The Afro-Brazilian Tarot, created by Alice Santana and Giuseppe Palumbo and published by Lo Scarabeo in 2006, offers a unique pathway into the spiritual wisdom of Afro-Brazilian culture. This 78-card deck, accompanied by a Little White Booklet (LWB), draws deeply from the religious traditions of Candomblé in Brazil and Santeria in Cuba. It serves not only as a tool for divination but also as an artistic representation of the Orixas, the deities central to these faiths. The deck invites users into a world of African spirituality, emphasizing the beauty and power of African-derived religions. It suggests that one does not need to be deeply involved in committed religious practice to benefit from the shared wisdom of these traditions. The artwork by Giuseppe Palumbo is noted for its richness and ability to evoke the feelings associated with pondering the Orixas. This article explores the deck's origins, its structure, the spiritual context it represents, and the intuitive approach it encourages for readings.
Origins and Cultural Context
The Afro-Brazilian Tarot is a synthesis of the Nigerian Yoruban tradition and Brazilian Candomblé, which is itself based on the Nigerian roots. The deck’s development is rooted in the history of the Yoruba people and their subsequent religious fusion with Roman Catholicism in the Americas. This fusion occurred through the efforts of Spanish, French, English, and American attempts to Christianize enslaved Africans. The result was the emergence of distinct religious systems such as Santeria, Voodoo (or Voodun), and Candomblé.
The Little White Booklet provides a helpful introduction to Candomblé and Santeria, describing the development of these traditions and offering an overview of the Orixas. It is noted that the opening notes of the deck’s materials refer to the enslavement of the Yoruba peoples as their "deportation." This terminology is highlighted in reviews as differing from the standard historical narrative of European slave traders raiding African coasts. The review suggests that the conditions on slave ships were comparable to modern livestock transports, characterized by overcrowding, poor sanitation, and a disregard for the loss of life during transit.
The religious fusion described in the source material resulted from the efforts of African practitioners to maintain their spiritual practices under colonial rule. Some sources suggest that this was achieved by adapting elements of the Catholic faith, specifically referencing the "corruption of the sacrament of Ordination." While Western writers often describe these resulting religions as good and wholesome, the source material advises examining individual sects to draw individual conclusions. The creator of the deck, Alice Santana, is noted to acknowledge that the Yoruban religion that evolved in Haiti assumed a "more obscure and disturbing direction" compared to other variations.
The Orixas and the Major Arcana
The Major Arcana of the Afro-Brazilian Tarot is largely represented by Orixas, though not exclusively. The Orixas are deities that embody human traits and offer direct wisdom. Their representation in the deck serves to bring these spiritual figures to life.
Specific representations noted in the reviews include: * I, The Magician: Represented as "Babalao," a priest of the tradition. * X, The Wheel of Fortune: Has no alternate title or meaning. * XIII, Death: Has no Orixas representative. * XV, The Devil: Has no Orixas representative.
Many other choices for the Major Arcana are described as "expected," implying they align with traditional tarot archetypes while incorporating the specific cultural flavor of the Afro-Brazilian tradition. The artwork is designed to evoke the spiritual feelings associated with the Orixas, making the deck a tool for spiritual connection as well as divination.
The Minor Arcana and Suit Structure
The Minor Arcana is divided into four suits, each corresponding to a classical element and represented by culturally specific imagery: * Chalices: Water * Pentacles: Earth * Wands: Fire * Swords: Air
The court cards follow the traditional structure of Knave, Knight, Queen, and King. For the most part, the written meanings provided in the Little White Booklet align with standard tarot interpretations. However, the symbolism on the cards is not always immediately obvious, requiring a more intuitive approach to interpretation.
Interpreting the Cards
Because the imagery does not always provide direct clues to standard meanings, the deck encourages a fluid, intuitive reading style. Examples of card imagery and potential interpretations include:
- Two of Chalices: The card depicts two urns and three animals (likely fish) in a gently flowing river, sitting atop one another, with a glorious green plant in the background. The reviewer’s impression is one of "togetherness and reliance."
- Three of Chalices: This card shows two fish leaping from a river and birds flying into the air. There is more movement in this depiction than is typical for the Three of Cups. The reviewer notes that while the movement is distinct, it still reflects a "joyous, rather celebratory feel."
- Oxum Influence: The source material mentions that the feeling of hopefulness in certain cards is suitable because it reflects the energy of Oxum, an Orixas associated with "somewhat innocent hopefulness."
The reviewer notes that this deck works very well for personal readings, particularly for those who appreciate the underlying traditions or simply value the exceptional artwork.
Conducting Readings with Spiritual Respect
The Afro-Brazilian Tarot suggests a specific ritual approach to honor the traditions from which it derives. The Little White Booklet recommends that readers treat the deck with "a little more spiritual respect than other decks." The suggested practice involves: * Conducting readings on a white cloth. * Keeping a lit candle nearby. * Keeping a glass of water nearby.
The reviewer describes this as a "serene practice," though notes that it is not necessarily more useful than other approaches. This practice aligns with the spiritual nature of the deck, emphasizing a connection to the roots of the Afro-Brazilian heritage.
Intuitive Approach to Divination
Given that the card meanings in the LWB are brief—generally one or two interpretive lines—and that the symbolism is not always obvious, the deck is well-suited for intuitive readers. The source material states, "As with many decks whose meanings are not entirely discernible through the images alone, the Afro-Brazilian Tarot allows for a very intuitive approach to the cards." This suggests that the deck is designed to facilitate a personal connection between the reader and the spiritual energies represented, rather than relying strictly on rote memorization of meanings.
Conclusion
The Afro-Brazilian Tarot by Alice Santana and Giuseppe Palumbo is a culturally rich tool that bridges divination and spiritual heritage. It serves as an accessible entry point into the wisdom of Candomblé and Santeria, utilizing the imagery of Orixas and symbolic representations of the elements. While the deck aligns with standard tarot structures in the Minor Arcana and Court Cards, it distinguishes itself through unique artwork and a reliance on intuitive interpretation. The accompanying guide encourages a respectful, ritualistic approach to readings, honoring the African spiritual traditions that form the deck's foundation. It stands as a recommendation for those seeking to explore these traditions or to utilize a deck with exceptional artwork that supports a serene and intuitive divinatory practice.