Start Today with Guidance and a Glimpse of Possibilities

The Ten of Wands is a card that represents burden and choice. In the Rider Waite image, the figure trudges homeward, weighed down by the many Wands that he bears. He is close, though: a house is visible in the near distance and he has but a short distance of his journey left to complete.

In the Five of Wands, we see another aspect of the fire element: energy that requires a release to not become destructive. In the traditional Rider Waite image, we see a group of youths engaged in vigorously hitting their wands together; they are immersed in the action, their focus on nothing but the melee itself. A closer look at the card, though, shows us that these figures aren’t actually trying to hurt each other at all, but are merely playfighting, clashing sticks rather than aiming to cause each other any injury. 

Authority and determination come to mind with the King Of Swords. This is a character who acts with clarity and confidence in his actions. He is often looked to for advice and leadership because he is known for his sound judgment and mediation skills. He has the ability to be a force of authority through inspiration and intelligence.

We see in the traditional Rider Waite image of the Seven of Wands the figure of a man in the midst of battle; despite the clear effort and intense focus of his expression, he has literally risen above his attackers and is holding the high ground. We do not see his adversaries, simply the Wands with which they are fighting; we have the sense that, despite their greater number, he is in no danger of being overwhelmed.

In contrast to the Page, the Knight of Cups looks with serious intensity at his Cup as his horse approaches a thin and slow-moving stream. Despite the wings of the Knight’s helmet and the strength of his steed, this is not a card of movement or fast-paced action, but one of dreams and desires that may not yet be fully recognized.

Just as The High Priestess is one archetype of femininity, so The Empress is another: from mystery and the profoundly spiritual, we now move to the Mother Goddess figure. The Empress reclines comfortably on her throne, surrounded by the abundance of the natural world, her body language open and at ease. The water that was hidden in the previous card here flows freely, pooling at The Empress’ feet. Yet her connection to the fertile earth does not denote a lesser power than that of her sister; it is her great strength.