The Humannis Deck

What is the ‘Humannis’ Deck?

HUMANNIS – Pertaining to the ubiquitous emotional needs & desires of humans – both ‘local’ & personal as well as universal.

The ‘Humannis Deck’ is an illustrated sharable resource in the form of a practice based creative and emotional art prompt deck to be used in a variety of wellbeing settings. Created in response to doctoral research around symbolic objects and ritual, therapeutic art making, and healing and recovery, it serves as a creative starting point from which outputs such as art, writing, poetry, dance, drama or music can be made to discuss emotions or experiences. The deck is intended for therapeutic use by both individuals and groups including workplace, community outreach, hospitals, hospices, addiction recovery, mental health, and palliative and dementia care.

link to purchase deck

Possible ways to use the deck

There are 78 cards in the ‘Humannis Deck’ each with an image on the front and an accompanying word on the back. The cards come with a companion guide which includes the names of the illustrated objects, an abridged description of their origin or use and a short creative or thought provoking prompt. Work with the whole pack or chose from the 10 themes. Or alternatively choose specific cards from across the deck that suit you.

Pick a card or selection of cards, then creatively respond to the emotions, memories or feelings they bring up.
Explore experiences via symbolic objects – What object do you need for this time, or moment? Use it to help you or your client tell their story.
Use the resource as an invitation to create a meaningful artwork, object or ritual that can help guide your healing path – Which object or words can you pick to help you with this?
Pull a card / get a client to pull a card at the start/end of a therapeutic or holistic session – how does this relate to the client & your session.
Use the cards to help a client explore or describe feelings that may be coming up for them in a therapeutic session.

What’s included in the resource?

A 78 card deck, an accompanying 84 page guidebook inc instructions and 10 x A5 posters showing collated themed objects

NB – The resource is most suitable for ages 13+
When harnessing it for therapeutic purposes with clients, groups, workshops or with vulnerable or younger people please explore the whole resource before use & take the option to remove any cards you think could be inapt.

Research findings and efficacy

The magical, spiritual or faith objects and artifacts depicted in the deck were all encountered in use during my study. Either as ritual deposits in sacred landscapes of the UK or Ireland, or as objects identified by interviewees, healing practitioners and survey respondents as being utilised in their current personal or working practice.

Based on the doctoral research analysis, those who have worked with the deck detailed several emotional benefits:

Enhanced Self-Confidence and Empowerment: Individuals described how creating their own art objects—such as personalized talismans or sigils—boosted their self-assurance, making them feel more empowered in facing challenges.

Emotional Grounding and Stability: Many respondents mentioned that the artworks and objects made in workshops provided a comforting, grounding effect during stressful periods, offering them a dependable touchstone for managing emotions and maintaining balance.

Healing and Emotional Release: Workshop participants were able to choose specific cards from the deck as a focal point to process and release negative emotions, contributing to overall emotional healing and wellbeing.

Increased Connection and Belonging: The art made and explored often fostered a deep sense of connection—whether to personal memory, ancestral lineage, or spiritual energy—which many described as nurturing a feeling of belonging and inner support. Group members also felt able to share feelings

Testimonials

Testimonials from therapists and workshop clients using the deck – should you wish to speak to me about workshops please email me on s.sasandyosh@gmail.com for workshop information and rates.

•I use a variety of different cards in my work, so it is nice to be introduced to a new pack. I really like the booklet which I feel enriches the use of the cards. They are a really flexible resource, and I will definitely purchase a set for my toolbox – NHS Drama therapist working in Adult Community Mental Health

•I would use this resource to help people who feel stuck and don’t know what they want from the session or to stimulate imagination, or as a talking point for a group. They are a multi-use resource – Art therapist

•I particularly liked how they had been researched both personally and generically through your own art making. I loved the way you put something qualitative and grounded together, with something more ethereal, spiritual while also embodying an element of chance – Art therapist

•I really had to reconnect to the parts of me I had disassociated with to root into my queries… to access the parts that wanted to make art. I realized I had become very disconnected from it due to trauma. This was a huge first step – Wild Sister Gathering

•Importance of connection – in teaching, relationships, personal growth, understanding – Hospice Staff

•I particularly enjoyed Sarah’s session as it felt like therapy to me – I enjoyed the space for creativity. I loved the idea of support through art and the freedom for expression. It filled me with absolute joy – Lister Hospital away day staff wellness session

•I found the whole project a generous and exciting opportunity. A deck deeply anchored to people’s individual creative process. We have two groups – a substance and behavioural group, and a group for family and carers of those with addiction, both would benefit. – The living Room addiction recovery centre (staff)

•I now have an item that I can have with me at all times to keep myself safe and strong. – The Living Room (group member)

•A creative outlet, deeper understanding of my patterns and connection. It made me think deeper into how I authentically express myself – The Living Room (group member)

•I learned about a resource that could possibly be utilised in practice with both students, staff and patients. Might be nice to use it in coaching or supervision – Oxford University hospital staff educational day