The Oracle of Initiation divination deck guides modern day seekers through the complex landscape of spiritual awakening. The deck explores the contours and pathways, peaks and valleys along the journey-exposing both the shadow and the light within this enduring pattern of human’s quest for transformation. The Oracle of Initiation speaks to the paradox of brilliance within the darkness, the illumination available through self-inquiry and conscious engagement with change. The deck is a portal; a passageway between dimensions; a navigational map through the thresholds and experiences that initiate us into embodying our unique luminous potential.
The Oracle of Initiation is completely unique in its structure and design, emerging directly from artist Mellissae Lucia’s own resurrection after the death of her husband. All of the dissolving and restoration she experienced lead her to create The Painted Body ritualistic photography series for the deck.
All photographs in the Painted Body series are taken alone on the land-in the arroyos, caves, canyons, and tunnels surrounding Santa Fe, NM. The camera is held at arms length, allowing it to become a literal extension of her body: at the moment of creation it is both a part the art and of the artist as well. The spontaneity and directness of this method allows an unparalleled intimacy, and the images that result are always surprising and unanticipated.
None of the images in the Painted Body series have been altered or retouched in any way. This makes the atmospheric lighting and evocative shape-shifting mood they capture even more remarkable.
The Oracle of Initiation is like a captivating dream, opening the reader to the world of myth, magic, and allegory. The images reawaken ancient senses, enchanting us with a poetic and archetypal power.
Mellissae Lucia {previously Melissa Weiss Steele} is an artist and adventurer, having spent over two decades immersed in Norse, African & Native American sacred traditions, cross-cultural divination, indigenous dream-work, and Archetypal psychology.
http://www.OracleofInitiation.com
Melissa Weiss Steele's Blog 
I’m so glad to see this work out in the world! I have worked with Melissa in a number of ways. Her willingness and ability to share herself and her work in a compassionate and powerful way makes her irresistable. I’m looking forward to her workshop here in Ellensburg, WA. Thank you Melissa!
Comment by Coleen Renee — February 11, 2009 @ 10:08 pm
GOTTA TELL YOU GIRL, DAN LOVES, LOVES YOUR SITE…….. AND I LOVE YOU. AUNT PATTY
Comment by PATTY HUTCHINS — February 28, 2009 @ 5:19 pm
Melissa: I saw your photogrphs while visiting an old friend, whom we both love, who wouldn’t Mary Alice.
I was amazed and facinated! Your work is unique, creative, and transformative. You have created a body of work that is exceptional.
As a photographer myself I would love to learn more about your process. Good luck on your show today. I hope to see the prints from your show at some future date.
PS: Great web site.
Comment by Ken Gray — October 10, 2009 @ 4:49 pm
an evocatively living deck!
Comment by Jordan Hoggard — April 30, 2010 @ 8:12 am