Barbara Walker Tarot - Prince of Pentacles: Merlin

Protected by a pentacle and by the princess’s ankh, the wizard calls up the spirit of the Red Dragon, a symbol of Wales. Merlin was said to have been fathered by the Welsh god on a human virgin, though Christian interpreters of the myth claimed his father was a devil. As a pagan savior figure, he was buried by Nimue in a crystal cave, or perhaps a hollow oak, to await his Second Coming. His card represents patience and determination in solving mysteries, fearless following of clues, investigation of original beginnings.