Meaning of the Tarot of the Orixás

Of African origin, the Tarot of the Orixàs is originally composed of 77 cards. However, over time some new versions appeared, appearing also the deck with 78 cards. The cards come with a manual, where it is explained the meaning of each one. Moreover, it has 3 different methods of divination games.

The Tarot of the Orixàs is full of very rich messages that promise to help people in their life path, besides helping them in their decision making. This Tarot also has a strong spiritual charge. Because of this, to interpret it correctly it is essential that you know deeply the characteristics and stories of each Orixà.

This Tarot also reserves numerous messages and curiosities. Therefore, if you have no interest in this topic, it is important that you follow the reading to stay on top of all the details.

What is the Tarot of the Orixás

If the Tarot of the Orixàs has aroused your interest, it is interesting to understand in depth about its history. Besides, of course, to discover aspects about how to play, for what reason, as well as its indications. You can follow details like these in the following topics.

History

The practice of Tarot began in Europe around the seventeenth century, as a game of entertainment for the lower classes. Over time it spread around the world until it reached Africa. There it received its own version, and included meanings of local deities.

According to experts, the Tarot of Orixàs is reputed to be even more assertive than normal. Because of this in recent times noticed a good increase in demand for reading this card game.

How to play

To play the Tarot of the Orixàs in the correct way, first your deck must be consecrated and for this consult an expert. The chosen location should be quiet and cozy, without you have interruptions.

The tablecloth chosen to line the table should be unique, that is, you can not use it for other purposes. Preferably its color should be white, and should never be black. After that, to start the game is necessary to choose one of the methods, they are: 3-card method, 5-card method and mandala method.

Methods of playing

As previously stated, the Tarot of the Orixàs has 3 methods of play, which are: method of the 3 cards, method of the 5 cards and mandala method. The explanation of both comes in a book, along with the cards.

Each of the methods has a degree of complexity, besides having a specific indication for each purpose. However, all methods can be played with only one Tarot deck.

Before choosing your method, it is essential to carefully read the book of explanations that comes with the deck. Understand well about the purpose of each one, and then choose the most suitable method for each situation.

Why play

The main goal of the Tarot of the Orixàs is to help everyone practically of the afro culture to search interpretations and answers for their questions, through the cards.

This occurs because this oracle is able to predict the luck of each one, besides showing the best paths to follow and advise. Thus, people seek for the reading of this Tarot, so they can be guided by the powers of the Orixás.

Directions to play

Before starting the consultation is interesting that you have a small bell to awaken the Orixás. In the 4 corners of the towel, which as said, should preferably be white, and never black, you must put symbols that represent the elements of nature: incense (air), candle (fire), plant (earth) and a glass of water (water).

It is extremely important to emphasize that you should never smoke or drink during a consultation, and much less can be drunk. In addition, if you are to draw the cards for another person, remember to have a deck just for you, and another to read the cards for others. Finally, the environment should be only you and the consulter.

Differences between Tarot of Marseilles and Tarot of Orixas

The Tarot of the Orixas appeared as a new African version of the Tarot of Marseille, which had already spread around the world. Thus, it has much influence of the original card game. The main difference lies in the image of the cards. In the Tarot of the Orixas, as the name implies, were added the images, meanings and powers of local deities.

In relation to the number of cards, there are some differences and also similarities. The Tarot of Marseille is originally composed of 78 cards. The Deck of Orixas has some versions. First he was composed of 77 cards, because of numerology. However, over time there were new versions also with 78 cards.

The Cards of the Tarot of the Orixàs

If you are indeed interested in knowing more about the world of the Tarot of the Orixàs, it is essential that you understand all the details about it. Thus, it is necessary to understand the mechanism of the deck, as well as its suits.

Moreover, it is interesting that you understand the correspondence of the Traditional Tarot, with the Tarot of the Orixàs. And of course, it is of extreme importance that you have knowledge about the meanings of each card.

The Deck and Suits

The Deck of the Orixás is composed of 4 suits: Clubs, Hearts, Swords and Diamonds. Within the deck there are Major and Minor Arcana. The major ones are: Ossain, Nanã, Iemanjá, Xangô, Oxalá, Oxóssi, Ogum, Obá, Omulu, Ifá, Iansã, Logun Edé, Baba Egum, Oxumaré, Exú, Destruição, Oxum, Ewá, Ibeji; Oxalufãs, Oxalá Obatalá and Iroko.

The Minor Arcana are numerous, and each suit has its own. However, during this article you can understand a little more about these arcana, in depth.

Meaning of the Cards and Correspondence with the Traditional Tarot

It is known that the Tarot of Orixàs corresponds to the Traditional Tarot. However, the Orixàs have certain characteristics more differentiated, because of the richness of their stories and legends. Besides counting with numerous gods and demigods, that enrich even more this deck.

Traditional Tarot - Magician; Papist; Empress; Emperor; Pope; Lovers; Chariot; Justice; Hermit; Wheel of Fortune; Force; Hanged Man; Death; Temperance; Devil; Tower; Star; Moon; Sun; Judgment; World and Madman.

Tarot of Orixás - Babalorixá; Nanã Buruku; Iemanjá; Oxalá Oxaguian; Oxóssi; Oxumaré; Ogum; Xangô Aganjú; Omulu; Ifá - Orumilá; Yansá Oyá; Xangô Agodô; Egun Egun; Logunedé; Exu; Eduduwá; Oxum; Ewá; Ibejis; Oxulufã; Oxalá Obatá; Iroko.

Babalorixá and Magician

The card Babalorixá or Ossain appears in the reading to tell you that it is time to make a decision. Thus, it is understood that you have to take the risks of the choice you make. Don't be afraid because you have to act quickly. In addition, the magic of nature is at your side.

The Magician, on the other hand, is a representative of transformations. From it you can assimilate new knowledge, together with creativity, disposition and communication. This card also shows you that magic is in the air, and that through mysticism it is possible to obtain great achievements.

Nanã Buruku and Papisa

Whenever the card Nanan Buruku appears in your reading, understand that she came to warn you that you have a great power in your past. However, you haven't allowed it to be activated, because you are waiting for a miracle to happen and solve your situation. In this case the best thing to do is to use your intuition to make the decision you need.

The Papisa or Priestess represents the feminine power and all the essence of women, as it brings with it a great sixth sense for decision making. This card is related to feelings and premonitory dreams. It also represents a warrior woman who fights to achieve her goals.

Iemanjá and Imperatriz

Yemanja brings with her a very positive message that things will finally start to take shape, and solutions will begin to emerge for you. Understand that everything is already lining up in your affairs, both internally and externally. Because of this, now is your time to act, and get projects off the ground.

The Empress is a representative of motherhood. It talks about the responsibilities and wonders of being a mother, besides symbolizing the independence, competence and wisdom of women. This card can also mean a strong personality and a long life.

Oxalá Oxaguian and Emperor

The Oxalá Oxaguian appears in your reading with a direct message. This Arcane shows that the time has come for you to use all your wisdom. Thus, you will need to follow your own advice, which comes from your own conscience, or even from someone who will appear in your life to help you. Oxalá also reminds you of the importance of always being a kind person.

The card The Emperor represents the ability to control situations in your daily life, as well as, your ability to lead others. It also indicates a position of superiority, responsibility, loyalty, strength and character.

Oxóssi and Pope

Another strong message card, Oxóssi asks you to trust in your strength and assume all your responsibilities. Because of this, it will be necessary to have lucidity and wisdom to break with all those things that pull you back and do not allow you to move forward. Keep in mind that the easiest way is not always the ideal one.

The card called Pope or Hierophant has a strong meaning for the appreciation of the spiritual life, always looking for inner peace, balance and wisdom. Thus, this Arcane represents a person who loves his fellow man, and is loyal to their values. Moreover it is someone who is always willing to give good advice.

Oxumaré and Enamorados

Oxumará is an Orixá that represents that your cycle has ended, so it is a moment to seek your inner strength and start a new phase, full of new projects. This can also be a good time to make riches. Finally, this card also represents duality.

The Lovers card is related to doubts, uncertainties and situations of duality. Because of this, it always works with a concept of "perhaps" and the analysis of probabilities. However, it reminds you of the need to make choices. This Arcane is also to remind you that in this life nothing is irreversible or definitive.

Ogum and Chariot

The card Ogum is a kind of incentive for you to run after your objectives, in order to evolve more and more. Keep in mind that the time has come to conquer your place in the world. This Arcane also indicates that you will probably make a trip that will allow you to discover new things. On your return you will feel happy for having conquered so much learning.

The card The Chariot symbolizes prosperity, both divine and earthly, besides bringing material and spiritual abundance. This Arcane can also represent the beginning of your inner awareness, walking towards the search for self-knowledge.

Xangô Aganjú and Justice

Xangô Aganjú enters your reading to say that everything is getting structured. Because of this, understand that soon your life will go through a change. Do not be afraid, because this will happen for the better. However, keep in mind that this will depend on you, so it is essential that you evaluate everything that has happened in your life and correct your mistakes.

The card Justice is a representative of balance, order and law. This arcane still brings with it a strong duality. Understand that you can be penalized for your negative actions, or be rewarded for all the good you do. Thus, it represents literally the true concept of justice.

Omulu and Hermit

Omulu's message says that you need to pay attention to everything that happens in your life. He also reminds you that in the little things there are many important meanings. Moreover, many times the solution you seek to solve certain problems may be within you.

The Hermit is the true representation of a wise and experienced person, who is always in search of light and wisdom. This Arcane is also a representative of health professionals, teachers and philosophers. It can also mean a need for meditation to take you away from material things, and bring you closer to spirituality.

Ifá-Orumilá and Wheel of Fortune

Ifá-Orumilá appeared in your reading, you should know that great changes will happen in your life. This Arcane brings a complicated message, so you need to pay attention to it. It says that what is bad can improve, however, what is good can ruin. In summary, this means that you can lose some things, however, new gains will come.

The Wheel of Fortune is also an indication of new positive changes. It always comes into your reading with the idea of evolution, and this can indicate a change of house, job, relationship or anything else. Moreover this arcane is an indication of luck.

Iansã Oyá and Strength

Iansã comes up with a request for you to use strength to your advantage, so bear in mind that you will need to learn from even the worst of times. It may be that the current period is demanding a lot from you, yet you have everything you need to resolve your differences.

The card The Force is related to the power of reason over emotion. In this way, it represents the victory of the mind over all its physical impulses. Moreover, this arcane is also a symbol of good heart, honesty and respect for others.

Xangô Agodô and The Hanged Man

Xangô Agodô comes with a request for you to be careful not to sink. You are going through a moment of fragility and sensitivity. Because of this it will be necessary to have a lot of patience and let go of some good things accumulated in your past. This will be necessary so that you have enough energy for your new projects.

The Hanged Man is a Major Arcana that represents the great power of an act of sacrifice, which must be for the sake of something even greater. This card also means the importance of giving up material desires, to have more focus on spirituality.

Egun Egun and Death

The card Egun Egun or Baba Egun is an announcement that something in your life will suffer, and therefore it will be necessary that a renewal occurs. Keep in mind that everything that exists today will be ruined, and you need to have a lot of patience, because it will take a certain time until everything realigns.

The card Death, despite its name, does not necessarily mean that. It is related to the end of cycles, such as the end of love relationships, a job, etc. However, these closures end up leading to rebirth and positive transformations. This card also represents the transition of phases throughout your life.

Logunedé and Temperance

Logunedé brings as a main message a request for you to be calm and not impatient, so you have to wait for things to happen at their natural pace because this is not yet the time to act.

The Temperance card has balance as its main characteristic, representing calm and serene people. This Arcane is also a representative of the search for harmony and stability. It is a great indicator of new discoveries, as well as new loves and friendships.

Exu and Devil

Whenever Exu appears in a reading it is an indication of animation for your life, as well as freedom for your actions. However, it also comes with a warning, because it reminds you that freedom implies new responsibilities, because of the consequences of your choices.

Despite its strong name, the card The Devil should not always be analyzed as something bad, because it can also represent love and passion. On the other hand, it also indicates material luxuries and urban temptations, so it deserves a warning. Beware of your unbridled pleasures and your stubbornness.

Oduduwa and Tower

The Oduduwa card, also called by some as Destruction, appears to announce a change which will take place against your will. Because of this it will initially bring calamity and disappointment into your life. However, despite this, it will also bring a learning experience together with an alternative to follow a new path.

The card The Tower is indicative of selfish tendencies, representing proud people, but it also means a constant financial control and emotional balance. In general this Arcane also shows the need for learning, especially to deal with insecurities.

Oxum and Star

Oxum shows you that you must feel all the love that exists within you, and be intense with your feelings. According to this Arcane, if you do this, no storm will be able to overcome you. Oxum is also a hope that new experiences will make the changes lighter and more pleasant.

The card The Star brings with it a lot of joy and hope. It indicates that the Universe will always conspire in your favor, thus providing balance to all areas of your life. In addition, it also says that with effort and dedication, you will never lack luck.

Ewá and Moon

Ewá appears with news of something surprising, which may be positive or negative. She also reminds you that you should not always stick to first impressions, as these are not always the true ones. Because of this you must be attentive to identify everything that is hidden behind appearances.

The Moon represents the power of imagination without limits, like fantasy, mystery and magic. Because of this it is very related to the world of dreams, and it is a representation of strength and spiritual courage. It also leaves an important lesson that one should avoid being carried away by any thought.

Ibejis and Sun

The card Ibejis appears in your reading to bring you good news that the struggle is finally over. So know that the time has come for you to enjoy all the best that there is in life. Ibejis also reminds you that paradise is not a distant place, but just a new way of living your daily life.

The Sun symbolizes success, health, happiness and fortune. For couples it is a great indicator of blessings. The Sun also represents energy, vitality and protection. It also represents the capacity for resilience and renewal, both physical and mental.

Oxalufã and Judgment

Oxaluphan appears in the reading to say that soon you will receive good news, which will come from events in your past. Because of this a change is about to happen and it will be extremely positive. However, it is worth remembering that for you to enjoy this surprise, it is important to understand that everything in life is transient, so do not get too excited about the present.

The Judgement card represents the most significant decisions in your life, i.e. those which have the capacity to completely change your life. This card can also show some prophecies which may come true in a short period of time.

Oxalá Obatalá and World

Oxalá Obatalá appears with a message that everything in your life is in balance. He even gives you advice not to get stuck on anything. According to this Arcane, any path you choose at this time will lead you to the place you want. Thus, your goals will be achieved and success is guaranteed for you.

The World is one of the most important Arcana of the Tarot of Marseille. It carries with it the message that soon you will reap the rewards of all your efforts. This card also symbolizes inner knowledge, overcoming limits, victories and riches.

Iroko and Crazy

The last card of the Tarot of the Orixàs, Iroko asks you to let life take you, so don't be afraid to throw yourself into the uncertainties of the path. Just go with the flow and let your potential emerge. It will be necessary to recognize "the crazy" within you, to prevent silly conflicts from turning into a big problem.

The card The Madman is marked by new beginnings, spontaneity, and innocence. Thus it carries within it the potential to start a new chapter in your life. The Madman is still completely optimistic, and trusts blindly that the Universe will work for everything to work out.

The Minor Arcana

Within a Tarot, the Minor Arcana are responsible for bringing to the reading an evaluation of their attitudes. Besides showing the possible paths that each person can follow. To understand everything about the Minor Arcana of the Tarot of the Orixàs, follow the reading below.

What are the Minor Arcana

The Minor Arcana are responsible for helping people in the details of the life of each one. As well as, show them the possible resolutions of a problem that may be afflicting them.

As the deck has four suits, the Minor Arcana in the suit of hearts represent the emotional side of each person. In the suit of clubs, the Arcana bring issues related to work, health, personality. In the suit of swords is where we find aggression and feelings of guilt. Finally, the suit of diamonds brings to the table the conclusions.

What are the minor arcana in the Tarot of the Orixàs

In the suit of clubs are the following Minor Arcana: Xangô Aganjú; Queen Iansã; The Time

Young Obá; Oxalá's pestle; Xangô's axe; Oxumaré's snakes; The 4 sacred trees; Oxalá's staff; Nanã's broom; Ossain's branch; Omulu's tool; Exú's staff and the lord of the order.

In the suit of hearts are: King Oxóssi; Queen Yemanjá; Brave Logunedé; Mother of Fresh Water; Igbá;

Heaven and Earth; Heaven, Ocean and Earth; The 4 Elements; The Axis of the World; The Cooking of the Saints; Padê de Exú

The 8 Directions; Peji; Festival of the Saint.

In the suit of swords are: Great Heavenly Father; The Mysterious Ewá; Ogum Opens Paths; The Children; The Warriors' Weapon; The Hunters' Weapon; Trident of Exú; The 4 Directions of the World

The 4 Directions and the Center; Tools of Ogum; Spears of Obaluaiê; Barrier in the Paths; Tool of Exú; Weapons of the Orixás.

Finally in the suit of diamonds, we find: The Lord of Death; The Mother of the Dead; The Owner of the Leaves; The Serpent of the Rainbow; Serpent of the World; Creation of the World; The Human Worlds; The Celestial Water; The Circle of Orixas; Fan of the Goddesses; Balangandãs; Game of Buzios; Guides; Bracelets.

Can anyone play cards of the Tarot of the Orixàs?

This is a very interesting question. To answer it correctly it will be necessary the analysis of some points. It is known that the Tarot of the Orixas has a spiritual charge surprising, because it brings to the surface all the energy of the Orixas.

Thus, it is understood that only people who are linked to Umbanda or Candomblé can correctly decipher the messages present in the letters and the reading as a whole.

Made these considerations, one can understand that anyone can play the cards of the Tarot of Orixàs, since it has connection with the culture and that you study hard for it. That is, you do not just buy a deck, research some information and go around reading cards. If you are interested in learning more about this medium, consult an expert and do things the right way.