The Hermetic Flight is world’s first aerial tarot deck, led by Yelm-area artist

The Hermetic Flight, a Nisqually Valley region-based project that combines aerial arts, energy healing and intuitive work, tarot reading practice, visual storytelling and creative direction, will soon launch an aerial tarot deck that features aerialists and artists from throughout the Pacific Northwest region.

According to Deirde Quigley, an aerial performer and Reiki master who helped materialize The Hermetic Flight, the creation of this aerial tarot deck will be the first in the world. She’s ignited a bold, new vision with The Hermetic Flight — which includes a fire infused reimaging of the Rider-White Tarot deck.

The aerial flight deck is rooted in vibrant and diverse creative communities within Washington state, and will blend mysticism, aerial movement, burlesque and flame to showcase the power and artistry of each performer featured. In total, the deck includes 78 cards.

Quigley told the Nisqually Valley News that each card is vividly brought to life by aerialists and circus artists from local cities like Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia and even from within the “creative pockets” of Yelm. She said each of the artists aren’t just collaborators, but rather friends and loved ones from within her own circle.

Each artist, Quigley added, is unified by a striking regal motif — as the deck channels transformation, passion and elemental energy. She said this echoes the intensity and the wonder of live circus performances that are found throughout the Pacific Northwest region.

To cap off Quigley and all of the artist’s hard work in the creation of The Hermetic Flight, the tarot deck itself will launch on Kickstarter on Saturday, Aug. 8. She said supporters will get an exclusive first look at the entirety of the 78-card deck.

Additionally, early backers of The Hermetic Flight Tarot deck will also gain access to special rewards, such as limited edition merchandise and first access tarot readings.

“Looking ahead, the project will expand beyond the deck itself, with plans for an immersive, mythic-themed ball and a first-of-its-kind live performance that will bring The Hermetic Flight Tarot experience to life in a spectacular fusion of aerial arts and fire,” Quigley said.

Quigley added that the entire project has been “masterfully” photographed and edited by “acclaimed photographer” David Horvitz. She said his works captures both the ethereal grace and fierce energy that each performer brings to the table.

“Through his lens, every card becomes a dynamic composition of light, motion, and flame,” Quigley said.

You can view Horvitz’s work online at vitzphotography.com. For updates, event information and behind-the-scenes content and early previews, visit www.thehermeticflight.com or follow their self-titled Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and TikTok.