Voodoo (Santeria) Ritual for Dressing & Baptizing Tarot Cards

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 06 Aug 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Voodoo_Shaman	06 Aug 2003
RITUAL for CALLING FORTH the SPIRIT Of the DECK 1. Within a corner of a room in your Home that will not be disturbed or noticed by outsiders, draw the Veve of the Ancestors (I), on the floor. Place the Deck of cards, directly within the middle of the Veve. 2. Directly upon the wall draw the simple but effective, Veve of the Four Corners of the Universe (II). 3. Light a red Candle, and make the symbol of a circle in mid air, within the circle, make a cross. 4. Place the candle at the south of the Veve. 5. On the West, place a clear glass of cool water. 6. To the North, a small bowl of Cemetery or Burial Ground dirt. 7. To the East, place an incense holder with 9 sticks of incense, or 9 cones. **8. At northwest, place an offering cup of Black Coffee. Coffee is the element of both Earth and Water, and it is the symbol and represents northwest. **9. At northeast, place the offering of a bowl of un salted, white rice. This offering is the Element of both Earth and Air, and it represents northeast. **10. At southeast, place 9 cigars, and 9 matches. This offering is the element of both air and fire. and it represents southeast. **11. At southwest, place a clear glass of either, white wine, clear rum, whisky or gin. This offering is the element of both fire and water, and it represents southwest. **Before placing the offerings, one at a time, you must present them to the Mysteries of the Spiritual Realm as indicated below. One by one, hold each offering in front of you with both hands, and arms extended. "I Honor My Future.." Then with your left hand, grab the offering, and carefully moving it to your back, with elbows bent, ( do not strain your self ) grab it with both hands . " I Pay Homage to my Past." Bring the offering back in front of you, with your right hand. Hold it again with both hands, and present it to the Third Eye, upon the forehead, the chest, and the torso area. "I Pay Homage to the Invisible Realm of the Ancestors, and I pay Homage to the Visible Realm of the Living.." Place the offering in the proper location, on the Veve. " I Pay Homage to my Present" This is done with each offering that is presented to the Veve.. Next, the Messenger Orisha Eleggua, is invoked, so that he may, open the doors of the Spiritual Realm, and Guide the Spirit, towards you.. " May the Earth Bare witness, that in this place, I Salute the Mysteries and Powers of Eshu Laroye. ( Eleggua ) With these gestures and this offering, I forge a link with my Soul, in the present, with my Ancestors and those who came before me, is the Past. May Eshu Laroye, who knows the History of my Past, may he chart my Future, and my Path. Oh Great Eleggua, I entrust you to knock down the barriers. Fill the potholes, drive away the enemies, and any instability, envy, sickness, fear, pain, and malice that blocks my road.." Next to the Veve, place a black cup of Coffee, a Cigar, three Coins, and a Bowl of Candies. The Veve, is to stay constructed for 9 days. The Ritual must take place, after Sun Down, but no Later than 12:00 Midnight. This Ritual, Must be Started and Ended before that time. Every Night for the Next 9 days, return to the Veve, and light the candles, and chant the prayers that are given here. You must perform this at the exact time each night. “To Guusa, ( south ) I call upon the power of Aina, the Transforming Flame. Transform, my mistakes, sorrows, fears, into Ashes, and carry them away." "To Iwo Ooroun, ( west ) I call upon the power of Omi Tutu, the Universal Cleansing Waters. As I cleanse and wipe my Ori, and my Aura, help me to feel light and clean from the sorrows I burned in the flame." "To Ariwa, ( north ) I call upon the power of Onile, the Productive Powers of Earth. With this bowl of grains, I will speak in prayer of potential. Called for change, and I will make a commitment of growth." "To Ila Ooroun, (east ) I call upon the powers of Afefe, the Cosmic Winds, that will carry my messages to Eshu, may he listen to me, and carry my messages to their source, may they bring forth blessings."SUPPLIES Red Candle Dish of Candies Glass of Water Dish of rice Cemetery Dirt 10 Cigars 9 cones incense 9 Matches 2 cups of Coffee Glass of white wine / gin / vodka / rum 3 pennies Naming the Deck On the Last Night of the Ritual sit in front of the Veve and Meditate. Rub your Hands, to create heat, and place them over the Deck. Do not Force a Name to Come, the Spirit will Guide you. Next Pick up the Deck, and Shuffle them. Go through them one at a time, until one particular card calls out to you. This Will be your Face card. It is the First card, and last card you will see, during any reading. Look at the card, is it a Masculine card or a feminine card? Meditate and Concentrate upon the card, the Spirit will whisper the name in your ear. When the Name has been heard, you will place the face card on top of the deck, and dress it. Dressing the Cards Clip a bit of your finger nails, toe nails, and hair from your head, and pubic hair. Place this in a small, clean, empty (oil tube) and cover it with the lid. (( Use a Glass Jar, or of natural fibers, Never Plastic. )) Place this on top of the deck. Now cover the deck with a cloth that best represents the Element of the Spirit. Brown for earth, blue for water, red for fire, or yellow for Air. Place this in a pouch, and then place it in a dark area in the home, where it will not be disturbed for 9 days. It is important that you do not bother the deck either. After the 9th day. Place the Deck on the Boveda. She / He will be ready for readings. Voodoo Shaman

Dark Inquisitor	06 Aug 2003
Yes, but what do you wear while doing all this?? Tarotphelia

catti	06 Aug 2003
why do you call voodoo santeria? to me they are very different in history, ritual, and function. well maybe not the last since magic is the function , but religion is also and to me the two have different religious natures.

catti	06 Aug 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Tarotphelia Yes, but what do you wear while doing all this?? Tarotphelia white or nothing would be my guess

Dark Inquisitor	06 Aug 2003
It just seemed to me something spectacular in the wardrobe department would be fitting ! Tarotphelia

Indigo_lady	07 Aug 2003
I agree with catti lukumi and voodoo are indeed two different things As far as I understand have a different origin, and are practiced in a different way

Voodoo_Shaman	07 Aug 2003
Trust me I know that Voodoo and Santeria, are two different religions. I am a Babalorisha of Oshun, in Santeria. Notice how I wrote Voodoo, and not Voudoun. Voodoo, is the New Orleans branch of Haitian Voudoun, and very different. Voodoo in New Orleans mixes many elements and they incorporate the Santeria Orishas, as well as the Lwa of Haiti into their pantheon. This is a complex subject, and not one for really about Tarot. If you want to speak further about that subject e-mail me. The white part, is in respects to a tradition, and again is complex and a post in itself. Also I said “Santeria’ and not Lukumi. Santeria is a term not really used by those who follow Lukumi. The only ones who use Santeria are those who read Migene Gonzales Wippler books. Voodoo Shaman

paulo32	07 Aug 2003
Hello I wonder if you have been on Brasil, Voodoo_Shaman. Theres a museum of Orichas on the city of Salvador da Bahia,it´s interesting,but i still don´t understand the meaning of the word Oricha. I know that use also búzios(shells) for divination. I fact i just read somme books about afro-brasilan cults on this subjects, but has you have say i can email you if you give your email for further questions. bye paulo

firemaiden	07 Aug 2003
Interesting, Voodoo Shaman. The ritual you describe is very poetic, with the artefacts to symbolise the elements, yet at the same time, seems direct and simple. Is Tarot something that commonly gets used in this religion? Is this a common ritual for something else that has been adapted to Tarot? or invented just for tarot? Is it a very old tradition? Traveling through cyberspace not too long ago, I came upon an interesting website about Dilogun (divining with cowry shells, part of the Yoruba religion) by a Yoruba priest, Eric K. Lerner : Tarot and Dilogun - Insights into Both Arts and I began this thread:Of Tarot, Dilogun, and Incarnated Beings about it. Mr. Lerner made a big distinction between reading tarot, and divining with cowry shells. He said that when we read with tarot, we are in the driver's seat, but when divining with cowry shells in the traditional way, it is the Orishas -the spirits who drive the reading. If we were to use such a ritual as you have described above, it would definitely blur this distinction. Just a thought, I am wondering if it would be wise to blithely perform such a ritual as this to invoke the spirit of the tarot, without proper spiritual preparation?. Would you advise others to come to a Shaman such as yourself to perform such rituals, rather than to do them ourselves?

Voodoo_Shaman	07 Aug 2003
In many cultures through out the Caribbean and South America, there has been a mix of Religious thoughts and Influences, from Indigenous, West African, and of course Spanish. These mix of ideas and thought have created spiritual beliefs such as Umbanda in Brazil, Espiritismo Cruzado, “Crossed Spiritism” in Cuba, and Puerto Rico, and a form of Brujeria and Santeria in the US called Santerismo. In these belief systems the Spirits of ones Ancestors, and ones Spiritual Frame, are an important and essential part of everyday life. Such an important part, that the elders of these Spiritual Traditions have searched for ways to communicate directly with these Spirits. If you go and receive a consultation with a practitioner of Espiritismo Crusado, from Cuba, Los 21 Misterios from the Dominican Republic, or Mesa Blanca from Puerto Rico, they will consult with a Spanish deck of cards, usually the Briscas. When ones goes to consult, the reader will have a chair, usually a very elaborate chair, in which no one is to sit or touch. Usually a large goblet is under the chair, where the “Fluidos’ of the Spirits will be collected. This chair is dedicated for the Spirit who will be consulted through the deck. Although this ritual was adapted from a few sources, it was a common and still is a common tradition for a Brujo or Espiritista to bless, baptize and name the Spirit that will communicate through their deck. Traditionally the Spirit is placed within regular playing deck, or Brisca cards, but the Tarot cards can be used. The Dilloggun and the Tarot are two different forms of divination. The Dilloggun is an oracle used to directly communicate the will of the Divinities. (Orishas) Tarot generally does not employ spirits, usually it is a visual to help you get your answers from your psych, or inner self. This is fine, it works well of course, but in many cultures such as Hispanic cultures. We believe that the Spirits try to communicate with us, so we try and make it a deeper relationship and bond, by blessing, baptizing, and dedicating our divination tools, may they be Tarot or playing cards. So usually you will go to a consultation and here a bruja or Espiritista will say, lets see what “El Indio” or “El Negro Jose” has to say about your situation. And of course they will pull out their Deck. You ask a good question when you say, should every one perform this ritual, or visit a Shaman. I believe we all have a connection with our spirits, and while people go to these TV Mediums and pay $1000 of dollars to have a few minutes of conversation with their departed, this is sick. Every one can speak with their spirits and ancestors, if they only knew how, and if they took the time to really pay attention to what the spirits are saying. Tarots are a good way, to communicate with ones Spirits and I believe superior to the Ouija, and Scrying, The ceremony is not for everyone, and I did not think of that when I posted it, which was negligence in my part, especially if you notice the first response to the post. Much respects to every one, I do not mean this as an attack, but as you can see many did not understand, why the usage of white clothing, and so forth. The ritual is not for everyone, but having the Spirit communicate through the cards, can and should be used. Other ways one can do it, is by keeping the deck wrapped in clothing of a departed loved one, or just placing your hands over the cards, in prayer and meditation call apron the desired spirits. I believe that many people are gifted in the communication of spirits, and have what we say in Spanish “El Don”, or “El Ashe” (The Spiritual Grace and Wisdom to perform these rituals, but more so, many do not, and it is at these moments that it is best to consult or have a Shaman or Elder Babalorisha / Houngan / Brujo perform the ritual.

firemaiden	07 Aug 2003
Thank you Voodoo Shaman, that was a deeply satisfying answer. You have such extensive knowledge, and thank you for sharing it so generously with us. I think many of us will have lots of questions for you!

catti	07 Aug 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Voodoo_Shaman The ceremony is not for everyone, and I did not think of that when I posted it, which was negligence in my part, especially if you notice the first response to the post. Much respects to every one, I do not mean this as an attack, but as you can see many did not understand, why the usage of white clothing, and so forth. The ritual is not for everyone, but having the Spirit communicate through the cards, can and should be used. With all due respect, voodoo_shaman; i dont think that your post is that misunderstood.That the first post was informal simply reflects the nature of the forum and communicating electronically. I feel your post shows the enthusiasm with which you have joined Aeclectic and that you were not negligent in sharing your knowlege with us. The ceremonies that are sacred to your tradition are not understood, and my experience has been that many who know jealously guard their knowlegde and do not wish to enter in communications about rituals . I hope we can further discussion and understanding in the General forum , perhaps? :TWOR

paulo32	07 Aug 2003
Ola Catti Espero que estejas bien. Well i think that in every tradition somme thinks are secret,and they will keep be secret for somme people. That´s why are the words esoteric and exoteric. bye paulo

Moongold	07 Aug 2003
Voodoo Shaman, Thank you for sharing this ritual with us. You have made me curious again about the meaning and value of ritual in our lives. I'd forgotten this, having left Catholicism many years ago.

Dark Inquisitor	07 Aug 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Voodoo_Shaman The ceremony is not for everyone, and I did not think of that when I posted it, which was negligence in my part, especially if you notice the first response to the post. Much respects to every one, I do not mean this as an attack, but as you can see many did not understand, why the usage of white clothing, and so forth. The ritual is not for everyone, but having the Spirit communicate through the cards, can and should be used. I asked what one might wear for such a ceremony because I am a visual-artistic person & I was visualizing in my mind all this interesting activity & then realized there was an element missing & I couldn't see the whole thing . You didn't say wear white in the original post, & I thought there might be symbolism involved or some importance to what one wears . (But still, creatively speaking I was hoping for a cool high priest/priestess outfit somewhere in there !! ) Which doesn't mean I was taking your ceremony lightly or discounting it- on the contrary I think it is very cool . Tarotphelia

amyel	07 Aug 2003
Voo_doo Shaman, Having vistied New Orleans in May for the first time, I have been very interested in the practice of Voo Doo. Of course, it is so prevalent there. Thanks for posting this ritual. I'm not sure I could properly carry it out - well, I don't carry out many rituals to be honest - but I am fascinated by the rituals in voo doo/voudoun. I hope you'll post more.

Voodoo_Shaman	07 Aug 2003
Ritual has a different meaning and a different feeling, which would depend on the person you are speaking. For me, as well as those who practice Lukumi, Candomble, Voudou or any form of ritualistic religion. You must understand that our Rituals are not somber in nature, but very celebration. Each right, ceremony and act of passage starts of somber, and slow, but slowly gets faster and more festive, until the climatic end which could be hours even days later.. Rituals, may they be a Novena Passing ceremony for a recently departed family member, to a baptismal ceremony, is important because like minded individuals come to celebrate the Spirit who in both cases has made a new passage into a new existence. “I hope this makes sense.” In modern society we have rituals or ceremonies that we do every day. From the Marriage ceremonies, to Voting, to the Tuesday Night after American Idols, when millions of like minded individuals pick up a phone and call to select their next American Idol. Yes believe it or not this is a powerful ritual, because during those two Hours, millions of people are moved to do the same thing. In Puerto Rico, on the night of San Juan, millions make a pilgrimage to the Ocean, start bomb fires, and Jump into the Ocean backwards 12 times. This is done in brazil, also in homage of the Ocean Iemanja, “Yemaya”. The ritual that I describe is a small ritual that can be done alone, but with better effects in a group. But in closing ritual, has a different meaning for each individual, you could get many different answers to that one question.

Cerulean	07 Aug 2003
Can I use this as a general respectful ritual that would assist with using tarot of my own choosing and tapping into my family ancestral heritage as well? Sometimes I believe some of the beautiful symbolism that I read in good books applies to not only my heritage, but my family. For instance, a home in some Japanese areas is more blessed in winter with the three friends of winter, pine, prunus (plum) and bamboo--so I want to complete this feeling of home with finding a beautiful green bamboo plant. If I wanted to adapt your wonderful ritual and include such things and a special Japanese tarot, either an import or the Ukioye ...should I look somewhere else for welcoming a good feeling to work with my cards and blessing my home area? And do you do this with all your tarot decks, or special ones? Thanks

Voodoo_Shaman	07 Aug 2003
I do not do this with all my deck, only the ones that speak to me in that certain way, you know what I am talking about when the you feel the essence through the deck. Also if you are native American, then use a Native American Deck, and call upon Native American Spirits such as Corn Mother, and Brother White Buffalo, or if you are Romany call on Gypsi Spirits, in Espiritismo there are some Gypsi spirits such as El Duende, and Maria Candeleria. In this aspect you could use the Buckland Romany Tarot. I have a friend who works with the Tarot of the Saints and called upon the Archangels, Michael, Rafael, Gabriel, and Uriel for the four elements. Listen to your spirits, the inner voice that always leads you on the right path. Voodoo Shaman

Alex	07 Aug 2003
Macumba = Candomble (in Bahia) = Umbanda (Rio de Janeiro). Santeria is the hispanic name for some of the above_ or another syncretic cult? Never heard of anyone in Brazil doing "Santeria". Alex_the_ignorant

robyn	07 Aug 2003
greetings, i am greatful for forums such as this, and appreciate all the posts on this particular topic.... if i may share a bit of my personal experience with deck and ask a few questions... i have been feeling for sometime that my cards are not quite part of me yet. i am thinking of this ritual that you posted as a way to bind my cards to me. to make them more "mine". i have only one deck of tarot. It is the Rider Waite deck by smith. Tarot is new to me, as so are my cards ( i also have no history with voodoo.) I am feeling as though i can transform my cards into something more powerful and meaningful to me. i do not have any interest in purchasing a new deck at this time and feel that perhaps the spirit of the deck has not been called upon, awakened, or generated...? i also feel that the energy of the deck is a bit weak and jumbled, not very organized. I would like to bring balance and clarity to my deck. I love my deck for what it is but I would like to help it become something better. my hope is that the deck is transformable and changable, and not stuck at the level that it is for me, and there is nothing i can do to make our relationship "better". i to wish to transform myself and my interpritation of the cards. i also feel that reading tarot cards is a kind of team work between myself and the cards, and i would like to be a better team mate by doing all i can to understand the cards more sufficiently. Do you think that performing this ceremony will help bring strength and clarity to my relationship with the cards and the magic within them..? i would also like to ask about the guarments to be worn. i understand that in voodoo white is customary; but i was wondering or hoping if performing in the nude would be alright. i feel stronger, and more complete and at one when i am in the nude. or would that be disrespectful for this type of activity...??? humbly yours, robyn.

Cerulean	08 Aug 2003
I wanted to thank you for your ritual post, if I haven't already. There are four directions in an aspect of inherited culture called Shinto--and you are right, the aspects that call to one will not lead me astray. A very peaceable feeling came to me as I considered what decks I am clearing out and what I am keeping. Two cloths from two grandmother's homes and one of my very first decks came together in a small carved box given by one grandfather. Another shell-decorated box has a nice oracle deck that reminds me of the grandparents from Hawaii. Best wishes. Mari Hoshizaki P.S. I do not know if this relevant to Alex B's note at all, but a woman from Central America whose family used Spanish-language tarot sets was aware of "Santeria" practises within the cultural mix. I have heard that Brazil is full of international cultures, both Portugese and Spanish is spoken...so it may depend on the area? P.P.S. Robyn, if the spirit of the Star=Hope of the Rider Waite Smith deck or the World=Fulfillment, I think what you feel is right. I heard a term used for the unclad human--- it's called sky-clad. I hadn't thought of it before, but the lack of clothing in these cards and other majors is significant in the Rider Waite symbolism---so you're in the spirit of it, so to speak.

azuremariposa	09 Aug 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Alex Macumba = Candomble (in Bahia) = Umbanda (Rio de Janeiro). Santeria is the hispanic name for some of the above_ or another syncretic cult? Never heard of anyone in Brazil doing "Santeria". Hi Alex! I grew up in a family that practiced Umbanda, and through various books I've learned: Macumba is the general term, similar to Lukumi... Candomble is a "branch" of Macumba...they generally call upon both light and dark spirits... Umbanda is another branch (started more recently, in the 1960's i think...not sure on that, so take it w/a grain of salt) that call upon the light spirits only (w/the exception of Exu...he's kind of a "go-between" of the two realms)... there is also Quimbanda which calls only upon the dark spirits... Santeria is similar, but not the same (i think it is closer to Candomble, but i could be wrong)...and yes, it is hispanic in background...i've never heard of a Brazilian using Santeria either, however that's just my experience and i'm sure it's not unheard of ;) Personally, i'm quite happy w/Umbanda... and i'm sure Voodoo_Shaman could answer your question better than i can...what say you, Voodoo_Shaman?? much love and many blessings, ~azure

robyn	13 Aug 2003
Mari_Hoshizaki thank you for your response. looking back at the cards it is true what you said :) :) robyn.

SongDeva	14 Aug 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Voodoo_Shaman RITUAL for On the Last Night of the Ritual sit in front of the Veve and Meditate. Voodoo Shaman I missed the part of how many nights the ritual lasts. How many is it?

Voodoo_Shaman	15 Aug 2003
The ritual ceremony of birthing the Tarot Deck, and dedicating it to a specific spirit should begin on the night of the Full Moon, for 9 days. The waning of the moon is symbolic of the unknown, and although traditionally used to dispel or for ending and removing, in this case it can be used for Change, as well as a symbol of the unseen mysteries of the invisible realm, taking over that which is visible to the eye. (The Spirits manifesting their essence into this plane. 9 days is the sacred number of the Dead, and it is for this reason that 9 days is used. Voodoo Shaman

The Voodoo (Santeria) Ritual for Dressing & Baptizing Tarot Cards thread was originally posted on 06 Aug 2003 in the Using Tarot Cards board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Using Tarot Cards, or read more archived threads.