Vodou Visions
by Sallie Ann Glassman
I couldn't wait to get this book. Sallie Ann Glassman is the artist who designed the cards
for
The New Orleans Voodoo Tarot. Because the artwork in that set stands out so potently, I was very interested to see Glassman's own commentary. I was fortunate to find
the book at a used bookstore, and I was not disappointed.
Glassman is herself a Vodou mambo in New Orleans, runs a local botanica, and teaches many students. In addition, she has studied many alternative spiritual practices,
and brings her extensive knowledge of these to her work with Vodou, and with tarot.
Glassman's writing is much more accessible than the writing in
The New Orleans Voodoo Tarot. She speaks with heart and
sincerity, and an honest desire to present Vodou in a way that will inspire others to trust their spiritual
voices and take part. She shares her own background in Vodou, and describes other practices or paths
(such as tarot or qabalah) that can be incorporated into the practice of Vodou.
The bulk of the book is devoted to her "Vodou Visions." Each "vision" includes a black and white image of a Lwa, Orisha,
or spiritual concept. These images are Glassman's own artwork, which were used for
The New Orleans Voodoo Tarot.
Each vision is given two full pages, with image; offering ideas; traditional prayers in French, Creole or Spanish, and English;
traditional meaning; and Glassman's own modern vision. These visions are very useful. They also add
further insight into each Lwa, Orisha, or spiritual concept, rounding out information found elsewhere.
Like other recent books on this subject,
Vodou Visions would be especially appealing to readers involved in less traditional
Orisha practice. It is written in the style of current Pagan/Witchcraft/Alternative-Religion guides for
eclectic practitioners. It is not an instructional manual for tarot, although it offers a general discussion of divination. For people who already own
The New Orleans Voodoo Tarot,
this book will be a great addition - a guide for working more intimately with their cards, and for deepening their understanding of the Vodou pantheon.
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