The Suits of the Minor Arcana in the Tarot; Part 2: Wands

Part 2: Wands

 

WANDS

Wands are representative of creativity.  It has been said that if Wands had a personality they would be the Muse, or cheerleaders.  Wands are all about that creative spark, a Divine spark even, and our Spirit.  They are enthusiasm in its purist form.  The entomology of “enthusiasm” comes from the Greek word “enthousiasmos” which means to be inspired.  It is also derived from “entheos” which means “inspired or possessed by God”.  This is evident throughout the entire suit.  For example, in the Rider-Waite desk, the VI of wands shows a figure on a horse looking victorious. The figure is sitting upright and looking triumphantly into the distance, or the future.  All of the wands represented in this card, as well as all of the others in the suit have green leaves shooting out which is representative of growth, change and new beginnings.  The very first card in the suit is a single wand being held by a single hand mysteriously emerging from a cloud and sets the tone for the entire suit; the possibilities are out there for you to grow. The Wands are meant to show the Querrent what their creativity is and where it lies with respect to the other suits.  Elementally, the Wands correspond with fire, which makes sense, as most of us need to “light a fire under our ass” when it comes to moving forward creatively.  Wands are the initiators and put us on a path to spur us into action.  Seasonally, it is the Summer time that corresponds with this suit and the color is yellow.  Again, this makes a great deal of sense, as Summer time is a time to try new things and be carefree…the sun is shining, the birds are singing, flowers are in full bloom and it is time to embark a new adventure, be it travel, business, or merely painting your home a new color.  The Zodiacs associated with Wands are Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.  Because of the qualities that these signs possess stagnation is impossible.  The wands are pure potential, genius, or even epiphany.  They are the original ideas that get you “fired up” and the creative juices flowing.

Norman Vincent Peale: Enthusiasm releases the drive to carry you over obstacles and add significance to all you do.

 

If you are interested in learning more try out the Universal Waite Deck.  It is the original Rider Waite deck, but the coloring is much more viberant.