Exploring Tarot: The Wildwood Tarot

I really love The Wildwood Tarot. It’s one of my favorite decks to use along with my Thoth deck. I haven’t used it yet for this series I’m doing with my various tarot decks so I’m doing that today. I’m using a six-card spread that has three levels: an initial three-card level that looks at general influences, a two-card level that looks at receptive and projective (feminine/masculine) influences, followed by a single outcome card. Two cards are present from the Major Arcana, two from the Court representing Stones and Elemental Earth influences, and one each from the Minor Arcana representing Vessels and Arrows, Water and Air their elemental influences. Five is the overall numerology for the reading signifying change.

 

Beginning with the upper row, the Knight of Stones (Pentacles in other decks) is represented by a horse galloping through sandy dunes. Freedom-loving yet practical and committed to the task at hand, the Knight perseveres through challenges and adversity. He reminds us to express integrity and a sense of responsibility toward others.

The Wanderer is next in line representing the Fool’s journey. Clothed in nature’s own presence, the individual stands on the precipice of new experiences, a rainbow lighting the path through clouds obscuring his view. The Wanderer appears to have chosen the middle path beginning life in balance. When this card appears, we’re to let go and allow new experiences to unfold.

Rest is the title of the 4 of Arrows, Swords in traditional decks. A large butterfly rests on a branch above a sleeping man, although it’s tempting to believe that he’s dead. But the arrows do not pierce his flesh but instead surround him in protection during his respite. The butterfly represents renewal and regeneration as the man allows his thoughts to settle. Sometimes, we just need a nap. It clears the cobwebs and gives us time to achieve clarity.

So, looking at the three cards, the initial influences are integrity, a willingness to let go of preconceived notions about our experiences, and the need to take some time to gain some clarity.

The Mirror is the twelfth card from the Major Arcana in this deck and it’s stunning. Placed in the same position as the Hanged Man in traditional decks, this card represents both the Lady of the Lake and Morganna assisting King Arthur on his quest. A woman resembling Melusine in fish form holds both a mirror and an orb assisting her to understand not only her inner essence but to also access divine knowledge. In the position of receptive or feminine influence, illumination of the shadow side of self and the inner journey to awakening along with reinforcing the message of letting go of preconceived notions by The Wanderer are the primary interpretations of The Mirror.

In the position of projective or masculine influence is the Queen of Stones represented by a large brown mama bear standing tall in defense of her home. She is the Great Mother, practical and trustworthy and ready at all times to defend her home and family. The Queen balances her ambitions with a generous and kind nature, keeping home and hearth as her foundation. If The Mirror is asking us to let go of preconceived notions, perhaps The Queen of Stones is asking us to be less confrontational and more reflective in our responses to others.

The authors of the Wildwood Tarot appear to take a different view of the 7 of Vessels (Cups in other decks) and title it Mourning. In this card, we see a skull placed before 7 vessels, one cup larger than the others and one actually an oil lamp. Spirals and jagged lines resembling lightning bolts are etched into the forehead of the skull. A mossy covered tree rises up from the scene, ancient and knarled suggesting the passage into another realm. Traditional interpretations of this card involve delusion and inventing problems, but this card reinforces the message of The Mirror with the theme of letting go. Here we honor and mourn the passing of someone or something that has passed on. In the outcome position, The 7 of Vessels asks us to accept change with grace and embrace the present moment in peace.

It feels like this reading is describing the end of a difficult period. But it seems the change we need to embrace involves making peace with our past by letting go of preconceived notions that prevent our moving forward. As we do so, conflict with others or within falls away, the need for control no longer relevant.

Like I said. This is a cool deck. If you don’t happen to have it, you can purchase it here.

Blessings!