Honestly, I got curious about African Tarot lately. Kept hearing bits and pieces online, you know? People whispering “it’s different,” “it’s raw,” “it feels more connected.” So, I decided I gotta see for myself. Forget the theory, let’s get hands-on. Bought a deck marketed as an African-inspired Tarot set online – waited like a kid for Christmas for that package.
Unboxing & First Shuffle
Package arrived yesterday afternoon. Ripped it open right on my kitchen counter. The cards felt… heavier? Thicker cardstock maybe. Images were vibrant, lots of earth tones, figures that felt less medieval court, more like community elders and ancestors. Right away, the art pulled me in different directions than my Rider-Waite. Felt good shuffling them. Solid in the hands. Did a quick three-card “What’s the energy like?” pull for myself just to break ’em in. Cards came up strong – felt more direct, less mysterious symbols to decode.
Testing the Waters: A Friend’s Question
Okay, theory’s one thing. Does it actually work differently? Called up my buddy Ngozi. Told her, “Hey, got this new deck, wanna test it? Give me something real.” She sighed, hesitated, then said, “Alright… this job interview next Tuesday. Freaking me out. What’s the vibe?”
I cleared the table. Focused. Shuffled hard, thinking about her, her nerves, that job. Asked the deck to show her what she needed to know about this opportunity. Pulled three cards: Past, Present, Action (a spread the guidebook suggested resonated with African oral tradition focus).
- Past Position: Card showing someone weaving patterns – looked like overcoming past struggles, maybe learning specific skills? Felt spot on – Ngozi clawed her way up.
- Present Position: Straight-up! Card showing someone facing a closed door, but holding a key. Couldn’t miss that. Told her, “It’s locked tight right now, but the key? It’s already in your dang hand. Your skills are enough.”
- Action Position: This one was a celebration scene – drums, dancing. Guidance felt clear: Own your achievements, speak confidently, your energy IS needed there.
Ngozi went quiet. Then said, “How’d you…? Yeah. I do have the skills. I keep forgetting.” That key metaphor hit her hard. Felt powerful, like the deck cut right through the fluff. Made her see what she already knew but was doubting.
The Cold Read Challenge
Okay, maybe coincidence, right? Needed less personal stuff. Hit up a public community forum today morning. Posted, “Offering one quick, free African Tarot pull (voice note interpretation) for one real question. Be vague about details please! First come.” Got a taker fast. User “Sam” asked: “Why am I stuck on this house decision?”
Asked Sam only their first name and general location (just to feel a tiny anchor). Shuffled, focused on “stuck,” “house.” Pulled a single card for insight. Got one showing figures arguing, looking in different directions, while one older figure watched calmly from the side. Interpretation hit me:
“Look, Sam. This isn’t about the house itself, is it? Feels like the ‘stuck’ is pure noise around you. Family pulling you different ways? Someone pushing their dream, not yours? Card shows someone just watching the chaos. Maybe that’s your clue – step back from the arguing voices. Listen to the quiet, steady one inside. The house reflects the conflict. Solve the conflict first.”
Sam replied: “Holy crap. Mom wants suburbs, dad wants city condo, wife wants countryside. I feel shredded. You hit the root.” Did the deck know names? No. Did it latch onto the unspoken feeling behind the mundane question? Absolutely. That “noise” and “conflict not the house” felt intuitive, grounded by the card’s imagery. It nailed the human drama hiding under the practical question.
First Impressions Hold Up?
After playing with it myself, reading for a friend I know, and a cold read? I’m impressed. It feels less cryptic, more conversational. Less “death and doom,” more community, ancestors, clear actions. Does it predict lottery numbers? Nope. Don’t ask it to! But for untangling feelings, seeing hidden pressures, and finding practical courage? My hands-on, messy testing over two days says: Yes, it rings true. It speaks a language that cuts deeper sometimes. Still learning, but wow. First impressions? Damn accurate where it counts. Gonna keep using this deck.
