The Nines
Major arcana: The Seer. Position on wheel: centre left.
Nine of Wands: Respect
	A wildman stands protecting the way to the heart of the Greenwood, challenging the integrity of your intentions. Approach a sacred place or a sensitive person with consideration and honour. Respect the need for privacy. Ensure your own boundaries are protected, respect the value of your own space.
Nine of Arrows: Dedication
	A woman stands, eyes closed, playing a bow (it can be used as a shamanic instrument); she wears a swan feather headdress and a robe of soft blue. With her spiritual dedication and musical skill she generates healing energy around her. Being at one with your inner heart.
Nine of Cups: Generosity
	A wise figure sits, their heart open to the generous abundance of all around them. One foot is on the land; they are at one with their environment, genuine in their heartfelt gratitude to the gifts of life; they radiate generosity. They are flanked by the regenerative powers of the boar and bull. Be open to giving and receiving. Life is flowing, and you are still and strong within yourself.
Nine of Stones: Tradition
	A cross legged antlered figure sits upon a spiralled central stone. They listen to the wisdom of the stones beneath the full moon. Be aware of the patterns of connection linking you and nature around you to the past, present and future. Deep learning. The memory of much that has been revered in the landscape can be retrieved in periods of respectful stillness. Learning from elders.
The Shaman
Minor arcana: Tens. Position on wheel: guardian and centre.
Outside of time. Colour: all.
	The Shaman wears a bearskin, the traditional shamanic animal. His face is mature, his expression both benign and stern, his power is evident. The Shaman is someone who is in control of their life; and wise and responsible enough to use their skill to help others, with complete integrity. The Shaman can use the elements of earth, air, fire and water in a practical as well as a magical sense; they can light fires, swim, navigate by the stars, build a home life, as well as having consummate ceremonial skill. He carries a deerskin rattle (air) smouldering sticks (fire) a flint knife (earth) and an antler tine cup (water). He is a teacher, passing on the ancestral stories and skills to the next generation (Instruction, ten of arrows). Upon his bearskin are Palaeolithic painted shamanic figures from French caves, c.13,000 BCE. One is cloaked in a bison skin, dancing playing a bow; the other is antlered in a stylised animal skin.
Being a shaman, able to see the complexities of life and death, and acting on this knowledge for the benefit of all, can be a heavy burden to carry. (Responsibility, ten of wands). The Shaman has a deep rooted balance within themselves, and can assume a place of status within society without compromising their integrity and losing sight of the higher purpose they are working for.