Creators See the World Differently
After 18 months of pouring myself into a passion project, I finally held it in my hands last week. Other than birthing two daughters — now grown — I’ve never been a creator per se. Bringing something brand new into the world changes you somehow. You begin with a glimmer of an idea. Then it starts courting you! In the end, you look at everything in the world as to what went into its making.
In my case: the muse that courted me was a compassionate and kind tarot deck for kids and anyone who needs more sweetness in their life. I wasn’t the only one it called. This idea needed skills I didn’t have. So it tapped the dog park friend whom I had just met, Nicola Allan, lawyer turned children’s illustrator. Our skills and life experience perfectly complimented one another in a way that made not only the creation of a tarot deck possible, but also the entire ecosystem that goes along with bringing it to life.
There were a number of people that supported the deck when it was on Kickstarter. Without the trust and goodwill of our backers, Nicola and I wouldn’t have been able to fund this dream wanting to manifest through us. It takes a village to birth anything. I know that now. I look at everything with new eyes now… How did that idea visit its creator? Who believed in them?
The Buddhists call the idea of the village and all its helping hands interdependence. When I worked at a Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Retreat center, I was struck by the prayers that always acknowledged the help that went into making the food on my plate possible. From the farmer that plowed the fields to the cook that chopped the onions, everyone was recognized. Buying online is such a disconnected experience from the actual lifeline of the things we consume. I’ve always known that. I suspect you do too. But it’s not until we really build the thing that we embody the depth of this truth.
The best part of making something is seeing it out in the wild. This past weekend, I made the rounds of San Miguel de Allende to hand deliver the deck to the people who had backed it in the Central Mexican town I live in. It was like a scavenger hunt: “Meet me on the bridge between Guadalupe and Mexiquito. I’ll wear a blue scarf and have a white dog with me!” Another one: “Look above you! I’m here on the rooftop. Have dinner with us!” And so I went from one location to the next, delighted by the matching joy I found in each person I delivered to.
Starting something from scratch and then walking the finished product to those who had invested in the idea feels wonderful. It’s about as far as consumerism as one can get. It felt special to accompany this lovely instrument of kindness and compassion every step of the way, from inception to delivery. My heart swelled from a day well spent and the satisfaction that good work brings.
About the photos
The children on top were begging for money. I asked if I could pay them to model for me. They jumped at the chance to earn something and to play with the cards. Their grandmother sat outside with a listening ear. I hope she was smiling as well.
The two little girls: I asked their father if I could photograph them. At first he declined saying that the family was in a hurry. But then the girls protested in that very specific high pitched whine that sisters are so effective with. So the parents gave the ok, and the girls picked their cards while I photographed.
As the family walked away, the grandmother asked if she could pull a card. We talked for a little bit about its meaning. She grabbed my arm as she told me of her personal circumstances and how accurately the card spoke to it. She returned to her family who had begun walking again and were at the end of the street. After packing my things, I noticed the entire family was now waiting for me. One by one, they chose a card and I shared its meaning. They ended up buying a deck.
There’s so much magic in creating something that has asked you to bring it through to this world. If you ever get a tap on the shoulder, listen. Being in service to the creative muse is a great honor.
Juanita Benedicto is an astrologer, astromage and tarot reader who lives in the magical town of San Miguel de Allende.
