L'Oracle and Clara Feder
L’Oracle du Jardin,
“Safe Place” and me:
An Interview with
There is no other perfume house like Le Jardin Retrouvé, and no other creative director like Clara Feder. Le Jardin Retrouvé has a unique history, an eco-friendly ethos, and decades of expertise behind every product. But today, it is the first perfume house to create its own Oracle cards. Creative Director Clara Feder continues to expand the brand's mission—protection—by responding to the need we all have for a kind inner voice.
Why Oracle cards?
Following Clara Feder's vision, Le Jardin Retrouvé has created a new Wellbeing collection. The Garden Oracle is the first product in this new collection, dedicated to the “Inner Garden” that each of us must cultivate in order to cope with the growing demands of change and upheaval in the world. The Oracle cards are an aid to focusing on positive energies, recharging through meditation, and creating an inner “place” where we can recharge our batteries.
Clara, what inspired you to create these Oracle cards?
I have always been intrigued by premonitions and other coincidences. The famous psychologist Carl Jung called this synchronicity. For me, it started with dreams I had in my youth, sometimes awake, sometimes asleep, which I came to understand as glimpses of the future, or a form of it. I had one of my first premonitions at the age of eight. This led to a lifelong interest in what some call the invisible, but which is actually very tangible when our intuition manifests itself. How many times have we regretted not listening to our intuition and not acting on it?
From the age of twenty to thirty, I embarked on a quest that led me to experiment with and explore many spiritual practices, from tarot to numerology, astrology, Sufism in Morocco, and the ancient wisdom of the Native Americans. I even joined a sweat lodge in New Mexico.
Over time, I never stopped practicing the rituals derived from these ancient wisdoms, albeit in a moderate and sometimes circumstantial way. I was absorbed in very practical and demanding matters, such as raising three children, publishing books, organizing art exhibitions in different countries, and setting up Le Jardin Retrouvé.
At some point, I realized that times had changed, that what was then an exploration had become a real need for a growing number of people, and that perhaps I could help in my own very humble way.
As an artist, I began to create safe places to recover from our encounter with the hectic world, and this became my trademark. Until I realized that this is precisely what Le Jardin Retrouvé is—a safe place. Once again, synchronicity manifested itself and led me to the Inner Garden project and the Well-being collection.
“How many times have we regretted not listening to our intuition and not acting on it?”
Clara Feder
Do you use L’Oracle du Jardin yourself?
I use it every day and it's a real joy to see these beautiful images drawn by Kaya Bagamaz, mixed with the name I chose for each one, all linked to a fragrance from our collection. I feel protected and supported. They put me in tune with my inner voice, a voice I cannot afford to ignore, even in my hectic life.
How can Oracle cards help you improve your well-being?
In many ways, all encompassed in three rituals. One in the morning, one to end the day, and one to fall asleep. In my opinion, rituals are essential, and you can choose the one or ones that you feel will do you good. First of all, the cards are a meditation aid. And we all know by now the incredible benefits that even 10 minutes of meditation a day can have on your health and overall well-being. Therefore, whether or not you believe in the power of words and energies has nothing to do with the benefits you can reap from simply drawing a card and meditating on it.
Secondly, as a mindfulness tool, it is remarkable. Suppose that on a given day, you drew the Flexibility card. Chances are that on that day, because you drew that card, you would focus on that energy and notice how much flexibility is necessary for you, and you might then realize the critical importance of flexibility in an ever-changing world. It could also lead you to other discoveries that you might not have made otherwise.In other words, let yourself be surprised!Sometimes you will think that the card you drew has nothing to do with what you had planned for the day. Are you so sure?Sometimes the card will reveal something deeply buried, which can be very useful for the day ahead. That's why,at the end of the day, you may be surprised to realize what the card really meant for you...
“You might be surprised when you realize what the card really meant to you...”
Clara Feder
Why do you recommend using candles with The Garden Oracle?
There is something primitive and peaceful about the flame of a candle. It helps the mind to focus and calms the swirling chaos of your thoughts. It helps you block out anxiety and refocus. Light it, watch it, and relax. You'll be surprised at how effective such a simple gesture can be! In addition, the five scents available for our candles have a variety of fragrances that evoke beautiful thoughts. For example, Rose Trocadéro can be soothing, Mousse Arashiyama evokes the calm felt during forest bathing, Tubéreuse Trianon can inspire creativity, Osmanthe Liu Yuan can bring back memories of a happy childhood, while Cuir de Russie was inspired by love and family. Choose the one that appeals to you.
What is your next project?
I am developing other products based on the theme of the “Well-being” collection from Le Jardin Retrouvé and the inner garden that we all have within us. Soon you will see relaxing pillow mists to help you sleep and scented notebooks to record your meditations, dreams, or affirmations. These are very practical paths to Well-being, and I am happy that the first stone of this new garden is The Garden Oracle, which offers a more spiritual approach.
Thank you, Clara!
You can purchase your own Garden Oracle here, as well as a scented candle to set the mood!
(Interview with Samantha Scriven)
