Ostara Contemplation with the Wildwood Tarot

In two days we can already celebrate the Spring equinox also known as Ostara. She is the Goddess of Spring and is also called Eostre. The hare is her scared animal (yay!). It seems like time is passing more quickly these days or is it just because I’m getting older?

When we look around us we can see how the Spring goddess Ostara is covering the land with her unbridled energy: trees are blossoming and flowers and leaves are budding, birds are nesting and singing and it feels like the dark veil of winter has been lifted for good. This is also the time when the seed is starting to sprout. So most Easter festivities were held to stimulate growth and fertility. 

The Wildwood Tarot

On our journey in the a Wildwood, we encounter The Archer. In the unconscious mind of The Wanderer we've met at Imbolc, some sparks of intellect and focus are beginning to dawn. They will blossom into idea’s and goals. So now the time is right to pick up our arrows of desire and aim them into the right direction. We do have to be aware of the consequences of our actions. We can’t just do as we please. The  Stag is slowing us down and reminding us of our responsibilities He is not about man made laws but more about the primal principles like “as you sow so shall you reap” or the karmic balance of life. The Stag is reminding us not only to pick up the ax to build  and cultivate but also the shield to defend the land and its inhabitants; both plant and animal.  

Both the equinoxes are times to take stock of our actions and their consequences: Are you on the right path? What do you do to keep the balance, either in your own personal life as well as for the land; the ecosystem?

So back to the garden it is. I wish you all a  Happy Ostara!

Some snapshots from our spring garden

The Archer as our January inspiration

Today’s card is The Archer from The Wildwood Tarot. At first glance a very January like card. Yesterday I’ve learned it is wise to choose one wand (from the Eight of Wands) Today The archer is here to teach us how to proceed. She looks like a courageous, independent, self-reliant woman to me. Her two dogs are there to help her with the hunt and to watch over her and protect her in times of danger (Thank God(dess) for the dogs when you are alone in the woods) But remember the dogs are the outer representations of your own inner strength.

Meaning from the book: “The dawn of a new adventure, folded in the web of universal potential, waits for you to string the bow of your imagination and loose the arrows of creativity. This is a time to be bold and commit to the hunting of new life and a better relationship with the world, as well as the fulfillment of wholesome ambition. Take a moment to gather your tools and steady your state of mind. Take careful stock of what you want to achieve, why and how you will go about it. Then harness your potential by filling your quiver with all the talents, knowledge and cunning you possess and string the ‘bow of burning gold’ with the ‘arrows of desire’. Take a deep breath and be calm. It is time to let your soul take flight.”

The whole process of shooting the arrow is metaphorical for how we pursue our new ideas, goals, projects and resolutions for the  new year:

“Stringing the bow, gives the wood potential for the release of energy, drawing the bow controls and harnesses that energy, and releasing the arrow with intent finally sends the archer’s will through the air to it target”

We have to be confident and focused. But at the same time patient  and relaxed. Feeling the need and feeding our intent with energy and releasing it with a steady mind into the universe. To trust in ourselves and our capacity but perhaps even more to trust in the Universe to be on our side.

For me this is a wonderful card. Not only for today but also as an accompanying energy throughout the year