The Wildwood Tarot - Major Arcana
The cards of the Wildwood Major Arcana are positioned around the Wheel of the Year, rather than simply following their key numbers. Cards are paired, and as the Wildwood Tarot varies from the traditional RWS decks, I find it easier to learn the cards by following the suggested pairings. As such, the cards are presented here as we encounter them on the Wanderer's journey through the wood, rather than sequentially by number.
SEASON denotes the season that the card falls within the Wheel of the Year. Astrological correspondences are listed below the season. TRAITS pertain to the seeker themselves, or someone who possesses the gender and personality qualities listed. NOTES are visual cues on the card.
SEASON denotes the season that the card falls within the Wheel of the Year. Astrological correspondences are listed below the season. TRAITS pertain to the seeker themselves, or someone who possesses the gender and personality qualities listed. NOTES are visual cues on the card.
0 - The Wanderer
ELEMENT: Air - Time of Arrows
SEASON: Center of the Wheel of the Year KEYWORDS: NEW BEGINNINGS - Freedom - Spontaneity - Trust - LIGHT ASPECTS: Instinct > Logic, Courage, Purity of Intent, Adventure, Universal Blessing, Choice, Potential SHADOW ASPECTS: Concept > Substance, Naiveté, Overconfidence, Lack of Preparation/Awareness, Foolishness, Haphazard, Irresponsible COMPARE: In terms of choices, The Wanderer can indicate that there is a choice to be made between 2 forks in the road, while The Forest Lovers can indicate a moral or ethical choice. As The Wander starts off on a fresh adventure into the unknown, the universe blesses her with a rainbow to safely cross the chasm as she steps off of the cliff. This card signifies that a change has taken place, or a choice is being offered that will will have a profound impact on the seeker's life. There are infinite possibilities awaiting, but courage is required in order to step off the edge of an already established comfort zone. The seeker is advised to hold faith and trust in their abilities, and to lay down that which does not serve so as to enter the void of this new adventure unencumbered by the heavy baggage of doubt or fears. There is a theme of releasing patterns of past beliefs, behaviours, or narrative which affect the seeker negatively, and starting anew as a blank slate. The Wanderer reminds us that while we may not yet know where we are going, or how we are getting there, trust is the first step towards accomplishing our dreams. TRAITS: Male or female, youthful or least young-at-heart, gentle, a beautiful and creative soul, happy-go-lucky, adventurous, and clear of conscious, embodying the spirit of the Cosmic Child. NOTES: Chasm: The Abyss of Choice or Change Rainbow: Universal Support and Blessings Forest: The Great Unknown Wanderer: Openness, Abandon, Release, Belief, Trust |
21 - The World Tree
"A man travels the world over in search of what he needs,
And returns home to find it" -- George A. Moore |
ELEMENT: Earth - Time of Stones
SEASON: Center of the Wheel of the Year KEYWORDS: HOME - Arrival - Completion - Recognition - Wholeness - Success - Fulfillment - Abundance LIGHT ASPECTS: Reward, Triumph, Reconciliation, Connection with One's True Calling SHADOW ASPECTS: Finality, Closure, Hiatus, Interruption The World Tree stands with it's door seated at the base of a well-worn labirynth, it's leafy canopy a synthesis of all four seasons and lifecycles. This card represents a completion, and a return home while bearing the riches of spiritual, emotional and material growth. The World Tree indicates the universe's willingness to aid and abet those who are willing to pursue their higher purpose - the seeker has found union with their life's calling, and has the potential to meet with great success, so long as they are willing to undertake the work towards that achievement. The seeker has everything they need, and will find comfort and contentment in their environment. TRAITS: Male or female, mature of vision, dedicated and focused, willing and able to move within the flow of life, working towards creating a legacy or masterpiece. NOTES: Labyrinth: The Path/Journey is Never Straightforward Doorway: Personal Work Allowing Access to Success Leaves: Four Seasons/Cycle of Life, Completion |
5 - The Ancestor
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step"
-- Laozi |
ELEMENT: Earth - Time of Stones
SEASON: Imbolc - February 1st TAURUS: April 20th - May 20th KEYWORDS: CUSTOM - Commencement - Commitment - Endurance LIGHT ASPECTS: Learning, Study, Apprenticeship SHADOW ASPECTS: Point of No Return, Conformity, Predictability The Ancestor beats out a solemn tempo to the rhythm of the Universal Heartbeat, a call that beckons to those that hear it. Her footprints act as a guide along the path, as the dawn breaks on a new moon. This card indicates that the seeker has heard their calling, and has crossed the threshold from contemplating a change, to enacting upon it. There is a need to commit to seeing this shift through in it's entirety - the seeker is advised to release any reluctance or uncertainty, and to trust the tradition and customs of thier pursuit. Although this path may be steeped in convention, the seeker will have the ability to bring new ideas to a time-honoured experience. The Ancestor reminds us that in times of doubt, we should hold counsel with our own inner wisdom, where we may draw the strength required to endure traversing our path to it's completion. TRAITS: Female, The Honourable Crone, who holds worldly and ancient knowledge. Strong, patient, and wise, exuding stability of spirit, emotion, and logic, with the depth of experience to guide and teach others. NOTES: Tracks: Follow the Path to it's End Birch Trees: Gateway of a New Commitment New Moon: The Journey Has Already Begun Drum: Hearing and Answering the Call/Heartbeat |
17 - The Pole Star
"Love and a Star to travel by..."
-- Justin Sane |
ELEMENT: Air - Time of Arrows
SEASON: Imbolc - February 1st AQUARIUS: January 20th - February 18th KEYWORDS: GUIDANCE - Inspiration - Hope - Optimism - Self Empowerment - Intellectual Awakening LIGHT ASPECTS: True Direction, Consistency, Compass Point, Contentment, Generosity, SHADOW ASPECTS: Stagnancy, Self-Doubt, Losing One's Way COMPARE: The Pole Star is about the optimism and hope that The Archer's focus and control will bring success - when these cards appear together, it is an indication of great success resulting in either fortune or fame for the seeker. The Wanderer continues her journey into the depths of the Wildwood, with the gift of the Pole Star to act as a guide, lighting her way. The Pole Star shines as a beacon to those lost in the darkness, and indicates that the seeker is at the end of a time of struggle, and is now moving onwards to the dawning of an intellectual awakening, or spiritual renewal. Harmony, happiness, contentment, and peace are now within reach, and a bright, hopeful future with the potential for healing and personal rejuvenation lies ahead. The Pole Star reminds us that we all have an inner light to shine which serves as a constant and reassuring navigation point towards our true direction. The seeker will find strength and guidance through this self-empowerment, and is reminded to shine like the freaking supernova they are. TRAITS: Male or female, spiritual in their nature and a master of balancing intelligence and love, able to inspire and restore hope in others. NOTES: Path: Destiny's Clear Path Forest: Light At The End Of The Tunnel Starry Night Sky: Spiritual Abundance Pole Star: A Steady Light In The Darkness |
7 - The Archer
“Success means having the courage, the determination,
and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be.” -- George Sheehan |
ELEMENT: Air - Time of Arrows
SEASON: Spring Equinox - March 21st CANCER: June 21st - July 22nd KEYWORDS: FOCUS - Intention - Control - Willpower - Victory - Action - Skill - Harnessing & Transmission of Energy LIGHT ASPECTS: Dedication, Determination, Drive, Confidence, Ambition, Purposeful Execution SHADOW ASPECTS: Single Mindedness, Ruthlessness, Force, Desire, Expectation, Aggression, Control Freak COMPARE: The Archer is the manifestation of mastering the external world, The Woodward is the manifestation of the mastering of self. The Archer hunts with a clarity of will and sharp focus. She has honed her skills and intellect to a sharp point, and expects her hunting companions to be equally dedicated, attentive, and efficient as she is. This card indicates that the seeker is on the right path in the course of their actions, and will experience conquest and triumph over obstacles. Exhibiting great willpower and determination, the seeker has mastered the tools needed to accomplish their goals. Intellect has moved from awakening to fully dawning, ideas and plans are being manifested into reality. The seeker is advised to act boldly, but to not to rush - smooth and and deliberately calculated execution of action will be the key to success. The seeker is cautioned against forcibly imposing their will and demands upon others. TRAITS: Male or female, decisive, determined and goal-oriented. Tough and strong the outside, but inwardly sensitive and vulnerable. Willing to take the lead, holds high standards for themselves and the people they work with. Extremely skilled in their trade. NOTES: Dogs: High Expectations of Support Team Arrow: Transmission of Will Archer: Eyes On The Prize |
8 - The Stag
"The dead cannot cry out for justice;
it is a duty of the living to do so for them." -- Lois McMaster Bujold |
ELEMENT: Air - Time of Arrows
SEASON: Spring Equinox - March 21st LIBRA: September 23 - October 22 KEYWORDS: RESPONSIBILITY - Cause & Effect - Consequences - Balance - Human Laws & Legalities - Reaping What One Has Sown - Personal Karma LIGHT ASPECTS: Integrity, Realignment, Equality, Adjustment, Fairness SHADOW ASPECTS: Judgement, Harshness, Stubborn, Reactive, Guilt COMPARE: The Stag indicates External Balance, Balance represents Internal Balance. The Stag represents personal karma, The Wheel represents universal karma. The Stag stands as the bearer of justice, and watches closely over The Archer, ensuring she only takes what she needs. Concerned with maintaining the equilibrium and balance of the forest, The Stag is impartial and ethical, allowing his conscience to be his guide. This card reminds us to be aware of the consequences of our actions, and that our decisions must be made with integrity. Actions and choices must remain adaptable in order to preserve the balance between our needs, goals, and desires, and that which is beneficial on a wider scale if we hope to meet with favourable karmic circumstances. The Stag can also indicate the effect of human laws and legalities, the results of which will be fair, even if the seeker disagrees with the outcome. Karma is at work here on a personal level rather than a cosmic one, so it is important to remember that any action taken will be met by an equal and opposite reaction. TRAITS: Male, strong of character and moral ground, resolute in that which he believes is just, but fair in his assessments. NOTES: Shield: Protection for That Which Is Fair/Good/Right/Ethical Dagger: Cutting Through to The Truth of the Matter Axe: The Human Will to Change Circumstances Brooch: What Goes Around Comes Around |
6 - The Forest Lovers
"Let there be spaces in your togetherness,
and let the winds of the heavens dance between you." -- Kahlil Gibran |
ELEMENT: Air - Time of Arrows
SEASON: Beltane - May 1st GEMINI: May 21 - June 20 KEYWORDS: PARTNERSHIP - Connection - Choice - Ethics - Love LIGHT ASPECTS: Harmony, Balance, Friendship, Union, Fertility SHADOW ASPECTS: Temptation, Indecision, Polarity, Duality, COMPARE: In terms of choices, The Forest Lovers can indicate a moral or ethical choice, while The Wanderer can indicate that there is a choice to be made between 2 forks in the road. The Forest Lovers stand surrounded by a fertile spring landscape fresh with new creation and growth. Between their fasted hands grows a birch sapling representing the balance and space that must exist in order for there to be true harmony. This card represents harmony in partnerships, and in terms of romantic relationships, indicates great passion on behalf of both parties. Placed at the pinnacle of spring, there is an abundance of fertility and potential present. While The Forest Lovers symbolize a strong union, there also must be space permitted between one another in order to allow the relationship to flourish. The card can also indicate that there is a moral or ethical decision to be made where emotion and logic are at odds with what is the right choice. TRAITS: The lovers may be or any gender, and of any sexual orientation. NOTES: Lilies: Sexuality, Fertility, & Motherhood Man & Woman: Yin & Yang Balance Handfasting: Commitment to a Partnership Birch Tree: Allowing Space for the Relationship to Grow |
14 - Balance
"Balance is not something you find, it's something you create."
-- Jana Kingsford |
ELEMENT: Fire - Time of Bows
SEASON: Beltane - May 1st SAGITTARIUS: November 22 - December 21 KEYWORDS: HARMONY - Patience - Trust - Healing - Fusion LIGHT ASPECTS: Calm, Self-Contemplation, Order, Unity, Fluidity SHADOW ASPECTS: Resistance to Change, Rigidity, Chaos COMPARE: Balance = Internal Balance / The Stag = External Balance. Deep in the tangled forest, two serpents entwine on a multi-trunked tree, creating unity and fusing the polaric elements of fire and ice. A petroglyph of a face displays light and dark sides. This card represents the drawing together of contrasting qualities to create harmony. Primarily indicative of the spiritual work necessary to embrace one's shadow aspects in order to become whole, the card can also indicate a fusion of ideas, or the need to bring order and reconciliation to opposing factors in the seeker's situation. There is a need for the seeker to find a restful, calm state in order to contemplate how they will develop unity. The seeker must investigate the role they play within the conflict or situation. TRAITS: N/A NOTES: Petroglyph: Embracing One's Shadow Aspects Forest: The Tangled Mind Without Balance Serpents: Caduceus as a Symbol of Healing & Medical Practice |
3 - The Green Woman
"Creativity is intelligence having fun."
--Albert Einstein |
ELEMENT: Earth - Time of Bows
SEASON: Summer Solstice - June 21st KEYWORDS: CREATIVITY - Abundance - Fertility - Encouragement -Maternity LIGHT ASPECTS: Nurturing, Protection, Validation, Family, Love SHADOW ASPECTS: Unintended Consequences, Watching What You Wish For, Destruction, Strictness COMPARE: The Green Woman encourages creative growth, The Green Man brings order to that growth. The Green Woman stands as the Empress of the Forest, self-assured and abundant, she epitomizes the height of creativity, expression, and self-generated power. She encourages bringing concepts to reality. This card represents creative energy, and the realization of creative endeavours. The seeker is encouraged to give life to the creative ideas which have been developing internally. Abundance and light will be directed wherever the seeker points their attention, creating the ideal circumstances for the fruition of their projects. Rich in the symbols of fertility and nurturing, the Green Woman can represent family, marriage, motherhood, as well as a reminder to support, nurture, and care for oneself. TRAITS: Female, mature with natural beauty, protective, and wise, able to counsel those who seek her advice, and skilled in mediation and interpersonal skills. Strict but fair; authoritative. Those who embody the Green Woman's energy are aware and in control of their own great power, and productivity. NOTES: Sheela-Na-Gig: Fertility, Female Sexuality, Goddess Energy Cauldron: The Wellspring of Creativity Creatures: Protective & Protected Gorget: Warrior Woman, with Strength & Power to Destroy |
4 - The Green Man
"I am still making order out of chaos by reinvention."
-- John le Carre |
ELEMENT: Fire - Time of Bows
SEASON: Summer Solstice - June 21st ARIES - March 21st - April 19th KEYWORDS: ORDER - Vigilance - Authority - Assertiveness - Paternity - Logic > Emotion - Structure LIGHT ASPECTS: Drive, Ability, Strong Will, Confidence SHADOW ASPECTS: Fierceness, Severity, Dominance, Force COMPARE: The Green Man brings order to The Green Woman's wildly growing garden. The Green Man stands as the Emperor of the Forest, a fierce warrior when protecting his natural world, but generous to those who treat his domain and its denizens with respect. This card indicates that there is a need for order and organization, especially in terms of creative endeavours. Proceeding methodically with confidence and assertiveness are the requirements to meeting with success. The seeker is capable of dominance and superiority in career and business realms, and possesses the strength of will and vision necessary to bring structure to the situation in question. In circumstances of conflict, the seeker has authority on their side, and is justified in their petition. TRAITS: Male, mature, authoritarian and well respected. Protective in his nature. Possessing a drive to create order and equality. The Green Man can be intimidating, but he is fair and kind hearted. NOTES: Cauldron: The Wellspring of Creativity Cerne Abbas Giant: Creation, Fertility, Male Sexuality, Protection Horn of Plenty: Generosity Spear: Authority and Power |
16 - The Blasted Oak
"Sometimes you have to die a little inside in order to be reborn, and rise again as a stronger and wiser version of yourself."
-- Unknown |
ELEMENT: Fire - Time of Bows
SEASON: Lammas - August 1st KEYWORDS: FAILURE - Sudden Unexpected Change - Liberation -Phoenix - Sacrifice LIGHT ASPECTS: Rebuilding, Renewal, Cleansing, Breaking Bonds SHADOW ASPECTS: Deconstruction, False Security, Ego, Greed COMPARE: The Blasted Oak represents external change, The Great Bear represents internal change. A figure falls towards the ground from a branch severed by lighting. Flames about the wrists and ankles consume the ties that have bound the figure to the branch. Will the figure break by landing on the hard rocky ground, or get a chance to swim in a softer water landing? This dramatic card tells the tale of the deconstruction of ego and false security, or the dissolution of beliefs or relationships as the result of selfish and pride-driven ambition. This change will be sudden, unexpected, and shocking. Bankruptcy or loss of material goods may be indicated. The seeker is advised to prepare for upheavals and difficulties that will affect their stability, and to exercise caution/avoid taking risks - it is also a warning to keep one's ego in-check, and to proceed with humility. The benefit to this destruction is that the slate will be wiped clean, with the seeker liberated from bonds, patterns, situations, or relationships which did not serve their higher goals. The opportunity to rise like the phoenix, and rebuild on solid footing is present. TRAITS: N/A NOTES: Ground: Hard Landing on Rocks, or Soft Landing in Water? Fire/Ropes: Release of The Ties That Bind Figure: Sudden Fall, Confusion Branch: Clean Break Lightning: Unavoidable Change |
11 - The Woodward
"Speak softly, and carry a big stick."
-- Theodore Roosevelt |
ELEMENT: Fire - Time of Bows
SEASON: Lammas - August 1st LEO - July 23rd - August 22nd KEYWORDS: COMPASSION - Courage - Strength - Forgiveness - Respect LIGHT ASPECTS: Understanding, Empathy, Acceptance, Resolution, SHADOW ASPECTS: Fear, Aggression, Passivity COMPARE: The Woodward is the manifestation of the mastering of self. The Archer is the manifestation of mastering the external world. The Woodward stands overlooking his domain, confident yet relaxed, strong yet compassionate. His source of strength lies in his acceptance, perseverance, and composure. This card indicates that the seeker has the wisdom and courage necessary to face and conquer their fears, and the inner strength and maturity needed to ascend to the moral high road when faced with an unfair situation. The Woodward reminds us that the gentle energies of compassion, love, understanding, and empathy triumph over brute force, so that when dealing with a challenging situation or an adversary who is being openly hostile, the seeker's best recourse is to respond with kindness, compassion, and gentle persuasion. The Woodward's strength lies in the resolute knowledge that walking with soft footsteps will bring him close to his prey. He has the fortitude to protect himself without having to be harsh, and to offer forgiveness. TRAITS: Male or female, mature, and well-respected. Able to hold their own counsel, wise, peaceful, and compassionate. Easily sidesteps social drama, the Woodward personality understands that forgiveness is compassion and healing extended to oneself, as much as it is to others. NOTES: Lynx: Quiet Courage & Confidence Mountain: Being The Bigger Person, A Solid Base of Support Cup: Compassion & Empathy Spear: Kindness Does Not Equal Weakness Eagle: The Ability To Rise Above, The Moral High Road |
12 - The Mirror
"And a rock feels no pain... And an island never cries."
-- Paul Simon |
ELEMENT: Water - Time of Vessels
SEASON: Autumn Equinox - September 21st KEYWORDS: VANITY - Isolation - Wounded Wall - Jung's Dark Triad - Bravado LIGHT ASPECTS: Reflection, Quiet of the Soul, Still Waters Run Deep SHADOW ASPECTS: Pride, Superficial or Materialistic Impulses, Self-Righteousness Accompanied by a Heron wearing a medicine bag, a siren reaches to grasp the moon. In the distance, three leafless trees grow on a small island, while a figure lies in repose within a tethered boat on the still, dark lake. This card indicates that there is danger of the seeker becoming self-obsessed and aggrandizing, thereby rejecting or repulsing any outside support, assistance, or advice. The seeker believes themselves capable of capturing the moon if they only reach for it, but the truth is that there is a need to be connected within a community in order to accomplish their goals. Any actions based in vanity, self-righteousness, or pride will leave the seeker isolated. The seeker may be an integral and even key component the situation in question, but they must come to recognize and acknowledge that they are not it's singular focus. The seeker is advised to reflect upon the nature of their desires, to put aside the need to be the center of attention or accomplishment, and work harmoniously and cooperatively as a member of a team rather than an individual. On a personal level, the seeker or person in question has receded to a place of inscrutability as a means of protecting their wounded soul, and reside in a fear of true intimacy. There is a concept in-place that vulnerability equals weakness. In this case, the card advises reflection in order to illuminate and come to terms with the original wound or belief which has created this pattern of protection so that true healing may begin. TRAITS: Male or female, the Mirror personality projects an aura of being impulsive, domineering, and prideful, when in truth they have a depth of kindness and compassion which they shield from the world by acting as inscrutable - this is not a true act of pride, but an act of protection from some deep wound which they have not yet settled within themselves, and a fear of appearing weak to others. NOTES: Heron: Machiavellianism - Manipulation, Exploitation, Deception Boat: Psychopathy - Antisocial, Remorselessness, Lack of Empathy Island: Isolation Mirror: The Need for Reflection Siren: Narcissism - Bravado, Pride, Grandiosity, Egotism Moon: Illumination |
10 - The Wheel
"Small wheel turn by the fire and rod,
Big wheel turn by the grace of god, Every time that wheel turn round, Bound to cover just a little more ground." -- Robert Hunter |
ELEMENT: Fire - Time of Bows
SEASON: Autumn Equinox - September 21st KEYWORDS: CHANCE - Patterns - Destiny - Dharma - Karma - Cycles LIGHT ASPECTS: Kismet, Fluidity, Good Fortune, Possibility, Alignment SHADOW ASPECTS: Fate, Stagnation, Misfortunate, Misalignment COMPARE: The Wheel represents universal karma, while The Stag represents personal karma. An Iron Age loom stands by the water's edge, under a sky with both sun and moon. The sweater on the loom continues as a work-in-progress. This card can indicate a turning point in the seeker's life; whether that be self-engineered, an instance of force majeure, an unavoidable accident, a chance connection, or random happenstance, the wheel has been set in-motion, and will affect the outcome of the situation in question. This could involve a change in luck, as what is down will come up, and what is up will come down. There is also a theme of history repeating itself, so the seeker is advised to be alert to recognizing patterns, so as to make the choices necessary to help shape the desired outcome. Taking control over one's own actions and remaining accountable within this fluid state of transition is the key to shifting from fate towards destiny when faced with what is essentially the Wild Card of the Tarot. TRAITS: N/A NOTES: Water: The Fluid State of Unknowing Hazel Tree: Handling Change with Wisdom and Awareness Herons: The Three Fates Loom: Ability to Weave One's Own Destiny Sweater: Wheel of Dharma Sky: Transition From One State to Another |