Start Today with Guidance and a Glimpse of Possibilities

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. 

In the Two of Wands, we see a man standing, alone, atop a walled fortress, holding the world in one of his hands. In the other, he holds one of the Wands of the card, while the second Wand has been fastened to the ramparts on his right. Like this bound Wand the figure here has been hemmed in by his success, and we can imagine him pondering on what, exactly, it has brought him.

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.

Life is like a wheel and, sometimes, we need to accept that it will turn, this is the fundamental message of this card. Just as the snake depicted on the card follows the downward slide of the wheel, so the fox ascends with the very same turn. The sphinx that sits on top of the wheel in the Rider Waite version of the card symbolizes both mystery and Horus, the Egyptian God of resurrection. Whereas The Chariot depicted the sphinxes pulling the carriage, facilitating its passage, in this card the sphinx’s position at the top of the wheel, above its relentless cycle, suggests that there are things beyond the turning wheel of life that we can only dimly comprehend but that infuse our existence nonetheless.

The Three of Pentacles is the card of mastery and skill which can often lead to recognition and attaining a good reputation in work and business. This card also shows a knack for teamwork and collaboration and being open to working with others. 

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.