Wildwood Tarot Book & Cards

by Mark Ryan, John Matthews, Will Worthington (Illustrator)

Based on the seasonal rhythms and festivals of the ancient year, "The Wildwood Tarot" draws its inspiration from pre-Celtic mythology and shamanic mysteries, placing mystical archetypes into a nature-based system rich in shamanic wisdom and forest lore. The archetypal forces of the deck act as both guides and interpreters, taking us on a spiritual, mystical and psychological journey deep into the labyrinth of primal Earth mysteries.. To walk among the age-old trees of the wildwood is to journey back in time. In this eye-catching deck, previously known as "The Greenwood Tarot", Mark Ryan and John Matthews reawaken the classic forest archetypes of the Green Man and Woman, the Archer, the Hooded Man and the Blasted Oak. Will Worthington's rich and vivid images bring this ancient world back to life and make it possible to feel the magic and power of the wildwood. The 160-page book comes with a 78 beautifully illustrated tarot cards.

Genres: Tarot, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Divination, Paganism, Reference, Occult

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

The multi-talented Mark Ryan first became famous as 'Nasir' in Robin of Sherwood (British cult-series from the mid-1980s).
He also starred in major musicals in London's West End (like 'Evita').

He has written for DC Comics, and for Harper Collins (The Greenwood Tarot), as well as online publisher ComicMix ('The Pilgrim').

He's also an accomplished swordfighter, responsible for the choreography of the fights on 'Robin of Sherwood' and as sword trainer to Clive Owen and Keira Knightley for 'King Arthur'.

Reviews

[Amanda K · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm going to start out by saying that the artwork is 5 stars but the author is full of it.

Around October of last year, I finally decided to order a few tarot decks after considering it for months. Not to read the future but to connect to my subconscious. I wanted something with symbolism and vivid imagery that my mind could use as a jumping-off point to reveal things I already know (i.e. make a decision when subconsciously I already know what I want to choose but consciously I'm not sure what I want or confront things about myself that I haven't faced yet, etc.) One of the decks I chose was the Wildwood Tarot because I found it aesthetically pleasing and the images appeared to be intricate enough to give my subconscious a lot to work with. The Wildwood Tarot was the first deck to arrive, and I immediately had difficulty. "That's ok," I thought, "I'm still learning a new system and that will take time." I quickly realized that the Wildwood Tarot puts a spin on the traditional RWS meanings so I would have to learn it separately from the rest of tarot.

By January I had several decks and was starting to get a grasp of tarot and could sometimes get meaningful readings without even needing to consult the books. Except, not for Wildwood. The Wildwood Tarot was still this mystery for me, and every time I tried consulting its guidebook I would leave even more confused. But I really liked the imagery, so I decided to give it one last shot. Maybe I just needed to really study the book in order to connect. So I did a deck study, reading the book cover to cover and taking notes. After 5 months, I was only through half of the cards, so I decided to make a concerted effort and got to the 75% mark in just a few days. And finally decided to write off the guidebook completely.

This author spends a lot of time at the start of the book claiming that he wants to avoid the political, religious, and gendered overtones that most tarot decks have, and that the subjects are depicted as androgynous whenever possible. Then he proceeds to use he/she pronouns constantly in the meanings and frequently harkens back to outdated gender roles as if its the ideal. Often the reading point of a card will mention how back in the good ole days the father went to work and provided while the mom stayed home with the kids. The father taught the son how to hunt and fish and play catch while mom taught daughter the "women's mysteries." And wasn't that so great, shouldn't we go back to that? Because modern mankind is destructive and terrible. If only women would go back to the kitchen, right?

When he wasn't lamenting on how the world's changing and that's bad, he was filling the reading points of the cards with long-winded rants on the evils of man in general and how we need to save the earth. Not sure how to fit that into a spread about what I should do with my life, but ok. So on those, you really have to reach to try to come up with some sort of real-life meaning for that card.

He also likes to include a little of all the suits in every card meaning so that the divide between suits is muddled and indistinct. Many of the cards I could not understand why he chose to put it as stones instead of vessels or bows instead of arrows. At the start of each suit there was a cheat sheet of what the associations for that suit were supposed to be, but then in every suit was love, compassion, connection, skill, achievement, wisdom, intellect, dedication, and development. So many of the meanings were so similar to other cards that they all started to blend together. The author would have been much better off making this an oracle deck, instead of trying to jam his ideas and concepts he wanted to cover into the format and structure of tarot. Then he could have reduced the number of cards that meant basically the same thing, and numbered the major arcana in the order he lays out in the introduction and could have leaned into his preaching and just had each card represent a way to fix the environment.

I haven't yet decided how, if at all, I will use the cards going forward.

[Claudia Loureiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me this is a properly pagan divination deck, each of the 78 cards is illustrated with inspiring, engaging, pagan imagery, beautiful and highly recommended. The book helps to interpret the cards as you would Rider Waite.
It is structured in a similar manner to the standard Rider-Waite Tarot deck but the traditional tarot suits of wands, cups, disks and swords are here replaced by bows, vessels, stones and arrows.
The artwork is borderline alchemical, but not overwhelming incryptic; very pure simple symbolism.
The packaging is lovely but when I got the cards they felt cheap, this is the only negative point.

The Major Arcana of the Wildwood Tarot, VS the Major Arcana of the Rider-Waite Tarot.
The Wanderer -- The Fool
The Shaman -- The Magician
The Seer -- The High Priestess
The Green Woman -- The Empress
The Green Man -- The Emperor
The Ancestor -- The Hierophant
The Forest Lovers -- The Lovers
The Archer -- The Chariot
The Stag --Justice
The Hooded Man -- The Hermit
The Wheel -- Wheel of Fortune
The Woodward -- Strength
The Mirror -- The Hanged Man
The Journey -- Death
Balance -- Temperance
The Guardian -- The Devil
The Blasted Oak -- The Tower
The Pole Star -- The Star
The Moon on Water -- The Moon
The Sun of Life -- The Sun
The Great Bear -- Judgment
The World Tree -- The World

Queen of Stones * Bear
Eight of Stones * Skill
Six of Arrows * Transition
Nine of Arrows * Dedication
Three of Bows * Fulfillment
Eight of Bows * Hearthfire
Two of Vessels * Attraction
Seven of Vessels * Mourning

[Lorellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this deck. You can feel the love that was poured into each beautiful image. One barely has to think to work with it.

[Trine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've only had this deck for a short time, but I already find it very relatable, much more so than the traditional Rider-Waite decks. The imagery is stunning, and I like the substitutions that Ryan and Matthews have made - they resonate much more with me. I feel the cards could also be used in ceremony to signify the corners/elements/Watchers, or to draw upon the energy of a particular archetype or symbol.

I also find the book very helpful, though I haven't really seen any description of the Shadow sides of the cards - maybe that's up to personal interpretation, but I would have liked that.

Overall very pleased with this.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Wild Wood Tarot is a Celtic version of the Rider-Waite tarot. Ryan includes animals and symbolism found in Celtic mythology. This deck served it's purpose. Then I gave it away to a friend who bonded better with the deck.

[Fiver · Rating 2 out of 5]

A book and divination system that suffers from the same hogwash and irrationality as most modern mysticism and occult nonsense. People who know anything about cold readings and the deliberately vague language used by astrologers and fortune tellers will only need to glance at the prose of the book to realize that it's swimming in the stuff. I have heard one ore two rational defenses of Tarot as a meditative guide or fun party game (far be it from me to say anything that would show disrespect towards the traditional playground Cootie-Catcher), but this book is not one of them, instead encouraging people to place faith in the cards and relieve themselves of some of the responsibility of making decisions by thrusting difficult issues into the realm of mysticism and arcana.



I give this bookset two stars strictly because the included cards are admittedly quite beautiful (and are the reason I bought the set).

[Jude61 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just go this book card set for my birthday and I am blown away by all that the author Mark Ryan has done. The art work on the cards is very good, simple detail, clear and I can see it all with out having to strain my old eyes. The book seems good too, I am just getting in to it and like what I am reading.

Edit to my first review.

Up on reading through the book, wow, way too environmental for me to try to use with cards. At this point they will just go on my shelves in my nice to look at tarot and collect section.

I still love the Llewellyn card set, and Druid Craft over all others I have gotten over the years.

[culley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great deck, my first. I found it to be very accessible and easy to extract uncanny metaphor from my first readings. I chose this deck after getting a reading in public at the local cannabis club. A therapist intern was there doing readings with three decks and I chose this one. The first card shown in a three-card spread was the fool. It set the tone for my appreciation of the tarot.

The overall layout of these cards are non-traditional. After some thought, I have decided that I really only have room in my life for one tarot deck and I have chosen to focus on another, the Shining Tribe. But I consider this deck an excellent starter deck.

[Rhianon · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best tarot decks I've encountered. Overall it has a very grounding and positive outlook to its artwork and interpretations, shifting focus away from negativity in whatever situation is presented.

I look forward to discovering a tarot deck that resonates with me more deeply than this one does. It was easy to get familiar with, to get in tune with and understand on an intuitive level, and it continues to amaze me with its accuracy.

[Ninon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well.. I haven't tried the cards yet, but I find the book (on the cards) very, very confusing.
There are some of the cards, which I have no idea how to read, after having read the book..
..I suppose the best advice really is, as the one in the book: "read the book, meditate on the cards, then put the book away and do your own thing"..
..it is yet to be tested..!

The artwork is absolutely wonderful!!

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the book from cover to cover taking in even the tiniest bits of information. I plan on reading the book once more and drawing some diagrams and making notes that may help me even more to connect to the deck itself. I loved the book and I have no doubt that it will bring me much help and inspiration!

[Denialandavoidance · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Theoretical considerations of cause and effect often look pale and dusty in comparison to the results of chance."


I really do like the book, the cards of course are beautiful and rife with symbolism. the card meanings could have been a little more differentiated tho, you definitely need to be familiar with tarot before you jump into the wildwood

[Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This unique creation by Mark Ryan and John Matthews dives deep into Celtic lore and the rhythms of nature, offering a fresh perspective for tarot enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Nature's Embrace

The Wildwood's true strength lies in its artwork. Gone are the traditional tarot scenes; instead, we encounter vibrant portrayals of the natural world. Lush woodlands, majestic creatures, and the ever-changing sky become the backdrop for each card's message. This deep connection to nature fosters a sense of grounding and allows intuitive interpretations to flourish.

Unlike traditional decks, the Wildwood Tarot aligns its suits with the seasons. Wands become Stags, Cups become Streams, Swords become Bows, and Pentacles become Stones. This seasonal flow encourages readers to see the cards not just as isolated meanings, but as part of a larger cycle of growth, transformation, and renewal.

A Gentle Guide

The Wildwood departs from some traditional interpretations, offering new names and keywords for certain cards. However, the accompanying book provides insightful explanations that bridge the gap for those familiar with older decks. This balance between innovation and accessibility makes the Wildwood Tarot a great choice for readers who want to explore tarot from a fresh angle.

While the Wildwood's vibrant imagery and unique interpretations might seem daunting at first, this deck rewards perseverance. With practice, the cards become windows into the soul, reflecting the cyclical nature of life and offering guidance on our own personal journeys.

Is the Wildwood for You?

If you're looking for a traditional tarot experience, this might not be the deck. But if you're drawn to the magic of nature and open to exploring new interpretations, the Wildwood Tarot offers a vibrant and rewarding path for your tarot practice.

[Nila Ish · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first glance, this deck may be challenging due to its distinct symbolic language and the shift from traditional tarot suits to nature-based representations. This initial complexity can be daunting for beginners who may struggle to grasp the meanings and interpretations of the cards right away. However, as practitioners dive deeper into their tarot practice and become more familiar with the deck's rich imagery and symbolism, they often find that their connection to the Wildwood Tarot deepens significantly.

The artwork is vibrant and evocative, drawing heavily on themes of nature and Celtic mythology, which allows for intuitive interpretations to flourish over time. Many users report that the deck rewards perseverance; its meanings become clearer with continued use, transforming it into a beloved tool for personal reflection and guidance. The reader is encouraged to engage with the cards beyond the book's interpretations, suggesting that personal exploration is key to unlocking their full potential. This approach resonates with many who appreciate the balance between structured guidance and personal intuition in their tarot practice. Ultimately, while the Wildwood Tarot may present a steep learning curve at first, it offers a rewarding journey that fosters a profound connection to both nature and self-discovery as users grow in their understanding of its symbolic language.

[Mel Salvador · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had moved The Wildwood Tarot in and out of my ‘shopping cart’ for months before I decided to purchase it on a whim. I’m glad I did. Although, straight up I will admit that, after looking at only a couple of cards, I reached for the scissors and removed the white border.

If you read with reversals, trimming the deck may be problematic because retaining the card name means the backs are unbalanced. This is not an issue for me, but I thought I would put it out there.

After I trimmed the cards, I was hooked. The more I looked, the more I saw. For example, when I first drew the Knight of Vessels – Eel, in a personal reading, I was a bit ho-hum about it. But, and it’s a big but, the more I looked the more I respected the artwork. I saw the sword in the stone and the hand reaching for it, and the rock overhang that looked like a a crocodile. Something draws me to the base of the tree too but I can’t make out what it is. A staff maybe???

You'll find the images that accompany these comments and a full review including many more images at https://mjstarot.com/the-wildwood-tarot/

[L.E. Heron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read through the accompanying guidebook today, and it's excellent. I really like the Wheel of the Year, and the guided meditation through the Major Arcana. I like how the author emphasises individual intuition, and while offering a few different options for readings and layouts, always returns to encouraging the reader to get a sense of the deck for themselves and make their own meaning. I explored the cards, which are beautifully rendered, and read the descriptions and brief contextual history of each card, but I decided I would wait until I drew each card myself before reading up on their individual meanings. Instead, I spent some time exploring the cards and considering my personal feelings towards each of them. When I did a Wheel of the Year reading, I found exploring the meanings of the cards interesting and helpful, and the information provided lends itself towards individual interpretation. I'm really glad I chose this deck.

[Penelope Hemingway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful. Have read the book - obviously, the cards will take some time to get to know. I have almost all Will Worthington's other decks but this one is my favourite. I missed out on the Greenwood Tarot, the first time round so was pleased to see this, although didn't get round to getting it til now, the third edition! I understand the book is slightly extended and the deck now has decorated backs, which the first edition didn't.

Been a fan of Mark Ryan for a long time. He is cogent and writes well. John and Caitlin Matthews did one of my favourite ever decks, the Hallowquest, so as should be expected, this deck is another one that would lend itself to meditation, over time. I will return to this again and again. Love everything about it and will, as Mark suggests, read the book, meditate on the cards then discard the book! Not literally though!

[Sammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the entire set. It comes in a nice box, the cards are good quality with excellent illustrations and the book is well written with great deal of ancient lore and history. If you have some knowledge of not only the tarot but also Celtic lore and history, than I highly recommend this set. As a beginner I am finding it a bit challenging but I am also very excited about it. In Pakistan, Tarot is a fairly foreign concept and cards are not available easily at bookstores. I found it at www.chapters.pk which is an online store. This is a good quality product and definitely worth the money so I recommend you get this set by Mark Ryan.

[Mia-rosa Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and fantastic addition to the cards. Loved that the authors offered their honest opinions on the world and how detached society has become from our ancient pagan roots. Especially adored the visualisation exercise at the end. I am new to reading tarot but with this book I now feel as if I don't need to be an expert to do it, and that I have a wider understanding all the same.

[Johanna Haas · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'll love or hate this deck. I love it and bonded to it immediately. The art is fantastic. The deck holds to a Smith-Ryder-Waite structure - but not all the time. The symbols are pagan, Celtic, and environmental, which I find very easy to interpret. I love digging into the details of these cards. The book with them is strong, too. If the picture on the cover calls to you, get the deck.

[Fi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This deck is beautiful and was on my list for a long time before I finally picked it up. I haven't connected with it as much as I was hoping to so far, and the book is kind of difficult to read, though it is really informative. I'm hoping that reading with this deck will come more naturally over time, because all in all I do really like the cards and the Celtic theme.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful year-long study, with the help of Alison Cross’ companion book. The deck eluded me for years, but walking through the wheel of the year with the Wildwood as my companion has been a delightful, deep, sacred journey, with layers upon layers of meaning. I will dance with this deck and its companion book for years to come. Blessed be!

[Xenon Starstryder · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wildwood Tarot is a unique and beautiful deck that feels primal and natural. Its symbolism connects deeply with the raw elements all around us, and it feels as though it's drawing you into a world that is both fanciful and utterly real. This is among my favorite decks.

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bk and deck

[Josephine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first tarot that actually resonates fully with me. I continue to use the cards and tread the path of learning.

[Zen Shaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic deck for those of us who are looking to reconnect with nature.

[Liya]

finally got into tarot ! this was my first deck :)

[Marta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely stunning cards with such a lovely message. I adore them!

[Nandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the strongest connections i've ever had with a new deck. didnt do anything special with em but they're always happy to see me. the spots on my eyelids arent going down :(

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just gorgeous! It's now my absolute favourite deck!