The New Orleans Voodoo Tarot (Destiny Books) (Paperback)

~ (Author), Sallie Ann Glassman (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The first complete tarot to celebrate the magical roots and rites of an African-American culture."
(New Age Retailer )

"New Orleans Voodoo Tarot is a stunning achievement. Both a graphic tour de force and a fascinating insight into the mysterious, yet compelling, mythos that is called Voodoo."
(L. Simon Jennings, Alternatives )

"The New Orleans Voodoo Tarot is arguably the first truly American tarot as it is a natural extension of the New World spirituality it illustrates.  Glassman's art brilliantly evokes the colorful and vibrant energy of the Voodoo tradition, and Glassman's and Martinie's companion text is clear and straightforward."
(Hymenaeus Beta X, Frater Superior, O.T.O. )

"I checked out the New Orleans Voodoo Tarot. Wow. The authors created their book with great care and it is thoroughly enjoyable. It is well-researched, well written and educational. Voodoo and all of its cousin religions were unfolded to me as never before."
(Elaine Riccardelli, A Sign of the Times Aquarius )

"This book and tarot deck are both incredibly beautiful and give off the general awe surrounding the voodoo tradition. This set is a must for anyone interested in Voodoo or anyone who loves to use and collect unique tarot decks."
(

Morgaine, The Pagan Review, Oct 2007

 

)

"This is the only Tarot book I've ever read, and I've read a lot of them, that truly engaged and engrossed me. . . . The artwork is remarkable and often striking, communicating complex and ancient concepts with bold, simple designs with images from modern day New Orleans." (
Elizabeth Bisette, Mythology Editor, BellaOnline, Jan 2009 )

Product Description

The first tarot to celebrate an African-American culture, this book and 79-card deck capture both the spirit and the imagery of Voodoo's African, West Indian, and Catholic influences. Ancient and earth-honoring, Voodoo's practices take on different forms specific to time and place, but its essence remains focused on the loa--the potent spiritual forces of Voodoo that are manifested directly through human beings and their actions.

The authors draw strong parallels between the Waite and Thoth Tarots, the Kabalistic Tree of Life, and the Voodoo tradition as it is practiced in New Orleans. Just as the major and minor arcana of the Tarot represent the archetypes of the human psyche and the natural forces of our world, so do the loa of Voodoo embody the primal energies of the universe. With a variety of spreads and readings, the authors show how the Tarot can be an idea channel through which the loa exercise their powers to teach, advise, and initiate the serious student into their mysteries.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Destiny Books (July 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892813636
• ISBN-13: 978-0892813636
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.5 x 2.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #92,928 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful and Strong Tarot Deck, September 28, 2002

By	El Brujo "Brujo Hechisero" (Lowell, Ma) - See all my reviews

This is the deck that I have used on forum groups, and in-groups settings. I have used this deck for many years, and though my interests in various Tarot styles have grown in various years, this one still remians one of my personal favorites. But honestly for those who have little knowledge of Afro-Caribbean earth religion and magic, this will be a very confusing deck. First of all The New Orleans Voodoo Tarot, is not a real Tarot, in the sense of the word. This alone will confuse the Waite followers. Reason being the suits are not the typical coins, swords, cups, or clubs. Instead they are based on earth Magico Religions and Spirituality from the Caribbean. The Suits follow Rada, Congo and Petro, which are various Voodoo paths, and the fourth is Santeria, which has nothing to do with Voodoo, with the exception of some minor similarities.

The Major and Minor Arcana, one finds the ancient Lwa Gods of Voodoo, and the Orisha of Santeria. The book gives a simple explanation of each Lwa and Orisha, enough that those who understand these powerful Spirits will get the jest of the meanings of the cards. But for those who have no common knowledge of these Spirits, trust me you are going to get lost and frustrated.

The book does not give a good interpretation of the cards, and gives you only a few key words; this is done because most that follows the Orishas and the Lwas find the meanings of the cards from within. The tarot is used as a vehicle from which the voice of the conscious mind and the Spirits of ones Ancestors can manifest and be heard. So of course those who are used to buying a Deck of tarot that has a booklet with the meanings will be lost.

If you like this deck and the book is not that bad, as it gives basic rituals and sacrifices. But I recommend you also study more on the Lwa and the Orishas, because without that basic knowledge you will never get the full force of this deck. Also the Artist of this deck Sallie Ann Glassman has written a book that also goes with this deck Vodou Visions: An Encounter With Divine Mystery 0375753702, can also be purchased through Amazon.

The New Orleans Tarot is an excellent tool for divination, and would be good for the Voodooist "Hounfor / Mambo " As well as the Santero/as. But also the tarot collector will truly appreciate the primitive and vivid art, and those who have some interest in Afro-Magic will find this a good starting point. This deck is not really recommended to the fluff bunnies, and the faint of heart.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous Deck of Cards Plus Fun Reading of Cards For Friends, July 16, 2001

By	carol irvin "c.k. irvin" (United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

The reason I bought this set was for the fabulous art on the deck of cards. Being an artist, this was the key fact for me. They were worth the price alone. However, the set also includes an instructional book so that you can read the cards for another person. I learned how to do this. It wasn't hard. Many people said they found the readings very accurate but I believe these are much like astrology forecasts where everyone's readings seem to make some kind of sense. As for the cards being dangerous, as another reviewer maintains, I bought the set almost a decade ago and have never felt any dangerous vibes whatsoever. You can instantly become the hit of any gathering if you show up with this set in hand. People just absolutely love having their cards read from it. It is easy to carry around since it comes in a boxed set.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The book alone is worth the whole price., October 19, 1998

By A Customer

I do not even use tarot cards, but the book that comes with this beautiful card deck has become one of my most important reference books on Voodoo and related religions (santeria, etc.). I have referred to it over and over again through the years. It is an amazing work of scholarship and for me, the gorgeous artwork is just a bonus.