The Orisha Tarot - West African spirituality in tarot form
Not every tarot deck works with the same archetypes. The Orisha Tarot replaces the classical European figures with the Orisha, the spirits from the Lukumi religion (better known as Santeria). The result is a deck that keeps the tarot structure but recolours it completely.
Andrew McGregor, spiritual name Obátilemí, is himself initiated in the Lukumi tradition and brings thirty years of experience as a tarotist and artist. He builds the deck from both fields of knowledge: the symbolism of the Orisha and the workings of tarot as a reflection tool.
What you see on the cards
The illustrations are vivid and dynamic. People are central, surrounded by symbolic textile patterns that form the background. Those patterns are not decoration. They refer to specific Orisha and add a layer to the primary imagery.
The colours are intense. Every use of colour, every pattern, every posture carries meaning within the Lukumi tradition. The card format (140 x 210 mm) is larger than standard, which keeps the details visible.
The book that comes with it
The guidebook runs to 360 pages in full colour. This is not a thin explanation of keywords. McGregor describes the Orisha, their stories, their role within the tradition. He explains how the cards can be read and what ritual context they have.
It includes spreads, card meanings and background information on the West African diaspora. The book is designed to help you understand the depth of the system, not just to look up a card quickly.
Pay attention to the textile patterns in the background of a card. They often indicate which Orisha is working in the situation, even when that spirit is not in the foreground.
Who this deck works for
This deck is designed for people who know the tarot structure and want to work with a different system of archetypes. The guidebook is extensive enough to take beginners along, but you will need time to make the symbolism your own.
If you are interested in African spirituality, the Lukumi tradition, or looking for a tarot deck that goes beyond the European context, this deck offers access that is both factual and spiritually grounded.
About Andrew McGregor (Obátilemí)
Andrew McGregor has worked with tarot for more than thirty years and is initiated in both the Lukumi religion and Western mystical traditions. He lives in Ontario, Canada, and combines his artistic practice with his spiritual training.
His strength lies in translating complex religious symbolism into an accessible visual system without losing the depth.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 78
- Card size: 140 x 210 mm
- Guidebook: 360 pages, full colour
- Language: English
- ISBN: 9780738753522
- Publisher: Llewellyn Worldwide, LTD.
- Cardstock: Sturdy, durable
- Packaging: Sturdy collector box
- Creator: Andrew McGregor (Obátilemí)
Questions we often get
Does this deck follow the Rider-Waite structure?
Yes, the deck has 78 cards in the standard tarot layout (22 Major Arcana, 56 Minor Arcana). However, the archetypes have been completely replaced by figures and stories from the Orisha tradition.
Do you need knowledge of Santeria to use this deck?
No. The 360-page book explains the background and symbolism. It does help if you already have some experience with tarot, so you recognise the structure and can focus on the new imagery.
