Paper short abstract:

This paper will look into the background, the creation process and functions of an oracle deck crafted by an urban shaman in Scotland. Inspired by the Greek socio-political and financial struggles, Terry Mace uses his deck not for divination, but with the intention to inspire and raise awareness.

Paper long abstract:

Tarot and oracle cards have become a common part of many contemporary New-Age and Neo-pagan practices, rituals and ceremonies, offering everything from personal guidance to basic divination. Terry Mace is a 'New Urban Shaman' living and working in the North-East of Scotland who crafted his own 'New Urban Shaman's Oracle', from years of work as a shaman, psychoanalyst, life coach and spiritual mediator. His inspiration came after a vision he had at the Oracle of Delphi, Greece, during attendance at the ISARS Conference in Delphi, in October 2015, and the socio-political and financial struggles he witnessed while in Athens. Mace crafted his Oracle deck based upon photos he took of graffiti, street art and objects in Athens. However, the deck is not meant to be used for divination or spiritual affirmation, but rather for personal consultancy, transformation and community change. It is crafted and designed to challenge the individuals using them and to raise their awareness so that they can find home within themselves and their sacred place within the societies they live.

Drawing upon participatory ethnographic fieldwork, interviews and video recordings, this paper will present the background for the birth of this Oracle, the motivations and inspirations of the artisan and its creative crafting process, as well as its aims, objectives and functions. It will also examine the reactions of the individuals who have used them for their own reasons and purposes.