In this card I am introducing a positive male image to the Tarot. He can be found in many ancient mythologies, characterized by his sensuousness, creativity and love for the Goddess. His names are many: Gwydion, Tammuz, Angus Og, Dion, The Green Man, and the Horned God. In my research I found that it was this carefree, poetic and sensual figure that was transformed by the patriarchal myth-makers into the Devil. Thus, contemporary men may have internalized repression and guilt towards these qualities in themselves, calling them "of the Devil". By the same token, a man reclaiming the image of Pan is in the process of self-liberation.
In a reading this card shows the presence of a good-hearted man; gentle, sensitive, loving and caring, perhaps active in positive parenting. He shows concern for children and is willing to care for them. This man is working to overcome the patriarchy, someone who is supportive of womyn's liberation and human rights. Men need to know they have the power to change. Can he still cry? To what extent have his feelings been cut off? He strives to overcome his conditioning which goes deep, and is reinforced by a phallocentric society.Can he still laugh? Or is the child part of his ego smothered with male rationale and logic? Pan strives to let his inner child out as he plays with the young ones.
This is a political man, gay or straight, who is trying to change his actions in positive ways by developing gentleness and self-love. This includes giving up his macho-power over womyn and children, discovering the natural beauty of the planet, recognizing magic, lunar consciousness and finding The Goddess.
To interpret this card, look for a Pan-type man in your life. He could be a son, a friend, or a lover, who is struggling with new behaviors. If this card comes tilted or reversed you may be in some kind of relationship with a man who won't give up his power, and needs confronting on some of the issues mentioned above. In many male hero myths, the central figure appears as a trickster god, one who plays pranks and perpetuates deception. The clever male ego can be capable of this. If this card is tilted at a zany angle, beware, he could be using womyn's liberation ideas for personal gain or power. The feminist principle may still be active in him but he may be "selling out" or perhaps he means well and needs some consciousness-raising from his brothers. If this is the case we suggest you stop being ripped off, or take space away from him to get your bearings.