Here’s another serious card for our week – there’s nothing gentle or meek about the Wodwose as he confronts and challenges us. Can you stand in respect and courage to this initiator?
Blessings,
Thistle
NINE OF BOWS – RESPECT
MEANING: When nearing the heart of a sacred quest, motivation and integrity of human desires are challenged. Ancient wisdom demands the seeker be humble and forgiving. Respect for others and for the environment is required to proceed along the path to enlightenment. There is no completion without overcoming the challenge.
DESCRIPTION: The wild and fearsome Wodwose of the forest crosses your path, brandishing a rough-hewn bow. The Wodwose is linked to many ancient worldwide legends of large and hairy wild men of the forest. He challenges our dedication and courage to continue along a chosen path.
READING POINTS: To follow the path through the Wildwood is not without its challenges and demands. When entering any such environment, one must be prepared to face the dangers and natural perils that abide there. Having empathy for the environment and being ready to deal with it respectfully and in a practical manner is to learn another lesson and take away fresh insight. If we look deeper for meaning in the forces blocking our way, we often see how we have contributed to the problem and how we attracted these negative energies through lack of self-discipline, or mistakes made in the past. The sign of an evolved spirit is someone who can acknowledge past failures or defeats without bitterness and self-torment and move forward through life with a positive outlook and wisdom gathered through struggle. The Wodwose reminds us to treat the challenges of the Wildwood with patience and compassion, marking each scar or wound suffered during the struggle as a badge of honor, earned and overcome by inner courage, dedication, and faith in the lore of natural justice.
The Wildwood Tarot by authors Mark Ryan and John Matthews and artist Will Worthington
Parting the Mists 
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