The Afro-Brazilian Tarot represents a unique synthesis of African spiritual traditions and Western divination methods. This deck, created by Alice Santana and Giuseppe Palumbo and published by Lo Scarabeo in 2006, offers a 78-card system that bridges the cultural gap between the Nigerian Yoruban tradition and the Brazilian Candomble practice. The deck serves as a conduit for the spiritual heritage of Afro-Brazilian culture, providing a path to wisdom that draws upon the mysterious and powerful traditions of African spirituality. It is designed to be accessible to individuals regardless of their level of involvement in specific religious practices, allowing them to benefit from the shared wisdom of these traditions.
The deck's structure follows the traditional Tarot format, divided into the Major and Minor Arcana. The Minor Arcana is organized into four suits: Chalices (representing Water), Pentacles (Earth), Wands (Fire), and Swords (Air). The Court cards consist of the Knave, Knight, Queen, and King. While the written meanings provided in the accompanying booklet generally align with standard Tarot interpretations, the visual symbolism on the cards is distinct and often requires an intuitive approach to fully discern. The artwork by Giuseppe Palumbo is noted for its richness and ability to evoke the feelings associated with the Orixas, the deities central to the traditions that inspired the deck.
Cultural and Spiritual Context
The Afro-Brazilian Tarot is deeply rooted in the religious traditions of Candomble and Santeria. The accompanying Little White Booklet (LWB) provides a brief introduction to these traditions, describing their development and offering an overview of the Orixas. Candomble originated in Brazil, heavily influenced by the Yoruba people of Nigeria, while Santeria developed in Cuba. Both traditions share a common ancestry and center their worship on the Orixas, or deities. These deities are described as benign and helpful entities who communicate with humanity through symbols and mediums.
In the context of spiritual practice, the Orixas are not represented in anthropomorphic or zoomorphic forms but rather through specific symbols. During spiritualistic gatherings, a deity may assume human form by "mounting" a medium who has been christened and consecrated within the community. While these deities are generally benevolent, the source material notes that it can be dangerous for the untrained individual to open themselves to such spiritual forces without proper guidance. The deck's Major Arcana cards primarily feature representations of Orixas, though some traditional cards have different associations. For instance, The Magician is also referred to as Babalao, a priest within the tradition. Other cards, such as The Wheel of Fortune, Death, and The Devil, do not have specific Orixas assigned to them in this deck.
The creators and reviewers suggest that this deck be treated with a degree of spiritual respect that may differ from other Tarot decks. A recommended practice for conducting readings is to use a white cloth, a lit candle, and a glass of water nearby. These elements serve to honor the traditions from which the cards derive. This ritualistic approach fosters a serene practice that aligns the reader with the spiritual energy of the Afro-Brazilian heritage.
Card Imagery and Interpretive Approach
The visual language of the Afro-Brazilian Tarot is unique and often abstract, requiring the reader to look beyond literal representations. The artwork is designed to evoke feelings and concepts rather than to provide direct, obvious symbolism. This characteristic makes the deck particularly suitable for an intuitive approach to reading. The images serve as a gateway to the subconscious, allowing the reader to tap into the spiritual wisdom embedded in the Afro-Brazilian culture.
For example, the Two of Chalices depicts two urns and three animals in a gently flowing river, with the animals sitting atop one another and a glorious green plant in the background. While the standard meaning of this card often relates to partnership and balance, the imagery here suggests togetherness and reliance. The progression to the Three of Chalices shows two fish leaping from a river and birds flying into the air. This imagery conveys a sense of movement and joyous celebration, distinct from other Three of Cups cards that may focus more on static social gatherings. The reviewer notes that while there may be more movement indicated in this card, it reflects a celebratory feel consistent with the suit's themes.
The Major Arcana cards, while featuring Orixas, are not always perfectly aligned with traditional Tarot archetypes. This discrepancy suggests that the deck encourages a personalized interpretation that blends standard Tarot knowledge with the specific attributes of the Orixas. The booklet provides brief meanings for the cards, generally one or two lines, which leaves ample room for the reader's intuition to fill in the details based on the imagery and their own spiritual connection.
Historical and Geographical Roots
The deck's heritage is a combination of Nigerian Yoruban traditions and Brazilian Candomble. The historical context provided in the source material touches upon the deportation of Yoruba peoples, a term used in the deck's notes to describe the enslavement and forced migration of Africans to the Americas. This historical backdrop is essential for understanding the resilience and preservation of these spiritual traditions in a new land. The survival and evolution of these beliefs into Candomble represent a profound cultural achievement.
The source material also references the "secret story of Africa," noting that despite the popularity of African art and music in Western capitals during the early 20th century, the deeper spiritual narratives remained guarded. This secrecy persists to some extent, making decks like the Afro-Brazilian Tarot valuable for offering a glimpse into these traditions. The deck acts as an educational tool, introducing users to the Orixas and the fundamental concepts of Candomble and Santeria, thereby demystifying aspects of these belief systems while maintaining respect for their sacred origins.
Practical Considerations for Users
For those interested in using the Afro-Brazilian Tarot, the deck is designed to be user-friendly. The cards are printed in Italy and imported by Llewellyn Worldwide. The accompanying booklet is available in multiple languages (English, Italian, Spanish, French, and German), making it accessible to a broad audience. The physical dimensions of the deck are compact, measuring approximately 2.6 x 4.72 inches (66 x 120 mm), which is standard for Tarot decks and comfortable for handling.
The back design of the cards is based on The Wheel card, divided at the horizontal midpoint and reflected to create the bottom half. This design choice results in the 8 kernels of the Opele necklace appearing as 12, a significant change that alters the symbolic meaning and use of the card. The back design is not symmetrical, meaning that if the cards are spread face down, it is possible to identify the orientation of The Wheel card. This feature may affect shuffling and reading techniques for those who prefer fully reversible backs.
The deck is highly recommended for individuals who have an appreciation for Afro-Brazilian traditions or who simply value exceptional artwork. It functions effectively for personal readings and serves as a tool for connecting with a deeper spiritual heritage. The deck's ability to work well intuitively makes it suitable for both novice and experienced readers who are willing to engage with its unique symbolism and spiritual context.
Integration of Tarot with Holistic Practices
While the source material focuses specifically on the Tarot deck, the spiritual context of Candomble and Santeria suggests a holistic approach to well-being. The recommendation to use a white cloth, candle, and water during readings indicates an emphasis on creating a sacred space. These elements are common in various spiritual traditions for purifying the environment and focusing intention. Water represents emotional clarity and flow, fire (candle) represents transformation and illumination, and the white cloth signifies purity and a clean slate for receiving insight.
For practitioners of holistic energy balancing or Vastu Shastra, the principles of honoring spiritual traditions and maintaining a harmonious environment are universal. The Afro-Brazilian Tarot can be viewed as a component of a larger spiritual practice that includes maintaining a balanced living or working space. The respect for deities and the structured approach to spiritual communication found in Candomble can be paralleled with the respect for directional energies and spatial harmony emphasized in Vastu. Both systems acknowledge that unseen forces and energies influence daily life and that rituals and correct placement can optimize these influences.
The deck's focus on the Orixas, who govern various aspects of nature and human life, also aligns with the elemental focus found in many holistic practices. The four suits of the Tarot correspond to the classical elements, and the Afro-Brazilian Tarot maintains this structure. Understanding the attributes of these elements and how they interact can provide insights into personal dynamics and environmental imbalances. For instance, an excess of Fire energy (Wands) in a personal reading might suggest a need for cooling and calming influences, which could be mirrored in a physical space by balancing fire elements with water or earth.
Spiritual Insights and Personal Growth
The Afro-Brazilian Tarot offers a pathway to personal growth by connecting users with ancestral wisdom and spiritual resilience. The deck's imagery and the associated booklet encourage reflection on themes of togetherness, celebration, movement, and reliance. These themes are essential for fostering healthy relationships and a positive outlook on life. By engaging with the deck, users can explore their own spiritual landscape and gain insights into their life's journey.
The brief card meanings provided in the booklet serve as starting points for deeper contemplation. The suggestion to approach the deck with spiritual respect underscores the importance of intention in divinatory practices. Setting a clear intention and creating a conducive environment are key steps in any spiritual or holistic practice. This approach helps to align the practitioner's inner state with the desired outcome, whether that is gaining clarity, making a decision, or seeking personal development.
The deck's connection to African spirituality also offers a means of exploring cultural identity and heritage. For individuals of African descent, it can be a powerful tool for reconnecting with ancestral roots. For others, it provides an opportunity to appreciate and learn from a rich spiritual tradition that has survived and thrived despite historical adversity. This cross-cultural engagement can foster empathy and a broader understanding of human spirituality.
Conclusion
The Afro-Brazilian Tarot is a specialized divination tool that combines the structure of traditional Tarot with the rich spiritual imagery of Afro-Brazilian Candomble and Nigerian Yoruban traditions. It offers a unique approach to Tarot reading that emphasizes intuitive interpretation and spiritual respect. The deck's artwork and symbolism invite users into a deeper world of African spirituality, providing insights that are both personal and culturally significant. By following the suggested practices of using a white cloth, candle, and water, users can honor the deck's origins and enhance their connection to the wisdom it contains. Whether used for personal reflection, spiritual growth, or simply as a beautiful collection of art, the Afro-Brazilian Tarot serves as a bridge between cultures and a conduit for the enduring power of ancestral wisdom.