Every now and then, a word crosses your path and touches something deep inside. For me, that word was Ubuntu. It’s an African concept that is so much more than a philosophy — it’s a way of living. It’s gentle, powerful, and profoundly human. A quiet force that whispers:
“I am because we are.”
Or, in Zulu:
“Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu” — A person is a person through other people.
Ubuntu is rooted in the belief that everything and everyone is interconnected — not only people, but also animals, the natural world, and even the Earth itself. Everything comes from the same source. It places the community, or even humanity as a whole, at the center of our existence.
That doesn’t mean the individual isn’t seen or valued — quite the opposite! True connection is born through seeing each other. Ubuntu reminds us that our individuality shines brightest in relationship with others.
Let me give you an example. In many Western cultures, we’re taught reciprocity in a direct way: if someone buys you a coffee, you get them one next time. If someone helps you move, you help them when they need it. Sounds fair, right?
But in Ubuntu-based cultures, it can work differently. A stranger might buy you a coffee, and when you say, “But I don’t even know you — how can I repay you?”, the answer might be:
“You don’t have to give it back to me. Do something kind for someone else.”
It’s not about a direct trade — it’s a cycle of kindness, an invisible thread of goodwill. It always comes back, though perhaps not from the person you helped. It flows like a universal karma — a ripple that keeps moving through all of us. Isn’t that beautiful?
Ubuntu also gives rise to the idea that hurting another is also hurting yourself. It’s like a snowball effect: if the Earth is suffering, so are you. And if someone else is thriving, that joy lifts you too. Ubuntu encourages us to do good for others because your well-being is deeply intertwined with theirs. There’s a moral calling here — not imposed by rules, but born from compassion.
In Ubuntu, humanity blossoms in relationship. It’s about empathy, care, compassion, and solidarity. And when someone does something harmful, it’s more important to help them grow and make it right than to punish them. Forgiveness and restoration matter more than revenge.
Tarot & Ubuntu – A Spiritual Bridge
Naturally, my brain always goes to Tarot — ha! Tarot is a deeply Western spiritual tool. It often focuses on you: your growth, your healing, your personal path. It dives into the relationship between your conscious and unconscious mind, helping you navigate life with more awareness.
In that sense, Tarot can feel more individualistic, whereas Ubuntu — like many Eastern spiritual traditions — centers around the collective, the shared source, and interconnectedness. But here’s the thing: these paths aren’t mutually exclusive.
You can absolutely walk your own spiritual path, develop yourself, follow your dreams — and be kind, generous, and open to others, even when they can’t offer you anything in return. That is Ubuntu in motion.
Tarot Cards That Reflect Ubuntu
If I had to name a few Tarot cards that embody the Ubuntu spirit, these instantly come to mind:
- Ten of Cups – Love, harmony, and emotional fulfillment within community or family. This is Ubuntu in everyday life.
- Three of Cups – Celebration, friendship, and togetherness. The joyful, social energy of Ubuntu.
- The Star (XVII) – Healing, hope, and a deep sense of belonging to something larger than yourself. A beautiful spiritual mirror of Ubuntu’s core.
The Ubuntu Tarot Spread – “I Am Because We Are”
Draw four cards after shuffling your deck and place them clockwise in a diamond shape.
Card Positions:
- I Am
→ What is your essence right now?
(Where do you stand as an individual?) - We Are
→ How do you connect with others? What do your relationships and community offer you?
(What are you learning from your friends, family, colleagues, or environment?) - What I Give
→ What do you bring into the circle? How do you affect others around you?
(Your role, your presence, your energy.) - Growing Together
→ How can you and your community grow together?
(Guidance for strengthening connection and shared evolution.)
Final Reflections
This spread is beautiful to use whenever you feel a bit disconnected — or even as an act of gratitude for the people who uplift and support you. Do it alone or with a friend — it often sparks heartfelt conversations.
And remember: you don’t have to do it all alone.
In the spirit of Ubuntu:
“Your light helps mine to shine.”
(Which, let’s be real, is totally the Hermit!!!)
