Tarot Of The Orishas Pdf ((new)) -
Introduction to the Tarot of the Orishas
The Tarot of the Orishas is a tarot deck created by Barbara Moore and D. J. Conway, two well-known authors and spiritual practitioners. The deck was first published in 1992 and has since become a beloved tool for tarot enthusiasts, practitioners of Yoruba spirituality, and anyone interested in exploring the mystical connections between tarot and the Orishas.
The Orishas: A Brief Introduction
In Yoruba mythology, the Orishas are a pantheon of deities or spirits that embody various aspects of nature, human experience, and the cosmos. There are 401 Orishas in total, each with their own distinct energy, characteristics, and domain. The Orishas are revered and worshipped in various forms of Yoruba spirituality, including Santeria, Ifa, and Candomblé.
The Tarot of the Orishas Deck
The Tarot of the Orishas deck consists of 78 cards, divided into two main sections: the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana cards feature 22 Orishas, each representing a specific aspect of the divine, while the Minor Arcana cards are divided into four suits, each associated with a particular element: earth, air, fire, and water. tarot of the orishas pdf
Major Arcana: The Orishas
In the Tarot of the Orishas, the Major Arcana cards are associated with the following Orishas:
- The Fool - Eshu (messenger and trickster)
- The Magician - Obatala (creator and lord of the universe)
- The High Priestess - Oya (goddess of storms and intuition)
- The Empress - Oshun (goddess of love and beauty)
- The Emperor - Shango (king and lord of fire)
- The Hierophant - Elegba (guardian of tradition and knowledge)
- The Lovers - Osun and Oshun (twin Orishas of love and fertility)
- The Chariot - Oko (warrior and lord of the hunt)
- Strength - Oya (goddess of storms and inner strength)
- The Hermit - Ifa (oracle and guide)
- The Wheel of Fortune - Olodumare (the all-powerful and supreme Orisha)
- Justice - Oshun (goddess of love, beauty, and justice)
- The Hanged Man - Obatala (sacrificed for the greater good)
- Death - Oya (transformation and regeneration)
- Temperance - Oshun (balance and harmony)
- The Devil - Eshu (shadow self and temptation)
- The Tower - Shango (upheaval and revelation)
- The Star - Oshun (hope and inspiration)
- The Moon - Oya (intuition and illusion)
- The Sun - Shango (joy and fulfillment)
- Judgement - Olodumare (rebirth and awakening)
- The World - Obatala (completion and fulfillment)
Minor Arcana: The Elements
The Minor Arcana cards in the Tarot of the Orishas deck are divided into four suits, each associated with a particular element:
- Earth: stability, materiality, and physicality (associated with the Orisha Oko)
- Air: communication, intellect, and mental clarity (associated with the Orisha Elegba)
- Fire: passion, energy, and creativity (associated with the Orisha Shango)
- Water: emotions, intuition, and fluidity (associated with the Orisha Oya)
Using the Tarot of the Orishas
The Tarot of the Orishas can be used in various ways, including:
- Divination: gaining insight into a specific situation or question
- Meditation: connecting with the energies of the Orishas and the tarot
- Spellwork: using the tarot as a tool for manifesting change and desired outcomes
- Personal growth: exploring the symbolism and themes of the tarot and the Orishas for self-awareness and transformation
Conclusion
The Tarot of the Orishas is a powerful tool for anyone interested in exploring the mystical connections between tarot, Yoruba spirituality, and personal growth. With its rich symbolism and evocative imagery, this deck offers a unique and transformative journey into the world of the Orishas. Whether you're a seasoned tarot practitioner or just starting to explore the world of Yoruba spirituality, the Tarot of the Orishas is sure to inspire and guide you on your path.
Pdf Resources
If you're interested in learning more about the Tarot of the Orishas, there are several PDF resources available online, including: Introduction to the Tarot of the Orishas The
- The Tarot of the Orishas guidebook by Barbara Moore and D. J. Conway (available for free download on various websites)
- The Tarot of the Orishas PDF manual by Mary K. Greer (a comprehensive guide to the deck and its symbolism)
- Various articles and essays on the Tarot of the Orishas and its connections to Yoruba spirituality and tarot theory
Caution
When searching for and downloading PDFs from the internet, be cautious about the sources you use. Some sites might host illegal or unsafe content. Always verify the legitimacy of the source and respect the intellectual property rights of the creators.
4. Legal & Ethical Risks of Downloading
- Copyright Violation: The artwork, text, and layout are protected by U.S. and international copyright laws. Downloading or distributing unauthorized PDFs is illegal.
- Malware & Scams: Many sites offering “free PDF” downloads of esoteric materials are laden with pop-up ads, phishing attempts, or malicious files (e.g., .exe disguised as .pdf).
- Ethical Concern: Pichardo and Díaz are independent creators; unauthorized PDFs deprive them of royalties and recognition.
3. Structure of the Deck
Unlike a standard 78-card tarot deck, the Tarot of the Orishas typically consists of 77 cards (though print runs vary, some editions contain 79). The structure is unique:
- The Major Arcana (The Orishas):
The traditional 22 Major Arcana are replaced or mapped onto specific Orishas. For example:
- The Magician is associated with Elegguá (the opener of roads).
- The High Priestess corresponds with Obbatalá (wisdom and purity).
- The Emperor corresponds with Chango (power and virility).
- The Empress corresponds with Oshun (love and fertility).
- The Hanged Man is syncretized with Babalu Aye (suffering and healing).
- The Minor Arcana:
The suits are standard (Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles), but renamed to reflect Yoruba elements:
- Wands $\rightarrow$ Oggun (Iron/War/Fire)
- Cups $\rightarrow$ Oshun (Water/Love)
- Swords $\rightarrow$ Orunmila (Intellect/Air - sometimes associated with Oya)
- Pentacles $\rightarrow$ Obbatalá (Earth/Mountains)
- The Extra Cards:
The deck includes a "Baraja de la Muerte" (Deck of Death) or supplementary cards specific to the Afro-Caribbean worldview, distinct from the standard Tarot structure.
Alternatives
If you're unable to find a PDF version of the guidebook, consider these alternatives:
- Physical Copies: Look for physical copies of the Tarot of the Orishas deck and its guidebook. This can be a valuable addition to your tarot collection.
- Digital Decks: There are various tarot apps and online platforms that offer digital versions of tarot decks, including possibly the Tarot of the Orishas. These can be a convenient way to work with the deck.
- Community Resources: Many tarot readers and Orishas practitioners share their knowledge and insights through blogs, videos, and social media. These can be great resources for learning how to work with the Tarot of the Orishas.
The Tarot of the Orishas offers a fascinating blend of tarot symbolism and Yoruba spirituality. Whether you're drawn to its cultural significance, spiritual depth, or simply the beauty of the deck, exploring this tarot can be a rewarding experience.
Report: Tarot of the Orishas (PDF Resources & Deck Analysis) The Fool - Eshu (messenger and trickster) The
Date: October 26, 2023
Subject: Overview, Availability, and Critical Analysis of Tarot of the Orishas Resources
Where to Find Legitimate Tarot of the Orishas Resources
If you are serious about learning this system, stop searching for a free PDF and consider these ethical alternatives:
- Buy the Physical Deck (Secondhand): Set up alerts on eBay, Mercari, or Abebooks for the 1995 Llewellyn edition (English) or the original Editora Pensamento edition (Portuguese/Spanish). Be prepared to pay collector prices.
- Check for Digital Re-releases: Occasionally, the publisher Editora Pensamento releases official e-book versions of the companion guide. While the deck itself is rarely licensed as a PDF, you can legally purchase the guidebook in Kindle or PDF format from Amazon Brazil or other international sites.
- Use Study Blogs (Free & Legal): Many respectful devotees have created blogs and YouTube series analyzing the deck card by card. Search for "Tarot of the Orishas card meanings" or "Tarot de los Orishas explicación" for walkthroughs. These do not violate copyright and often include richer cultural context.
- Alternative Decks: If the cost is prohibitive, explore other Orisha-inspired decks that are actively in print, such as The Sacred Tarot of the Orishas by N.A. Jai or The Orishas Tarot by Fabio Listrani. These are available new for $25–$40.