The Greenwood Tarot is a work of profound importance for those interested in exploring the Shamanistic mysteries and is an outstanding breakthrough in the understanding of the Tarot and its links to the esoteric nature system known as the Wheel of the Year. Drawing its inspiration from pre-Celtic, Dark Age Arthurian and Green Man traditions, The Greenwood Tarot delves deeply into the symbolism and legend of the mythic forest.

The Emperor	Moon	The World Tree

Actor/writer Mark Ryan, best known as one of the stars of the cult TV series Robin of Sherwood and internationally respected as a speaker and lecturer on mythic themes, has teamed up with top illustrator and acknowledged expert on esoteric art history, Chesca Potter. Together they bring to life the woodland archetypes that have become an essential part of European folk-lore.

Mark Ryan and Chesca Potter have worked together for three years to rediscover and explore the ancient wisdom that lay behind the Tarot and the prehistoric Wheel of the Year system. This important research has led to this vivid and beautifully illustrated arcana and is based on their combined understanding and insight into esoteric forest lore.

The Greenwood Tarot is an ideal introduction to anyone new to the Tarot as well as offering innovative and inspiring challenges for the more experienced Tarot reader. It is equally rewarding as an attractive meditation system, a divination system or as a reference source of esoteric knowledge.

About the authors

Mark Ryan has worked for over twenty years as an actor/writer in the theater, TV and motion picture industries and is best known in the U.S. for his portrayal of Nasir in the ground-breaking, cult series Robin of Sherwood. But his career has ranged from leading in the Lloyd Webber show Evita to writing graphic novels with Mike Grell and DC Comics!

His deep interest in the esoteric mysteries began in childhood, playing in Sherwood Forest within the ancient hollow tree known as The Major Oak. Visiting the myriad magical and religious sites that abound in the country, Mark gathered a formidable raft of knowledge and practical understanding of pagan, and dark age traditions and their absorption and influence on middle age religious doctrines.

When not writing or acting, Mark runs tarot and meditation workshops with Chesca and is a popular speaker and lecturer on esoteric subjects and has been the guest of such prestigious bodies as Oxford and Cornell Universities. Mark has also worked with internationally respected experts in Arthurian mythos John and Caitlin Matthews and with psychic researcher and writer Andrew Collins and his magical questing group, participating in the hunt for the Seven Swords of Meonia, and is featured in the best seller based on the story (The Seventh Sword).

Mark is also a skilled archer and swordsman and worked with legendary fight arranger Bob Anderson as fight coach to Richard Gere on the Sean Connery movie First Knight. He is currently researching a book about the use of magical warfare and the intelligence services during the second world war.

Chesca Potter has a first class degree in art history and is best known for her collaborations with John and Caitlin Matthews. Her illustrations for Arthur and the Sovereignty of Britain and Mabon and the Mysteries of Britain brought international recognition as an artist and she is now one of the most sought after illustrators in the mystical/esoteric field.

She recently co-edited The Aquarian Guide to Legendary London and researched The Green Lady for release in 1997. Other works include Dreaming in the Dark by Starhawk, Magical Polarity by R. J. Stewart and The Celtic Shaman Tarot by John Matthews.

Chesca has lectured, taught and led field workshops to sacred sites all over the world and is an expert in art symbolism and its links to the lost feminine aspects of the mythic tradition. She also collaborated with Mark on an in depth meditation workbook for release in 1997.

Workshops

Chesca also has a Greenwood Tarot Handbook on-line with pictures of the cards.