Discover the secrets of the druids and celtsThe druid craft tarot takes you back into the past, page 2/2 |
The alchemistic marriage is the central theme of the deck, and is especially apparent in the 22 trump cards. The combination of god and goddesses, and their moving apart and coming together as a form of fundamental energy that exists within the world is illustrated with the assistance of cards such as, “The Lover”, “Cernunnos”, or Fferyllt”. Separation is illustrated by trumps like that of “Death”..
13, Death
is here actually female, and is one of the most powerful of the images of trump 13: It is Samhain, and here we see the darker aspect of the goddess, the “Old Wise One, or “Cailleach”. The pot in the foreground shows the visual connection to the following card, “Fferyllt”, and represents reincarnation. Death is seen here not as an end, but as a transformation, that is often connected with fear. The card has a cleansing effect, and means that you can or should get rid of something that is blocking you from moving forward.
14, Fferyllt
This trump, in a traditional deck is usually called, “moderation”, or “art” with its underlying basic credo of a harmonious combination of opposites, which is a central feature of the Druid craft Tarot. The work with the tarot can be used to combine elements of gods and goddesses with the various aspects of the self, which the authors call an alchemistic process. To emphasise this, they are called after druidic alchemists of the 19th and 20th century; for example, Brighid, as the Goddess of Fire and the Holy Spring or Fferyllt, who brings together the opposite energies of fire and water. In their interpretations the cards have a traditional basis, and represent a successfully, creative process, harmony and inner peace, that is founded on a balance between the inner and outer worlds.
6, The Lovers
The lovers lie opposite each other on the year’s circle facing death. A further indication of the connection between sexuality and death:” We die, because we are born, and we are born as a result of sexual needs. This things are inseparable”, say the authors. Lovers celebrate life and unification. With the festival of Beltane, everything is in bloom, and the great rituals of the union of gods and goddesses are traditionally celebrated. This card also represents romantic love between two people. The trump shows the experience of love as being central to all existence. Crucial to love is the ability to make a decision and remain true to it.” Love demands dedication, and dedication demands decisions”. The cards always indicate a love affair, whether in past, present or future and a decision to be made that is defining.
The illustrations are beautifully and intensively painted, the entire tarot is based on a complex and elaborate system, based on the neo-druidic/wicca’scher world-view, that is clearly and harmoniously reflected in the cards and the book. The detailed texts accompanying the78 cards give very clear explanations of the images and at the same time a comprehensive introduction to paganism, making the work with the cards and laying of cards a much more intensive experience. It’s certainly quite a chunk of information for a tarot beginner, unless they previously have some knowledge of paganism, but for the latter, and especially for those with some experience of the tarot and some beliefs or interest in paganism this is a mine of information and highly recommended!
