December Oracle Card

This month's oracle card is taken from The Sacred Circle Tarot- A Celtic Pagan Journey by Anna Franklin, illustrated by Paul Mason.

The Green Man is not part of the classic tarot but in this deck is positioned as the first card of the Major Arcana which is traditionally depicted by The Fool. The Green Man represents the spirit of the wild wood, of nature and of the  raw beauty, innocence and power which abounds in the forest. Like the Fool, the Green Man is telling us to step forth into a new journey, freely and boldly. It is time and the effort will be supported by Spirit. 

Almost everyone will recognize the face of the Green Man, especially when depicted on a wooden plaque or mask notable in many pubs throughout Ireland and Britain. Yet, few can really speak to who he is. That might be because since ancient times he has been reinvented over and over. First, is that wild spirit that almost defies definition. Then, as the Holly King in the semi-annual battle between the Holly King and the Oak King within  Celtic tradition. 

Since this is the season of Yule and winter solstice, it's probably no surprise that he appears in this reading. There is also the Yule story of the Gawain and the Green Knight from Arthurian times. It, too, is the story of how power is transferred and upon what values it is based.

And then we have Robin Hood, a 14th-century adventure tale that has been told through popular media not modern times. Robin separates himself from the institutions around him and seeks justice in a uniquely personal way with his small band of Merry Men. He lives in the forest, dressed in green, and disrupts those who are exerting power over others and confronts situations of unfairness and inequality within the kingdom.

We are certainly in a period where institutions are being challenged from every direction, with the powerful exposed for their authoritarian and underhanded dealings. We are also being challenged to discriminate and discern what change is needed and to embrace strategies for change that are honorable and for our highest good.

Our author speaks directly of breaking down the Old Order, knowing we will receive “unexpected guidance and fresh inspiration far beyond the usual”.

In our personal lives and in our culture, may it be so.