oracle, performs a reading recently. Hesse, owner of Insight Tarot in Mancos, has studied tarot for more than 15 years. Photo by Jaime Becktel

There are many ways to embrace the magic of the world and infinite paths to truth in this life. Some are ancient, steeped in tradition and story, weaving myth and symbolism, dreams and the stars. Tarot is one such method for divining truth in the quest for balance in our human experience.

But what is tarot? According to The Fool’s Journey, by Robert M. Place, tarot originated in 15th century Italy as a game similar to modern-day bridge. As a popular card game, it was heavily influenced by alchemy and astrology, weaving together a tapestry of art, philosophy, religion and mysticism. In the words of Place, “Tarot is a window into Western mystical tradition and a pictorial conversation between mystics and artists that has lasted over five centuries.”

In the 17th century, tarot became less a card game of fun and more an esoteric divination tool. Tarot follows the quest of the Fool on his journey, which represents our collective human experience as we each travel through life. The deck consists of the Major Arcana, a suit of 22 cards including the Fool and 21 trumps. Each card of the Major Arcana represents an archetypal station of the Fool’s transformational journey toward purification and enlightenment. Also within the modern deck are the 56 cards of the Minor Arcana, which comprise four suits of 14 cards each. Our contemporary playing cards continue the tradition of the French suits: spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs while the more commonly used Italo-Spanish tarot suit uses the symbolism of wands, cups, swords and coins.

Tarot arose during the Mediaeval and Renaissance chapter of European history when people believed the Earth was the center of the cosmos and the constellations rotated around us as a fixed and central point. It was the time of Plato, whose cosmological view of the soul was Zeus, rising to the heavens astride a gilded chariot pulled by winged horses. It was a time of legend, of storytelling and magic, where aristocrats and peasants alike looked to the stars, the planets and the elements to divine their truths.

It has been said, as the month of October wanes, the veil between the worlds grows thin, and great possibility for communication with the spirit world is at hand. In Durango, the Living Tarot Oracle returns for its fourth year running to create just such a conversation. Produced by co-creators Tami Graham and Julia Hesse, the Living Tarot Oracle is an interactive theatrical experience that combines the divining essence of tarot with a cast of 22 men and women representing the Major Arcana of the tarot deck. As fully costumed “Living Oracles,” these actors and actresses will embody each card they represent, expressing the symbolism behind each archetype to answer questions. Afterwards, participants can translate the symbolism of their cards with the help of a team of "integrators."

In addition to studying tarot for more than 15 years, Hesse, owner of Insight Tarot in Mancos, also offers classes and tarot readings.  “I always feel like I am among friends when I pull out my cards,” she exclaims lovingly of her tarot deck.

She likes to think of tarot as an accessible "roadmap to wholeness," that expresses knowledge as well as creative and profound stories. "It is available to anyone, and is a valuable teacher and mirror, illuminating answers to how we can affect the important aspects of our lives," Hesse says.

Graham, of Tami Graham Presents, was inspired to create the Living Oracle after participating in a Salt Fire Circus production where she played a woman performing a tarot reading for a young girl. As each card was laid before the girl, it was brought to life onstage by actors who embodied its essence. An enthusiast of tarot for 20 years, it wasn’t until Graham participated in one of Hesse’s workshops that the idea of continuing with a “Living Tarot” concept was born.

“This is a very unique experience, and when people engage with the archetypes it can be powerful," says Graham. "I am drawn to it because as an event producer and having my education in transpersonal psychology, this event bridges these elements and brings people together from all local regions for a common purpose. This 'Sacred Interactive Theater' is a wonderful tool to aid in working through conflict and to share common goals.”                          

The event is open to anyone, and each year, it draws participants from across Southwest Colorado. “It’s incredibly fun! Come with an open mind bringing real questions and issues or just to have a good time," Hesse says. "Kids absolutely love it!”

In addition to two days of the Living Tarot Oracle, activities will also include a panel discussion with internationally known tarot authors Marcus Katz, Carrie Paris, Tali Goodwin and Lisa de St. Croix on Friday, as well as a workshop, "Design Your Life on Purpose: Guided by the Living Soul of Tarot," on Sunday. All events take place at the Durango Arts Center.

Says Hesse, “This year, with our panel of international speakers, Durango will be home to more of a symposium that is centered around the Oracle, with Friday and Sunday being amazing experiences to deepen your understanding of this ancient art.”