Wild Magic: The Wildwood Tarot Workbook

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

Want to delve deeper into the concepts that made The Wildwood Tarot wildly popular? This workbook further explores those powerful ancient traditions.Wild Magic invokes the power of the Wildwood—the Green Man and Green Woman, as well as all the living archetypes of the forest, such as Herne the Hunter and Robin-in-the-Hood. Journey across time to the pre-Celtic world where primal forces, in the guise of animal, bird, and fish, roamed free and opened doorways into the otherworld of the Ancestors. With chapters on the Lore of the Wild, the Wheel of the Year, shamanic methods of examining the wild, and meditations designed to enable personal encounters with Wildwood archetypes, as well as newly crafted rituals enabling readers to celebrate festivals such as the Midsummer and Midwinter Solstices, the book takes a fresh and informed look at a set of ancient traditions applied to the present.

Genres: Tarot, Nonfiction

237 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 21, 2017

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

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book as a companion to the Wildwood Tarot. I will say right away that this book is definitely not a workbook, and I fear it being named that might lead some to like it less because of it not being what they expect. I think the context for the name is that John Matthews notes in his preface that some of the contents comes from workshops they had designed. The book includes some essays (including on how tarot might work, veering into some interesting scientific territory), lore on some of the figures (majors, courts) in the deck, and a section on various personal experiences Mark Ryan has had that influenced the deck (this section is totally not what you'd expect from the book title, but it's fantastic interesting autobiographical snapshots that left me wanting to read his memoirs). It is only after all this, on pages 113-156, that one gets into what could be called 'workbook' material since this includes activities to try (designing a Wildwood inspired sacred space, guided meditations, and several spreads); many of the spreads are great. It also includes some suggestions for reading reversals and for getting familiar and comfortable with the court cards.

[Amanda Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this companion to The Wildwood Tarot. Half extended guidebook, half memoir, it helped me feel more connected to the cards and their archetypes. I am looking forward to applying some of the more practical practices to deepen my relationship further.

[Tabitha Chamberlain · Rating 2 out of 5]

this isn't really a workbook. it does touch on druidism and the finer points of taking care of our planet. however, when it comes down to the cards it's mostly some mythos related to each of the Court card (which is interesting) and personal tales of the author relating to each of the Majors. if this is your thing you'll love this book. the "practice" part of the book is less than a third long, does do meditation and some journaling. there are several spreads based solely on specific cards. also, some that are taking your deck part (separate out the Majors, Minors, and Court) which is not my favorite thing to do but from what i read in this book it may help those that are struggling to contact with these particular Court as they are all animal based.

[Elyse Welles · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you have the Wildwood Tarot I highly recommend this guide! It elaborates on the symbolism and history of each card, and the spreads provided were reason enough to get the book. Matthews and Ryan pay great attention to science, with an early chapter exploring quantum mechanics and current knowledge of energy and consciousness. They have crafted a tarot book that somehow philosophizes, very peaceably, that all things have a soul on earth. I loved the diagrams and structure of explaining each new spread, and the personal tone of Matthews’ writing adds authenticity that is very engaging.

[Terre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting take on an already favorite deck

I enjoyed reading this further explanation and exposition of the Wildwood Tarot. The deck now holds greater significance to me and will flavor the readings I do with it.

[Claudia]

Science, Magic, and Tarot

This companion workbook for the Wildwood tarot deck delves into quantum physics and neuroscience to explain how tarot works. Fascinating essays join New practice layouts and meditations for a complete tarot experience.