The New Orleans Voodoo Tarot
by Louis Martinie and Sallie Ann Glassman
I read with the New Orleans Voodoo Tarot all the time. I ask it simple one card questions, as well as questions about complex issues.
It helps remind me of a deeper spiritual path, and keeps me feeling in touch with my ancestors, and the spirit (or Other) world. This deck has been with me
for about six years now. I found it quite by accident (if you believe in accidents) at a used bookstore, when I was first feeling drawn to Vodoun (Voodoo).
It was on sale because the box was battered and torn (the cards themselves were fine and unused). It served me as an early guide into the mysteries and beauties
of Vodoun. I have learned much in these years, and this deck remains a message of truth and vision.
The New Orleans Voodoo Tarot presents teachings from West African derived religious traditions, namely New Orleans Voodoo (which differs somewhat from Haitian
and West African Vodoun) and Santeria. These two traditions differ, but are both derived from West African spiritual roots, and many people working in one tradition find
understanding and wisdom in the other.
The deck is not a traditional tarot format, however the author does try to make parallels. The Major Arcana consists of twenty-two cards, plus a "Wild Card" - Les Barons. In
my opinion, the Majors in this deck work well, but of course take on additional meanings. These additional meanings enrich readings and give us deep insight into the Voodoo tradition.
Indeed, they are very keen in helping us grow within.
The Minor Arcana is divided into four suits. This is where many people have difficulty with this deck. Three of the four suits (Petro, Congo, and Rada) are branches of Voodoo,
yet the fourth suit (Santeria) is its own individual religion. I personally don't have a problem with this. The spirits of Voodoo are called Lwa, the spirits of Santeria are called Orisha.
They are not the same spirits, although similarities can be noted. I have worked with both Lwa and Orisha, so I enjoy this deck as is. Truly, the cards themselves feel "alive" -
deeply spiritual, and the deck really has a sense of connection to it. This is an interactive deck, unlike any other. In my own use, I have put aside any flaws in the format simply because I love
the deck, and after all, it really works.
The text itself is generally well-written. The book offers insight into tarot, divination, Kabbalah, concepts of Voodoo, and other esoteric lore. I really don't concern myself with this deck's connection to Kabbalah
(although I did study Kabbalah in-depth for a long time - before it was popular - I'm just not concerned with it here), but I would say the author's insights on Voodoo are good ones, and will help
a beginner understand such aspects of Voodoo as possession and sacrifice. The squeamish topic of animal sacrifice is given a good introduction here, and I share the author's feeling that unless one regularly
slaughters his/her own animals for food, animal sacrifice is unacceptable and unnecessary. The book offers many good suggestions for non-animal offerings. In addition, there are some terrific suggestions
for ritual and spell work, working with ancestors, and meditating on or connecting to Lwa or Orisha. Each card is given several pages of introduction, explanation, and interpretation. Spreads offered are mostly unique
(except the Celtic Cross and the Tree of Life), and are valuable for divination and spiritual work.
I have used this deck for all kinds of issues, both mundane and highly esoteric; for myself and for others. It is an immensely powerful deck (perhaps too strong for some), has a strong character, a sense of humour, and an uncanny
accuracy. I would recommend it for anyone who is interested in the Lwa or Orisha, or simply feels drawn to it. I would also recommend a book written by the illustrator, Sallie Ann Glassman, titled
Vodou Visions. It is a great way to further your work with these cards, and is more precisely written than the book that accompanies this set.
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New Orleans Voodoo Tarot at Amazon
All writing © N.Levine - Illumination Tarot, unless otherwise noted.
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