Thursday 30 June 2011

War Water Bottles

We have been working some hedgewitch hoodoo in Kitchen Witch today, some fabulous things coming your way shortly.

However in our ponderings and researchings today we came across Hoodoo War Water Bottles.

A Hoodoo War Water bottle would be sent, left on your doorstep or thrown at an enemy.  Each bottled contained, basically a swampy or bloody yuck, which if thrown at your property would smash and leave a foul smelling mess.  It has been said that to break a bottle of War Water on the property of your enemy will bring strife and sorrow to their household.

War Water Bottles may have contained such items as black feathers, blood (probably from chickens) or blood substitutes (beetroot or tomato juice for instance), moss, rusty nails and broken glass amongst other things.

Each item being symbolic, according to the author Stephanie Rose Bird - the nails were to tie down wayward spirits and broken glass suggested the transparent spirit world and all came together to give the warning - watch out Hoodoo is coming your way!

However there is another use for these bottles in African American tradition and that is to use as a trap for wayward spirits.

We took the idea today at Kitchen Witch and added our hedgewitchiness (is that even a word?) and came up with the Dark World Bottle.

The contents of our Dark World Bottle are 'swamp inspired' and used as a trap for wayward spirits, bad thoughts and negative vibes.

Use this bottle to trap and ensnare bad and negative energies, dark thoughts, moods and feelings and any nasty vibes. Once you feel it is full take the bottle to a safe place and smash it - sending its contents back to Mother Earth to be purified taking with it any left over nasties. Ahhhh .... feel the beautiful release!!

But, please be careful to clear up any broken glass and dispose of it safely.

Tansy
x


Recommended website - Stephanie Rose Bird

Wednesday 29 June 2011

Medicine Bags

Today Kitchen Witch has been conjuring up medicine bags.

Each medicine bag is filled with herbs, spices, feathers, crystals, in fact anything that we feel is needed to make it work for the intent.

Tied with a coloured ribbon corresponding to the intent, and each medicine bag comes with a little bottle of magic powder to feed it with.

A medicine bag (or you could call it a mojo bag) is 'alive' with magic and therefore must be fed. To do so, sprinkle a little of the feeding powder provided over the contents of the medicine bag. This gives the bag a magical charge. You need to feed it regularly to sustain its magical force.

All herbs, stones, crystals and natural items have a spirit and a particular medicine energy to them.  Combine the right items together and you get a very powerful medicine bag.

When you receive your medicine bag feed it straight away and charge it with your own intent, visualise the outcome you desire and send that energy into the bag.

Keep the bag on your altar, mantle piece, bedside table, wherever you will see it, then feed it a little of the magic powder each day, again charging it and visualising your intent.

We are currently offering the following medicine bags, but we can make to order for specific intent:

Fast Luck - Need that extra boost of luck? This little bag of goodies packs the luck power you need.

Money Draw - Need that extra boost of cash? This little bag of goodies should bring money your way.

Unhex - Got that feeling someone has sent you a curse? This little bag of goodies will send the wicked witch hex on its way.

Go Away - Feel the need to protect and banish negative energy from yourself, your house, your property? This little bag of goodies will send negative energies on their way and keep them out.

Love Draw - Want to draw some loving your way? This little bag of goodies will send out the message and bring love your way.

Tansy
x

Monday 27 June 2011

Serpentine

Serpentine

It is said that the name from the word of this stone comes from "serpent" as it's colouring resembles the skin of a snake.

It was in the 19th century that people became aware of the fire resistant nature of serpentine, as a result is was utilized in many materials and fabrics. According to legend, Romans used this stone as protection against sorcery and the dark arts. Vessels were made of serpentine, as they were said to shatter is they came into contact with poison.

In the ancient civilizations of America, serpentine was considered as a guardian of vital energy as well as a protector of the soul against invisible powers.

In the Middle Ages, serpentine was used to house medicine as it was told to increase the healing powers of the medicine and to make it last longer.

In ancient Assyria, it is told that this stone was carried to request of the gods and goddess to provide blessings.

In ancient civilizations, serpentine was used as a talisman, it was said to protect against demonic powers as well as promoting fertility. It is still used to protect against snake bites, poison and magic spells. In China and India it is quite often incorporated into altars, carvings and temple decorations, as it is seen as a protective stone that will bring peace.

This stone is an exceptional meditation stone, it will assist one in finding inner peace, as well as clearing the mind to become closer with oneself, but it should be reinforced with jade or chrysoprase to temper the energy.

Serpentine has been used for treating a wide range of physical disorders. It is beneficial for cardiac irregularities, stomach and bowel issues, kidney disorders, and menstrual problems. Serpentine treats diabetes and hypoglycemia. It eliminates parasites within the body, and aids in the absorption of calcium and magnesium. Serpentine is extremely cleansing and detoxifying for the body and blood.

It can be worn or placed directly on the skin to help women with menstrual issues, such as pain and cramps, it is also said to help regulate the milk flow when one is lactating, as well as assisting women who are unable to reach orgasm due to tension. It will even out the moods and calm the wearer when in stressful or hectic situations.

In ancient civilizations, serpentine was used as a talisman, it was said to protect against demonic powers as well as promoting fertility. It is still used to protect against snake bites, poison and magic spells. In China and India it is quite often incorporated into altars, carvings and temple decorations, as it is seen as a protective stone that will bring peace.

Serpentine creates an opening for a kundalini awakening to take place. It can also help ease any discomforts associated with this awakening process because of its grounding properties.

Serpentine assists the retrieval of wisdom, helping to regain memory of past lives. It clears the chakras and stimulates the crown chakra, opening psychic abilities. Serpentine assists the conscious direction of healing energy toward problem areas. It corrects mental and emotional imbalances, helping you to feel more in control of your life.

Tansy
x



Shimmerlings.com
About.com
Charmsoflight.com

Thursday 23 June 2011

Egyptian Deity

A brief overview of some of the main Egyptian deities:

AMMUT: The Eater of Souls. This deity sits in judgment in the Hall of the Two Truths and devours those who do not pass the trial. Often shown with the head of a crocodile, the front body of a leopard, and the hindquarters of a hippopotamus.

ANUBIS: This jackal headed god is the one who comes to you at death and
guides you through the darkness to the judgment chamber. Messenger of the gods. Protector and Patron of mortuaries, and overseer of the judgment of the dead in the Hall of the Two Truths; He is also the guide and presiding spirit of the embalming process in particular and the journey of departed souls to their final destiny in general.

BAST/BASTET: Goddess of occultism and magick. She is the female aspect of the Sun God Ra. In earlier images she is portrayed as having the head of a lioness, later these images show her with the head of a cat. She is the patron goddess of cats.

GEB: This is the Earth God, usually shown as green in colour. He is the Lord of all vegetation and soil. He is also the patron god of herbalism and is also considered to be a healer.

HAPI/HAPY: God of the Nile, and a fertility deity.

HATHOR: She is the daughter of Ra, and a Goddess symbolizing love and sexuality. She was considered to be mother to all the Pharoahs. Her talents also include the knowledge of every child’s destiny.

HORUS: Son of Osiris and Isis. He was the first sovereign of the Egyptian state and the land he wrested from Seth when he avenged the killing of Osiris. Pharaohs after him were thought to be incarnations of Horus. He represents national and dynastic stability, he is the divine source of sovereignty.

ISIS: Sister and wife of Osiris. Goddess of Magick, motherhood and Healing. She is the female aspect of sovereignty. She is also a symbol of rebirth and reincarnation.

MA’AT: Goddess of truth, law and justice. She signifies the scales in the Hall of Two Truths. Every Pharoah was considered to be beloved of Ma’at. She is a pillar of society.

NEPHTHYS: Goddess of women. Sometimes cited as the mother of Anubis. She is the protectress of the mortuary, she guides the spirits of deceased Pharoahs.

NUIT/NUT: Goddess of Sky and wind. She is the mother of Osiris, Isis and Nephthys. She is the heavens, the starlight and through her mouth the sky boat of the sun passes each evening, and emerges between her legs each morning reborn. Her voice is thunder.

OSIRIS: He is a God Force with Isis as his Goddess Force. He represents the destiny and the life beyond life. He is the judge of souls in the Hall of Two Truths, he is the guardian, guide and ruler of the afterlife of spirits. He is the promise of eternal life and the triumph of order over chaos.

RA: A primary solar deity. He is the spirit of the sun at its fullest strength he embodies heat, light and majesty. The phrase Eye of Ra represents retribution and his blaze of power, striking down his enemies with his gaze.

SESHET: Goddess of scribes, writing and history. She is seen as the founder of temples. She is the consort to Thoth.

SETH: He is the Dark Serpent aspect of the God. God of drought and storm, Lord of the desert. In most mythologies he seems to be at war with his brother Osiris in which he defeats Osiris but in turn is defeated by Horus. The usual image of him is as a long snouted beast.

THOTH: God of divinity of knowledge and understanding. He is patron god to scribes and the inspiration for all arts and sciences. He is said to have created writing. He is revered for being totally honest. He is the scribe in the Hall of Two Truths. He has lunar associations. Usually depicted with an Ibis head. He is husband to Ma’at.

The Hall of Two Truths – Egyptian culture was obsessed with the idea of life after death, hence all the trouble and effort they went to in embalming and preservation of the body after death. The hall of Two Truths was believed to be entered by your soul to have its deeds read, there judgment would be passed on your life by Thoth and the heart weighed on scales of Ma’at by Osiris in the presence of many judges.

Tansy
X

Information taken from various internet sources

Sunday 19 June 2011

Litha - the Summer Solstice

Litha - The Summer Solstice


Festival of Achievement


20-23rd June (Northern hemisphere)
20-23rd December (Southern Hemisphere)

Midsummer is the longest day and the shortest night of the year. A time to celebrate the completion of the cycle that began at the Winter Solstice. It is the height of the sun's power. Athough the hot (hopefully) days of summer are yet to come, this is the point when the year starts to wane. All of life is pulsing with outer growth and manifest energy. All beings are out in the world, celebrating their own identity and uniqueness.

Solstice means 'standing of the sun' we can connect to this moment by taking time to stop, be still and look back over the past year. Celebrate our achievements and acknowledge our failures, make sense of our actions and learn from them.

Between now and the Winter Solstice we can focus on what we wish to nurture and develop in ourselves during the coming months.

Summer Solstice is a time to count our blessings, to celebrate our achievements and our selves. Celebrate each other, pass on the spirit of generosity and goodwill.

This connection to the high point of the year brings us full circle as we look back over the year we have had. The solstices are a dual celebration, for at the same time as we celebrate the height of one cycle we are also acknowledging its end and the beginning of a new cycle. At Litha we also celebrate the return of the dark and a reconnection to the wisdom within.

At midsummer the Goddess is heavy with pregnancy, just as the earth is pregnant with the coming harvest. For our ancestors midsummer rituals focused on nurturing new life both in the ground and in the wombs (animal & human).

The sun is at his peak in the sky, the Sun God at the peak of his life and we celebrate his approaching fatherhood.

Tansy
x

Sources:
Earth Wisdom by Glennie Kindred
Sabbats by Edain McCoy
Photograph - from my garden

Sunday 12 June 2011

Gwyn ap Nudd, Lord of the Otherworld


Gwyn ap Nudd, the black-faced trickster King of the Faeries, Lord of the Underworld and of the Dead, is synonymous with Glastonbury and Avalon, and the Wild Hunt.

Gwyn the son of Nudd, his father being sometimes called Nudd Llaw Ereint or Nudd the Silver Hand, and who is compatible with the Irish king Nuada Airgetlam. As such, Gwyn could be synomymous with the Irish Fionn mac Cumhail. Both the words gwyn and fionn have possible meanings of "bright" or "fair".

Gwyn appears in the Arthurian tale of Culhwch and Olwen in the Mabinogion. Here he abducts Creiddylad, the betrothed of Gwythr ap Greidawl. After Arthur's intervention Gwyn and Gwythr both agree to duel each other for the hand of Creiddylad every May Day until Doomsday. Arthur had needed the war between these two to stop, and he'd needed them to assist in the hunt of the wild boar, Twrch Trwyth. Representing the Winter King, Gwyn is doomed to lose every Beltane, but he rises again in time for Samhain.

Entwined with his mythology is that of Glastonbury Tor - thought to be a gateway to his realm of the Underworld. There are many themes that tie him into popular Arthurian legend, which later became christanized. The Celtic Realm of the Dead, the Underworld, is said to contain Ceridwen's Cauldron, the Cauldron of Rebirth. Glastonbury is reputed to be one of the possible hiding places of the Holy Grail, the mythical cup that restores life. The series of terraces on the Tor claimed to be a spiral labyrinth, Caer Arianrhod, the spiral Castle, resides in the heart of the Underworld.

As the son of Nudd, he is also the grandson of Beli Mawr, and nephew to Arianrhod. The realms of the Dead appear to be very much the family business! If Beli and Don are equivalent to the Irish Bile and Danu, then logically the Children of Gwynedd are equivalent to the Tuatha de Danaan, the latter who later became synonymous with People of the Fae.

In both roles he is the Lord of the Wild Hunt, a mantle taken up by Herne and Woden in other parts of the country. He is accompanied by his hounds, the Cwn Annwn, one black, one white and one red, riding through the night gathering the souls of the dead, the fallen warriors, escorting them back to Annwn. The Wild Hunt is traditionally linked with Samhain.

Sources:
Wikipedia
danuforest.co.uk

Image:
"Wodan's wilde Jagd", Wägner, Wilhelm. 1882.

Friday 10 June 2011

My Cailleach and the Spirit of Albion


I've been looking at the Cailleach. Knowing that she is the patron of a very good friend is a little unnerving, but there is something about this goddess that I'm drawn to nonetheless. And now I think I know why.

She is another ancient deity, probably neolithic - not by name, but by essence. Just as Elen is. However, as Elen is light, Cailleach is dark, they are a perfect balance to each other.

For a while now I have associated the Cailleach with the rocks that I am pulled by. But I wrote in my correspondences without actually having done much in depth research into the material on her. I was particularly impressed that I'd already associated prickly bushes, like holly and gorse, to her, and the smell that you get at water boundaries, like the seashore and at waterfalls. Those are new associations, but they are very strong. These particularly features in her legends.

The clincher, for me, was that she was the Lady of the Beasts...particularly, in Scotland, of the deer. She IS Elen in winter! Or the elder Elen. Whereas Elen is the Green Lady, with lush vegetation, Cailleach is the Grey Lady, of dormancy, not death, but hibernation.

Yes, she's a big scary giant, but I have always been a sucker for the "underdog"...I'm a wolf! She can be harsh, she protects the herds by culling the weak and sick, and so makes the herds stronger. She does what needs to be done, and I find a great deal of comfort in that.

Perhaps strong women NEED a big scary giant of a goddess, they need someone bigger and badder and stronger than they, someone that they can lean on for a change, instead of being the supporter.

She, and Elen, Arianrhod and Cerridwen, to me represent the Spirit of Albion, the spirit of the very land I am part of. I am very much connected with this land, and this, I reckon, is yet another reason why.

Love and hugs

Blaidd

Personal elemental correspondences
Cailleach = Earth (blue rock)
Elen = Fire (yellow sun of dawn/dusk, and red hair)
Arianrhod = Air (star castle of Caer Arianrhod)
Ceridwen = Water (with her cauldron and her shapeshifting)

Picture
Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Ireland. From Wikipedia

Thursday 9 June 2011

Review: Hedgewitch ~ Rae Beth


Back in the mid 1990s I came across a book that changed my entire outlook on life, Rae Beth's Hedgewitch. At the time I was living deep in the Welsh countryside, a mile from the nearest village, and the nearest street light. My cottage was aged in centuries, having been converted from stables and school-room associated with the chapel next door.

Rae Beth's book is a wonderful and gentle introduction into the path of a solitary witch, she writes in the form of letters to two people, of different backgrounds and with different motivations for exploring the path. She takes us through the Wheel of the Year, with a little background information as to what witches do, and why they celebrate the times they celebrate.

She provides enough detail for a beginner to start properly on the path, giving some simple rituals, some seasonal activities, certainly enough to be a good grounding in the Craft and to spark further investigations and learning. She even gives an example of a solitary initiation ritual for the end of the first year. She goes on to describe some further trancework exercises, making the point that meditation work and ritual work are two sides to magical working, the former, inner, subtle and feminine, the latter active and masculine, thereby bringing balance to our work.

Although it had been many years since I read the book, and I have moved on and developed my own prefered methods, I still held fond memories of this book. It was always more in tune with being out in Nature, with simple rituals and tools, rather than the more theatrical ceremonial magic. So for those who aren't comfortable in groups, or are just looking for something that they are able to do on their own or with just a partner, this book is an ideal starting place. It opens up a new world and encourages you to follow your own path, use your own words.

Now that I have read it again, it is a lot more structured than I remember! But as I have the confidence of my own experience now, but I still, to this day, use some of the simple ideas suggested in the book in my own work. I will always treasure this book for enlightening me and guiding me at the "beginning" of my journey on this path.

Love and hugs

Blaidd


Hedgewitch, A Guide to Solitary Witchcraft: Published by Robert Hale, London
Hedge Witch is sold in America as The Wiccan Path. These two titles are the same book. Published by The Crossing Press INC

Tuesday 7 June 2011

The Fool's journey...

In the major arcana in a tarot set there is a backline story involving the Fool and his journey through life via each major arcana card, here is my take on it but from a slightly different perspective:

Major Arcana – The Knight at the Court of King Arthur story…

The Fool:
A young boy sets out from his home and makes his way to the court of King Arthur. He was hoping to find work there. He is full of excitement and anticipation, he had dreamt about all the luxury and finery of course and his imagination had run away with his ideas on what life in court would be like. The sun was shining as he started his journey and he had not a care in the world.

The Magician:
As he reached the gates of the court he met a fellow traveller. This man looked very learned and carried with him a few books tucked under his arm, he also had a page with him that carried a large trunk. The man questioned the boy as to why he was here alone. The boy told him his reasons. The man, who was in fact the court magician, advised the boy to behave in the presence of others, to speak only when spoken to, and to carry out any instructions that were given to him without question and he would have a good career in the court.


High Priestess:
As the boy entered the castle he made his way across the courtyard. Crossing from the other direction was a very imposing lady followed by a group of younger ladies, they all seemed to be attending to her. She stops in front of the boy and asks why he is here. He tells her. She places her hand on his head and bends down to speak to him in a quiet, soft but wise voice. She advises him to trust in himself and his own instincts, she tells him to always take note of things around him and if he comes across a problem to look within to find the answers.

Empress:
As the boy enters court he joins the end of a line of people all waiting to seek counsel with King Arthur and Queen Guinevere. Once he reaches the front of the line he kneels and is overwhelmed by the power they seem to command. He is asked to state his purpose. Once he has done so, remembering the words of those he has met so far, the Queen leans forward to speak to him. She has a beautiful voice that puts him at ease at once. She questions him further about his hopes and dreams, about how he sees his future ahead of him. Once he has done so she nods pleasantly and sits back, but smiles a reassuring smile to him.

The Emperor:
Then the King leans forward, he gives the feeling of power and command. He further questions the boy about how he sees his future. The King gives a hearty laugh and tells the boy a tale of his own childhood and the dreams he had, how hard work and focus if applied can lead everyone to achieve their desires. He advises the boy that if he listens and learns as he does his duties he will go far.

The Hierophant:
The boy is sent to the servants quarters, on his way there he passes the chapel and almost bumps into a priest who is coming out of the doors. The priest questions why the boy is there and the boy retells his tale so far. The priest nods wisely and beckons the boy to sit with him outside the chapel. The priest advises the boy to visit the chapel regularly, to keep himself and his clothes clean and smart, and to listen to those above him and to respect his fellows. The boy thanks the priest and heads towards the servants quarters once more.


The Lovers:
The boy starts his duties as page at the court and begins to enjoy the life he has. He remembers well all the advise that he has heard so far. One of the commitments he has to take is to pledge allegiance to the King and his knights, this he does wholeheartedly and with each duty he performs in his daily tasks he thinks about his oath.

The Chariot:
One day some months later, a knight comes over to speak to the boy whilst his is performing his duties. He is one of King Arthur’s knights and the boy feels a little nervous. The knight sees this and claps the boy on the back and laughs. He offers the boy the opportunity to become his own personal page. The boy is more than excited and readily accepts.

Strength:
Not long after he accepts the position from the knight the boy is off on his travels with him, accompanying the knight in his battles and skirmishes. During this time the boy has had to learn to be very patient and has had to find huge amounts of inner courage. He has done well, and the Knight is pleased with him, the last thing the knight needs in the middle of a battle is a nervous and unorganised page!

The Hermit:
Back at the castle after a particularly damaging battle, the page is cleaning the knights armour, tending to the horse and generally tidying and sorting. A brief thought flickers across him, he wonders why he is doing all this boring, labourious and menial work. Just as he is thinking this an old man, bent over and walking with a staff comes over to him. He compliments the page on his work, asks him about his duties, which the boy replies to with pride. The old man as he departs, turns and says to the page how dedicated he is and how much the knight must rely on him and that one day it will be his turn.


Fortune:
Some months later the pages are all asked to have a small tournament. They didn’t realise but King Arthur was watching. Once they have finished the King steps up and chooses a handful of pages to come forward. The page in our story is one of those chosen. The King asks if any of them were ready to become knights. Before any of them can answer he reminds them of the level of commitment and the courage they will need. Our page steps forward and requests to be made a knight.

Justice:
The page is moved into the knights quarters and begins his proper training. It soon becomes clear to him that the responsibilities and commitment required are very great. Now that he is a knight he has to be responsible for others, he has to make decisions that affect others too. He does quite well at striking the balance, but like most he doesn’t always get it right, but he learns to accept the consequences.

Hanged Man:
The knight is faced with a decision, the King has asked for volunteers to go on a crusade. It will be a long and difficult journey and the knight will be required to leave his home and his friends for a long time and there is the possibility he may not return. The goal is for the greater good of the people but he must make the sacrifice of his comfort and lifestyle at court.

Death:
The knight has accepted the challenge of the crusade. He takes himself from his friends, his comforts, the way of life he has become accustomed to and strikes out on his new mission. He is no longer the young boy that first arrived at the castle with hopes and dreams. He has to leave a lot behind as only the necessities can be taken with him, he discards that which he does not need and only takes what is absolutely necessary to move forward on his journey.

Temperance:
Many weeks stretch into months. The knight has had to endure much, but he has also made new comrades along the way. The extravagances of the court have been left behind, his time is now spent working with his fellow knights towards the same goal. He tries to balance the hectic life of a knight on a crusade with the few snatches of peace and quiet at the end of the day.


The Devil:
There have been occasions on this journey when the knight’s ego has gotten the better of him. One or two times when his pride has been damaged and his temper has flared. One other knight in particular seems to clash with him often. After the initial exchange of unpleasantries and almost physical exchange the knight has learnt to curb his ego and balance it with that of humility. He also tries to add a small amount of humour when situations get too tense.

The Tower:
One night the camp is invaded by barbarians, with no warning at all. The horses are set free, the tents pulled down and chaos reigns. There is shouting, horses trampling on everything, sword fights and people everywhere. By the time the light of dawn comes, the camp is silent.

The Star:
The Knight gathers the forces that remain, they clean up the campsite and rescue as many horses as they can. The start to re-group. The knight begins to see that they had become unfocused, they had lost sight of their goal and purpose. The invasion of the camp has helped him to see clearly. He draws everyone together and speaks to them of new purpose and direction, new hope.

The Moon:
It is at this point that the knight takes some time to rest and refocus. He dreams, he reflects, he listens to his gut instinct about what their next move should be. He seeks and finds clarity.

The Sun:
The knight and his group set forward on a bright sunny day with new purpose and new hope in their hearts. They head for their goal with joy and enthusiasm. Everything is going well, everyone is healthy and fit, their plan is in place and all is perfect.

Judgement:
They arrive at the point of their crusade, decisions have to be made, the challenges have to be met but they need careful consideration. They knight looks back on all his previous decisions and challenges. Those that he got right and those that were mistakes, he learnt from all of them. He uses that knowledge now to put his plan into action. Knowing that no matter the outcome he will know in his heart that he did his best.

The World:
Success! The knight has the holy grail, his crusade, his hardships, his challenges, all that he worked for have come to fruition. He has achieved exactly what he had set out to do. He now takes the time to celebrate and then to enjoy life and its rewards.

Tansy
x

Thursday 2 June 2011

The Sacred Circle Tarot

One of the sets of tarot cards that I use regularly is the Sacred Circle Tarot set by Anna Franklin and illustrated by Paul Mason.

I was drawn to them because the cards take you on 'a celtic pagan journey'.

The illustrations use a combination of photographs, pencil drawings and computer magic, with pictures of people, animals and flora and fauna put together giving the overall feel of 'nature' to the cards. Most of the cards also have photographs of Pagan sacred sites used as backgrounds such as Stonehenge and Uffington White Horse.

They have tried to remove some of the Cabalistic and Christian images that have been used in tarot in the past few centuries and brought a more pagan feel to the cards.

You get a real sense of the pagan history of Britain and Ireland from these cards, also the feel of the turning of the wheel of the year.

Some of the cards have different names to the standard tarot such as The Green Man in place of the Fool, The Druid in place of the Heirophant and the Lord & Lady instead of The Emperor and the Empress - this just adds to the whole pagan flavour of the set.

The book that accompanies the cards is very detailed and full of good descriptions along with details of all the symbolism, divinatory meanings and reversed meanings.

A beautiful pagan set of tarot cards.

Tansy
x