Notes on: The Eight of Wands
(Movement)
Artist’s Notes:
The young tiger runs through a chaotic landscape. Before this, he may have been resting in some kind of calm glade bored out of his mind but now he is lost in movement. Sometimes in his running, there is purpose and sometimes there is direction. Some may say that true progress only happens when both those things are in synch. Others may point out that if the journey truly matters, then neither purpose nor direction is necessary as long as things keep moving. It may take years before we reach the point where we recognize both truths are equally valid.
About the Archetype:
The Suite of Wands deals with force-creative, spiritual, and vital. Eights deal with the recognition of boundaries and a focus of the energies to move on and continue.
The eight of wands brings us movement often after we have been stuck in place with much to be handled. Often when this happens, either through some intuitive jump of our own, inspiration from outside of us or sometimes through a sense of grace things change and the creativity starts flowing again and movement seems possible in almost any direction.
One time a friend and I had been hitchhiking through the Carolinas for three days in the rain. We could not catch a ride that would take us more than 20 miles. We were hungry, cold, wet and tired and I was desperate enough to try anything. I pulled out my deck of cards and focused on the Eight of Wands, concentrating on it intently. My buddy looked at me like I was crazy. We stuck out our thumbs again and within a minute a truck pulled over that drove us most of the way to our destination in Florida. It was swift travel indeed.
Astrological Correspondence:
Mercury in Sagittarius – This aspect is one of a mind truly alive, creative and active. It allows thoughts to flow almost everywhere on every topic from minor to complex and from deep to shallow. It is an energy that paints in broad strokes, leaving the details for others to fill in as it jumps onto another train of thought. This is a visionary and not a subtle sign that hates subterfuge and will in its pursuit of illumination think nothing of exposing the secrets of a friend. Quick to engage this energy can also be quick to withdraw as it moves on to something new.
In a Reading:
In a reading, the Eight of Wands can mean pulling free from whatever has been stopping us and being able to move again so move fast! It can mean that we have discovered a new direction or purpose and have a better understanding of our own inner drives. This card may also mean the beginning of a new relationship with all of the energy and enthusiasm that comes with it. It can refer to plans to travel and new exploration both physically and mentally. It is a time of great enthusiasm as one’s sense of adventure and delight is rekindled.
When the Eight of Wands turns up reversed or badly aspected in a reading, one’s energy and enthusiasm may have become too diffused and scattered. It may feel as if any attempt to free oneself from conflicts and the problems we have landed ourselves in is unsuccessful. When referring to a relationship the Eight of Wands reversed may indicate jealousy and negativity. The card reversed may also talk about hesitating to take action to remove oneself from a situation that we know we should leave.
–GAR
Fate’s Whisper:
The realm of Chance is said to be considered one of the most dangerous to even speculate on. In the works of the Spider it is noted as follows:
” Among all the realms that chaos can rule, Chance’s realm is by far the most unpredictable. Anything that can react will be received with a perpetually random response. Logic has no rhyme nor reason there in any form or way. It is the pure embodiment of the Tiger’s creative will and his bias reigns mercilessly there.”
Like the tides of his realm, every creature is bestowed with endless creativity. How you use it determines what shape your future takes. Those who stagnate will be consumed but the intensity of their current while those who embrace it are blessed with the ability to surf those ravenous waves. Determine where you stand are you surfing or drowning?
–NF