For a lot of us in the Black community, spirituality goes way deeper than what we see on the surface. It's about ancestors, rituals, the elements, and a connection to something way bigger than ourselves. Whether it’s lighting candles, burning sage, or setting intentions, these acts of spirituality bring us closer to our roots. Tarot, believe it or not, has found its place right in the middle of that. Let’s dive into how Black spirituality is showing up in tarot, and how African traditions are shaping modern divination practices.
Ancient African and Indigenous Roots in Divination
African spirituality in divination isn’t a new phenomenon; it has deep roots in ancient societies where divination connected communities to their ancestors, the natural world, and the cosmos. For example, in ancient Egypt, priests and priestesses practiced forms of scrying and oracular consultations, believing that such practices revealed the will of the gods. Similarly, the Yoruba people of West Africa have long practiced Ifá divination, a sacred system that calls upon the wisdom of Orisha and ancestors to guide individuals and the community.
Incorporating African spiritual practices like these into tarot invites a richer experience, connecting us not just to the cards, but to our cultural heritage and the enduring wisdom of our ancestors.
Alongside African traditions, Indigenous spiritual practices in the Americas also hold a powerful legacy of divination and connection to the spirit world. Indigenous American cultures, including those of Black and copper-colored Native American peoples, have long engaged in practices that connect them to the earth, ancestors, and the unseen. Rituals like smoke or fire scrying, which involve observing the shapes and movements within fire or smoke, have been used to receive messages from the spirit world. Vision quests, another profound tradition, often involved fasting and isolation in nature, where spiritual insights were revealed through dreams or visions, acting as personal or communal guidance.
These Indigenous practices emphasize balance, harmony, and respect for all living things, principles that resonate deeply with African spiritual systems. Including these practices as part of modern divination can enrich and broaden the experience, grounding it in a powerful respect for both African and Indigenous wisdom, reminding us that divination is a path woven with many ancient threads that continue to shape us today.
Rediscovering African Spirituality in Modern Tarot
Tarot has its roots in Europe, evolving over centuries as a tool for insight and reflection. Today, however, it has become a canvas for diverse spiritual practices, including those deeply connected to African spirituality. Black tarot readers, creators, and artists have woven African traditions and ancestral wisdom into tarot, creating decks that resonate with our heritage and experience. For many in our community, tarot isn’t just about glimpsing the future but about a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and strengthening our bond with our ancestors.
How African Spirituality Influences Tarot Readings Today
African spirituality is often centered around connection, with the earth, with the spirits, and with each other. Hoodoo, for example, is an African American spiritual system deeply rooted in African traditions, and it’s about using natural elements to manifest intentions. When this energy meets tarot, it’s a powerful combo that isn’t just about looking into the future but also healing past wounds and staying grounded in the present.
Using tarot with a Hoodoo mindset, for instance, means approaching the cards as tools for protection, guidance, and affirming our inner power. Instead of just looking at “what’s going to happen,” many Black tarot readers and spiritualists use the cards to affirm who we are, what we’ve been through, and where we’re going.
Connecting with Ancestors Through the Cards
Let’s be real, for many of us, ancestor veneration is at the heart of our spiritual practices. Ancestors are more than just relatives from the past; they’re a part of our guidance system. When we pull tarot cards, we’re often asking for their wisdom, strength, and protection. It’s like having a conversation with those who came before us, asking them for insight on our lives and decisions.
Tips for Tapping into Ancestor Energy with Tarot:
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Set the Vibe: Light a candle, especially a white one, to invite protective energy. Say a quick prayer or talk to your ancestors out loud. You can even offer something simple, like a glass of water or some incense.
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Ask Clear Questions: Before you shuffle, speak your question out loud, asking for specific guidance. Something like, “What do my ancestors want me to know about this path?” This helps focus your energy on their presence and wisdom.
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Use Cards with Deep Symbolism: Some cards, like The Empress or The Hierophant, may feel especially relevant when seeking ancestor guidance. If one of these comes up, take it as a reminder of the strength, nurturing, or teachings of those who came before you.
Embracing Representation in Tarot Decks
Let’s talk about the visuals. Seeing yourself reflected in a tarot deck hits different. When the images and symbols actually look like us, it becomes so much easier to connect with the cards. Black tarot creators have worked to create decks that reflect our skin tones, our traditions, and our stories. These decks go beyond the generic to bring in aspects of Black culture, like African-inspired clothing, hairstyles, and even historical figures that speak to our experiences and power.
Having a deck that feels like “home” isn’t just nice to have, it’s essential. It makes the spiritual experience that much deeper, allowing us to see our struggles, triumphs, and legacy in the cards we pull.
African Spiritual Practices to Pair with Your Tarot Rituals
Incorporating African-inspired rituals into your tarot practice can amplify your readings, making them feel even more personal and powerful. Here are some ideas to help ground you in your roots while working with the cards:
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Use Crystals and Herbs: Incorporate grounding crystals like black tourmaline or onyx, which are known for protection and resilience. Herbs like lavender, rosemary, and frankincense are also great for cleansing and centering.
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Daily Card Pulls with Affirmations: After pulling a card, create an affirmation based on its energy. For example, if you pull The Strength card, affirm, “I embody the strength of my ancestors, moving through life with resilience and courage.”
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Set Up an Altar Space: If you haven’t already, create a small altar where you can keep your deck, candles, crystals, and ancestral photos. This space becomes a sacred spot for connecting with spirit whenever you need guidance.
Making Tarot Yours
Black spirituality and tarot together create a unique, empowering spiritual practice. By combining tarot with African traditions, we’re not only honoring our roots but also creating something new, a form of divination that’s distinctly our own. Tarot is a way to look inward, tap into ancestral wisdom, and connect with something greater, and when we add our culture and traditions, it becomes even more powerful.
Whether you’re new to tarot or you’ve been reading for years, remember that this practice is yours to mold. Use the cards to tell your story, speak to your ancestors, and embrace every part of your journey.