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: 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?

FOUR PILLARS SOCIETY TAROT: FOUR OF WANDS

Notes on: Four of Wands

(The Dance Begins)

Artist’s Notes:

The dance begins. Fresh prey has been brought in courtship. It will begin as a dance, as the Tigress sums up her mate and then will turn into battle and from there…new life may well begin. Yet each step is both instinct and intellect combined. Here there will be a consummation through first, each step must be complete.

About the Archetype:

Wands deal with force: creative, spiritual, and vital.

Fours express a stabilizing of, one might even say a containment of energy. Fire contained can be used to heat and cook and forge but it is not a hundred per cent natural. Fire longs to expand freely and so it is in the four of wands. Here is a moment where that energy and force are brought into usefulness. I often think of the four wands in the configuration as resembling a marriage canopy and there is something apt about the analogy. So much comes together in the union of two people before their community. It is a spiritual force whose intensity cannot be maintained yet for the moment is there.

This archetype can also be thought of as a stated intention. In the case of a marriage, a couple are stating the intention that they intend to stay together and face whatever challenges come as a unit. When two people hold hands on a walkway, they are stating that they are together.

Astrological Correspondent:

Astrological correspondence – Venus in Aries – Aries is not the most natural place for Venus. Aries tends to be very individualistic while Venus is a very sensual, love-oriented energy. When Venus is in Aries, what would normally be slow and contemplative becomes forced and rushed though still with enjoyment and purpose. There is a feeling of immense energy combined in a beautiful form, There is an attraction towards independence and self-expression, an attempt to contain that which can be held only momentarily.

In a Reading:

When the Four of Wands occurs in a reading, it is a time of joy and boundless energy. It is a time of freedom where things are stable and we can go after anything that we wish. The question that arises is what do we do with this energy? Where do we go from here?

When the Four of Wands shows up reversed in a reading, it is still a time of happiness but the happiness and energy may not be that apparent. It may also indicate that the success and containment of the Four of Wands upright may be applied in a very untypical and unorthodox way.

–GAR

Fate’s Whisper:

His impulses are a trait the Tiger holds dear. To take eternity into a waltz only for it to end in a breakdancing contest is a talent all its own, but to live like that as a norm is truly insane, or genius as the line is thin, on a whole other level. He is the one who became the muse of art that dragons aspire to reach. To be truly mad beyond reason yet churn life so flawlessly.

Many fell for this and so came into being the first forms of music and controlled madness.

We all have a mad genius inside us be it an engineer, sculptor, or teacher. To embrace this part of us gives birth to great change around us. Our mortality may limit our time but it is the envy of those who can’t appreciate life. Take the reins of your skills and aspirations life is waiting.

-NF

FOUR PILLARS SOCIETY TAROT: THREE of WANDS

Notes on: Three of Wands

(Chance’s Virtue)

Artist’s Notes:

I’ve been told that every story can be summed up even beyond Joseph Campbell’s monomyth by one of two lines. “A stranger comes to town” and “Someone leaves town” and sometimes it is both. There are those who are led situationally to follow an inner call that leads them from place to place, person to person and situation to situation. He may not know what lies before him but he knows he has the creativity, intelligence, vitality and the will to keep moving forward. As long as he acts in accordance with his own being (purity), he will resolve the situation that he walks into, change what he needs to and leave again to wherever he is meant to be. Is he sane, living this life? One being’s sanity is another’s bugfug insanity and to me, it is better to ask if he is functional. The answer is assuredly yes, even hyper-functional. Most of us are so used to living according to or in reaction to society’s laws to the extent that anyone being true to themselves will seem hopelessly insane. If today’s society is any measure, then sanity may be a much-overvalued commodity.

About the Archetype:

Wands deal with force; creative, spiritual, and vital.

Threes deal with accomplishment, maturity and transmission of the energy involved.

Combining these two energies, we have spiritual energy that is ready to transmit and receive. It is an accomplished force that energizes everything surrounding it. Looking at various versions of this card I am reminded of the beginning of Kahlil Gibran’s classic book The Prophet, where a man thought to be spiritually advanced and wise has been living on an island, teaching and inspiring people for a long period and now awaits the ship that will carry him home. Before he leaves he transmits the wisdom that has come into his care to give.

Here this is shown by the central figure’s focus on both where he is going and what is left behind yet holds his affection.

Even more, this card represents a sending out of energy while staying behind and then the reception of energy. Again the idea of transmission is manifested.

Astrological Correspondent:

Sun in Aries – This energy always involves moving and sending forward. It is always moving forward inspiring other energies to do the same, no matter where in their own situation they may find themselves.

In a Reading:

In a reading, the Three of Wands talks about acting in accordance with nature both personally and in a wider sense. The path is known now all that remains is to follow it. If the person getting the reading is asking about whether a decision of theirs is the correct one in a moral sense, this card would answer with a resounding yes and that the path they are on is the correct one.

When the Three of Wands is reversed or poorly aspected, it may mean that finding the right path and deciding on goals feels unreasonably blocked. That may very well be the keynote for the reversal of the Three of Wands, a blockage of energy.

–GAR

Fate’s Whisper:

The Spark of Life in its early stages was considered to be suicide to hold. Out of a raven’s impulse, the tiger took to it immediately as it was the shiniest. At that moment it consumed him, only moments later he would come out unchanged. In fact in the words of his bias, “You can’t change what was already insane.”

This would give context that the gifts each pillar chose were nothing more than a natural extension of who they each were and how they operated. Presented with a new bigger picture it became a lesson their biases would never forget.

Just like the Pillars, we each represent something that seems much bigger than us. The gifts we hold are merely benefits of the transformations we have undergone. While some might seek these gifts for their benefit, the greater gift is when we simply use them as we please without the forced intent. So relax your gift is there all you have to do is take a breath and claim it.

–NF

FOUR PILLARS SOCIETY TAROT: TWO of WANDS

Notes on: Two of Wands

(Elemental Dominion)

Artist’s Notes:

This card has taken something of a strange turn. Two glowing poles representing a boundary separate a human wizard and a draconian wizard. The human wizard meets both types of energies that the dragon uses with his own counter energy. This picture could easily have been done from the opposite direction with the dragon holding his own against the impending attack of the human. It all depends upon perspective and choice yet in the end, it is at least the victor of the day who writes the account.

There are other perspectives by which we may view this card. Might we not be seeing two different versions of the same being from two different points in his stream? Could this not be a training exercise? Does that make it more consequential or less?

About the Archetype:

Wands deal with force in all of its forms, creative, spiritual, and vital. Twos deal with dualities and choices. When faced with the other do we fight it, love it, choose it or balance it? In the case of the two of wands, we have used our force and we have accomplished. Now we are faced with a choice. Do we go forward into something new or do we stay with what we have already accomplished? Which road should we take? With the two of wands, there is that frustration of needing the action that is denoted by the wands but facing the inaction of choosing.

Astrological Correspondence:

Mars in Aries – Mars in Aries is in its native sign and is all afire. It is a lot of quick energy seeking to take action and very impulsive. It will choose to do this, then this, then this, whether fighting, engaging in sex, or conquering, it wants to go, go..All kinds of energy to make things happen but not necessarily attentive to details… So it may start one thing, then another then… but which one to continue? AARRGGH, forget it let’s just start something new. What happens then when there is nothing left to start?

In a Reading:

When the two of wands comes up in a reading it normally refers to things going rather well for the querent tho there may be some serious question as to which path to take next. Making any choice in this situation is better than hesitating. Another way will always come up. It is better to go ahead now that you have momentum and energy on your side. And that you have in abundance

When the two of wands, is reversed or badly aspected, it can show that one is hesitating over making a decision out of fear or apathy. It can also mean that a choice has been made but the follow-up just is not happening.

–GAR

Fate’s Whisper:

In one hand, the tiger holds the joys and despair of life, while in the other is the chance something new. While his existence is filled with chaos, he makes the best of it to create endless possibilities that no one else sees. Like a seed blooming he instils the slightest push to get us started. Any more effort would be too boring in his eyes.

As you manifest your life you are guaranteed to fall many times as you balance these forces. It is up to you to turn that fall into something worthwhile, otherwise, you will begin to stagnate. Like any great art piece, once the brush starts it never truly stops this painting is done. how long it takes you to make it all depends on whether you can make these forces your own.

–NF