The Robin Wood Tarot deck stands as a significant and popular tool for divination and personal introspection, closely adhering to the traditional Rider-Waite system while introducing its own distinct artistic flair. This deck is particularly well-regarded for its nature-inspired themes and incorporation of Pagan symbolism, making it accessible and visually engaging for both beginners and experienced readers. The deck's design philosophy emphasizes clarity and ease of interpretation, supported by a straightforward companion book and additional resources that guide users through its rich symbolic landscape. By examining the deck's physical characteristics, the structure of its cards, and the specific meanings embedded within its imagery, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of how to utilize this deck for spiritual guidance and self-reflection.
The Robin Wood Tarot consists of the standard 78 cards, divided into the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana comprises 22 cards, including archetypes such as The Fool, The Magician, The High Priestess, The Empress, The Emperor, The Hierophant, The Lovers, The Chariot, Strength, The Hermit, The Wheel of Fortune, Justice, The Hanged Man, Death, Temperance, The Devil, The Tower, The Star, The Moon, The Sun, Judgement, and The World. These cards represent significant life themes and spiritual lessons. The Minor Arcana contains 56 cards, organized into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. Each suit includes ten numbered cards (2 through 10) and four court cards: King, Queen, Knight, and Page. This structure allows for detailed readings that address various aspects of daily life, from emotions and conflicts to material concerns and creative endeavors.
A notable feature of the Robin Wood Tarot is its artistic presentation. The cards are printed on flexible card stock, designed to be durable and easy to handle, measuring approximately 2 3/4" x 4 5/8". The artwork utilizes pen, ink, and Prismacolor pencils, creating a visual style that many find appealing and evocative. The deck incorporates some "over the top nudity" and phallic imagery, such as in The Lovers and Ace of Wands cards, which are intended to symbolize fertility, birth, growth, virility, and life. While some users may find these elements questionable or bizarre, they are part of the deck's symbolic language. The imagery on the pip cards (numbered cards 2-10) tells a story, similar to the Rider-Waite tradition, allowing readers to interpret meanings directly from the pictures even without printed titles on the cards themselves. The titles on the Major Arcana are clear, while the pip cards display only a number in a circle, though the suit is made obvious through the artwork.
The companion book included with the deck, written by Michael Short, is described as a "little white book" that is very basic but sufficient for beginners. It provides keywords and short phrases for the upright and reversed positions of the Major Arcana. For the Minor Arcana, the suits are ordered from Kings through to Aces, with keywords given for the numbers first, followed by individual card treatments. For those seeking more in-depth information, a separate book by Anthony Louis titled "Tarot Plain and Simple" is recommended as a handy companion. Although not written specifically for the Robin Wood deck, it uses this deck to illustrate individual cards and provides further direction on how to work with them.
The deck includes several helpful additions to aid interpretation. Specifically, the Pages each have a particular item hanging from their belt, which serves as a key to understanding the card's energy: - The Page of Cups carries a paint palette, suggesting creativity and emotional expression. - The Page of Swords holds a spyglass, symbolizing the search for truth and clarity. - The Page of Wands has a coiled rope, representing potential and the binding of ideas. - The Page of Pentacles possesses a book, indicating learning and the study of material or practical matters.
Three specific spreads are presented in the companion book for conducting readings: - A 15-card spread created by Barbara Johnson. - The 10-card Celtic Cross spread. - A 5-card spread suggested for answering specific questions.
The 5-card and 15-card spreads are also printed on cards for quick and easy access during readings. The Celtic Cross spread included in the book offers attributed meanings that may differ from traditional interpretations but are noted to work effectively.
The Robin Wood Tarot is designed to be a tool for clarity and self-reflection. It allows users to see the impact of their thought patterns laid out in front of them, providing the impetus to change thinking and get back on track. It is recognized that sometimes a reading may be tainted by emotions, or the user may not be ready for the "why" that Tarot provides. In such cases, Oracle cards are suggested as a blessing. The deck's ease of reading and adherence to traditional meanings make it a great alternative for beginners, while its enduring popularity speaks to its effectiveness for a wide range of users.
Conclusion
The Robin Wood Tarot offers a robust framework for divination, combining traditional structure with unique artistic elements. Its adherence to Rider-Waite meanings ensures a solid foundation for learning, while its nature-inspired imagery and specific symbolic additions, such as the items on the Pages, provide depth and accessibility. The deck is supported by a basic companion book and recommendations for further reading, along with practical spreads designed for various inquiry needs. By understanding its physical attributes, card composition, and the specific symbols woven into its artwork, users can effectively engage with the Robin Wood Tarot as a tool for personal insight and spiritual guidance.