The 6 of Wands

Representing transience and movement; the 6 of Wands moves beyond conflict to maintain forward momentum. Drawing our focus away from the efforts we have committed thus far our attention instead is drawn once more to our objective and the direction we seek. The 6 of Wands is an opportunity to return to the creative endeavour at hand and consider where we want to go next and what it is that we ultimately want to achieve. Forward momentum is the emphasis here no matter how significant that movement is whether it be a small step or a giant leap, the important element is the act of moving.

In the upright state the 6 of Wands asks us to consider the options at our disposal and measure their merit ultimately choosing one to pursue. The objective here is not to find a single action to achieve our goal but simply to move closer to that goal, the objective is to avoid stagnation and stasis.

In the inverted state the 6 of Wands represents indecision with regards to our next action, this could be the result of an abundance of choice, or the result of a lack of choice. In either scenario if no choice can be decided upon with logic and reason, then one must be chosen by chance alone. To remain in place without forward momentum is to achieve inaction which prevents creation. As a reminder, chance in a Spiritual context represents deference to a higher power, allowing that power to make the decision for us.

The 5 of Wands

Representing conflict; the 5 of Wands as depicted on a regular deck of cards is often drawn as an X shape here that symbolism is echoed. As wands are often seen as manipulating the other domains of the Tarot, the 5 of Wands in representing conflict is not limited to the domain of Creation alone it can incorporate the other domains, but crucially, in doing so the emphasis is the impact upon our creativity and action that this conflict causes and the impact that our actions have in turn.

In the upright state the 5 of Wands represents the connection between our objective in our creative endeavour and the reality that we have to work within. It may be that our creative endeavour is the source of this conflict, or it may be that the existing reality has put in place a structure or power dynamic that is challenged by our creative endeavour and the conflict therefore results from the disruption. In either case the 5 of Wands is a warning that our creative endeavour will be disrupted by external forces and that we should prepare for this accordingly.

In the inverted state this focus shifts from the external to the internal, instead of our creative endeavour causing disruption or being disrupted by external forces, it is instead the source of disruption this represents an internal conflict, where our own actions are complicating our endeavour. This can be a sign that we are holding ourselves back unnecessarily or that our focus needs to shift to be able to recognise the obstruction we have created, in situations such as this there is often an underlying emotion such as fear or attachment that impedes our progress.

The 4 of Wands

Representing stability; where the 3 of Wands represented the strength of connection, the 4 of Wands represents the endurance of that connection through stability and maintenance. The four corners of a square represent the room beneath which a triangular roof is set. It is within this room that we dwell in our moments of idleness. Again, drawing from mathematical symbolism, the number 4 represents parity or evenness being restored once more it is this balance that must form the foundation upon which we will build.

In the upright state the 4 of Wands represents the growth of our creative endeavours in a steady and sustainable manner; this can represent a new period of calm in our lives after a period of turmoil or a period of rapid change. This could also be interpreted as the period of time after a connection has been made where things flow most freely albeit at a pace with which we may not be content, we must therefore remind ourselves that steady progress is preferred over potential instability.

In the inverted state the 4 of Wands represents stagnation, a lack of growth where it is desired. Where stability is prized for its security, a prolonged period of stagnation without renewal can be destructive or can portend to a period of disruption that may be on the horizon as yet unseen, the emphasis here is to ensure that slow and steady progress does not lead to stasis.

The 3 of Wands

Representing connection; the number three is found throughout the Universe not just in occult traditions but in the halls of academia and the cathedrals of science. The triangle is the strongest geometric shape known to man and is incorporated into everything from our roads and bridges, to the roofs above our heads. The symbolism of triangles representing balance is further present in the mathematical formulae that exist for calculating the speed, distance, and time, or for calculating density, mass, and volume, as examples the triplicate nature of interconnection can be seen throughout the natural world.

In the upright state the 3 of Wands asks us to form connections in our creative endeavours. This could be potential collaborations with others, drawing upon the knowledge and experience of those who have gone before us, reaching out for help and advice, or by seeking out potential opportunities to turn creative ideas into creative practices allowing us to put the theory we have already studied into action.

In the inverted state the 3 of Wands represents the internal connections that we can form, by drawing on past experiences, looking to our past successes and failures and reflecting upon what we learned from those experiences which we can connect to our present experience and help us inform the plans we make for the future and our approach to achieve our goals.

The 2 of Wands

Representing balance; the number two represents the mathematical concept of parity, or evenness. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, for every Cause, there is an Effect, and for every state of being there is an inverted state. It is held in spiritual practice that nothing is given for free, there is always a price. This mirrors the law of Physics where energy cannot be created nor destroyed it can only be transferred from one form into another, and the nature of causality once more.

In the upright state the 2 of Wands draws our attention to the cost of our actions and the resources we employ in our creative endeavours. When setting out on a new creative endeavour it is easy to get lost in the sea of potential that swells with opportunity beneath us, we need to refine our goals with realistic objectives. This requires us to reflect on the resources we have available and draw from those.

In the inverted state the 2 of Wands represents an initial imbalance that will be rectified in time. The advice here is to be mindful of the initial investment being higher than we anticipated and the potential return seeming illusive at first. Faith in our own endeavours and the confidence needed to commit to them and pay the price needed is the key focus here.

The Ace of Wands

Aces represent beginnings as the first card in any suit; the ace can also be considered the most valuable card for their potential and their purity. An ace represents clarity and freedom from obstruction, much like the Fool within the Major Arcana it represents the beginning of our journey in this case the beginning of our creative endeavour, the contrast when compared to the Fool however is that the Fool embodies ignorance, the fixed nature of the domains of the Minor Arcana removes the element of ignorance by directing our focus to one particular element or area of our lives.

In the upright state this card represents creative opportunities, new paths that will open to us, new things to try, new experiences to be had, or new places to visit with a particular focus on the element of potential.

In the inverted state this card represents a return to square one, familiar territories will be retrodden with eyes anew, a fresh approach or new direction will open up from an old starting point, in all of these scenarios the emphasis is on new opportunities that are still distinct in their own right but use past experience as their foundations.

XXI - The World

The final card of the Major Arcana, the World represents completion and totality, the ending of all endings and beginning of all beginnings. As one journey ends and a new one begins, we let go of all that has been achieved and embrace our newfound power and the evolution of the spirit.

In the upright state the World is a sign that you have done all you are expected to do, and that you are now ready to move on and embrace a new journey. The World represents closure, and progress, letting go of our burdens and moving forward.

In the inverted state the World represents that which is missing, imperfect and incomplete. The inverted World calls upon us to embrace serenity and accept what we cannot change, to let go and accept a new life in its absence. For us to be able to move forward and begin a new life we must let go of everything we associate with the old one.