In the Yoruba belief system, Orishas are manifestations of the supreme divinity (Olodumare) who rule over specific aspects of nature, human life, and spiritual growth.
| Tarot of the Orishas Card | Traditional Tarot Correspondence | | :--- | :--- | | | Justice | | Oshun | The Priestess | | Yemaya | The Empress | | Obatala | The Emperor | | The Babalocha | The Magician | | The Guardian Angel | Temperance | | The Couple | The Lovers | | The Sun | The Sun | | The Moon | The Moon | | The Expelled | The Fool | | Iku | Death | | Karma | Judgment | | The Devil | The Devil | | The Enslaved Prisoner | The Hanged Man | | Oxumare | Wheel Of Fortune | | The Village | The Tower | | Ogun | The Chariot | | Xapana Babalualle Omulu | The Hermit |
Students of the occult and Afro-Caribbean spirituality frequently search for a PDF version of the companion book for several practical reasons:
The god of thunder, fire, and justice, representing cosmic law and authority.
The Tarot of the Orishas is a groundbreaking divinatory system created by Zolrak, a respected practitioner of cowrie shell divination and a high priest of Candomblé, with artwork by Durkon. First published by Llewellyn Worldwide, it is the first authentic tarot deck of Yoruba origins. More than a mere card deck, it is a powerful spiritual tool designed to open doors to divination and magic by blending the potent energies of West African Yoruba, Brazilian Candomblé, Santería, and Umbanda. Unlike a standard tarot deck, the Tarot of the Orishas operates as a unique system that is as much an oracle as it is a tarot, connecting users directly with the sacred energies of the Orishas themselves. tarot of the orishas pdf
User reviews for the Tarot of the Orishas are generally positive, with high praise on platforms like Goodreads (where 60% of users give it 5 stars). Many find it a "game changer" that opens senses and allows messages to flow clearly, serving as an essential tool for those wanting to learn more about Yoruba tradition.
The Tarot of the Orishas remains a staple in the collection of multicultural tarot decks. While users frequently search for a "PDF" version due to the rarity and cost of physical copies, the work remains under copyright. Those seeking the PDF are generally looking for the specific instructions on the "Cross of Osha" spread and the Saint-Syncretism tables. It is recommended to seek legitimate digital purchases or the mobile app version to support the creators and ensure accurate translation of the esoteric concepts.
The deck is typically accompanied by a companion booklet, often written by Isabel Biedermann . This booklet provides keywords and the specific divinatory meanings unique to this deck.
) that outlines the 77-card deck. It explains how 25 cards represent the main Orishas (deities) and how they correspond to traditional European Major Arcana. Major Arcana Significance In the Yoruba belief system, Orishas are manifestations
The Ultimate Guide to the Tarot of the Orishas: History, Meanings, and PDF Resources
The Tarot of the Orishas is more than a fortune-telling tool; it serves as a compilation of knowledge for daily living and spiritual transcendence. Syncretism: The deck often reflects the history of
The official Tarot of the Orishas kit includes a containing card meanings, spread ideas, prayers, and rituals. This book is published in a bilingual format (English and Spanish), making it accessible to a wide range of Spanish-speaking practitioners who follow Afro-diasporic traditions. The 2013 edition of the kit (ISBN: 978-0738738307) features a completely redesigned and expanded book, significantly larger than the original 300-page volume from 1990.
Unique cards representing entities like the Pretos Velhos (Old Souls), Caboclos (Indigenous Spirits), and Crianças (Divine Children) who offer practical advice for daily life. Reading Techniques and Spreads First published by Llewellyn Worldwide, it is the
The most direct "papers" available are the instructional and overview guides for the deck created by , which blend Yoruba culture with tarot archetypes: Tarot of the Orishas Overview : A comprehensive document (available on
This section includes Ace through 10 in four elemental suits: Fire, Water, Air, and Earth. It also features 4 elemental cards and 4 message cards, notably omitting the traditional European "court cards" (Kings, Queens, etc.). Core Themes and Symbolism
Represents manifestation, physical health, finances, and stability.