John Matthews | Celtic & Ancestral Shamanism | March 2018 and September 2018

Here is the chance to step into the shamanic practitioner training for 2018. This two part Foundation Course in Celtic & Ancestral Shamanism is led by John Matthews and Margot Harrison, and Wil Kinghan, and is starting on10-11 March 2018 and continues on 8-9 Sept 2018.

WALKERS BETWEEN THE WORLDS

John Matthews | How can Happiness be a negative?

We received a question this week from a Wildwoodean via Twitter asking how a card such as the 10 of Cups, which is over-brimming with happiness, could ever be considered negative, as when it falls in a position such as ‘Actions to avoid?

John Matthews | 9 and 10 Stones

Reaching Home – the Nine and Ten of Stones

A number of people have commented over the years on the fact that in The Wildwood Tarot the two cards, the Nine and Ten of Stones seem to be reversed. Traditional meanings for the Nine of Pentacles (Stones) include affluence, achievement and a more settled way of life; while the Ten is about realising one’s potential, archiving things and creating a settle home environment. They are thus quite closely related, and are traditionally seen as ending the sequence of the suit by bringing to fruition the efforts exercised by the previous Eight.

Many of the changes implemented in the deck came about as a result of working with the pattern of the Wheel of the Year. The process thus revealed was revelatory. We could see the progression of the Fool through the Wildwood more clearly than ever before – and when it came to these two cards we felt that the traditional conclusion was arrived at too quickly. Rather than seeing the Nine as a point of rest and reflection, of achievement and completion, we wanted to show how the recognition of this lead naturally to a consideration of the established patterns and rhythms of life – in other words, tradition. Tradition is the holder of these things, and can always be accessed. Only then, when we have into focus the magical possibilities of life, can we safely reach the haven of Home (Stones 10)

Caitlin Matthews | Keeping The Hermit's Lantern Shining at Hawkwood

Hawkwood College

This year John and I celebrate our 28^th annual December gathering at Hawkwood College, which has become our midwinter mystery school, open to anyone who wishes to deepen their experience. Hawkwood College is a gracious Cotswold house in the limestone hills above Stroud in Gloucestershire. It has been an adult college since 1948. With its own grounds, mature trees, and a spring, it has a wonderful atmosphere, with comfortable rooms and nourishing food. It is our second home and the place of gathering for many of our friends and students.

John Matthews | The Wildwood Rides Again!

Wildwood Rides Again - the Second Edition.

When you're creating or working on a tarot, many things beyond your control can effect the end result. In the case of The Wildwood Tarot not only were we re-crafting an earlier version ( The Greenwood Tarot) but we faced limitations of extent in the text. Also we simply were often so excited, so carried away with the sheer blaze  of creation, that we actually forgot about the card back ! We had discussed this with our artist Will Worthington and decided that a tree motif would be a part of it... but somehow, when It came to handing  in the  finished deck, we forgot.  So, when it came around to the second edition - thanks to all those who took the new version of an old favourite to their hearts - we turned our thoughts to completing two omissions.

John Matthews | The Shadow of Ecstasy | 5 Vessels

More than one Tarotist has commented on the unusual interpretation of the Five of Vessels (or Cups as they would be in a traditional tarot) which diverges from the general interpretation of this card in classic tarot. 

In fact, the reason for this springs from a desire to follow the journey of the Wanderer (The Fool) through the entire deck, and to acknowledge the experiences that he/she (our Wildwood Fool is non-gender specific) encounters along the way. If we explore the ‘story’ underlying the suit of Vessels we see how this works.

Wildwood Workshop | Washington | November 2012

WILDWOOD TAROT WORKSHOPS, 2012

NEW DATE ADDED!

WILDWOOD TAROT WORKSHOP

Atlanta, Georgia 3 – 4 November 2012

Duval, Washington 10 – 11 November 2012

Mark Ryan | John Matthews

You are cordially invited to enter the Wildwood with Mark Ryan and John Matthews and to explore the symbolism of this best selling deck and its foundation on The Wheel of the Year system. The sessions include an exploration of the symbolism and history of the deck.

The programme includes practical, hands-on work involving shared table-top readings, visualization and role playing to personalize your individual relationship with the system and the archetypes.

Learn to work with the powerful Wheel of the Year, discover the ancient and powerful archetypes of the Wildwood, and learn new ways of reading. Explore the core of the Major and Minor Arcana and understand the Court Cards though meditation and shamanic journey.

This is a unique opportunity to work with the creators of the Wildwood Tarot as this will be Mark and John’s only Southeastern US appearance! Mark Ryan will be flying to Atlanta from Los Angeles giving you a chance to meet him in person and to hear him talk about the origins and creation of the deck. John Matthews, experienced tarot teacher and co-creator of The Wildwood Tarot, will be flying in from Oxford to bring his own expertise to the event, including a chance to learn shamanic journey techniques from one of its foremost teachers.

Mark & John will be happy to personally inscribe your copy of the Wildwood Tarot, copies of which will be on sale at the events.

Wild Events

Thursday, November 1, 2012 – An Evening in the Wild Wood with Mark Ryan and John Matthews

Reception and chat with Mark and John

7 – 9 PM

$35 USD per person
$50 per committed couple

(Venue)

Saturday November 3^rd – Sunday November 4^th -- The Wild Wood Tarot Workshop w/Mark Ryan and John Matthews

Workshop begins at app 9.30am and finishes at approximately 5.30pm on Saturday and Sunday

The Wild Wood Tarot Workshop will take place in North Georgia, app 45 minutes outside of Atlanta**

Prices:

• $275 per person for the two day workshop (includes tea and coffee)
• $325 per person for the two day workshop (includes breakfast and lunch both days)
• Committed Couples Pricing: $450 per couple (includes tea and coffee)
• Committed Couples Pricing: $500 per couple (includes breakfast and lunch both days)

• $250 individual Early Bird Registration – Place a deposit and register before June 30^th

• Please note that each registration includes a non returnable deposit of $50 USD per participant

**Overnight accommodations with and without meal plans available. Please ask for pricing and availability.

**Limited spaces for both Wild Events! Register early to secure your place!

To Book please contact

Ginger Wages

glwages@bellsouth.net

Tel 770 362 7020

Payment Types Available:

PayPal

Personal Check

Cashier’s Check

Saturday 10^{th –} Sunday 11^th November

Duvall, Washington (near Seattle)

Workshop begins at app 9.30am and finishes at approximately 5.30pm on Saturday and Sunday

The workshop will take place at the wonderful Mosswood Hollow Retreat Center, in Duval, WA

$275 per person for the two day workshop

(This includes full lunch on both days)

Limited accommodation is also possible, as are dinner and breakfast.

These can all be booked separately and are not included in the price of the workshop.

To register call: 425-844-9050 or email mosswood@mosswoodhollow.org

For further information about the venue and directions how to find your way there, visit www.mosswoodhollow.org