Page of Wands - The Creative Messenger

I see the Page of Wands as a being very much the creative messenger, reminding us to be nurturing and gentle with ourselves in order to discover, nurture and take care of, and believe in our creative gifts.

Pages is always indicative of messages and this Page of Wands embodies the mythic image of Phrixus sensitive, caring and a youthful innocent. Due to this innocence and sensitivity there exists a susceptibility to outside influences, both positive and negative.

This Page reminds us to be take our creativity seriously, to be our own advocate, our biggest champion and that we need to believe in ourselves and our abilities with enthusiasm. We need and to be open to discover our great creative gift, our true value that was also given to Phrixus from Zeus.

Often many of us grow up in families and environments where these basic values and beliefs are not instilled, which makes it difficult, but not impossible to bring and actualize into our adult life. However having mentors and extended family can help immeasurably and can make all the difference.

There is no need to stay in a state of not knowing our creative self-discoveries and capacities that reflect the powerful possibilities of our creative imagination.

Page of Wands - A Gentle Kick in the Butt

This card the Page of Wands has come up twice in five days. When this happens, drawing the same card, initially I get a little frustrated because I just posted the same card. But, I know there's some kind of message for me and because Pages are messengers, I'd better pay attention.

This means digging a little deeper and taking a personal inventory of the positive and the negative. It's time to take a closer look at the areas in our life, examining some of the positive and looking at our character defects, that perhaps we're not quite ready or want to change.

 As I'd stated in a previous post about the Page of Wands, it is a card about personal creative growth, moving forward, with action and enthusiastic discovery. It's a good thing to nip things in the bud that you are already aware of, so as to prevent  more serious problems that might be harder to overcome in the future, and to build upon our existing strengths. I've learned a lot of hard lessons that way, but wished I could have found a ways to have avoided cutting my nose off to spite my face sometimes, but I don't regret my past.

The discoveries we make might be found out the hard way, but hopefully we learn an important lesson. We're the ones who ultimately decide what action we're going to take to improve our situations or if we'll stagnate in a regressive way.
That said, I've learned not to be judgemental, and to be sure that I extend compassion toward myself, like I would any one else, because progress is the goal not perfection.

So I'll contemplate this card today as I think the Page of Wands is an encouraging good kick in the butt.

Page of Wands - Full Speed Ahead With Enthusiasm and Discovery

Well this is a good news card for me, after having an action packed day yesterday and haven't felt to physically energetic today.

 I've been working diligently in the garden for the last two days, mowed my a large lawn with my gas mower, not a lawn tractor and decided to wrassle giant burdocks that were taking over a spot close to my house. This wasn't an easy task, but I enthusiastically tackled the beast, and discovered the best way to attack the thick stocks was with a pitch fork and hand saw!

The message here found in the energy of the Page of Wands urges me to use my creative energy today instead of my physical effort and that's my good news for the day!

It's tea time!

Page of Wands - Enthusiasm and Discovery

The Page of Wands is an encouraging card, full of fiery creative spirit and life, imagination, and energy all flow from a place of inspiration and to move forward with enthusiasm and discovery. It is also represents the irritable, unrealistic and restless youth, Phrixus.

This personality needs to be tempered, because the temptation could be to dive in without forethought, and there is a risk of messing the whole thing up, however risk can be a very positive thing that enables growth.

This youth often provokes others and causes problems in one's personal life and work. Here in lies the warning message, look before you leap, and think before you act.

The wisdom of age needs to comes into play. The youthful spirit may not allow for the foresight in his approach to risk, and so careful consideration is required.

As the old saying goes, pride comes before a fall and the childishness that revolves around the ego of immaturity can be the default regardless of one's biological age.

This card makes me think about a saying my mother would always say. "Youth is wasted on the young."
The positive aspect exhibited by Page of Wands points to the power of the imagination and knowing that there is much more where the initial creative idea came from.

Page of Swords - Are The Storms of Life Washing You Away?

The Page of Wands is blowing up a storm. This card urges us to have courage, and honesty, appealing to our higher self, in the midst of turmoil, serious trouble, or what might even seem to be the end of all things we know and love. Much like the refugees fleeing for their lives from their war torn countries.

I used to have apocalyptic dreams a few years ago about Tsunamis. I don't know why I had these dreams and can only conjecture about their meaning.

Being an optimist by nature, who can be prone to an underlining depression, which I attribute to the affects of alcoholism within my immediate family. Sometimes it's just life that can get me down, trying to make sense of why bad things happen to good people all over the world.

Lately I've been really noticing and thinking about all of the catastrophic weather that has devastated many parts of the world. Everything from recent tornadoes in Texas, to floods in the British Isles, in the States right now, and yesterday there was a mild but nonetheless, ever threatening earthquake in the west coast of Canada, where there is a fault line that exists, running all the way up from the California coast.

Last night I found myself watching you-tube and a documentary about the massive tornado that happened in Joplin, Missouri  in 2011, which was a catastrophic EF5 multiple-vortex tornado that struck late in the afternoon of Sunday, May 22, 2011. This event in the US was the biggest tornado in history since 1947.

What I was very touched by, was how the residents of Joplin immediately helped one another, how ever they could, in the immediate aftermath of this catastrophe.

Today I was also reminded of the resilience within the human spirit, when I heard again, the re-broadcast of the interview with Wendel Price  who talked about the response to Hurricane Katerina in New Orleans, which was so inspiring, in knowing that, when we feel and think all hope is lost, it's not.

We all have storms in life, whether it be of a personal nature or that of the physical kind. How we respond to these after affects can either leave us broken and defeated, or strengthened and victorious. We can help others and get our focus on recovery, by being proactive, positive, and above all, inspiring hope.

The trials and storms of life can help us to respond in a way that honours the Spirit, or a Power greater than ourselves.

 

The Page of Wands - The Prodigal Daughter

I really identify with the Page of Wands and this Court card of the Minor Arcana in the Mythic Tarot is one of my very favourites, symbolizing creative energy and a kind of rebel without a cause, that eventually finds the right road along the journey.Many of us in life feel like this prodigal daughter or son.

 Having a vocation as a Youth Care Worker for 20 plus years was not a coincidence. I remember vividly what it was like being a troubled youth at risk and having a mother who trusted me so much when I was undeserving.. When I finally got into recovery it all started to make sense to me, the idea of the prodigal son or daughter. I was that person, and so I strongly identified with the kids I worked with, and I think it made me a good Youth Care Worker. My mother was the example to me. She forgave me and helped me to understand the importance of forgiveness toward others, and toward myself especially.

Everyone has made big and small mistakes, they may or may not be sorry for or remorseful. but we all need to forgive, and to be forgiven for something. We forgive another not for them, but we do it ourselves, so we don't become resentful which comes from the kind of bitter root that grows and chokes out every aspect of our lives, robbing us of our serenity and happiness..

When I think about forgiving I immediately think of someone else forgiving me, especially my family members. I always hope and pray that my family forgives me for the hurt I have caused them. I know I don't give it a second thought about forgiving them. It isn't always the easiest thing to do for some of us, but perhaps more difficult is the struggle in forgiving those we don't love, who have committed unspeakable atrocities. I know it is sometimes hard enough to forgive and to have mercy  for those we love, let alone those we don't love.

Children and animals seem to be full of the same spirit of loving others who have hurt them, even in the face of undeserved loyalty and forgiveness.

Page of Wands - Having Something To Look Forward To

 The Page of Wands is the perfect card for me to draw today. The element of fire is representing the creative stirrings with feelings of unease and restlessness. Oh ya I'm feelin' it! Bring it on!

It's another day of snow, after getting walloped by yet another storm, 30-40 cm on top of the 30-40 cm that was already down from the last blast. Some folks actually got 80 cms! It's been said that this has been one of the most intense Winter's in 20 years. Needless to say, it is really getting to people, and here in Nova Scotia we've all gone a little doolally with seemingly no Spring in site. But this card gives hope in knowing Spring is coming, and it's just a blip, in relation to the great snow globe of life! All these weather events are relative. Actually what concerns me more than anything is climate change, which may be the new normal. I am a hopeful person, but this serious problem leaves one feeling a little dubious about the future.

Wands are full of growth, energy and action. So, I swept the floor, rearranged some furniture, and re-potted a few plants and of course as always blogged. It's not exactly going after the Golden Fleece, but considering my present level of ambition right now, it's as good as it gets today! No snow shoveling until tomorrow, as I just can't face it again right now. If we get the next storm on Saturday, they are calling for, which might be a snow/rain event, it will make for a beautiful mess and three storms in one week.

As you can see, my preoccupation today is with this Winter weather, and Spring arriving in two days. It's not what I was expecting. So close yet so far away! But this card heralds good news, that is on it's way! Right now it is a ' hurry up and wait' scenario, but the snow can't last forever!

The ram that this Page of Wands (Phrixus) is riding, is in fact the Golden Fleece, when it was alive. Phrixus is escaping. The ram was sent to rescue him, and his sister Helle. Phrixus was to be sacrificed to Zeus that was the curse put upon him by the phantom woman Nephele, who had married King Athamas,  Phrixus and Helle's father. Zeus was having no part of this plot, sending the ram to rescue Phrixus and his sister, the same Golden Fleece Jason, and his Argonauts were in pursuit of finding. Phrixus in turn gave the ram to Zeus as a sacrifice for having been recused.

Phrixus looks like he is in a desperate state to get moving, and so he should be, because his life depends on it. He's already lost his sister, whom he tried to lift onto the ram when escaping, but sadly she fell into the sea, and perished.

When we are wanting something badly enough, we too may be in a desperate state. Perhaps because we are afraid that we might not make it, and fear failure. Our lives may or may not depend on it, but we may feel that our happiness does. Creative energy moves us toward change, gives us the ability to move ahead, and  overcome.

Not unlike Phrixus, we have no way to predict future outcomes or what is ahead. To be sure, there will be trials, difficulties, and sacrifices made, challenging us to grow. These will only increase our confidence. Regardless of our circumstance, it is a good thing to be motivated and inspired to have a goal, and live the life you love, and deserve. This is transformation.

I have heard it said, the definition of an alcoholic is someone who has to have something to look forward to. As a recovering alcoholic, I think this may be true, and makes sense to me. I must say, I am really looking forward to the year ahead, to Spring, and it can't come fast enough. I won't stick my head in the snow bank.

Page of Wands - Gratitude For Creative Inspiration

As I went to shuffle my Mythic Tarot deck this morning, to draw my daily card, the Page of Wands seemed to jump out of my hand, and it landed on the table. So I thought, this is my card for the day. A card that is full of promise in the year to come..


This messenger brings the good news of delicate beginnings, and creative inspiration. I'm definitely feeling the restlessness, and unease associated with this the Page of Wands. But there will be new ideas, new ventures, and a new phase to come.

 The creative imagination that inspires, sometimes can seem to be at odds with the realities of mundane everyday responsibilities, like paying bills, getting you car fixed, leaking hot water pipes, or dealing with others who can't figure out why in hell you would ever pursue an art 'career', because many creatives live in poverty. But having wealth isn't about having money.

 Many people couldn't care less about art or creativity, and really may even think, you have lost your mind completely, if you actually ever had one!

Living a creative life is what makes me really happy, and I am very grateful for my health, and for an abundance of love in my life.

Today I take responsibility for my own happiness, no one else's. I have come to understand what makes me happy and unhappy.

 Artist's can change the world for the better, and that is most important to me, as it is my vocation. I look very forward to Christmas Day, tomorrow and to the New Year, as I hope we all do, and whatever your vocation, my hope is that you will change this global world, to make a more joyful, peaceful and wealthier place to live, for everyone, everywhere.

Page of Wands - Self-Reliance

The main message here in the Page of Wands, that represents the element of Fire which embodies action and energy. This card urges us to express ourselves, and let our voices be heard, and not to hold back.

Expressing ourselves in a clear, precise, and assertive manner, is a way to feel good about ourselves. There is a confidence that comes from knowing, valuing, relying, and believing in yourself.

We let go of what others think, this may be risky in one way or another, as others may not approve or agree. They may even think that you've lost you mind all together, dismissing your ideas as silly or fantastical, especially if you have a particular goal, adventure or quest in mind.

I have been reading a wonderful book by Chris Guillebeau, The Happiness of Pursuit. In Chapter 5 entitled, Self-Reliance. There is something said here, that I think is very interesting, a very important point to consider when on a quest, and is at the heart of the Page of Wands, as it speaks of the need to be self-reliant, regardless of what others think or how they dismiss or judge you.

" WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT AN ADVENTURE OR QUEST THAT INVOLVES PERCEIVED RISK: "

 Successful Outcome: brave, courageous, confident
 Failed Outcome: stupid, risky, naive, arrogant



Life is risky but nothing worth pursuing is risk free.

We need to be our own heroine or hero, having a deep sense of self-reliance and purpose, in expressing our creative voice. If not, we can experience a restlessness and unease, in unrealized hopes and dreams, possibly resulting in not having a sense of knowing who we really are, and what we can achieve through all the action and energy that the suit of Wands has to offer.

Page of Wands - Time To Get A Backbone!

Being assertive is a hard life lesson for many of us. Most it seems, learn to either be aggressive or passive in our families of origin.

As Canadians, we are often self-deprecating, and make fun of ourselves, always apologizing and chronically saying "sorry". There is a funny element to this, but is also a kind of sad commentary.

I think humour is often our outlet, and maybe why we are known for our comedians. Comedy can be aggressive, misplaced, diverted anger and I understand that, being a huge comedy fan, but it needs to be more than hiding behind the mask of satyr, and cynicism.

Learning to use humour to get my message across,  I also have learned and am still learning, how to be assertive, and not fall into the black hole of apathy. Aggression and passivity are my enemies, and so here in the Page of Wands, is the message to let your voice be heard. If we do not speak up, then what ever is bothering us festers, and we can become bitter. If someone is really creating a problem or disruption and we don't tell them how we are feel about it, we don't give them the opportunity to change their behaviour.

The Page of Wands also encourages us to realize, that it's time to discover a new creative capacity within. Restlessness or a vague feeling of dissatisfaction may be present. It is important to pay attention to these feelings, and to take them seriously and to nurture these harbingers of creative inspiration.

It is essential that I listen and encourage my own inner voice as well, and not let it be squelched out by the noise, resentment and things that cause me to loose my focus. Time to get a backbone!

Page of Wands - Let Your Voice Be Heard!

The Page of Wands in the Minor Arcana makes me think of the old proverb, don't hide your lamp under a bushel.

This card indicates that you should let your voice be heard, don't be shy and speak up! Don't allow others put out your fire, your creativity, ideas, and efforts. Surround yourself with those who nurture, and are supportive of your imagination.

You may find that yourself at odds with some folks, as they could interpret your restlessness and irritability as nothing but notions, when it is simply the fragile beginnings of an emerging creative spirit.

 Pages are messengers and the Suit of Wands ( Rods) symbolize action, energy, growth, ideas, creation and expression of spirit.

The card can represent a young, lively person, full of ideas, who may be an intern or an apprentice. This card shouts the message that good news is on the way, and let your light shine!

Too many of us often have our imagination and creative spirit squelched at a young age and even into our adult life. This not only happens within families, but it happens in our educational system, which makes the world and society a poorer place to live.

We are all born with a creative spirit and imagination. It is a God given gift, and we should all do whatever we can, to develop and nurture it within ourselves, and others, and especially with and for our children.