The Tarot of the Orishas represents a unique synthesis of spiritual traditions, offering a distinct approach to self-exploration and divination. Unlike conventional tarot decks, this system draws deeply from the vibrant cultural and spiritual heritage of the Yoruba religion, specifically focusing on the Orishas—powerful spiritual entities that embody the forces of nature and the divine. Authored by Zolrak and Durkon and published by Llewellyn Publications, the deck and its accompanying guidebook serve as a comprehensive resource for individuals seeking to enrich their spiritual practice. It combines the imagery of West African Yoruba traditions with Brazilian Candomblé, Santera, and Umbanda, creating a tool that is both visually captivating and spiritually profound.
The deck is designed to illuminate the secrets of the universe through its artwork and storytelling. It is not merely a set of cards but a gateway to understanding the influence of divine forces on daily life. The creators, Zrak and Durkon, bring their expertise in African diaspora spiritual practices and illustration to this project, resulting in a deck that is described as having tremendous energy and a soft, fairy-tale quality. The Tarot of the Orishas is intended for those who wish to tap into magical insights, meditate on ancient archetypes, and engage in psychomagic for personal growth and healing.
Understanding the Structure and Composition
The Tarot of the Orishas consists of 77 cards, a structure that deviates from the standard 78-card tarot deck. It comprises 25 Major cards and 52 Minor cards. The Major cards are unnumbered and represent specific Orishas, which are described as roughly translating to saints, supernatural, or superhuman beings. These cards embody the pure energy of the Divine, such as Yemaya representing the force of saltwater and the sea.
The 25 Major cards correspond to traditional Major Arcana archetypes, though some Orishas do not have a direct tarot equivalent. The correspondences are as follows:
- Eleggua, Eshu, Pomba Gira, Iansa u Oya, Oba, Oshun, Yemaya, Obatala u Oxala, The Babalocha or Babalorixa, The Guardian Angel, The Couple, The Man, The Village, The Earth, The Sun, The Moon, The Expelled, Iku, Karma, The Devil, The Enslaved Prisoner are listed as Major cards.
- Ogun corresponds to The Chariot.
- Chango o Xango corresponds to Justice.
- Xapana Babalualle Omulu corresponds to The Hermit.
- Oxumare corresponds to Wheel Of Fortune.
- The Sun corresponds to The Sun.
- The Moon corresponds to The Moon.
- The Fool corresponds to The Expelled.
- Death corresponds to Iku.
- Judgment corresponds to Karma.
- The Devil corresponds to The Devil.
- The Hanged Man corresponds to The Enslaved Prisoner.
The 52 Minor cards are assigned to the four elements, with 13 cards per element. This structure allows for a detailed exploration of elemental influences within the spiritual framework of the Orishas.
The Guidebook and Interpretive Resources
A crucial component of the Tarot of the Orishas is the accompanying guidebook. This book is described as an invaluable resource for tarot readers, providing detailed interpretations of the cards and a comprehensive overview of the Orisha pantheon. It offers readers the ability to interpret card meanings within the context of their spiritual journey and to use the images for meditation and self-exploration.
The guidebook is praised for its detailed information, which includes card meanings, spread ideas, prayers, and rituals. It provides a practical and accessible guide to understanding tarot from an Orisha perspective, making it an essential resource for enriching one's practice. The book aims to offer an in-depth understanding of the Orishas and their influence on the tarot, helping users to connect with the spiritual entities and the divine forces they represent.
Artistic and Cultural Dimensions
The artwork of the Tarot of the Orishas is a significant aspect of its appeal and effectiveness. The cards feature robust, vibrant imagery that provides a window into the world of the Orishas. The artwork is described as captivating, dynamic, and having a soft, fairy-tale quality with lovely pastel coloring. The visuals are intended to tell the stories of people and spirits through symbols, enhancing readings and encouraging users to live boldly.
However, the cultural authenticity of the deck has been a subject of discussion. While the deck combines various traditions, some reviews have noted concerns regarding the representation of the culture's tradition. Despite this, the deck is recognized for its unique ability to combine the potent magic of West African Yoruba, Brazilian Candomblé, Santera, and Umbanda. The cards hold deep meaning in both the foreground scenes and background textiles, offering a rich visual tapestry for interpretation.
Usage and Application in Spiritual Practice
The Tarot of the Orishas is designed primarily for self-awareness and individual spiritual practice. It is not explicitly tied to divination in the traditional sense of predicting future events. Instead, the guide emphasizes its use as a tool for better self-awareness and for a healthy practice of psychomagic. Users are encouraged to explore the archetypes represented by each card for personal insight and growth.
For those who possess the necessary skills, the deck can be used like a traditional tarot deck for divination. The cards hold the knowledge of countless generations from the spiritual tradition and training of practitioners over thousands of years. By accessing this wisdom, users can receive guidance that is both profound and approachable.
The physical characteristics of the deck are also noteworthy. The cards measure 3 1/8" by 5 1/4", a size that is considered nice but potentially challenging for those with small hands. The cardstock is good quality glossy, and the backs feature a purple design with a silver circle and gold stars, described as understated and nice looking. The Major cards have titles on the border in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, making them accessible to a wider audience.
Authors and Creation
The creation of the Tarot of the Orishas is attributed to Zolrak and Durkon. Zolrak is described as a practitioner who has traditionally engaged in cowrie shell divination and other African diaspora spiritual practices. He is also a Kardecist mediumship teacher, parapsychologist, and radio and television personality, often encapsulated as a magician. His co-creator, Durkon, is a cartoonist and illustrator, which explains the deck's distinctive visual style. Their collaboration resulted in the first tarot deck of its kind, blending these diverse spiritual currents into a cohesive tool for exploration.
Conclusion
The Tarot of the Orishas offers a distinctive and vibrant approach to spiritual exploration. By drawing on the rich heritage of the Orishas, it provides a unique framework for self-discovery and guidance. Its structure, combining Major and Minor cards linked to elemental forces and specific spiritual entities, allows for deep and nuanced readings. The accompanying guidebook serves as a comprehensive manual, facilitating an understanding of the Orisha pantheon and the practical application of the cards for meditation and psychomagic. While noted for its captivating artwork and potential for spiritual insight, the deck also invites a thoughtful consideration of its cultural roots. For those seeking to enrich their spiritual practice with the energy of ancient traditions, the Tarot of the Orishas presents a powerful and accessible resource.