The Hoodoo Tarot

78-Card Deck and Book for Rootworkers

Tayannah Lee McQuillar author

Format:Cards

Publisher:Inner Traditions Bear and Company

Published:2nd Apr '20

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The Hoodoo Tarot cover

Between the 17th and 19th centuries, many Indigenous Americans and people of African descent intermarried and socialized more often than is acknowledged by mainstream history books and scholars. These interactions produced not only a multicultural people but also a body of knowledge that is known today as Hoodoo or Rootwork.

Celebrating the complex American Rootwork tradition, The Hoodoo Tarot integrates esoteric and botanical knowledge from Hoodoo with the divination system of the Tarot. Structured like a traditional Tarot deck, each of the 78 cards features full-color paintings by magical-realist artist Katelan Foisy and elegantly interprets the classical Tarot imagery through depictions of legendary rootworkers past and present as well as important Hoodoo symbolism.

In the accompanying guidebook, Tayannah Lee McQuillar provides a history of Hoodoo and its complex heritage, including its roots in multiple African and Indigenous American ethnic groups as well as its European influences. She explores the traditional forms of divination used by rootworkers, including cartomancy, explaining how pairing the Tarot with Hoodoo is a natural fit. For each card in the Major Arcana and the four suits of the Minor Arcana (sticks, baskets, needles, and knives), McQuillar provides an in-depth card meaning that draws on both Tarot and Hoodoo tradition. She shares the history of the rootworker or symbol featured, any associated magical plants, a related scriptural quote, and guidance and advice based on the card’s meaning. She also offers instructions on card spreads and shares sample card readings.

Offering a divination system rooted in the Indigenous and African experience in North America, The Hoodoo Tarot provides a hands-on way to honor and explore the magic of Hoodoo for personal growth and spiritual inspiration.

"In keeping with the roots of Hoodoo, this powerfully-illustrated tarot deck is organized along the lines of an extended family. Elders comprise the Major Arcana, the family inhabits the court cards, and the rest of the Minor Arcana reflects the community and mundane life. Many readers will buy this deck for Foisy’s truth-is-strength illustrations. With use, I think they will discover layers of insight into their personal lineage, regardless of their ethnicity." * Anna Jedrziewski, TarotWise.com *
“Tayannah Lee McQuillar and Katelan V. Foisy have given contemporary medicine people in the Americas and beyond a rare and special gift. The in-depth research, interviews, and life experience of both practitioners shine like a beacon through this divination tool, helping us ground our practices in historical precedent and tried-and-true wisdom. Nothing has been lost that cannot be found.” * Chiron Armand, founder of Impact Shamanism and a trained hoodoo root doctor *
“. . . dispels common notions and myths about the meaning and origin of Hoodoo Tarot. I recommend that anyone--scholar or lay--who has interest in the practice of tarot and the complicated cosmos that it represents read this book. It is an insightful view of a people and practices that are mired in controversy and misunderstanding.” * Stephen C. Finley, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Philosophy & Religious Studies at *
"I don’t know where to begin with this review. I have received, and purchased, many tarot and oracle decks throughout the years, but I don’t think I have ever learned as much as I did from The Hoodoo Tarot by Tayannah Lee McQuillar." * The Magical Buffet *
"The Hoodoo Tarot was made with care and consideration and it shows. I recommend this deck if you have an interest in both Tarot and Hoodoo, are looking for a deck showing diverse people from various backgrounds, crave a perspective closer to your roots or spiritual path or just want to learn more about Hoodoo. Highly Recommended." * Larissa Carlson Viana, FacingNorth.net *
"The first thing I did upon opening these cards was to start taking photos of them to send them to my friends. I was absolutely amazed by the incredible artwork of this tarot. Both beautiful and haunting, the deck transported me to another world, telling me stories and taking me to unknown places until the moment that they revealed themselves to be parts of my subconscious. I am sure I am going to be dreaming about them when I go to bed. The images just stuck inside my mind for the rest of the day." * Aurora, Pagan Dawn Magazine *

ISBN: 9781620558737

Dimensions: 229mm x 152mm x 36mm

Weight: 726g

160 pages