The Greenwood Tarot is a distinctive divination tool that draws upon pre-Celtic British religious symbols and the rich tapestry of European history, archaeology, and mythology. First published in 1996 by Thorsons as a collaborative effort between artist Chesca Potter and writer Mark Ryan, this deck presents itself as a journey into the symbolism and legend of the mythic forest. Unlike traditional tarot decks, the Greenwood Tarot is deeply rooted in the natural cycles of the Wheel of the Year, aligning its cards with the solstice and equinox points, as well as the four Celtic fire festivals: Imbolc, Beltane, Lammas, and Samhain.
Although the deck went out of print shortly after its release due to a lack of initial interest, it has since gained unprecedented popularity among tarot collectors and those on pagan or shamanistic spiritual paths. Its rarity and perceived spiritual depth have made it a highly sought-after item on the second-hand market. The deck is based on the reconstruction of pre-Celtic shamanism and the traditions of the mythic forest, offering a unique, pagan-centric approach to tarot that communicates through mystery, harmony, and contradiction.
The Greenwood Tarot is known for its rich symbolism and deep connection to nature. It incorporates elements such as the four elements (earth, air, fire, and water) and the four directions (north, east, south, and west), adding meaningful dimensions to readings. The deck’s imagery is heavily influenced by nature and Celtic symbolism, which profoundly shapes the interpretation of the cards and the messages they convey to the querent.
Core Structure and Characteristics of the Deck
The Greenwood Tarot consists of 78 cards, following the standard tarot structure but with significant thematic and symbolic variations. The deck is designed to be intuitive, with meanings derived from mythology and Celtic lore. The artwork is illustrative and nature-themed, rich and detailed, evoking a mystical and earthy feel.
Deck Characteristics: * Deck Name: The Greenwood Tarot * Deck Type: Tarot * Number of Cards: 78 * Major Arcana: 22 * Minor Arcana: 56 * Suits: Cups, Disks, Spears, Swords * Court Cards: King, Queen, Knight, Page * Card Back: Reversible, featuring a green forest with Celtic knotwork * Creator: Mark Ryan, Chesca Potter * Publisher: HarperElixir * Recommended for: Tarot readers, nature lovers, Celtic enthusiasts
The Major Arcana in the Greenwood Tarot deviates from the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith system in both imagery and order. These changes reflect the deck’s focus on pre-Celtic shamanism and the natural world. For instance, The Ancestor takes the place of The Hierophant, signifying a connection to ancestral wisdom rather than established religious doctrine. The Archer replaces The Chariot, evoking the skill and focus required to navigate the forest. Balance is substituted for Temperance, emphasizing equilibrium in nature and life. The Green Woman replaces The Empress, representing the fertile, nurturing aspect of nature, while The Green Man stands in for The Emperor, symbolizing the wild, authoritative force of the natural world.
One of the most notable changes is The Blasted Oak, which serves as a combination of The Tower and The Hanged Man. This card offers the reader two interpretive options, reflecting the deck’s embrace of contradiction and complexity. The Devil card is replaced by The Guardian, depicted as a bear skeleton at a cave entrance. This powerful image speaks to the relationship between fear, imagination, and self-limitation, urging the querent to confront their inner shadows. A traditional Moon card is present, alongside a unique lunar card titled "Reflection," which is used in place of The Hanged Man. These alterations create a tarot system that is deeply aligned with the cycles of nature and the shamanic journey.
Major Symbols and Imagery in the Greenwood Tarot
The symbolism within the Greenwood Tarot is integral to its interpretive power. The deck’s imagery is designed to unlock the secrets of the forest and provide profound insights into the querent’s life. The major symbols used in the deck have a direct influence on the meanings of the cards.
The Green Man
A central figure in the deck is the Green Man, an ancient pagan symbol representing fertility, vitality, and the cycles of nature. He is often depicted as a face emerging from foliage, a visual reminder of the interconnectedness of all living things and the presence of the divine within nature. When the Green Man appears in a reading, it signifies a period of growth, renewal, and a deepening connection with the natural world. His presence encourages the querent to embrace new beginnings and to recognize the life force that flows through all things.
The Tree of Life
Trees hold a sacred place in Celtic mythology, and the Greenwood Tarot features them prominently. The Tree of Life appears on various cards, symbolizing wisdom, strength, and the connection between different realms (the underworld, the earth, and the heavens). Each card featuring a tree highlights a different aspect of these qualities, offering insight into the querent’s life cycles and the need for balance and harmony. The tree serves as a reminder to remain grounded while reaching for higher understanding.
Animal Symbolism
Animals are heavily featured throughout the deck, with each creature carrying its own unique symbolism and energy. The Stag, for example, represents grace, intuition, and the ability to navigate life’s challenges with dignity. The Raven symbolizes magic, transformation, and the ability to see beyond the veil of ordinary reality. These animal guides enrich the reading by connecting the querent to the inherent qualities and instinctual wisdom associated with each creature.
Landscape and Elements
The landscape depicted in the Greenwood Tarot—forests, rivers, mountains, and caves—plays a vital role in interpreting the cards. The four elements (earth, air, fire, water) and the four cardinal directions are woven into the imagery, providing a framework for understanding the energetic influences at play. The setting of each card adds context and depth, helping the reader to ground the interpretation in the physical and spiritual environment of the querent.
The Practice of Reading the Greenwood Tarot
Reading the Greenwood Tarot is described as a mystical and transformative experience. The process involves several key steps to ensure a clear connection with the deck’s energy and the querent’s question.
- Familiarization: The first step is to become intimately familiar with the symbolism and imagery of each card. This involves studying the deck’s guidebook and observing the intricate details of the artwork.
- Shuffling and Intention: The cards are shuffled thoroughly while the reader focuses on the question or intention. This act aligns the reader’s energy with the deck.
- Spreading the Cards: A spread is laid out. Beginners may start with a simple three-card spread (representing past, present, and future), while more experienced readers might use the Celtic Cross spread or other complex layouts.
- Interpretation: The final step is to interpret the cards based on their individual meanings and their positions relative to one another. It is essential to trust intuition and allow the cards to guide the discovery of insights and messages.
When interpreting the cards, the reader must consider the individual meanings, the interactions between cards, and the symbolism, colors, and images present. The deck’s connection to nature suggests that incorporating the four elements or the four directions can add a meaningful dimension to readings. Ultimately, the choice of spread and interpretive style depends on the reader’s personal preferences and what resonates most deeply with them.
Tools for a Successful Reading
To create a sacred space for divination and personal reflection, several tools are recommended:
- The Greenwood Tarot Deck: The essential tool for any reading.
- A Tarot Cloth or Mat: Provides a dedicated, sacred space to lay out the cards.
- A Tarot Journal: Useful for recording readings, tracking personal insights, and noting the evolution of card meanings over time.
- Additional Reference Materials: Books on Celtic mythology, herbalism, and the deck’s related topics can provide valuable background information and enrich the interpretation of the cards.
By using these tools, a reader can foster a deeper connection to the deck’s wisdom and create a focused environment for divination.
Conclusion
The Greenwood Tarot offers a unique and profound system of divination that is deeply intertwined with the natural world and pre-Celtic shamanic traditions. Its departure from traditional tarot structures, through the reordering of the Major Arcana and the introduction of new archetypes like The Green Man and The Guardian, provides a fresh perspective on universal life themes. The deck’s rich symbolism—from the Green Man and the Tree of Life to its diverse animal and elemental imagery—serves as a powerful language for exploring personal growth, cycles of nature, and spiritual insight.
For homeowners, business owners, and spiritual seekers, the Greenwood Tarot can act as a guide for navigating life’s challenges and opportunities. Its emphasis on balance, harmony, and the interconnectedness of all things aligns with holistic principles of well-being. By engaging with this deck, individuals can unlock hidden wisdom, connect with the energies of the natural world, and gain clarity on their personal journey. The practice of reading the Greenwood Tarot is not merely about fortune-telling but about participating in a dialogue with the deep, mythic forest that resides within and around us.