The Queen of Wands - Creative Imagination

 
I am very fond of the the Queen of Wands, especially because she is full of creative imagination. To me she is the Wild Woman.
 Often referred to as the Sunshine Lady, however not a stereotypical Pollyanna personality, that many a cynic make fun of, but she has a depth and strength of character, exhibiting a conviction that all will be well. She wears the world as a loose garment with a stable, self-contained, energetic nature.
She neither chases false dreams or illusions, and is her own person, who has a self-confident independence.
Many are attracted to her magnetic and loyal personality, as she is full of life and warmth that she brings to all around her.
 The Queen of Wands does not shrink away from challenge, makes her opinions known, and is a natural born leader, inspiring others. The element of Fire reflects a commanding feminine energy. The Queen of Wands asks of  us to be bold, courageous and determined in all we do.

The darker side to the Queen's personality can be reflected through character defects, such as stubbornness. Because of her ambition and being driven by getting what she wants, she often tries to be superwoman, which can lead to burn out. She may even make a few enemies, along the way to achieving her goals, which are born out in overbearing tendencies and in her fiery, quick temper. 

Page of Pentacles - Thirst For Knowledge

The suit of Pentacles are connected with all things of the earth and our physical selves, they are also associated with all the earth signs of the Zodiac: Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn.

There is always a message to be found in the Page. Pages represent brand new beginnings, youth, unmarried, inexperienced individuals and the novice.

The scholar is represented in this card who has a thirst, and pursuit for knowledge. We can be educated but not necessarily have a thirst for knowledge, resulting in an educated fool. This person is careful, uses common sense, and diligently applies a love of learning and education, which can lead to an eventual vocation if the individual stays the course.
 Many of us start a new hobby or interest with great enthusiasm, however may fail to persevere, we can get lost in the details, and drown in our thirst for knowledge.

If we want to achieve and actualize our long term goals, this individual needs encouragement and mentoring in order to develop the intellect, that imaginative temperament over the duration of time, through creative nurturing care, and kindness.

Being connected to and with the earth, gives a strong foundation to creative learning, as there is a need to balance the mind with our physical selves, and overall health. The mind, body and spirit are all vital to our overall sense of well being and health. By keeping physically active, and spending time with nature, this affects all the other aspects of our lives in a positive way.

Outdoor learning in and about our natural world and environment, can be one of the best kinds of learning for everyone.

The message in the Page of Pentacles is, a thirst for knowledge, enables us to persevere in our pursuit for education, only if we are honest with ourselves, open minded and have a willingness to learn.

Two of Cups - Love

I've been doing a lot of thinking and day dreaming lately, which could be a dangerous thing! But, before I leave myself open to revealing my vulnerable feelings, I will simply tell you about the card I drew this morning. I don't think it's too hard to read between the lines.

That said, the Two of Cups is about connections, friendship, love, passion and romance. Eek! Of course this card does not always mean romance, it can signify friendships and connections as well.
Here, the Two of Cups portrays the meeting between the god Eros, and the mortal Psyche. It is a sad quandary Eros has gotten himself in, accidentally pricking his finger with the arrow he carries , which causes him to fall in love with the woman he has been ordered to kill!

The Two of Cups heralds the beginning of a relationship. Perhaps a relationship that has undergone difficulties or separation, and now there is about to be a reconciliation. This relationship is one where each individual is a complete and whole person, having maturity of growth, through life experience. Neither is looking for the other to complete them, nor to be responsible for each other. They are companions comfortable in their own skin, and with one another. They understand each other. This couple has realistic expectations of one another, have their feet firmly planted on the ground, and do not have their heads in the clouds.
This also may indicate the start of a business relationship.

Cups are connected to emotions, relationships, friendship and romance. As well, the suit of cups are associated with the element of water, and the water signs of the Zodiac: Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces.

Many of us are fearful of love and friendship, because we know within our hearts, that when we love, we leave our selves open and vulnerable, to being hurt, perhaps having our hearts broken, and ultimately loosing the very person we love through separation, abandonment, and or through death. There are worse things than death, but nothing greater than love. It transcends and heals all things of the heart, and love casts out fear.

" I am afraid of the things that cannot hurt me, and I know it. I yearn for things that cannot help me, and I know it. What I fear is within me, and within me too is what I need. "
                                                                                   
                                                                              -  Chassidic Quote

Knight of Pentacles - Persistance

The love and appreciation of the natural world, taking responsibilities seriously and persistence in finishing what is started , all attributes symbolized by this card.


Pentacles concern our physical selves, and all things connected to the earth; property, work, money and practical matters. Pentacles are also associated with the earth signs of the Zodiac: Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. 
 
The Knight is both honourable, dependable, loyal, thorough, and ambitious. The Knight is a lover of the countryside, loves all animals and the wild creatures. He/she is humble and realistic in all they do.

To some, this individual may seem dull and boring, lacking in imagination, as there is nothing really heroic or a glamorous about them. This is not so. Being anchored in steadfastness, having a strong sense of responsibility, exhibiting diligence, being gentle and kind, are all desirable and wise leadership skills and virtues to possess, that are an example for all. We have much to learn from this individual.

I have learned three important things in life that anchor me in good times and bad. Knowing there is power in persistence, prayer and in trust.

Modern Medieval Tarot - Vision Tarot

I thought I'd take a break from my usual Minor Arcana card posts this morning, and share with you interesting information about a some very unique Tarot cards, by two amazingly talented and versatile artists.

 Modern Medieval Tarot  was a collaborative project by Tim Wetherell and Shayn Wetherell .

Vision Tarot by Tim Wetherell was created using traditional photographic methods, using I assume large format film cameras and sculptural models. Tim is also involved in creating with Steam Punk which is a really interesting art expression.

using old fashioned film cameras and lots of sculptural - See more at: http://www.wetherellart.co.uk/vision.html#sthash.bWmNWseB.dpuf

using old fashioned film cameras and lots of sculptural - See more at: http://www.wetherellart.co.uk/vision.html#sthash.bWmNWseB.dpuf

King of Wands - The Hero/Adventurer

The King of Wands is associated with the Fire signs, Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. In some decks, he has the Lion at his back, signifying inner strength, prowess, a spirit of leadership and even nobility. He has a power to manifest his creative vision, imagination, and his firery enthusiasm with an infectious personality, is influential on those he meets.

The King is both skillful and wise, has developed his courage, and sense of adventure. He continues to grow, and prosper, but knows there is always room for improvement. His leadership abilities he will serve both at home, and in the workplace.

 He exhibits mastery and self-awareness, reflecting self-control and respect for himself and others. Generosity and kindheartedness is a great strength, innate in the King of Wands. He is both fierce in love and war, and embodies the hero or heroine.

 The individual with this personality needs to guard against impatience, selfishness, not paying attention to detail, and the certainty of always being right. He/she may devalue the quieter and ordinary side of life, considering it to be boring, as the desire for adventure, and action can take priority.

Eight of Wands - Confident Progress & Motivation

 
The release of creative energy is represented in the Eight of Wands. It signifies previous conflicts and struggles faced, riding the rough sea and storms of life. There is triumph in overcoming them, which renews our energy, giving a feeling of buoyancy, confidence and exhilaration. We are confident in progressing forward.

Having healthy conflict and struggle in our lives is often necessary to creativity. We may think at the time, there is something wrong with us, that we are alone in feeling this way regarding our creative struggle. We are not alone. This is common to many people in all walks of life, and in all aspects of life form time to time. We get hitched up on the rocks, tossed around on the waves; we can feel stuck and lost. There is a way through.

I can speak from my own experience as an artist that many, if not all artists, struggle with periods of not having any creative output for one reason or another. It can be troubling and worrisome, as this can give rise to a fear of not picking up a paint brush again, or whatever choice of medium or whatever our vocation.

The best solution I have found is to make an effort to do it anyway. Do something, anything creative to get imagination and motivation flowing again. I have learned we need to make our environment conducive to creativity, or do whatever we can to get us back into the creative stream and to gain our confidence. I have also learned we don't get motivated by waiting around for inspiration. We get motivated by action. This motivates and inspires us, we move forward, and suddenly feel a renewed energy.

 This is why I developed the habitual discipline of writing daily. When I can't seem to paint, I am still keeping that creative tap open and it helps to maintain the flow of my imagination. The discipline of daily writing also provides for me the restriction, and challenge needed to enjoy the progress of creative energy to keep moving forward.