A Creative Path to the Self

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The cards you create with images (digital or cut‑out) represent different aspects of yourself, your relationships, and the universal themes that influence your life. These cards become a visual map of your inner world, helping you uncover insights, foster self‑awareness, and integrate hidden or fragmented parts of yourself. Over time, they become your own personal oracle deck—created by you, for you.

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This process blends psychology, the subconscious, and (if you choose) spirituality in an open‑minded and deeply personal way. SoulCollage® invites you to explore your authentic self through imagery, creativity, journaling, and reflection, making it a fun, expressive, and insightful form of therapy.

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• It is not “ART” in the traditional sense. It’s more of an intuitive, creative experience. Though everyone is an artist in their own way :-).   No artistic ability required  

• It is not a vision board.

• It is not Tarot or a traditional oracle deck. I sometimes use Tarot and oracle cards as a projective technique in psychothearpy though these are personalized to your energy. 

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In SoulCollage®, cards are organized into four suits. Each suit represents different aspects of your inner and outer world and helps you explore your personal journey, emotional patterns, relationships, and deeper sources of wisdom. You create collage cards for each suit. There is no limit to how many you can make (except in the Companion Suit, which is linked to the seven chakras).

 

1. The Committee Suit

This suit represents your inner parts or voices—the aspects of your personality that make up who you are.

Examples include your Inner Critic, Nurturer, Protector, Creative Self, or any other part that plays a role in your life.

This suit aligns beautifully with any of the parts work as IFS, Voice dialogue and ego states. It allows you to give image and voice to these parts, helping you build a relationship with them and access your Self‑energy.

 

2. The Community Suit

The Community Suit honors the people, animals, or groups that have influenced and supported you. By creating these cards, you celebrate the relationships that shape you and integrate their impact into your sense of self.

These cards might include:

• Loved ones

• Mentors or helpers

• Pets

• Communities or groups that matter to you

 

3. The Companion Suit

This suit connects to the energy of your chakras and the animals that intuitively resonate with each energy center.

These cards help you explore your physical, emotional, and spiritual energy, integrating body‑mind awareness into your therapy. The Companion Suit bridges the physical and symbolic worlds and supports a deeper connection to your energy system.

 

4. The Council Suit

The Council Suit represents archetypes and universal energies that guide and influence your life.

These cards draw on the rich symbolic language of archetypes (inspired by Carl Jung and Caroline Myss), such as:

• The Hero

• The Healer

• Child

• The Seeker

 

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In simple terms, each card has:

• A background image

• A main image or figure placed on top

• Embellishments that deepen or clarify the message of the card

 

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We begin by collecting images—from magazines, online sources, or personal collections.

 

The key is to choose intuitively, not logically. Let the images “speak” to you instead of over‑analyzing them. These images will become the raw material for your SoulCollage® cards.

 

Creating Your Cards

In sessions and on your own, you’ll assemble images onto 5x8‑inch cards to represent:

• Different aspects of yourself

• Relationships

• Archetypes

• Guiding energies

 

Each card becomes a visual representation of a part of you—an inner protector, a younger self, an external influence, or a universal force shaping your journey.

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How to Gather Images for SoulCollage®

 

Creating meaningful SoulCollage® cards starts with gathering images that speak to you on a deep, intuitive level.

 

You might look for:

• People or faces: Parts of you, inner guides, or energies you want to embody.

• Places or nature: Scenes that evoke peace, joy, or inspiration.

• Objects or symbols: Images that hold personal or archetypal meaning.

• Colors and patterns: To add energy, emotion, or texture.

 

Physical Sources

• Magazines (including free or discarded ones from libraries)

• Old calendars or books

• Scrapbooking supplies

• Personal photos you print out

 

Buying Images

• Etsy (search “SoulCollage”)

• Amazon (e.g., image packs by Catherine Anderson)

• Used National Geographic magazines (often available in bulk on sites like eBay)

 

Digital Sources (Respecting Copyright)

 

If you prefer to print images, here are some free, high‑quality photo sites for personal use:

• Pixabay

• Unsplash

• Pexels

• RawPixel

• Canva’s free image library

• NegativeSpace

• Picjumbo

• FreeRangeStock

 

Tip: When searching online, try emotional or symbolic keywords like “serenity,” “freedom,” “strength,” or “light.”

 

How Many Images Do I Need?

 

We’ll place images on 5x8 heavy card stock (or pre‑cut SoulCollage® cards).

• Per card: About 3–8 images, depending on layering and style.

• To start: Aim for at least 20–30 images so you have options.

• Good Glue: Elmer’s CraftBond Acid-Free, UHU Glue Stick or Scotch Create Glue Stick

 

Over time, many people build large collections. I personally have hundreds of images and often print the ones that feel especially meaningful.

 

Exploring and Reflecting on Your Cards

 

During sessions, we’ll use parts language and archetypal exploration to uncover the meaning behind your cards.

You’ll practice letting “your cards speak to you,” listening to what they symbolize and allowing that to guide your writing and reflection.

 

We might explore:

• What emotions or memories arise when you look at a card

• How it connects to your inner world and current life

• What it wants you to know or remember

 

This helps you understand your emotions, thought patterns, and subconscious influences, and deepens your connection to your own inner wisdom.

 

Engaging with Your Cards Between Sessions

 

Between sessions, you’ll receive prompts to dialogue with your cards and reflect on their messages.

 

A common practice is the “I am the one who…” exercise, where you let the card speak in the first person. Over time, as your deck grows, you’ll return to it often to help you process thoughts and feelings.

 

You can ask a question, draw a card from your personal deck, and use it as a mirror for insight and allowing you to listen to your inner guidance.

 

Ongoing Exploration and Thematic Work

 

As your deck grows, you can focus on themes such as:

• Healing and integration

• Self‑trust and self‑compassion

• Boundaries and protection

• Life transitions and intentions

 

Your SoulCollage® deck becomes a living reflection of your inner world, offering support and clarity as you move through change and growth.

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Copyright & SoulCollage®

 

SoulCollage® emphasizes respect for copyright and the personal nature of this work. In line with the Principles of SoulCollage®:

• SoulCollage® cards are for personal use and self‑discovery only. They are not meant to be copied, sold, traded, or bartered.

• Please honor and respect all copyrights when choosing images. Use them in ways that align with copyright laws and the spirit of this practice.

• If you share your cards publicly (online or in groups), do so only to illustrate your personal process, and avoid sharing them in ways that could infringe on the rights of the original artists or photographers.