FOUR PILLARS SOCIETY TAROT: PRINCE OF WANDS

Nots on: The Prince of Wands

(Chance’s Archer)

Artist’s Notes
 
Of all the court cards, the Prince of Wands is the most charismatic. He effortlessly entices people into breaking their own codes just to prove he can do it then he will turn around and help you to reinvigorate your ethical code in a more robust fashion. He is creative and fierce and he will constantly get you to improve your game even if it is only to keep up. He is portrayed as a centaur and he will ruthlessly end up with whatever or whoever he is hunting
 
 
About the Archetype:
 
The suite of Wands deals with force-creative, spiritual, and vital and is associated with the element of Fire. Princes deal with the transmission and the endurance of the energy, the result of the union of the King’s Force and the Queen’s generative and nurturing of the energy. He combines the spirituality intrinsic to Wands with the quality of intellect inherent to the Princes. He is generous and honourable yet mischievous and tormenting. He is swift in movement and in his interests and his energy can cover a lot of diverse ground very quickly. He has an amazing and constant sense of humour and sees the funny side to just about anything and while he may seem cruel in his jests he is seldom ill-intentioned. Due to his innate ability to read others, he can often sense just how far he can take the joke without going overboard. He is romantic and loves to be exposed to anything that is novel and new including cultures and beliefs. At his worst, he will descend into cruelty and sadism and leave behind scorched wreckage in his wake.
 
Astrological Correspondent:
 
21° Cancer – 20° Leo Elemental: Air of Fire – This combination of Cancer and Leo qualities could be seen as a mystical extrovert. Ever able to create spiritual connections and then communicate them outward. He would have a love and appreciation of beauty but due to his ability to see beyond the surface, he would be able to perceive beauty where others would not. He may be seen to have many ideas that are extreme and unusual in nature tho due to his charismatic nature he will always have people who will listen to him. He is not without empathy yet it is one that is used to call more attention to himself.
 
 
In a Reading:
 
The Prince of Wands in a reading can often refer to a person or energy who is going to change your world ofttimes in a very literal sense. This card can often signify a change in residence or environment. It often refers to an energy that springs into your life with little or no warning. This energy is often difficult to resist so it is best to let ourselves get swept up into things so that they can be taken care of in the best way possible. The Prince of Wands can also refer to a new project that we should approach with lots of enthusiasm but not so much that we lose sight of the objectives. With this energy, honest and realistic communication oft becomes a necessity
 
When the Prince of Wands turns up reversed or badly aspected in a reading, it can mean that things have gone awry and are in a state of confusion. It may mean that we have been expecting things around us to fall into place and have become thrown when we have not met with the cooperation that we have been expecting. Usually, this happens when we have failed to pay attention to details. The Reversed Prince of Wands may also mean that we find ourselves facing unexpected delays
–GAR
 
Fate’s Whisper:
 
Among the armies that swear loyalty to the Pillars, the Tigers are some of the greatest warriors for generational wars. Each volley of the arrows inspires a myriad of emotions of ideas in all they strike warping myths and rewriting wronger survivors. They offer a second chance to those who are out of place for their era and offer refuge to the artisans who were not recognized for their genius.
 
Safeguarding another’s dreams can be a daunting task. Much failure awaits as those who hold the dreams fall over and over. Many will blame you for not helping but they have yet to take the hand you have offered. Be patient as they walk they will come around when they finally understand. When the last bow is fired be there to offer that refuge they need as well as a hug to comfort the wounds they are still licking.
–NF

FOUR PILLARS SOCIETY TAROT: QUEEN OF WANDS

Notes on: The Queen of Wands

(Her Fiery Inspiration)

Artist’s Notes:
 
Here is a woman who could very well inspire by her sheer presence but then you get swept into the torrent of her passion and creativity and you are lost. You will write sonnets to her intensity and burn to know her deeper. You will seek to express what she awakens in you in any way that you can and yet it will never fully capture her essence or her temper.
 
Yet her energy and her appearance will be different for all because no two of us are inspired in the same way or by the same mixture of traits. Yet more than anything she belongs to herself. Does she know what she inspires and does it matter?
 
 
About the Archetype:
 
The suite of Wands deals with force-creative, spiritual, and vital and is associated with the element of Fire.
 
The Queens are the receptive and nurturing form of energy. The Queen of Wands is a creative and enticing muse. She can adapt to almost anything and appreciates a life lived to its fullest. She is generous and kind though she is very used to having her own way through sheer presence. When she is opposed she can become quite vicious especially once she has a chance to brood on it. She is great in crisis situations due to her unflappability and take-charge attitude.
 
Astrological Correspondence:
 
21° Pisces – 20° Aries
Elemental: Water of Fire
 
The influence of the third decan of Pisces gives the Queen of Wands a visionary quality and the drive to be recognized tho a bit of cognitive dissonance between the world imagined and the world lived in.
 
The influence of the first two decans of Aries gives the drive to constantly push forward and be at the forefront. The Queen of Wands also gets the quality of attraction from this influence and relentlessness for the world around her to acquiesce to her vision of it and a combination of dismissal and depression when it does not.
 
As the combination of Water and Fire, that she is, the Queen of Wands may be a study in contrasts, generous and impatient, lively but with a tendency towards brooding and depression, and good-humoured except when crossed.
 
In a Reading:
 
When the Queen of Wands shows up in a reading, it may refer to someone who is willing to nurture us in our artistic and generative capacities. This may be someone who will either inspire us or give us good advice. It may refer to a time in our life when we are more inspiring than we are steadfast or loyal and our patience may possibly be tested by those around us. It may refer to a time of crisis in which we are keeping our heads and helping others or we have someone around willing to take charge for us.
 
The Queen of Wands reversed or badly aspected in a reading may be speaking about someone who has been unfaithful to us. It can also refer to a time in our lives when we have had way too much put upon us and while normally good in a crisis, we are losing it out of frustration. This may refer not to ourselves but to someone in our environment. This card may also refer to someone who is possessive and controlling, vindictive, and/or unable to trust.
–GAR
 
 
Fate’s Whisper:
 
What does it take to be betrothed to the Tiger? Many have asked and to answer is as simple as it is annoying to grok. Mama Wang was a very treacherous but practical Kitsune. Said to have the ability to fool even the most insightful of beings. A mistress who mastered the arts of contracting that she gain great renown. After she sought to fool the Tiger it became a trap they both fell for. She became bound to him when she could predict his aura and he got a wife almost overnight.
 
It would take aeons before she would resurface but when she did she understood the flow and ebbs of creation. What she did to learn it is still questioned but regardless she became the ideal wife of the Tiger.
 
This may make little sense but what does when you have the Tiger in question? For one who understood the true passion and the emotions of those she fooled, she achieved a balance of what it meant to harness those opposing forces. When you see this card it is a time to understand your passions and the emotions impacting those around you. What means more to you? Your goals or the well-being of those around you?
–NF

FOUR PILLARS SOCIETY TAROT: KING OF WANDS

Notes on: The King of Wands

(Rule of Chance)

Artist’s Notes:
 
It’s not so much that this King inspires as it is that he is the very force of inspiration itself. When we hear a line in a speech that changes our whole way of viewing things we feel his touch. His is the chaotic life-changing influence that hits and transforms us and then leaves us to either run with it or grind to a halt. He himself is onto other things.
 
It is a chaotic spark yet exactly what we need when we find ourselves stuck without purpose.
 
 
About the Archetype:
 
The suite of Wands deals with force-creative, spiritual, and vital and is associated with the element of Fire.
 
Kings are the leaders, the shakers, the initiatory force or person that gets things moving and are associated with the element of Fire.
The King of Wands is someone who will gladly sweep you along in his path. He will pull you along on adventure after adventure and after you encounter him you will see life in a totally different way. He is a leader and wants everyone to come along on his journey. You may easily find yourself consumed by his intensity. He may not follow the adventure through to the end or want to stick around very long before beginning a new endeavour. His inspiration is likely to be in the area of spirituality, teaching, challenging and infuriating those he encounters with both his brilliant insights and his brutal putdowns of those with whom he disagrees. At his worst, the King of Wands can be quite intolerant of the views of others with a cruel and bigoted streak. Despite these tendencies tho, the King of Wands is difficult to dislike as we all tend to be drawn towards his bright flame.
 
He has amazing ideas even if he hasn’t laid the groundwork for them and lacks the steadfastness to follow them through to the end. Given the intellectual bent that this artist gives him, his inspirations may ‘work on paper’ but not quite as well when it comes to outside reality. He will be on to something else fast enough.
 
Astrological Correspondence:
 
21° Scorpio – 20° Sagittarius Elemental: Fire of Fire
The Court cards according to the Golden Dawn among other sources have a corresponding influence that goes from the third decan of one sign through the second decan of the next.
 
Thus the King of Wands has a Scorpio influence that gives him his strong will and generous and caring nature that tempers his Sagittarius love of adventure and impetuosity.
 
The King of Wands therefore will care deeply about whatever adventure he is currently engaged in and then in a lightning flash will switch to another endeavour of which he is equally passionate
 
In a Reading:
 
Quite often when the King of Wands shows up in a reading, it refers to someone who is very creative and intense and who carries us along in his (or her) wake. It may also mean that these are qualities that we need to find within ourselves during this period of our lives. This energy is visionary and conceptual rather than detail-oriented. If this refers to a person in our lives, it may be someone who is expecting us to take care of the details while they do the creative work.
 
When the King of Wands shows up reversed or badly spect, we may be encountering someone who cannot see beyond their own vision. They may be selfish, greedy, bad-tempered and bigoted not wishing to either share credit or see value in the ideas of others. It may also mean that we have temporarily lost sight of our objectives and are not listening to others.
–GAR
 
 
Fate’s Whisper:
 
Some would say the chaos bows to no being. While this is only half true the other half is just as scary. All that is chaos is born to hoot, holler, bow, and sneer at the being that gave birth to it. Completely unhinged and mad by nature his only concern is if it is functional. Societies have fallen by the absurd success of the ideas he has inspired. The purest for chaos can take he rules under many names but most notable by his siblings he is simply the Tiger.
 
The spark of life for us is a flame of life for him to ignite the world around him. Nothing functions as it should around him as he pops around. the laws of casualty fall to ruin in his presence as he shows that passion unbridled is a great thing harness to control your reality.
 
When you see this card it means to burn with all your might. Take your passion and grasp what you want to happen. Create the change that you desire regardless of how others feel. and those who survive the fires and ruins… well they are worth keeping. So burn while it lasts it won’t be long.
–NF

FOUR PILLARS SOCIETY TAROT: TEN OF WANDS

Notes on: The Ten of Wands

(Bearing the Weight)

Artist’s Notes:
 
The ant carries home, the biggest piece of food that he can find. So eager is he to be able to satisfy his queen and his colony, he fails to notice how heavy his burden is. Still, it is not only his job but his reason for being and it is said that ants can carry ten times their weight. Too bad, this chip is at least twice that. He could give it up and find a smaller piece or put it down and make it smaller but for him, duty has outlasted reason and functionality. Still, if he is successful, he will be a hero.
 
 
About the Archetype:
 
The suite of Wands deals with force-creative, spiritual, and vital. Tens show the ultimate completion of the energy involved leading ultimately to a new beginning. Here the creative spirit and force have no new battles to be won. The creative work has been accomplished. All the burdens we’ve taken on are there but none of the challenges that have brought us here. Our routine has become a burden to us and in many cases, it has made us bitter towards those around us adding still more to the burden. If only we could lay everything down (throw it away or even let it collapse) and just take off to when every day was new and unexpected and we had to work for everything. But no, we tell ourselves, we have responsibilities. We know this can’t go on forever and that one way or another it will collapse but even though we may be happier if we did, we dutifully stave it off as long as we can.
 
 
Astrological Correspondence
 
Saturn in Sagittarius – This energy takes itself very seriously. It works hard and wishes to provide for others especially when it comes to imparting knowledge. It is resistant and slow to change. Saturn in Sagittarius has a strong sense of duty and can appear rather humourless at times. It can paint itself into a corner with its own logic but it will stay in that corner believing that to adopt a different viewpoint would be to abandon that in which it had always believed.
 
 
In a Reading:
 
When the Ten of Wands turns up in a reading it often means that we have taken too much on ourselves and find ourselves unwilling or unable to drop anything. Eventually, if our burden is not lightened, we will collapse under the weight of what we have to get done. Sometimes when this card occurs it is more of a feeling of being overwhelmed than a fact that we cannot do what is expected of us. Quite often this card tells us to drop what we are doing if only for a moment, step back and see whether there is really something that we can delegate to someone else.
 
The Ten of Wands reversed or badly aspected in a reading may mean that the oppression has been lifted and the responsibilities are seen through. Will we dive right back into the fray and overburden ourselves again or will we have learned from the situation? The reversed Ten of Wands may also mean that the burden has been increased to the breaking point where if something isn’t lifted off of our shoulders, it will soon become disastrous.
–GAR
 
 
Fate’s Whisper:
 
In the words of Taoism:
“The excess of anything can become a poison of your own undoing.”
The more burden we take as we walk the stronger we become. There comes a point when enough is enough though. When we need to sit down and look at all we carry and deem what needs to be left behind. This can be difficult at times, especially when you have emotional ties to these burdens. Though it is important to remember that you are only one person and can only carry so much. It is better to make room for better things as you go along, however, you must drop that which no longer serves you. This could be a relationship, habit, or even an impending addiction. Just know the more you carry, the more you are held back.
 –NF

FOUR PILLARS SOCIETY TAROT: NINE OF WANDS

Notes on: The Nine of Wands

(Watchful)

Artist’s Notes:
 
The warrior has fought and won many battles. He has grown older and more bloodied over the years and all those he fought for have prospered. Now he stands ever on guard to ensure that they continue to do so. He tends his garden like the fighter he is.
If there are times when he is a bit too quick to react, he is blameless. Too often his reactions were all that forestalled disaster for his tribe. Now even though it is a time of peace, he remains ever on guard.
 
 
About the Archetype:
 
The suit of Wands deals with force-creative, spiritual, and vital. The Nines represent a coming to completion of the energy involved if not the completion itself. This energy has been through almost its whole cycle of manifestation. It has seen conflicts and resolutions and though weary it is ready for anything that comes its way. Tho after encountering conflict and emerging victorious do we forever after have the expectation of conflict somewhere in our minds. Are we perhaps too ready to see everything as a conflict? Perhaps or perhaps we have come to a healthy point where we see everything that comes our way positive or negative as being a challenge. The difference between a conflict and a challenge is that while conflict always needs to be met with either greater conflict or surrender, a challenge takes much more flexibility and fluidity.
 
 
Astrological Correspondence:
 
Moon in Sagittarius – This energy is both competitive and adaptable. It is not a laboured one that thoroughly plans its every move but one that changes to fit every contest. It grows impatient when held to any plan. The Moon in Sagittarius is optimistic and its optimism carries it through no matter what it may encounter. It is a very at-the-moment energy and will always forge its own unique path even if it’s not willing to stick around and take responsibility for debris in its wake afterwards.
 
 
In a reading:
 
When the Nine of Wands shows up in a reading, there may be an indication that it is time to marshal our strength and be in readiness for conflict. It may also mean that we are ready to take on any challenge that may come our way and be able to meet it fully. The Nine of Wands may also mean that we are involved in a contest for the ‘thrill of the game’ rather than to gain anything specific. This card often speaks of a great struggle, depending on where it comes in the reading, it is either ongoing, in the past or about to start. In any case, it is a challenge that will be well met.
 
The Nine of Wands reversed or badly aspected in a reading may show that we are being over-cautious and hyper-vigilant. We may have been preparing ourselves for a great battle for so long that we have grown rigid and unyielding and jumped at shadows. It can mean that we need to become vulnerable for a while so that we can once again be ready to engage with proper and flexible readiness.
–GAR
 
 
Fate’s Whisper:
 
It is rare when the Tiger slows his step. Some have seen him deem petty artists great threats and in doing so blessed them with his creativity so he may further his growth. Many immortals speculate on how effective this method of growth has been for them as the result are never consistent. This urge has led to the great works such as Alice in Wonderland, the Mona Lisa, and many more. The more others threatened his creative standing the wilder he became.
While we may not be the Tiger it is important to establish where you stand in your life. Define what you are good at and why as this will reduce unneeded paranoia. Our time and skill cap is only as the time and effort we spend honing it. All in for a year can make someone just as good as decades of experience that was used haphazardly. The most important part though is to stay in your lane as this will bring the best success.
  –NF

FOUR PILLARS SOCIETY TAROT: EIGHT OF WANDS

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

FOUR PILLARS SOCIETY TAROT: SEVEN OF WANDS

NOTES ON THE SEVEN OF WANDS

(TAKING A STAND)

Artist’s Notes
 
It is relatively easy to stand your ground with an equal opponent especially when you have something to fight for or protect even if it is your own sense of honour. It is another thing, to do so when the odds are stacked against you. Still, if you hold on to your own sense of being and keep in mind why you’re doing it, you can stand strong and triumph knowing that you hold the high ground.
 
About the Archetype:
 
The suite of Wands deals with force-creative, spiritual, and vital. Sevens represent our desires and wants and the paths and challenges we take to achieve them. The Seven of Wands energy represents our drive to move forward and advance no matter what challenges may be in our way. It represents courage in the face of adversity and the confidence that we can have the outcome that we desire even tho the odds may be stacked against us. Quite often this energy represents individual effort and courage as opposed to a group dynamic. Facing fears and obstacles we may only face defeat once, while if we avoid conflict and give in to fear then we live in a state of constant defeat.
 
Astrological Correspondent:
 
Mars in Leo – The Mars in Leo energy is confident, dramatic, and passionate. It is a very optimistic energy and there is a flare to everything it does. Its antithesis is disloyalty. Mars in Leo thrives on adversity and loves a challenge. It may play to the audience on its way to whatever its next challenge may be.
 
 
In a Reading:
 
When the Seven of Wands shows up in reading then it is a time of courage. We may be asked to defend ourselves and our position against challenges. This may happen in physical competition or in an academic situation such as defending one’s thesis or engaging in a debate. The Seven of Wands councils holding to what we know is right no matter how many oppose us. It may also represent a question as to our motive in engaging in conflict. Are we doing it to defend what is right or are we doing it because we love conflict itself? Quite often the love of a dramatic conflict may become something of an addiction as the need to prove one’s courage over and over again. The card may also represent the ability to discern when a conflict is winnable or not.
 
When the Seven of Wands occurs reversed or badly aspected then the querent may be in a state of hesitation or equivocation and need to find their inner hero. It may also represent a time when it is not necessary to prove one’s courage just for the sake of it.
-GAR
 
Fate’s Whisper:
 
In the time when the gods were at the peak of their worship, a gamble was placed. The gods challenged a Tiger to a duel of Relevance. If they could render him not needed for 100 years he would serve as their pet. They would be met a chuckle of acceptance and a warning to not have too much fun. After 20 years humans built up by godly egos would be “inspired” to create a tower to honour their achievements.
 
With that passion, the tower rose higher and higher into the sky till it challenged the very might of a certain jealous god. In his fury, he would bring down not only his authority but the authority of everyone around it and cause a certain bet to be lost. As the tower fell the gods could only watch in horror as the Tiger rode the collapsing tower like an enraged bull as he winked at them.
 
Blessed with patience the Tiger knew he had to do nothing to win the foolish bet. Like the gods of old, they all had cycles. Make the same mistakes over and over again blind to this very cycle. It is the way of the strong to recognize the cycles around them, including their own, to best control every situation that comes their way. Take into account the habits of those around you as well as your own. Ask who has the most to gain in this situation as it currently stands. Only then will you truly take the high ground and your dominance in one fell swoop.
–NF

FOUR PILLARS SOCIETY TAROT: SIX OF WANDS (II)

Notes on the Six of Wands

(Victory Over Prey)

 

 

Artist’s Notes
 
At a certain stage of life, victory can be defined as being able to fulfil your abilities in the best way possible and make it look, if not effortless, consistently doable. No one starts out there and indeed before one can reach this point of functionality, one may have to achieve many smaller victories along the way. Such as learning to hunt and attract a mate and together raising a family. Further victory is added when you can teach those who come after how to do the same.
 
It is easy along this road to fall prey to self-doubt or to get lost in one’s own illusions about who we are, thus each small victory is won not merely over life but over one’s own lower nature itself.
 
 
Description of the Archetype:
 
The suite of Wands deals with force-creative, spiritual, and vital. Sixes represent balance and harmony. When creative and spiritual force reaches a balance there is a victory over whatever forces within or without that were causing the imbalance in the first place.
 
This victory increases self-confidence and allows one to optimistically expect to triumph over future imbalance and difficulties. Imagine how liberating it is when blockages to creativity or spirituality have been removed and new expansion made possible.
 
 
Astrological Correspondence:
 
Jupiter in Leo – Jupiter in Leo is a very lucky and charismatic energy. It attains much in whatever it endeavours (especially if it can stay out of the way of its own ego) and inspires others to aspire to the same heights. Jupiter in Leo tends to be a bit dramatic and plays to its audience, after all, it truly feels that it cannot be beaten but it is also magnanimous, believing in giving back to those ‘less fortunate. Jupiter in Leo tends to be strongly opinionated and will have problems with anyone who ‘dares’ to disagree. The energy is also one that attracts and is attractive to children as there is a strong protective streak associated with it.
 
 
In a Reading:
 
When the Six of Wands comes up in a reading there is optimism and victory in the offering. Whatever contest inner or outer that is in the offering will be triumphant. Steps may have to be taken so that this win is not at the expense of others. Often this card denotes that one is in the position to inspire others with optimism and a can-do spirit. When this card comes up in the past position, it can refer to reflecting and relying on past victories and one’s ‘glory days.
 
When the Six of Wands turns up reversed or badly aspected in a reading it may show that one is filled with doubts and does not see how to win out over them. It can also refer to overconfidence and the belief that one has won when in reality that may not be the case
–GAR
 
Fate’s Whisper:
 
In a time before the human’s comprehension of Daemon kin, the beings called the Lords of Sin were pupils to a rather whimsical tiger.
 
Among them, Gluttony took to his teachings to heart. In a spur of life, they would hunt together. Friends and hunting partners, they wreaked havoc on those ancient hunting grounds unlike any other. They would laugh about their failures and successes like time wasn’t even there. Who would have thought a Daemon who liked to eat above all else would sport such life and passion? Some say to this day they still hunt together every century or so when it is the down season.
 
The joy of the hunt was shared by 2 unlikely people and brought great joy as they partook in their love. Whether your hobby is small or large now is the time to indulge in it to its fullest. This may be temporary but it is necessary for your greater growth as you trek on in your life. Take the torch and push on as you hone who you will be. As the Tiger and Gluttony did, it is better to live with no regrets and save your regrets for a time when they are more welcome.

–NF

FOUR PILLARS SOCIETY TAROT: SIX OF WANDS

Notes on the Six of Wands

(Winning Hearts and Minds)

Artist’s Notes:
 
 
Victory comes in many forms. For a musician or actor, the largest triumph is not only getting out there on a stage to perform but getting recognition for one’s efforts. When you look out and see an audience loving the energy that you are giving out and giving you their energy in return, it is psychologically and energetically like having sex with each one of them simultaneously. It might not be as fulfilling as true intimacy yet it is sweet.
 
Then again there are worst definitions for a victory than being appreciated for what we do best.
 
 
Description of the Archetype:
 
The suite of Wands deals with force-creative, spiritual, and vital. Sixes represent balance and harmony. When creative and spiritual force reaches a balance there is a victory over whatever forces within or without that were causing the imbalance in the first place. This victory increases self-confidence and allows one to optimistically expect to triumph over future imbalance and difficulties. Imagine how liberating it is when blockages to creativity or spirituality have been removed and new expansion made possible.
 
 
Astrological Correspondence:
 
Jupiter in Leo – Jupiter in Leo is a very lucky and charismatic energy. It attains much in whatever it endeavours (especially if it can stay out of the way of its own ego) and inspires others to aspire to the same heights. Jupiter in Leo tends to be a bit dramatic and plays to its audience, after all, it truly feels that it cannot be beaten but it is also magnanimous, believing in giving back to those ‘less fortunate.
 
Jupiter in Leo tends to be strongly opinionated and will have problems with anyone who ‘dares’ to disagree. The energy is also one that attracts and is attractive to children as there is a strong protective streak associated with it.
 
 
In a Reading:
 
When the Six of Wands comes up in a reading there is optimism and victory in the offering. One’s talents are being recognized and admired and it feels as if we have reached new heights in our endeavours. Often this card denotes that one is in the position to inspire others to develop their own abilities and follow us out onto the stage. When this card comes up in the past position, it can refer to reflecting and relying on past victories and one’s ‘glory days’.
 
When the Six of Wands turns up reversed or badly aspected in a reading it may show that one is filled with doubts and not able to see how talented one has become or believes that one can be appreciated. It can also refer to overconfidence and the belief that one has made it when really they are just at the start of their journey.
–GAR
 
 
Fate’s Whisper:
 
It can be said that the passion of the Tiger is to inspire change in all he touches and sees. A gift was born when honed it to its highest peak. The dance of transcendence was once a rumour that only made dragons laugh. The idea they could go higher to them meant they were not the highest thing on the pyramid of authority. While they would later regret not taking it more seriously one dragon, in particular, took these rumours to heart.
 
The first daughter of the Spider who sought power above all else put in the work. She ventured into the world finding the clues the Tiger left behind. As she got closer her passion began to manifest on her body and change her. Upon completing this dance she became the first phoenix and master of reincarnation. The dragons who doubted now followed her footsteps giving birth to lesser phoenixes and giving life more purpose.
 
Like the breadcrumbs, the Tiger left behind we all seek our greater purpose. While it might be stressful keep in mind that we are surrounded by more people as we walk through life. It is our responsibility to spark that start we ourselves had to find in them. While not ideal it is important regardless of our feelings.
–NF
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

FOUR PILLARS SOCIETY TAROT: FIVE OF WANDS

Notes on: Five of Wands

(Taking the Game Too Far)

Artist’s Notes:
 
The Tiger and Spider engage in their game of chess. Does the board exist externally, held up by five staves or does it exist merely within a dimension of mind or spirit with pieces that appear and disappear and events play out on the board that may not even affect the play until much much later?
 
Lately, among the young games of mental and physical fitness where there are victors and vanquished have fallen out of favour. There is talk about what losing may do to a precious young one’s self-esteem or how it highlights inequality. However, these games are older than reality and when this generation and culture passes, the games will still exist. After all, how one takes a loss or a win reflects much about our character and highlights the work we still need to do. Also, and more importantly, how seriously we take the game. Is not each game we play but a reflection of how we live our lives? Is not existence the biggest game of them all?
 
 
About the Archetype:
 
 
Wands deal with force-creative, spiritual, and vital.
Fives stand for conflict, change, and breaking through to higher thought. With the Five of Wands, the spiritual force that was so uneasily contained in the Four of Wands breaks through.
Much in the way that adolescent energy in a teenager breaks through with lots of energy that needs to have an outlet. These outlets can get a bit aggressive such as fighting with sticks but they are games and a means of directing the energy externally, testing one’s power or force against that of another.
 
Note Another thought on the Fives in the tarot: Each of them deals with some aspect and attitude on winning and losing. The Five of Wands deals with the conflict itself. The Five of Cups deals with the idea of the attitude after a loss. The Five of Swords deals with the attitude after a win. The Five of Pentacles deals with long-term loss.
 
 
Astrological Correspondence:
 
Saturn in Leo – Saturn in Leo energy has a strong need for recognition yet does not necessarily seek the spotlight. It is a very autocratic energy whose main lesson is learning how to compete fairly with others instead of ‘winning at any cost’. It is an energy of absolutes and can be pretty inflexible, preferring to fight (and win) rather than yield. The Saturn in Leo energy can also be the force needed to jar us out of our complacency when we have been too long in a situation that needs changing, especially when the situation involves how we view ourselves by bringing it to a breaking point.
 
 
In a Reading:
 
When Five of Wands shows up in a reading, there may be conflict or competition underway in the person’s life but it is more playful and creative conflict or competition rather than a full-out war. It is good to keep it light and playful because, in such situations, it is easy to misunderstand and start taking things way too seriously and make it about winning rather than about resolving the conflict at hand
When the Five of Wands is reversed or badly aspected in a reading, conflicts may have gotten out of hand, what may have started out playful has become bitter and nasty and all rules have been thrown out of the window.
–GAR
 
Fate’s Whisper:
 
Perplexed by the whims of the Tiger the Spider sought to see how far he could push the Tiger. This led to the birth of orbital chess. A game many beings would come to fear as nothing was off the table and every wager was real. Multiple layers of boards that stretched only as far as your mind could grok. Many asked who won their game of chess while others speculate the game still goes on to this day even as more players are added.
 
Even in the face of danger, we evolve as we learn. Should we pass on that lesson is taught to those who are ready for it? In life what really is too far when you think about it? Ideas born of madness in their time are considered genius in later times. Like the game that started between the Spider and Tiger, does it really end? Or can we just keep pushing the limits of our reality till we are no more? Faced with this question how much risk are you willing to take to claim your dream?