He talks of archetypes and how we can marshal the characters of the forest to defend us in the outer forest of life. Part One of the book, “Into the Green” is Mark Ryan’s introduction, yet what an introduction! Here is a twenty page explication of the Robin Hood mythos and how it speaks to us through our non-rational selves. Matthews’ work is always so profound and studiously researched that his “imprimatur” deserves some attention. John Matthews provides us then with a statement of his vision and his commitment to this enhancement of the original project. This is no “Little White Book.” There is within it an essay by Mark Ryan, tracing the history of the new tarot from the original Greenwood Tarot, justifying the need for something new owing to a changed perception following growing awareness of ecological threats and a renewed evaluation of the natural world.
The book that accompanies the deck is a masterpiece in itself. Then there is the suit of Arrows, representing Air, the suit of Bows representing Fire, the suit of Stones representing Earth and the suit of Vessels representing Water. This may seem a strange alternative to the “evil” creature associated with traditional decks but his presence allows us to be disconcerted as we look at ourselves, instead of being stultified by hysterical fear. Usually a much maligned figure, known as the Devil in traditional decks, here is a multi-faceted character who brings us dark riddles and challenges, but also a mocking humour. One of my favourite cards is that of the Guardian. In there can also be found the Green Man, the Hooded Man, the Moon on Water and the World Tree. The Major Arcana bears images of characters and concepts such as the Wanderer (instead of the Fool), the Shaman and Seer (instead of the Magician and High Priestess). The whole notion of the use of the deck being a sort of journey into the mystical forest is just so engaging. Ryan himself describes this tarot as “a unique, fresh and re-energised version of the Greenwood Tarot.” I am not familiar with the original tarot, but the Wildwood Tarot has surpassed all my expectations. The deck is a re-working and a redevelopment of Mark Ryan’s The Greenwood Tarot but with extra new insights and some different imagery. Will Worthington’s artwork is just delightful with every single card in itself being a masterpiece. There is nothing seriously negative I can find to say about it.
It has so much that is new in imagery yet does not lose a sense of itself. It is so imaginative yet is not gimmicky. I did not think that I would meet a new deck that I would fall in love with. Of all my decks, however, there are only one or two that I use regularly in any serious way. I have now lost my sense of surprise at what may come up next. I have comic ones, colourful ones, simple ones, circular ones, dark and sinister ones and rude ones. I am a great collector of tarot decks and have numerous versions on my shelf.
Pack Includes: A 160 page guidebook and 78 card deck. Based on the seasonal rhythm and festivals of the ancient year, it enables us to connect with a long-lost world - one that can now help us make sense of our own. The Wildwood Tarot draws inspiration from pre-Celtic mythology and a belief system steeped in shamanic wisdom and forest lore. Will Worthington's rich and vivid images bring this world to life and make it possible to feel the magic and power of the wildwood. There are symbolic animals too, like the Hawk, Hare, Otter and Wolf, creatures that once walked alongside us in the greenwood and whose spirits still resonate today. In The Wildwood Tarot Mark Ryan and John Matthews introduce us to the classic forest archetypes of the Green Man and Woman, the Archer, the Hooded Man and the Blasted Oak. To walk among the age-old trees is to journey back in time when we were different and our relationship with ancestral knowledge was as natural as breathing.įew themes touch us as deeply as this. B y Mark Ryan and John Matthews with Cards Illustrated by Will Worthington (Version 3)Įnter the Wildwood and you will experience a world of myth and nature, a place of great simpilicity and deep understanding. Wherein wisdom resides - For those who love the ancient woods.
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