Perseverance, determination, and joy are central keys to the blossoming of the black community, and all Americans need to honor this week-long holiday with their neighbors, friends, coworkers, and family. By doing so, we become a more conscientious, thoughtful, and wise community united by unconditional love and forgiveness.
What is Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa is a seven-day celebration that many people of African descent celebrate starting on December 26th and ending on January 1st. Each day has a special meaning and allows time for contemplation and reflection of the past, present, and future. It is a collective celebration to look back on accomplishments and victories to the communities of African descent to honor their ancestors and celebrate unity.
The word Kwanzaa is derived from Swahili, which means "first fruits." It is not directly tied to any specific faith as it is meant to be a holiday of unity and honoring of African heritage. One of the best attributes of this celebration is engaging in the joy of diversity in the many great African customary culinary traditions and dishes.
A crucial element of Kwanzaa is cooperative economics. This means that a great way to celebrate and contribute positively to this week-long celebration is to commit to purchasing goods from local black-owned businesses. You may also consider donating to black-focused charities that help elevate the lives of everyone in the community.
The Significance of a Kwanzaa Tarot Spread
A Kwanzaa Tarot Spread provides insights and guidance from the ancestral line and a reminder of the positive impact presently and what is in store for the future. This spread helps to elevate their spiritual connection from the person receiving the tarot card reading and their lineage. It can help heal ancestral trauma and help to create new patterns for growth and prosperity by listening to the guidance of wisdom of those before them who are cheering them on in this Earthly life. A daily spread can be done for each of the seven days or a general spread for the whole week.
How to Perform a Kwanzaa Tarot Spread
When performing a Kwanzaa Tarot Spread, it is essential to remember that you can do this for the entire week-long process as one tarot card reading, or you can perform it for each of the seven days and focus on the theme of each day. For either type of focus, you will be placing seven cards, face down, in a row. In a weeklong spread, you will focus on the meaning and importance of the middle card. For a daily spread, you will use the theme of the day as the focal point of the reading with the other cards as a reference.
First Card: UMOJA
Umoja is all about unity. Here, we can reflect on the past, present, and future of the community, how the black community has strived and maintained throughout the year.
Second Card: KUJICHAGULIA
Kujichagulia focuses on the individual's self-determination and how they contribute to the community at large. The story of this card will help reveal how an individual's placement in the community has risen or fallen throughout the year.
Third Card: UJIMA
Ujima is all about collective work and responsibility. Within this tarot card, meaning suggests the work that has been done and what still needs to be done collectively on the whole. The focus here is on solutions.
Fourth Card: UJAMAA
Ujamaa is centered around the concept of cooperative economics. Here, the tarot card reveals the financial gains and stabilities of the community and how to further successes. The card may also suggest potential growth areas and allies to assist in these areas.
Fifth Card: NIA
Nia is all about purpose. This tarot card will show how meaning has shaped the society you interact with and how they see your intention as well. Collectively, the goal is all about building relationships with one another within the community and expanding the reach to raise everyone to reveal the greatness within each other.
Sixth Card: KUUMBA
Kuumba brings forth the creativity of the individual and community together for the sole purpose of appreciating the beauty and gifts that have been inherited throughout the community as a whole. This card may reveal the mood of celebrations and creative community projects and events, especially those that elevate people in various ways.
Seventh Card: IMANI
Imani represents faith and our belief in people. Because Kwanzaa isn't focused on any particular religious belief system, faith is universal and can represent the community's dedication and not just in a higher power. However, this card may reveal spiritual beliefs and how faith plays a role in the lives of everyone within the community.