Three of Wands - New Possibilities

Wands signify growth, action, and energy and are associated with the element of  fire and the fire signs of the Zodiac: Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.

The Three of Wands heralds new possibilities, and it gives one hope. This card signifies accomplishment, new challenges, optimism and satisfaction, involving an original idea that is arising. This is a high point, a good foundation, and the initial completion has been made, but it's not over yet, there is still work ahead, but we can meet the challenges ahead with courage and strength.

Fear can be viewed as a very positive emotion, if it causes us to do the right thing. Often our fears and concerns are manifested in our dreams, whether we know it or not. I  believe our dreams are a powerful means to work through issues, and difficulties we can't always rationally solve, in our every day lives. Tarot can assist us in understanding the meanings of our dreams, as they can share similar unconscious archetypal images, that the Tarot cards depict.

I had such a dream early this morning. There is a direct parallel connection and meaning between my dream, and the card I have drawn today. The Three of Wands has enabled me to process the meaning of my dream, which was a little disconcerting, but comforting at the same time. It was about forgiveness and moving on spiritually.

 We see in the Mythic Tarot, Pelias kneeling before Jason, offering him his rightful crown that he has stolen, butPelias is not asking for forgiveness, he offers the crown to Jason because he is afraid. Jason could have easily lashed out and killed him, but he did not. I don't know if Jason ever forgave Pelias, as he had been deeply betrayed him, his own flesh and blood. He also lied to Jason, put his life in peril, and usurped the crown. Pelias' life was full of treachery and betrayal eventually coming to a gruesome end.

  Asking for forgiveness, to forgive another and to be forgiven is healing for all individuals involved, if you allow it to be. Usually the problems occur when we can't forgive ourselves, in spite of the fact we have been forgiven. Or when we hold onto resentment, which can poison every aspect of our lives, growing it's bitter root.

Strength - Courage and Internal Fortitude

The tenth card in the Major Arcana is Strength, linked to the sign of Leo. The loin is a sexual animal, but his base instincts are checked and subdued by a hero's caress, ( Hercules). The message here is to use reason, your head, not your heart. Exercised restraint is called for, and to hold your power in reserve. Courage and  internal fortitude will bring success. It signifies possible healing qualities.

Collision with the inner lion is implied and inevitable. The creative handling of one's rage and senseless pride are greatly needed in order to handle the situation.

Trust in one's self and be a person that has integrity and humility, when interacting toward others, and this emerges through such an experience with the lion, which is Strength.

Strength is the next step in the Fool's journey, where through his great challenges and struggles he's learned to direct and harness aggression. His ego is channeled and transformed in a creative way. Through Strength there is reconciliation with forces outside or within the self.

 
The lion can represents the creative and unique Self  enabling us to stand the criticisms and opinions of others. When we have a strong sense of self, mentally and physically, there is an ability to cultivate latent potential to a higher state.