An experiment - ask the Wildwood what it can do!

[Wanderer]

I'm not sure I've seen this done before, but I'd like to try an experiment. A little while ago, I made a three-card spread that worked startlingly well, and wondered whether anyone else would like to try the same. If consistencies emerge (or differences, for that matter), it could be very instructive.

 

1. What can the cards do for me?

2. What can they not do for me?

3. What do they know?

 

The result:

1. Empowerment (5 of Bows)

2. Salmon (Queen of Vessels)

3. The Wheel.

 

My reading of this:

Empowerment is exactly how I see the benefit of the Tarot in general. By forcing us to face diverse, including unpleasant possibilities, it allows us to avoid the unexpected and deal with difficulties as they arise. It gives us strength, and develops our wisdom. No surprises here, and probably the most obvious card for this position.

 

The Queen of Vessels is harder to pin down, but the key here is that the Salmon is a kind, gentle and self-sacrificing archetype. She will give up everything for those in her charge, and this selflessness is not a characteristic of the Wildwood. We work with this deck; we don't expect it to lie down, give us the answers, and look after our feelings at the same time. It's blunt, profound, and thrives on the type of emotional and intellectual challenge that can be offputting to others. I can't help feeling that the Woodwose best sums up the deck's attitude.  It needs respect, and will never sacrifice its own ideals to pander to ours.

 

Finally, the Wheel. Not the World Tree, or the Shaman, or the Seer... but the wheel. I see this as saying that it knows the seasons, the way life changes, and how the inevitable develops; it sees the patterns woven by the loom; it sees all the influences and facets that can influence us, or the competing aspects of ourselves. It sees what is, or what is certain. It cannot see what is not, or what is not yet decided.

 

 

Any comments on the above, or alternative interpretations? And would anyone like to try the same and post their results below?

[PathWalker]

I no longer have this deck - but does the salmon have any wisdom connotations?

[Wanderer]

I no longer have this deck - but does the salmon have any wisdom connotations?

 

It does indeed, PathWalker[/member] (hence the hazelnuts) and this is why I had a little difficulty with the card. My feeling, though, is that there are different types of wisdom. The salmon particularly relates to emotional and relationship wisdom, the need for self-sacrifice for the greater good, and the value of community and family. There are other types of wisdom as well, of course; esoteric, or rational, or materialistic, each relating (in part) to the various suits. The salmon is the Queen of Vessels for a reason.

    My impression in this reading is that the gentleness associated with emotional wisdom is not what the Wildwood is about. It doesn't sacrifice itself to pander to our frailties or sensibilities. It's too wild for that. That doesn't mean that it doesn't understand that wisdom, and cannot help us to understand it, but rather that it doesn't actively use it. This deck isn't a salmon. It's closer to a Woodwose.

 

Does that make sense to you?

[PathWalker]

If that is how the card speaks to you on this occasion then it's a good way to consider it.

 

Blessings

[Wanderer]

Thank you for that... and this why I'm curious about other people's readings as well. I'm very much aware that I might be misinterpreting, or that this is somehow true for me (at least at this time, as you suggest), but may not be for others. How much is a deck's character influenced by the interaction with the reader, for  example? Is this some part of myself being reflected here, rather than the deck itself? I just don't know. So, hopefully other people will try this reading and let us know the results - I'm genuinely interested in whether there is any consistency.

[PathWalker]

I think maybe the 'problem' if you want to call it that, is that those were the cards YOU drew on that day in response to that question. Some folks might feel - me included - that whatever you read into them that day is the reading with most pertinence.

I wouldn't have seen them like that, but then I wasn't asking and shuffling, so I don't know that what I think NOW has any relevance. Do you see what I mean? It was a very personal communication between you and the deck.

 

I hope a few other folks might chime in with their views, but it's a tricky area, making alternative suggestions about someone's reading.

 

Best wishes

PathWalker

[Wanderer]

Thanks for your wisdom, Pathwalker! Your post is obvious as soon as it's said, but perhaps isn't said often enough. I've not been here long, but I know exactly what you mean; often the key to a reading is that a detail pops into focus when it normally fades into the background, and it's that detail that defines how the card is seen. Or, even less obviously, it is something entirely internal and intuitive that is triggered. How can that possibly be recreated or re-interpreted by others at a later time?

    I will say, though, that those with more experience of the cards may well be able to suggest alternative significance (based on past readings or wider intuitive experience), and that it seems to me that it's not entirely down to the interpretation of the reader at the time. For example, when first learning this deck, the intuition sometimes led to very little, but a careful reading of the book (and thereby the original intent associated with the cards) revealed detailed and completely appropriate meaning. So perhaps it's a balance after all?

    In other words, I accept all the caveats, but if an alternative meaning suggests itself to you with any force (here or elsewhere), please do let me know. It might be that this immediately resonates with me, or it might not; but either way, I'll have learned something interesting.  :)

 

May your wanderings along the path bring you peace!

Wanderer

[SilverLeaf]

On 8/11/2018 at 3:29 PM, Wanderer said:

 

 The salmon particularly relates to emotional and relationship wisdom, the need for self-sacrifice for the greater good, and the value of community and family. There are other types of wisdom as well, of course; esoteric, or rational, or materialistic, each relating (in part) to the various suits. The salmon is the Queen of Vessels for a reason.

@Wanderer, I know this is quite old, but I'm just engaging with it now. In reading this, it strikes me that the Salmon is actually a really nice complement to the The Wheel. As a being that travels back to its place of birth (through great trial) to begin the cycle of life/death anew, in some ways it is quite perfect in context!

[WildWoman71]

Quote

The Queen of Vessels is harder to pin down, but the key here is that the Salmon is a kind, gentle and self-sacrificing archetype. She will give up everything for those in her charge, and this selflessness is not a characteristic of the Wildwood. We work with this deck; we don't expect it to lie down, give us the answers, and look after our feelings at the same time. It's blunt, profound, and thrives on the type of emotional and intellectual challenge that can be offputting to others. I can't help feeling that the Woodwose best sums up the deck's attitude.  It needs respect, and will never sacrifice its own ideals to pander to ours.

Salmon Spirit also teaches us not to fight the current - but to flow where it is easiest as they do - they do not fight their way upstream - they travel with the reverse current under the surface.  Salmon's return year after year to their home to spawn - unbreakable bonds with their past.

 

The waterfall brings with it its own messages - a symbol of permanenance despite change - a cycle - of letting go, cleansing and the continuous flow of energy

[Guest]

I have not done much with this deck so I decided to ask the cards about our journey together:

 

1.What are you here to teach me?

2.What is your purpose

3.How can I best learn and collaborate with you?

 

1. Ace of Bows~Spark of LIfe~

My first reaction to the card is that this deck is here to teach me patience. When you want to learn a skill you have to commit, make an effort and be very patient. It also tells me to do energy work and find the spark again I had when I started with tarot. My main problem is focus and the overload of info that is out there about tarot. It can be very overwhelming for a new reader. Like many others I overloaded on buying books and decks, and now I find myself at a loss what decks to use. I stopped listening to my instincts and what is best for me in this journey.

 

2. King of Arrows~Kingfisher~

Of the times I have used this deck, in most readings I am getting this card.

 

I feel the purpose is to cut through the chaos of info that is out there. No matter what other say about what is the right way to learn tarot, I ultimately need to take the advice and use what suits me a cut out the rest. Everyone learns differently and finds their way, and what works. I am being too hard on myself. Ever since I started with tarot I have loved the journaling of my readings, and was looking for a community to share that with, and while I am sharing this with all of you, I do feel that there is an oversharing that I have never been comfortable with online. Someone once suggested to use a fictional person from a book or movie to do the readings but I found I am unable to do so. For me, the tarot is about self-knowledge, self-empowerment and learning a new skil. I think this deck is here to tell me to slow down and take my time. The kingfisher is also asking for balance

 

3.Page of Vessels

The otter, one of the totems I hold dear to my heart. I have not seen her in a while and I have missed her playfulness. The world out there is so serious, but in that seriousness, there is also time to play and I have let that side of me slip. I am also being told to trust myself more when it comes to my readings. It is alright not to know everything. Meditation can be a good tool to let go of this.

On a whole, what I am getting from this reading is to find a way through the chaos of info and decks out there and not use too many decks for my readings. ALso listening to my intuition more.

[Wanderer]

That's lovely, @Pink - a very nice reading! It's really intesting that you feel this is pushing you towards focusing on one deck for a while, as I've often had exactly that feeling with the WW... I've described it as being a jealous deck, but what I mean is that it works better, for me, when it has my undivided attention. I need to hold it sacred, let it be entwined with me in a way that no other deck is. In fact, I've felt no need to buy another deck, and that has only deepened the connection I have with it through the readings.

    Others will recommend buying lots of decks and learning to read with all of them, over time. Many people on here have dozens. But you don't need to do that, and certainly not at the beginning. If you feel the way to go is to learn the ways of the Wildwood first, then do exactly that, and leave the others in a drawer - for years, if need be. It's your path, and yours alone.

 

A couple of thoughts, in case they're useful...

I always see the aces as speaking of potential: they encompass the whole range of possibility in the suit, but as a dream of the future. The Spark of Life seems to be offering new approaches to reach new skills and understanding. The Bow here is the firebow, a tool to create a spark, leading to the entire, then-unknown future of metallurgy, technology, and so on. It opens a door to places we do not yet know, or understand; its potential is limitless.

 

Totally agree on the Kingfisher... he always turns up, for me, when there is a balance to be had between two worlds, living in one and diving into the other to extract what is needed, without losing oneself there. He's all about clarity, insight, and seeing the fish behind the scattering of reflections. Whether the knowledge that you gain is about yourself, or to help others understand their own situations, the principle is the same.

 

The Otter is a lovely card, as well... and yes, it's that playfulness that always comes to the fore for me, too. It's not just light-heartedness, though - I often have a feeling of exploring, diving in and seeing what happens, and being open to everything. For me, the Otter is more focused on wonder, curiosity, and not over-thinking things than it is about simply having fun... although fun is definitely part of the process! Dive in, this says to me. Don't be a stranger to your cards, but speak with them and play with them until they're old friends.

 

 

[Guest]

9 hours ago, Wanderer said:

That's lovely, @Pink - a very nice reading! It's really intesting that you feel this is pushing you towards focusing on one deck for a while, as I've often had exactly that feeling with the WW... I've described it as being a jealous deck, but what I mean is that it works better, for me, when it has my undivided attention. I need to hold it sacred, let it be entwined with me in a way that no other deck is. In fact, I've felt no need to buy another deck, and that has only deepened the connection I have with it through the readings.

    Others will recommend buying lots of decks and learning to read with all of them, over time. Many people on here have dozens. But you don't need to do that, and certainly not at the beginning. If you feel the way to go is to learn the ways of the Wildwood first, then do exactly that, and leave the others in a drawer - for years, if need be. It's your path, and yours alone.

 

A couple of thoughts, in case they're useful...

I always see the aces as speaking of potential: they encompass the whole range of possibility in the suit, but as a dream of the future. The Spark of Life seems to be offering new approaches to reach new skills and understanding. The Bow here is the firebow, a tool to create a spark, leading to the entire, then-unknown future of metallurgy, technology, and so on. It opens a door to places we do not yet know, or understand; its potential is limitless.

 

Totally agree on the Kingfisher... he always turns up, for me, when there is a balance to be had between two worlds, living in one and diving into the other to extract what is needed, without losing oneself there. He's all about clarity, insight, and seeing the fish behind the scattering of reflections. Whether the knowledge that you gain is about yourself, or to help others understand their own situations, the principle is the same.

 

The Otter is a lovely card, as well... and yes, it's that playfulness that always comes to the fore for me, too. It's not just light-heartedness, though - I often have a feeling of exploring, diving in and seeing what happens, and being open to everything. For me, the Otter is more focused on wonder, curiosity, and not over-thinking things than it is about simply having fun... although fun is definitely part of the process! Dive in, this says to me. Don't be a stranger to your cards, but speak with them and play with them until they're old friends.

@Wanderer Thanks for replying. When I started getting interested in tarot, I bought a few books and a few decks and although I like the decks I bought, there are two that  really resonate with me. Obvious, the Wildwood deck and the Druidcraft deck. I got very overloaded with forums and facebook groups at first and people buy a lot of decks, using different decks in the same reading. Madness if you ask me, but if that works for people then that is fine. It doesn't for me. I love looking at the deck on youtube but have not felt the need anymore to buy more decks. Books on the other hand I will buy, because I am an avid reader. Just bought Rachel Pollack's 78 degrees of wisdom.  I like your thoughts on the cards. Lately I felt a bit down with my cards and study because I miss a community to share things with, and I don't have people in my life that are into tarot. The spark of life, I feel is indeed a new approach to my tarot bit it not clear yet how, and that is fine.  I love what you wrote about the Otter, that makes so much sense. And you are right about the deck, it calls you. I also bought the "A year in the Wildwood", it is a nice addition. The tarot is such an intense journey, at least it is for me. So I look forward to learning more.

9 hours ago, Wanderer said:

 

 

[Teemu]

Hi,

here the reading of "my" Deck Interview Spread:

--5-----6--
-----4-----
--3-----2--
-----1-----

1. Your most important characteristic: Seven of Stones (Healing)
2. Your strengths: Eight of Stones (Skill)
3. Your limits: Page of Bows (Stoat)
4. What can you teach me: King of Arrows (Kingfisher)
5. How can I best learn: Nine of Vessels (Generosity)
6. The potential outcome: 0 (The wanderer)

The first card is the most difficult for me: Healing and forgiveness without regret? The meaning is probably that the deck can bring  clarity and truth, but is not vicious and means no harm. The second card is clear - the deck's strength is clear. At first this may sound presumptuous. But the text says "patience, perseverance and self-discipline". I take it it is willing to work earnestly with/for me, so the attribution "skill" is obviously the simple, plain truth. Next comes the stoat. I guess the deck will be sometimes overzealous, regarding my technical mind, but also an emissary and catalyst.
In the upper half: The Kingfisher will teach me impartiality and justice, and finding my way through Chaos - a really clear card. The generousity next probably means generosity of time that I should spend with the deck, either studying or counseling (others?). Last not least it seems a new voyage is about to begin for me.

 

[Wanderer]

Very nice, and thank you for posting! The Kingfisher turns up a great deal in these readings, I've noticed, especially in relation to what we can learn from the Wildwood... there definitely seems to be a common theme there. Generosity is also very clear, I think: not only of time, but of spirit... a willingness to engage, to learn, and to be open to its messages. I love that it ended with the Wanderer, as well: it doesn't give you the answers and take you to the end of the story, but sets your feet onto the beginning of it, instead. This is a deck that opens a door, but doesn't pretend that the journey is going to be easy or short!

   The first card (Healing), I think, is a really beautiful one for that context. We all carry so much baggage, expectation and anxiety, that it can be hard to reach any sort of clarity or feel properly grounded, and without that, the Wanderer isn't going to get far through the tangled darkness. As the deck's most imortant characteristic, healing seems to me to be about using ritual (the cards, and our attitude to them) in finding peace, stability and a solid foundation, from which we can build as our real journey begins...

[debs]

Finally got round to doing this, now that the schools are back after Easter holidays.

 

1. What can the cards do for me? The wanderer.  

They can set me on a path into the wild wood, point me in the right direction. But as with any deck, they are only the tool I have to do the rest.

2. What can the cards not do for me? Sevens of arrows- insecurity.  They can't sugar coat things that I need to know. The cards will tell things as they are and sometimes that won't feel so comfortable.

3. What do they know? Eight of vessels-rebirth.  Again as with all decks, they know it all, overflowing with universal knowledge. It's abundant and available for all.

 

As well as individually I also read this as a whole, when you look at the 3 cards in a row you see the wanderer starting out on their journey into the woods, the green women in the woods pinned and struggling by arrows and the overflowing vessels in the stream at the end.  I think my journey with the wild wood will be one that will change how I currently see a lot of things, but ultimately worthwhile and rewarding.

 

[Wanderer]

On 4/17/2023 at 6:04 PM, debs said:

Finally got round to doing this, now that the schools are back after Easter holidays.

 

1. What can the cards do for me? The wanderer.  

They can set me on a path into the wild wood, point me in the right direction. But as with any deck, they are only the tool I have to do the rest.

2. What can the cards not do for me? Sevens of arrows- insecurity.  They can't sugar coat things that I need to know. The cards will tell things as they are and sometimes that won't feel so comfortable.

3. What do they know? Eight of vessels-rebirth.  Again as with all decks, they know it all, overflowing with universal knowledge. It's abundant and available for all.

 

As well as individually I also read this as a whole, when you look at the 3 cards in a row you see the wanderer starting out on their journey into the woods, the green women in the woods pinned and struggling by arrows and the overflowing vessels in the stream at the end.  I think my journey with the wild wood will be one that will change how I currently see a lot of things, but ultimately worthwhile and rewarding.

 

Nice! Very interesting (and to some extent unexpected) cards, but the same meaning coming through once more. It's interesting how the message is clear, but reading the grammar and context of each question literally, it's harder to piece together... for example, "What can the cards not do for me? - Insecurity" could be read as 'they can't make you insecure'... and yet the meaning you put on it feels much more intuitively right. It's more as if they can't protect you from insecurity... and if that's the way your mind intuits the message, then that's the message you're meant to hear. And Rebirth is an odd one as well... but the idea that they understand the secrets that lead to self-transformation is perfectly consistent.

The overall pattern of the three cards is really striking, I agree - that's what really stands out to me here. It's a very literal, visceral depiction. I'm guessing you're quite an intuitive reader, overall, rather than someone who sticks rigidly to book meanings?

[debs]

Yes I'm definitely a skim the book and get on with it on my own person, in most things I do, sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't 😁.

Also my reading style suits reading cards all together to get a message rather than just one, although sometimes I do daily draws etc for practice. So that's why after interpreting each card I also went through and read them together. It sometimes slightly changes the interpretation of a card. I also was drawn to the waterfall in the wanderer card and the waterfall in the rebirth card.

I can remember when I first got the WW I felt it was unreadable but now it seems different. Maybe it's because I don't try to compare it to the rws now and just read it for what it is 🤔.

[Wanderer]

33 minutes ago, debs said:

Yes I'm definitely a skim the book and get on with it on my own person, in most things I do, sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't 😁.

Also my reading style suits reading cards all together to get a message rather than just one, although sometimes I do daily draws etc for practice. So that's why after interpreting each card I also went through and read them together. It sometimes slightly changes the interpretation of a card. I also was drawn to the waterfall in the wanderer card and the waterfall in the rebirth card.

I can remember when I first got the WW I felt it was unreadable but now it seems different. Maybe it's because I don't try to compare it to the rws now and just read it for what it is 🤔.

That makes sense! I do much the same... go through the cards individually, then look for wider patterns, or just see what jumps out. I hadn't spotted the waterfall, but that is a lovely touch... the Wanderer seeing it through a veil of mist in the distance, and eventually getting to stand beside it after the struggles in the tangled murk!

   It's interesting how you were seeing the deck as unreadable to begin with, but that probably is just the comparison with RWS... the meanings may overlap significantly, but it has an subtly alien way of thinking underlying it all (much as how I fail to communicate when I visit the US... 😉). 

    Anyhow, looking forward to seeing your insights into the deck as we go along... perhaps we should have a Wildwood practice and experimentation thread, a bit like this one but for whatever we feel like?