Black Tarot: An Ancestral Awakening Deck and Guidebook / Major Arcana Quick Look
Sharing my favorite ‘authorisms’ from the Black Tarot Guidebook for each of the Major Arcana.
Black Tarot Dedication:
For my Ancestors and spirit guides,
who are continuously paving the way.
To my soulmate Keegan, who loves me through all my cycles.
To Lucia, thank you for your eye and passion
for all unseen by the naked eye
—N.W.
Dear Nyasha Williams, author and creator of this deck,
You came to me with the idea of changing the narrative and
inspiring a whole new generation. You came to me seeing the
magic I could not see in myself. With every card we worked on
together, you inspired me to become a version of myself that
I never knew existed. Thank you for opening me up
to this platform of wonder.
—K.N.
Favorite Black Tarot Major Arcana Authorisms:
When the Fool card is pulled, it is time to consider the following:
✦ Are you living in the present?
✦ Are you ready to begin?
✦ What calls at your being to live out and achieve in your life?
He is the reminder to turn dreams into reality, knowing you have anything you need to put your plan into action. All creation is possible with discipline, the most potent form of self-love.
She encourages us to find the equilibrium between opposites, like the cycles of seasons, or the sun and the moon. The High Priestess is the moon in all its phases.
The Empress asks us to center nature and the wisdom of those who have come before us in our decisions and choices.
When the Emperor card is pulled, it is time to consider the following:
✦ What kind of leader are you?
✦ How do you show, use, and honor your power and strength?
✦ How do you protect yourself and those you hold dear— physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually?
She honors the idea that all masters come from mentors.
Ultimately, we all invest our time, energy, and attention in someone or something. The Lovers card asks us to reflect on whom and what we are giving ourselves to.
It encourages finding your momentum, reminding you to navigate personal roads less traveled.
When the Strength card is pulled, it is time to consider the following:
✦ Do you trust in your capabilities?
✦ Are you ready to face the day?
✦ Do you have the strength to show both yourself and others grace and compassion?
He reminds us that we are both the guide and the seeker. An escape can be what we need to reconfigure our actions to be authentically planted in our truth.
The Wheel of Fortune says do not take anything for granted.
The collective’s goal is to ensure that justice prevails. The Justice card is a sign of acting with integrity.
When the Hanged Man card is pulled, it is time to consider
the following:
✦ When is the last time you made a worthy sacrifice for the greater good?
✦ Do you listen to your gut feelings?
✦ Do you allow yourself and others to change your/their mind?
Death is linked to fear—the fear of change and transformation. It is time to clear, cleanse, and declutter, allowing for the cycles of demise and rebirth.
Tempering takes patience, understanding the gravity of a stable personal foundation, and collaboration with the community.
Are you aware of all your addictions? The Devil card means that it is time for an honest self-evaluation and for confrontation of our raw desires.
White supremacy, the patriarchy, and capitalism—political and economic systems that favor greed and consumption over a tradition of conservation and balance—have poisoned our planet. The old way is no longer viable; we can no longer live, eat, and interact without the health and stability of the environment in mind.
The Star speaks to creativity and inspiration, asking how we can spread hope. The couple will need healing after overcoming a struggle (Tower energy).
She represents our journey through our inner shadows. It is time to make space for the waxing and waning cycles.
When the Judgment card is pulled, it is time to consider the following:
✦ Are you able to ask for help?
✦ Do you hear your higher self calling?
✦ How can you absolve the shame and guilt you may be carrying and make amends?
It is the uniting of the outer and inner selves. Certain chapters must be wrapped up and brought to an end. Move on—the world and adventure await.
