The stress goes out as the creativity comes in with Fran Cieslar’s oracle deck, which combines anatomical and botanical illustrations to help us see the inner world of our bodies in a different light.
You’re lying on the yoga mat trying to get into a calming position that is impossible to relax in when the instructor says, “Now think about your spleen. How is it feeling? Let the tension go from your spleen…”
It sounds strange the first time you hear it – you might even lose your poise and burst out laughing – but being in tune with your body can really help with your mental and physical well-being. It’s something that the Berlin-based designer, illustrator, and art director Fran Cieslar aims to promote with The Anatomy of Healing – a deck of 40 cards, each of which depicts a bodily organ along with a different plant or flower.
The set is presented as an oracle deck and comes on 400gsm matte art paper. The cards are wrapped in a white ribbon inside their box. Also included is a 100-page guidebook that explains the meaning of each body part, its location and function, and how it can influence your body and emotions.
Fran first had the idea when she was taking a break in Bali, recovering from burnout with plenty of yoga, meditation, and stillness. Four years on, she has used all her creative skills to design the deck and the materials that accompany it, meticulously illustrate each card image, and publish it via Kickstarter.
“I’m absolutely fascinated by human anatomy and wanted to create a harmonious fusion of anatomy, botany and emotions. The aesthetic was inspired by early anatomical visuals and natural elements that resemble strength and resilience,” says Fran.
She continues: “I wanted the anatomy to look appealing, release it from the ‘everything is red and bloody’ stigma and instead celebrate the beauty we have within. My background in art, illustration, design and tattooing influenced my drawing style too, especially since tattoos are also deeply embodied under our skin.”
There are no set rules to playing with an oracle deck. Loosely, it resembles the Tarot cards, but there’s no fortune-telling aspect to it. You just shuffle and draw some cards, consider the artwork and the organs you’re looking at – perhaps looking them up in the book and thinking about where and how your feelings manifest themselves. Anyone can use the deck – it isn’t intended solely for those interested in spirituality.
The plants in the imagery might not have a deep connection to the body parts they are paired with, but they symbolise personal growth and add another layer of meaning. Each was intentionally selected. “To give one example: I paired holly leaves with the hip to reflect the sharp, stinging sensation that we can feel when we experience pain in this area; this also symbolises the barriers we put up and hints that we may hold onto past hurts,” says Fran.
Hundreds of customers have already ordered The Anatomy of Healing, and Fran has issued a second edition of the deck. Sets are still available on the website she created for the product. Card prints can also be purchased.
“It all started as a very small idea on the pages of my sketchbook, and after working on it for so long, I’m incredibly happy to see how many people can relate and use it to connect more with themselves. This is my most personal project so far, and it makes me really proud to see how it grows,” adds Fran.
