The Tarot suit of Wands represents the element of Fire. Full of the summer sun’s energy, the wands, or staves, as they are sometimes called, are symbols of growth, passion, and power. In many decks, they are shown as phallic-looking tree branches with new leaves sprouting from them, representing the power of the life force.
That life force is often associated with Fire. We call it “the spark of life,” the “inner fire,” and we “burn” calories and “burn” with passion.
When Wands turn up in a reading, look for action, growth, and change. The Wands belong to creativity, inspiration, passion, desire, and laughter. The magical wand is the tool of the focused will, with the ability to initiate change, transform reality, and illuminate the dark.
In many traditional decks, the colors found in the Wands cards are, not surprisingly, full of yellows and reds. And the illustrations show much activity, including celebration as well as struggle. But the aggression and competitiveness of the Wands is quite different than the deadly force of the Swords of the Tarot.
In fact, the Wands are an acknowledgment of the human need to strive, to struggle and to triumph over challenges. It is through such struggle that we grow. The lesson of Wands is to take action, to rise to the occasion, to act with daring and passion.
If there is a dark side to all this sunny energy, it is that refusal to act, especially on our own behalf or according to our beliefs, leads to being burdened and stuck. The Wands show that we must claim our power, even if it leads to controversy and even confrontation. As long as we
balance our striving and desire, we will not suffer burnout, but we can expect success.
As you bask in this bright fiery Summer’s heat, resolve to let the Wands’ guidance show you how to act with courage, to meet your fears head-on, and to shine your passionate inner light brightly. The Wands invite you to chase away any gloom that holds you back from your most creative, daring dreams!
