Start Today with Guidance and a Glimpse of Possibilities

The Three of Wands is a card of consolidation; unlike in the Two, here the figure looks out on his boats and is unfettered, and at ease. We have the clear sense of someone at peace with their life, and confident of their place within it.

The Queen of Wands sits comfortably and firmly on her throne; in the traditional Rider Waite image she holds her Wand in one hand and a sunflower in the other, and a black cat sits before her, symbolizing protection. The Queen looks calmly out at us and the landscape around her, deeply receptive and appreciative of the good things that life offers her.

The Knight of Wands is in full charge, in contrast to the Page, who stands still, contemplating the adventures before him. The Knight's horse rears up, as keen to begin the quest as his rider, and we have the clear sense of the wind that is created in their wake: the feathers on the figure’s helmet stream out in the rushing air. This is a card of movement, action, and eagerness.

The theme of love continues in the Two of Cups: the Rider Waite image depicts a young man and woman holding their Cups out to each other. Note its compositional similarity to The Lovers: the winged lion represents the merging of spirituality with physical passion, and the symbol beneath it is the caduceus of Hermes, which relates to wisdom and healing. We see in this card the great transformative power of love.

Here, we discern a long-held symbol of earthly power: a white-haired man, stern, wearing armor beneath his regal garments, and seated on a stone throne. Note the scepter The Emperor holds, bearing the universal sigil of the male sex, and compare this to The Empress’ totem of femininity, which is carved onto a heart-shaped stone and rests against her dais. His throne bears the images of four rams’ heads, linking The Emperor to the sign Aries, which is ruled by Mars, the God of War. The Emporer is power and strength. The extent to which these can be used for good or ill depends entirely on the personality that directs them.

Unlike the Queen of the suit, the King of Cups is not directly connected to the water: his throne rests upon the waves and an artificial fish, as opposed to a live one, is hung around his neck. The King does not look at his Cup but, instead, holds it with the same grip with which he holds the scepter in his other hand. Here is creativity that has been contained and put to use.