Llewellyn's Complete Book of the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot

by Sasha Graham

  Pamela’s wands run like scenes from a novel. An idea sparks in the ace; a plan is conceived in the two and implemented in the three. The four breeds celebration and reflects the human need to share feelings and enthusiasm. Shared joy is richer than happiness experienced alone. The Four of Wands reflects the desire to share happiness and good fortune. The card suggests you inspire others by gifting them with the same treasures and qualities empowering you with joy.

  Ancient spring rites suggesting celebration are painted on the scrim of the stage. Venus is symbolized by the roses in the garland and in the bouquets of summer revelers. Blooming flowers reflect manifestation of desire. Waite is clear in his description: “Two female figures

  uplift nosegays; at their side is a bridge over a moat, leading to an old manorial house.” The bridge is a symbol of passage between dual realities. Waite’s description of a moat and manor house carries ancestral overtones. The stories of those who have gone before us, our parents and grandparents, help us to find how we fit into our life matrix. Discovering familial roots—be it through story, pictures, and genealogy—helps us to figure out who we really are. While family lineage never defines us completely, examining our roots helps us to excavate pieces of ourselves. We can look and see what we have inherited from those who have gone before karmically, energetically, and genetically. Once we see familial patterns, just like tarot patterns or habits, we are free to fix them however we choose by healing ourselves. In healing ourselves, even if we do not have the means to examine our family history, we retroactively heal those who have come before and those who will come after. This is a magic and a power each of us possesses. The Four of Wands reminds us of this gift.

  Once internal spaces are healed, we venture forth into the greater space and interconnectivity of the entire world. Our joy amplifies to all those who draw close to us. Joy and pleasure pour through our actions and intentions. The human race is our family, and the earth is our home. As above, so below. Never forget the power of the present to heal the past and create a new future.

  The esoteric title, “The Lord of Perfected Work,” is aptly given to this card. The job is accomplished. The Emperor’s rock-like structure is buried deep within the card. Underneath the licking flames of passion, we see our passionate pursuits take shape in the world. The goal has been met, the intention has manifested, and the dream has come true, yet it is early in the cards. We are only at number four. There is plenty more to come. Unexpected, unanticipated consequences both good and bad are yet to unfold. We will reach higher, find new objectives, and face a new set of challenges as a new day begins.

  Waite’s Divinatory Meanings: They are for once almost on the surface—country life, haven of refuge, a species of domestic harvest-home, repose, concord, harmony, prosperity, peace, and the perfected work of these.

  Reversed: The meaning remains unaltered; it is prosperity, increase, felicity, beauty, embellishment.

  Five of Wands

  The Lord of Strife—Saturn in Leo

  From out of the depth and vastness of the dark,

  Brought voices wild which stirred within the soul.

  Arthur Waite, Collected Poems

  The unity of Four of Wands is divided, scattered, and combusted. Everyone fights for themselves. Five young people raise wands against one other. Each takes a solid stance, feet flat on the ground. The Five of Wands appears when it feels like everyone is out for blood at work or at home. It is the incendiary nature of the sparks of a fire building toward combustion. This is seen when crowds are on the verge of violence, when a peaceful protest becomes dangerous, or when skirmishes unexpectedly break out. It is the point in a long-term relationship when the flames of desire are replaced with the intensity of agitation and conflict.

  Primordial myths tell us fire is the essence of power. Precious fire is stolen from the gods by Greek Titan Prometheus as a gift to mankind. He suffers eternal punishment at the hands of angry Zeus for his deed. Cherokee myth portrays Grandmother Spider, who hides fire in her clay pot, while for Creek Native Americans Rabbit steals fire from the Weasels. Fire’s many valuable qualities include agitation and friction, often leading to explosive results.

  The lighter side of the Five of Wands reveals an enjoyable challenge, scrimmage, or lively debate. Personal passion changes minds and influences events and others. A secret of this card is revealed by looking into the future. The five figures come together and form the shape of a magical pentagram with their wands. It is proof positive of the uniting power of passion and accepting and respecting differing opinions and views. Waite describes their action “as if in sport or strife.” He claims their skirmish connects to the “battle of life.” His statement begs the question of what you fight against. What is the source of struggle between yourself and others? What do you feel is worth fighting for? Do you embrace a challenge or fight the challenge itself? The Book T calls this card “violent strife and boldness.”

  The esoteric title, “Lord of Strife,” is defined as a bitter disagreement over fundamental issues, thus the incendiary nature of this card. A single spark carries the potential to consume or nurture. The transformative ability of passionate beliefs is exercised and explored. The question remains. What direction will the energy move in? Will it create or consume?

  For those who do not wish to engage in fighting and those who shy away from conflict, a moment of truth may be upon you. Will you stand up for what is right? Can you express your opinions and thoughts without hurting those who oppose you? Can you avoid becoming part of the problem? How is it possible to surrender to a situation yet remain strong? The answer lies in anchoring yourself in the present moment. Eckhart Tolle tells us,

  Accept your here and now totally by dropping all inner resistance. The false, unhappy self that loves feeling miserable, resentful, or sorry for itself can then no longer survive. This is called surrender. Surrender is not weakness. There is great strength in it.58

  To follow this advice and free yourself from the energetic skirmish of the Five of Wands, surrender to the moment. Stop inserting the ego and allow yourself to observe. Doing so offers new options and creative solutions. Because you are not being angry, reactive, and retaliatory, the freedom of creative response is at your fingertips. You are impervious to the slings and arrows, insults and enemies of others. Your freedom lies in responding in any way you choose, any way you see fit. You rise above and beyond the situation.

  Waite’s Divinatory Meanings: Imitation, as, for example, sham fight, but also the strenuous competition and struggle of the search after riches and fortune. In this sense it connects with the battle of life. Hence some attributions say that it is a card of gold, gain, opulence.

  Reversed: Litigation, disputes, trickery, contradiction.

  Six of Wands

  The Lord of Victory—Jupiter in Leo

  In the pomp of deep night and high glory of day,

  Where the long golden prospects stretch shining away.

  With pennons and banners the pageants pass by,

  And the crash of their music goes up to the sky.

  Arthur Waite, Collected Poems

  When the Six of Wands appears, it lets you know you have something to celebrate. A figure carries a staff and rides his horse in a celebratory parade. The crowd waves five wands into the air. Victory parades evoke national, team, and individual success and jubilation. Sporting events culminate in victory marches for winning teams in their respective cities. Fire is the vital essence used in celebration the world over. The Six of Wands reflects the image of a victory march. Success is yours. Mission accomplished. Onward movement commences.

  Waite tells us “footmen with staves are at his side.” The figures marching forward in victory are part of a processional, yet a crowd is nowhere to be seen. Is the victory real or imagined? The card stands as a reminder of the people who surround you and support you. No success is obtained alone. You are suppo
rted every step of the way, whether or not you realize it.

  It is the card of achievement, but as in all minor arcana six cards, the story is far from complete; there is more to come. Waite’s article “The Tarot: A Wheel of Fortune” describes this card as “crowned with hope and confidence.” Having, maintaining, and exhuming hope and confidence can be seen as a victory in itself. The card issues forth the magnanimous feeling that helps us obtain any goal. It fills us with energy. It is a card of inspiration regardless if you are reflected by the figure on the horse or if you stand in the crowd. Deep down, you discover anything is possible.

  Waite admits the card has many meanings. He offers a surface reading describing happy news and hope. He neglects to mention the deeper esoteric meaning of the number six, which corresponds to the heart center of the Tree of Life. As such, this is the space of compassion, kindness, and infinite love.

  Pamela clearly illustrates the esoteric title, “Lord of Victory.” The horse in her card eerily matches the posture of the horse in the Knight of Cups of the Sola Busca deck, where the horse

  conveys a message of its own with his turned head. It is as if the horse senses or sees something the rest of us do not. Indeed, as cards numbered five bear challenge, six cards usher respite and success. Sixes bear reward for experience and through the challenging times reflected in previous cards. It also reminds you it is only through experience that we discover what we are made of. No victory exists for things arriving easily or automatically. Waite’s card follows the Book T’s seamless description of “victory after strife.”

  Sixes in the minor arcana each imply separation and hierarchies between people. One figure towers over the rest. It suggests issues of separation, authority, and positions of power. Sixes reflect caste or social systems whereby people are organized due to external attributes. On the subtle level, the nature of the minor arcana plays out in the progression on the number, growing bigger, larger, and closer to its final goal of complete manifestation in the ten. The number six connects to the Chariot card, who rides above and over all of us in his advance. The appearance of any six asks the reader to consider whether they are giving or receiving.

  Waite’s Divinatory Meanings: The card has been so designed that it can cover several significations; on the surface, it is a victor triumphing, but it is also great news, such as might be carried in state by the King’s courier; it is expectation crowned with its own desire, the crown of hope, and so forth.

  Reversed: Apprehension, fear, as of a victorious enemy at the gate; treachery, disloyalty, as of gates being opened to the enemy; also indefinite delay.

  Seven of Wands

  Lord of Valor—Mars in Leo

  And the subtle hint of invisible wings

  Tense expectation thrills and swings.

  Arthur Waite, Collected Poems

  The Seven of Wands is the card of confrontation. The animating nature of fire helps us to stand up for what we believe in, even if we feel alone in our battles. Instincts come to our aid when defending passionate and political causes. Fire’s friction heats up. We expand like a balloon or puffer fish gaining strength the moment it is needed. We must be wary of fire’s bloodlust consuming us when fighting a battle, even one begun with the best of intentions. If we give in to base instincts, we may win the battle but we have lost the war.

  Does the figure on the Seven of Wands ambush the Six of Wands’ victory parade as it passes below him like a thief hiding in the woods? Does he fight off invaders? Is he defending his higher ground from an angry mob, like Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein? Has he imagined the entire scene? Is he like Don Quixote attacking windmills of his mind? The minor arcana sevens are highly weighted cards. A situation has developed. The objects and ideals at stake are worth fighting for. We stand like the figure on the Seven of Wands when we feel threatened and we defend our personal actions or creative work.

  Waite tells us plainly, “It is the card of valor, six are attacking one.” Waite lifts the definition from the Book T and it matches the esoteric title, “Lord of Valor.” Waite adds that the card indicates intellectual discourse and the rapid exchange of quick minds. It suggests a court case, fighting for your rights, or defending a political position. Human nature inserts personal ego into situations. Are we giving others too much credit or, even worse, undeserved power?

  Pamela places a visual clue on her figure. He wears mismatched shoes, one boot and one slipper. It suggests a rapid exit, potential deceit, or absconded clothing. An element of distrust or desperation cloaks her figure. The shoes reflect the pull of differing choices and potential imbalance.

  Waite’s Divinatory Meanings: It is a card of valour, for, on the surface, six are attacking one, who has, however, the vantage position. On the intellectual plane, it signifies discussion, wordy strife; in business—negotiations, war of trade, barter, competition. It is further a card of success, for the combatant is on the top and his enemies may be unable to reach him.

  Reversed: Perplexity, embarrassments, anxiety. It is also a caution against indecision.

  Eight of Wands

  Lord of Swiftness—Mercury in Sagittarius

  Flowing from vales beyond,

  and yet beyond from the hills,

  A sense magnetic of expectation fills.

  Arthur Waite, Collected Poems

  Eight wands fly across the sky. A fertile land lies beneath. A river meanders and a house sits atop a hill. The power of intention is made manifest, visible and alive, in the Eight of Wands. This card echoes the “call and response” of the universe. An intention is made known through an invocation, prayer, or spell. Others call it synchronicity or coincidence, but the reader knows it is the universe acting in perfect accordance to its laws. It lets us know we chose well. It is the card of karmic action. Intentions sent into the world return to the sender threefold.

  We envision our desire in the mind’s eye just as mythological Artemis strings and aims her bow and arrow. The Sagittarius archer, the card’s astrological association, links to intuition and wisdom. Eight of Wands echo the space between wish and culmination. The wands are mid-flight, their final destination unknown. The following card in a spread will almost always contain information regarding the Eight of Wand’s final destination and ultimate resting place.

  Cupid’s bow and arrow seeks the vulnerable heart. The Eight of Wands often signifies messages of love. Are you vulnerable to love’s arrows? Are you the sender or receiver? The phallic nature of a penetrating wand seeking its target is multiplied by eight, the number of synchronicity. It suggests great speed and events unfolding lightning-fast. Plans, ideas, and directives are midway, like a lightning bolt midstream, yet the landing place is unseen. Hamlet’s “slings and arrows of outrageous fortune” place us firmly on the receiving end of the eight flaming wands.

  The esoteric title, “Lord of Swiftness,” is aptly applied to the image. Waite tells us, “That which they signify is at hand; it may be even of the threshold.” A threshold is a barrier space where two realities meet. In this case, wands act as a gate, carrying with them the power to transport the reader to an entirely new reality. It may be a change in location or career. He calls it “the immovable,” reminding us there is no going back once the intentions have been set forth. Once out there, it’s out there. You can’t take it back. The wands move in the same direction as the Magician’s channeled energy, from the top left of the card to the bottom right. This

  suggests a natural energetic ease, a comfort and familiarity. Ultimately, the card reflects change, movement, and travel. It is the energy that moves up to a new place both metaphorically and literally.

  Waite’s Divinatory Meanings: Activity in undertakings, the path of such activity, swiftness, as that of an express messenger; great haste, great hope, speed toward an end which promises assured felicity; generally, that which is on the move; also the arrows of love.

  Reversed: Arrows
of jealousy, internal dispute, stingings of conscience, quarrels; and domestic disputes for persons who are married.

  Nine of Wands

  The Lord of Great Strength—Moon in Sagittarius—Stage Card

  Has walk’d in a waking dream apart from the gates and the walls which fence

  The common life of a world enswathed in the dreamless swoon of sense.

  Arthur Waite, Collected Poems

  The Nine of Wands is a threshold card. Thresholds mark the passage between here and there in time, space, and place; a boundary line between the inner and outer, betwixt and between. It is the veil separating worlds, realities, and possibilities. The number nine is the number of wish fulfillment and concrete results. Eight wands are painted on the scrim like a fence while a figure steps through holding the ninth wand. He glances to his side. What is he looking for?

  It is the card of pushing barriers, shattering a glass ceiling, and taking energetic reserves and moving into a space of transformation. It reflects moving from a childhood home, going off to college, beginning a new job, becoming a first-time mother. The Nine of Wands is where you push yourself past all comfort zones. The risk pays off. The action contains real and true consequences in your life. It is the bravery to stick up for yourself in the place where you used to cower. It is an exciting creative experience. You see or do something completely new. It is the moment you have received what you have fought long and hard for. You wonder, what now? What have I gotten myself into?