Portals of Presence: Faces Drawn from the Subtle Realms

Portals of Presence – A Gateway to the Subtle Realms

Step into a world where the human face becomes a mirror for the soul and a bridge to the unseen. Portals of Presence: Faces Drawn from the Subtle Realms is more than just an oracle deck; it is an evocative collection of 72 artistic "presences" created by Deborah Koff-Chapin. Each card features a face birthed through the artist’s unique Touch Drawing process, offering an intimate, tactile connection to the spiritual dimensions. The large, glossy cards invite you to slow down and enter a state of deep contemplation, where muted colors and subtle textures reveal hidden layers of meaning.

About this Deck

The essence of this deck lies in its raw, unfiltered beauty. Rather than being structured around traditional systems, these cards capture the vibration of ancient trees, sacred mountains, and holy sites where they were conceived. The visual style is ethereal and hauntingly beautiful, designed to bypass the analytical mind and speak directly to the heart. With its generous dimensions of 114 x 152 mm, each card acts as a literal portal, allowing the viewer to lose themselves in the gaze of the "Presence" depicted.

Symbolism and Themes

This deck explores the human face as a universal language that transcends culture and time. There are no numbers, keywords, or fixed meanings printed on the cards. This intentional omission allows for a completely intuitive and transformative experience. The themes revolve around resonance, mirroring, and attunement. Whether a face appears angelic, ancestral, or elemental, it serves as a catalyst for the reader to explore their own emotional landscape and relationship with the world around them.

The Creators

Deborah Koff-Chapin
Deborah is an accomplished artist, vocalist, author, and teacher who has pioneered the "Touch Drawing" technique. This process involves the direct movement of fingers on paper, translating internal impulses into external forms. Her work is deeply rooted in spiritual exploration and personal transformation, and she has shared her visionary approach at prestigious institutions and conferences worldwide.

Practical Use

Working with Portals of Presence is an exercise in listening. You might use these cards to set an intention for the day, to identify a spiritual guide, or to provide a "face" to a specific emotion you are processing. They work beautifully when paired with the author’s SoulCards or used alongside the included audio meditation to deepen the experience. The guidebook encourages you to explore not only the cards that immediately attract you but also those that challenge you, as they often hold the most significant insights.

"Gaze into the eyes of the Presence until the boundary between the card and your own consciousness begins to dissolve, revealing the wisdom that waits in the silence."

Features

• Number of cards: 72
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9780996463430
• Publisher: Center for Touch Drawing
• Weight: 595 g
• Dimensions: 114 x 152 mm

Expert FAQ

How do I interpret the cards without keywords or numbers?
This deck relies on "attunement." Look at the expression, the colors, and the feeling the card evokes in your body. The lack of text is a gift that prevents the mind from "fixing" a meaning, allowing for a fresh, personal insight every time you use it.

Is this deck suitable for beginners who have never used an oracle?
Yes, absolutely. Because it is purely intuitive, there is no "wrong" way to use it. Beginners often find it less intimidating than traditional decks because they don't have to memorize complex systems or guidebooks.

Can I use these cards for professional readings?
Many professional practitioners use these cards as "significators" or to represent specific energies, ancestors, or guides within a larger layout. They are excellent tools for deep psychological and shadow work.