Where Wands symbolize the element of Fire, Cups represent Water: receptivity, love, and the inner being are the province of this suit. In the Ace we see the culmination of these things: a hand appears from a cloud holding a Cup -a grail - from which multiple streams of water run into a beautiful pool. This flowing water will never run out: it is infinite, as love is.
Wands relate to the element of fire, and the suit’s Ace represents its essence: drive, action, energy, movement, and opportunity. And yet fire can burn, too; it has the potential to cause destruction, and these things are also represented in the cards of Wands.
The key to understanding The Hanged Man is realizing that he is maintaining this hanging by choice. This card depicts a man suspended, upside down, from the branch of a tree, a bright glow around his head. He has assumed this symbolic hanging position to reflect, meditate, and become at one with the universe - the light encompassing his head represents his success in achieving this.
The Queen of Pentacles depicts a Queen sitting on her throne. It signifies either you are in a position to care for others and provide for them generously in a material way or that you are in need of such in return. The Queen caringly looking at the gold coin in her hands indicates both her wealth and her nurturing quality. She is a prime example of someone who takes on both domestic and provider roles.
Justice is the card of ultimate karma, with her open gaze, set of scales, and a double-edged sword: we receive exactly what we deserve. Make note that, unlike other traditional depictions of Justice, here the figure wears no blindfold. This points to the core elements of the card: truth, honesty, and clear-sightedness. We must fully recognize the past events that have led to our present situation in order to understand and move beyond it. When Justice appears in a reading it should always be given special attention. Look her fully in the eye, and listen carefully to the message she has for you.
The card of Judgement is always of particular importance when it appears in a reading. In the traditional Ride-Waite depiction of the trump, we see an angel blowing a trumpet: in response, figures below rise up from their graves, arms outstretched to welcome their newly gifted life. The card carries a sense of both joy and purpose, and the strong intimation that the angel’s call cannot be denied.
