The Robin Wood Tarot deck stands as a notable creation within the realm of divination tools, designed to bridge the gap between traditional Tarot symbolism and accessible imagery. Created by Robin Wood and first published in 1991 by Llewellyn, this deck has maintained its popularity over several decades. It is frequently recommended for its adherence to the traditional Rider-Waite meanings, making it a reliable resource for those beginning their journey into Tarot reading. The deck is characterized by its nature-inspired aesthetic and incorporation of Pagan symbolism, offering a visual experience that is both engaging and rich in meaning.
For individuals seeking to understand the energies surrounding their personal lives, relationships, or environments, tools like the Robin Wood Tarot can serve as a mirror to current thought patterns and potential outcomes. While Vastu Shastra addresses the physical flow of energy within a space, Tarot provides insight into the internal landscape. Together, they offer a holistic approach to well-being, aligning the external environment with internal clarity. This article explores the specific characteristics, symbolism, and practical applications of the Robin Wood Tarot, drawing exclusively from available source material to provide a factual guide for users.
The Visual Language and Symbolism of the Deck
The visual presentation of the Robin Wood Tarot is one of its defining features. The artwork is created using pen, ink, and Prismacolor pencils, resulting in a style that is detailed and vibrant. The deck is designed to be "nice to look at," which encourages users to engage with the cards and study their imagery. The imagery is heavily influenced by Pagan symbolism and nature, providing a distinct atmosphere while remaining faithful to the traditional structure of the Tarot.
A key aspect of the deck’s design is its clarity regarding the Major and Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana cards feature clear titles, which aids in immediate recognition of their archetypal themes. In contrast, the Minor Arcana (pip cards) display only a number within a circle. However, the artwork itself clearly indicates the suit of each card—Wands, Cups, Swords, or Pentacles. This visual distinction is intended to make the deck easy to read, even for those who have not yet memorized the traditional meanings of the pip cards.
The creator included specific details on the Page cards to assist readers in interpretation. Each Page carries a distinct item hanging from their belt, serving as a keyword or prompt for the card’s energy: - Page of Cups: Holds a paint palette, suggesting creativity and emotional expression. - Page of Swords: Carries a spyglass, symbolizing vigilance, curiosity, and the search for truth. - Page of Wands: Has a coiled rope, representing potential, connection, and the binding of ideas. - Page of Pentacles: Displays a book, indicating study, learning, and the accumulation of knowledge.
The phallic nature of the Ace of Wands is noted in the source material as a potent symbol of fertility, birth, growth, virility, and life force. This direct representation helps the reader connect immediately with the card’s core themes of creative energy and initiation.
Navigating the Deck: Imagery and Sensitivity
While the deck is celebrated for its beauty and accessibility, users should be aware of specific artistic choices that may evoke strong reactions. The source material explicitly mentions that the Robin Wood Tarot contains "over the top nudity" that some individuals may find questionable or bizarre. For example, the depiction of the man in The Lovers card is noted for its distinctive characteristics. These elements are part of the artistic interpretation, but practitioners sensitive to such imagery should approach the deck with this knowledge. The source suggests that while some imagery might seem strange, the deck’s overall utility and adherence to tradition have allowed it to grow on users over time.
The deck measures 7 x 11½ cm, a size that is generally considered easy to handle. The card stock is flexible and durable, having proven its longevity over years of use. The original design features white borders, though the source notes that some users have chosen to trim the deck to remove these borders, resulting in a "borderless" look that some find more visually immersive. This modification is purely aesthetic and does not alter the divinatory meaning of the cards.
Companion Literature and Learning Resources
For those seeking to deepen their understanding of the Robin Wood Tarot, several learning resources are available. The deck comes with a "little white book" (LWB) compiled by Robin Wood’s partner, Michael Short. This guide includes a 5-card spread created by Michael Short and provides basic meanings for the cards.
The Little White Book: - Structure: The book offers 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 Aces. - Methodology: Keywords are provided for the numbers first, followed by the same keyword/phrase treatment for individual cards. - Utility: While described as basic, the book is considered sufficient for beginners to get started.
Additional Reading: For users requiring more depth than the LWB provides, a separate book titled Tarot Plain and Simple by Anthony Louis is recommended. Although this book is not written specifically as a guide for the Robin Wood Tarot, it uses this deck to illustrate the individual cards. It serves as a handy companion for those who wish to explore card meanings and working methods in greater detail.
Practical Application: Spreads and Layouts
The source material details three specific spreads included in the Robin Wood Tarot book. These spreads offer different levels of complexity, allowing readers to choose a layout that suits their needs.
The 15-Card Spread:
- Origin: Created by Barbara Johnson.
- Application: This is a comprehensive spread designed to provide a detailed reading. The source notes that this spread, along with the 5-card spread, is printed on cards for quick reference, making it convenient for practitioners.
The Celtic Cross (10-Card Spread):
- Application: A classic and widely recognized Tarot spread.
- Note on Interpretation: The source material indicates that the attributed meanings for the Celtic Cross in this deck differ somewhat from what the reviewer is used to. However, it is noted that these interpretations "worked well enough," suggesting that while the specific nuances may vary, the spread remains effective for divinatory purposes.
The 5-Card Spread:
- Origin: Suggested by Michael Short.
- Application: This spread is specifically designed for answering specific questions. It is printed on a card for easy access, making it ideal for quick, focused readings.
The Experience of Reading with Robin Wood Tarot
The subjective experience of using the Robin Wood Tarot is highlighted in the source material as one of growth and evolving appreciation. The reviewer admits to having kept the deck on a shelf for many years, only to rediscover it and find the experience enriching. This suggests that the deck’s value may not be immediately apparent to all users but can deepen with time and repeated engagement.
Tarot reading is described as a tool for self-reflection. The source notes that seeing the impact of one’s thought patterns laid out visually can provide the "impetus to change thinking and get back on track." Conversely, the cards can also confirm when a course of action is ill-advised. There are instances where the "why" provided by the Tarot may be difficult to accept immediately, highlighting the importance of emotional readiness in the reading process. In such cases, the use of Oracle cards is mentioned as a gentler alternative for guidance.
Publishing and Availability
The Robin Wood Tarot deck has been in publication since 1991. The version referenced in the source material is published by Llewellyn (2011, 19th printing). Its longevity speaks to its enduring appeal and utility within the Tarot community.
Conclusion
The Robin Wood Tarot serves as a bridge between traditional Tarot structures and a nature-inspired, Pagan aesthetic. It is a tool designed for ease of use, particularly for beginners, while offering enough depth to remain a favorite among experienced readers. Its adherence to Rider-Waite meanings ensures that knowledge gained from this deck is transferable to other traditional decks. While the imagery contains elements that may require personal discernment regarding sensitivity to nudity, the deck’s overall construction, companion literature, and included spreads provide a comprehensive package for divination. By integrating the visual cues provided by the artwork—such as the items on the Pages or the phallic symbolism of the Ace of Wands—practitioners can access insights into their personal growth, relationships, and the energetic currents of their lives.