Art
afrofuturism meets the divine with these tarot cards
Our love, Afrofuturist visual artist/graphic designer/photographer Jessi Jumanji has a dope new project that, yes, even you broke-asses can afford. An absolutely gorgeous set of African-inspired tarot cards that pay homage to the continent’s immense cultures, places, and artifacts. The 78-card deck combines authentic African imagery with traditional Rider-Waite themes, creating cards that are ideal for readers of all experience levels. Staying true to her one-of-a-kind eye and talent for capturing and creating Afrofuturist collages and vivid, ethereal images, these cards are the perfect gift for the spiritual loved one in your life.
Grab your own deck, here.
What made you decide to create your own tarot deck?
When I began my spiritual journey, I noticed how white-washed most of the texts and tools were. Most of the books I read about astrology, tarot, and other divination pactices were by white people who weren’t giving credit to Africa where it was due. Many people credit tarot to European cultures, but I learned that tarot has roots in ancient Egypt. The Tablets of Aeth, found in the sacred scrolls of the Egpytian Book of the Dead, was one of the earliest examples.
The popular Rider Waite tarot was also designed by, Pamela Colman Smith, a woman believed to be of African or Jamaican descent, whose contributions are often dismissed. To this day her race and authenticity as a woman of color are being debated.
I realized that there was a serious void for authentic, BLACK curated and designed tarot decks. All of this inspired me to create my own deck, centering African culture.
Why the name “Afro Tarot”?
The name just came to me. It felt right. I wanted a name that was purposeful and straight to the point. I feel like the prefix “afro” makes a bold statement. It says that this is black, unapologetically. I wanted black people to pick up the box and feel like it was in the right hands.
Did you read tarot before creating your own deck?
Actually, No. I was curious, but I don’t subscribe to anything or practice it unless I feel a connection to it. At first it was hard for me to connect with tarot because almost every deck I’d centered white people or other cultures. I knew it was something I wanted to explore, but I wanted it to be relatable. I felt that doing my own thorough research and creating my own deck from that would be the due diligence necessary to move forward. I was creating this not only for myself, but for everyone else like me who was looking for a way to connect with tarot but couldn’t relate to the representations.
Why are you interested in Tarot?
Spirituality has always been important to my mental health. I feel better mentally when I am spiritually grounded. Anxiety has been a part of my life for a while, and tarot has been a great tool for coping. Tarot offers another perspective on life’s uncertainties, or any situation, providing insight and guidance through symbolism and spiritual wisdom.
Each reading gives me insight on what I’m going through and how to move through it. Its the spiritual and mental preparation before the physical manifestation.
Why is Tarot important to you?
Tarot is important to me because it allows me to practice my own form of spirituality and divination without all the restrictions of modern religion. I always felt that there were too many contradictions.
I grew up in the Christian Church in the South where tarot, or anything spiritual that wasn’t from the Bible, was demonized. I knew a lot of devout Christians who still drank, gambled and sinned so I never took their condemnations serious enough to dim my curiosities in other forms of spirituality.
I always felt a disconnect with Christianity and never self-identified as a Christian. I did however, see myself as a spiritual being, and was looking for ways to harness and make the most of my spiritual inclinations.
Do you have a favorite card from your deck, or one that you identify with most?
The strength card is one of my favorites. I’m a Leo and my life path number is 8 so its definitely relatable as my birth card. I like how it portrays the strength of a woman, with two lions sitting calmly at her feet.
The seven of cups, ten of pentacles, queen of wands, and seven of swords are my favorites out of each suit.
Is tarot a part of your daily routine?
No. Tarot is just one aspect of many of my spiritual practices. I do readings when I feel I need clarity and insight from higher perspective. Ancestral veneration, meditation, creativity, and herbal medicine, are other ways that I express my spirituality. All together, they create a healthy balance for me.
Words by Erin White
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