Hermetic Title: Root of the Powers of Fire

Zodiacal Rulership: Cancer, Leo, Virgo (with the Princess of Wands)

Hebrew Letter: Yud

Power: Velle – To Will

Trumps: THE CHARIOT, STRENGTH, THE HERMIT

“Creation, invention, enterprise, the powers that result in these…”

--A.E. Waite, Pictorial Key to the Tarot

“The Ace of Wands is the categorical initiator and signifies the imminent inception of the fiery creative force. Crowley calls it the ‘solar phallic outburst.’ […] It is said that Spirit rules the four elements, and in Tarot, Fire does double duty for Spirit. Fire begins as overseer of the progression through the suits.”

--M.M. Meleen, Liber Mundi

“South is the future. South is the angelic threshold of the future; it is also the direction of potential as that potential is still being formed. This path of future potential is fueled by angelic beings that create an interface for the future to flow through. This interface is perceived in magic as ‘above.’”

--Josephine McCarthy, Quariea: Apprentice

Upright Keyword: GUT INSTINCT

Breakthrough moments.

The initial feeling that sparks an action.

Positive gut instincts serve as one’s best and most reliable guide.

Forward action- the beginning of an enterprise.

Reversed Keyword: WASTED POTENTIAL

A lack of motivation, lack of inspiration, or lack of passion for life.

Decadence. Ruin or fall.

One knows the situation is bad, but simply does not want to change it.

Hermetic Title: Lord of Dominion

Decan: 0 to 9 degrees Aries

Ruler: Mars

Trumps: THE EMPEROR, THE TOWER

“Between the two alternative readings there is no marriage possible: on the one hand, riches, fortune, magnificence- on the other, physical suffering, disease, chagrin, sadness, mortification. The design gives one suggestion. Here is a lord overlooking his dominion and alternately contemplating a globe: it looks like the malady, the mortification, of Alexander amidst the grandeur of the world’s wealth.”

--A.E. Waite, Pictorial Key to the Tarot

“The force of fire has been seeded. It is clearly a very male card of rulership and as such is replete with symbols of its namesake, Dominion.”

--M.M. Meleen, Liber Mundi

Upright Keyword: STRATEGY

Looking to the future with a strategic eye.

The conscious decision to move towards a bigger or more meaningful course of action- seizing rulership over one’s area of dominion and making decisions from this place of mind.

Trying to think five steps ahead, and plan for what one’s needs might be in the future.

Reversed Keyword: WONDERMENT

Surprise, wonder, and enchantment but also intense emotion, trouble, fear.

One is in a reactive place.

Planning and prioritization are needed before any progress can be made.

Hermetic Title: Lord of Virtue (Established Strength)

Decan: 10 to 19 degrees Aries

Ruler: Sun

Trumps: THE EMPEROR, THE SUN

“He symbolizes established strength, enterprise, effort, trade, commerce, discovery: those are his ships, bearing his merchandise, which are sailing over the sea. This card also signifies able cooperation in business, as if the successful merchant prince were looking from his side toward yours with a view to help you.”

--A.E. Waite, Pictorial Key to the Tarot

“Virtue here is in the sense of righteousness, honor, and purity: from the Latin virtus meaning valor, merit, moral perfection.”

--M.M. Meleen, Liber Mundi

Upright Keyword: PROGRESS

Tested and trained by the path so far, one is able to clearly see and plan for the next steps with foresight, enterprise, flexibility, and strength.

The experience necessary to improvise one’s way to the finish line.

Expansion of horizons and embracing the long-term view of circumstances.

One has come far and learned much. Knowledge and flexibility make one capable, lend one both foresight and formidable endurance.

Reversed Keyword: CLOSURE

The end of troubles- an issue which has been troubling one for a long time is coming to a close or will soon come to a close.

Problems caused by lack of long-term planning are also indicated.

IV.

FOUR OF WANDS

Hermetic Title: Lord of Completion (Perfected Work)

Decan: 20 to 29 degrees Aries

Ruler: Venus

Trumps: THE EMPEROR, THE EMPRESS

“It combines the energies of the Emperor with the Empress, a perfect pairing in Chesed, the sephira of manifestation and realization- thus, the work is perfected and brought to completion […] the Will is manifest in the perfect pairing of force and form, bringing order and fulfillment.”

--M.M. Meleen, Liber Mundi

In ‘Pictorial Key to the Tarot,’ Waite notes that the meaning for this card is the same in reverse. I don’t agree, but I think the difference is very slight.

Upright Keyword: CELEBRATION

Marriage, family, community.

Celebration and harmony – often this card symbolizes a large party, wedding, holiday feast, or other celebration.

Happy times, spent in the good company of those in one’s circle.

Reversed Keyword: MINOR DISTURBANCE

There is a small disturbance, a hint of discord troubling the surface of an otherwise happy and beautiful time in the life.

Hermetic Title: Lord of Strife

Decan: 0 to 9 degrees Leo

Ruler: Saturn

Trumps: STRENGTH, THE WORLD

“Imitation, as, for example, sham fight, but also the strenuous competition and struggle of the search for riches and fortune. In this sense, it connects with the battlefield of life. Hence, some attributions say that it is a card of gold, gain, opulence.”

-A.E. Waite, Pictorial Key to the Tarot

“Here, the heaviness of Saturn and the Earth (Universe) combined with the fiery element of Leo (Lust) creates a situation like magma: a volcano under pressure.”

--M.M. Meleen, Liber Mundi

Upright Keyword: COMPETITION

Imitation, struggle, competition. Jockeying for position.

There are many in this struggle and each is only out for themselves.

Conflict and competition prevent one from growth and forward movement.

This competition is in some way inherently juvenile by nature, and it can be a perspective trap for one caught up in it.

Reversed Keyword: CONFLICT AVOIDANCE

An escape from conflict or a tendency to avoid conflict.

Resolution evades the Querent.

Hermetic Title: Lord of Victory

Decan: 10 to 19 degrees Leo

Ruler: Jupiter

Trumps: STRENGTH, WHEEL OF FORTUNE

“This card has been so designated that it can cover many meanings. On the surface, it is a victor triumphing, but it is also great news, such as might be carried in state by the king’s courtier, it is expectation crowned with its own desire, the crown of Hope, and so forth.”

--A.E. Waite, Pictorial Key to the Tarot

“The Lord of Victory is the second decan of Leo, ruled by Jupiter. Tipharet of Atzitut, the Sephira of beauty, with the element of fire. For Leo, we have the Lust card, and for Jupiter, Fortune, paired in the station of the sun. There is harmony of element and of planets, in the center of the Tree of Life. Jupiter says, ‘go big or go home,’ and Leo just has to shine. Nothing less than victory is due.”

--M.M. Meleen, Liber Mundi

Upright Keyword: ACCOLADES

Victory. Rewards, praise, and congratulations. Public recognition for one’s accomplishments.

Success, positive reputation, and renown.

One is seen, appreciated, celebrated. One’s works are received far better than what was planned.

Or, can indicate the coming of good news: any expectations will be surpassed.

Reversed Keyword: DOUBT

Doubt, coming from either oneself or from others, regarding one’s abilities.

Hermetic Title: Lord of Valour

Decan: 20 to 29 degrees Leo

Ruler: Mars

Trumps: STRENGTH, THE TOWER

“It is a card of valour, for, on the surface, six are attacking one, who has, however, a vantage position. On the intellectual plane it signifies discussion, wordy strife; in business- negotiations, war of trade, barter, competition. It is further a card of success, for the combatant is on the top and his enemies may be unable to reach him.”

--A.E. Waite, Pictorial Key to the Tarot

“Sevens show the difficulty to be overcome in order to achieve Victory. In the suit of fire, what is needed is courage and passion with which to meet opposition. The imbalance has created a melee, a disordered battle and it will take a feat of individual valor as well as strength, force, and an unrelenting trust. […] Take courage amidst opposition.”

--M.M. Meleen, Liber Mundi

Upright Keyword: DEFEND

The struggle to maintain one’s position without resorting to dishonorable means. Initial success has been achieved, but a challenge to continued success arises here.

Sticking to one’s principles in trade, negotiation, competition, or debate.

Reversed Keyword: OVERWHELMED

Life is too much – one cannot fight it off.

One is overwhelmed by the duties and responsibilities of life, and is unwilling to engage in the necessary conflict or competition required by circumstance.

Hermetic Title: Lord of Swiftness

Decan: 0 to 9 Sagittarius

Ruler: Mercury

Trumps: TEMPERANCE, THE MAGICIAN

“This card represents motion through the immovable – a flight of wands through an open country, but they draw to the term of their course. That which they signify is at hand; it may even be at the threshold.”

--A.E. Waite, Pictorial Key to the Tarot

“The dendrites are firing. The card’s association with vibrating light and electricity hints at the swiftness of brilliant ideas, the unexpected, ‘light bulb’ moments that one needs to pay attention to before they swiftly pass away. Speak them out; or send yourself a message and write them down.”

--M.M. Meleen, Liber Mundi

“No time to say hello, goodbye, I’m late, I’m late, I’m late!”

--Alice in Wonderland (1951)

Upright Keyword: SPEED

Speed and speedy action. Immediacy.

Swiftness of activity in one’s undertakings.

There are several other separate meanings that are sometimes used for this card, the reader will know if these apply when they see them in practice:

• Travel, particularly air travel

• Moment of fleeting brilliance

• Arrows of love

Reversed Keyword: DELAY

Significant delays. Particularly as relates to travel/air travel.

Waiting and forced inaction. Internal dispute with no result.

This is the ‘yellow light’.

Hermetic Title: Lord of Strength

Decan: 10 to 19 degrees Sagittarius

Ruler: Moon

Trumps: TEMPERANCE, THE HIGH PRIESTESS

“This card signifies strength in opposition. If attacked, the person will meet an onslaught boldly, and his build suggests that he may prove a formidable antagonist. With this main significance, there are all its possible adjunct – delay, suspension, adjournment.”

--A.E. Waite, Pictorial Key to the Tarot

“Everything in nature changes and vibrates, from the smallest parts of the atom to the fluctuations of the Moon, to the largest organists and systems. […] This is the strength inherent in mobility.”

--M.M. Meleen, Liber Mundi

Upright Keyword: TEST OF FAITH

A test of faith or of long-suffering endurance.

This is an obstacle that arises very near to the completion of an undertaking.

Though one may be exhausted, one will be tested again, and will find unknown reserves of strength with which to rise to this final obstacle.

Reversed Keyword: PARANOID

One is on edge or possibly even paranoid – examine fear’s sources.

Hermetic Title: Lord of Oppression

Decan: 20 to 29 degrees Sagittarius

Ruler: Saturn

Trumps: TEMPERANCE, THE WORLD

“The chief meaning is of oppression simply, but it is also fortune, gain, any kind of success, and then it is also the oppression of these things. […] The place which the figure is approaching may suffer from the rods he carries. […] Success is stultified if the Nine of Wands follows, and if it is a question of a lawsuit, there will be certain loss.”

--A.E. Waite, Pictorial Key to the Tarot

“The related trumps are the Sagittarian trump, Art, and the Universe card for Saturn (as well as Malkuth.) The beautiful and ethereal rainbows cannot withstand the weight of the entire Universe. This is oppression.”

--M.M. Meleen, Liber Mundi

“The Wand has conquered, it has done its work; it has done its work too well: it didn’t know when to stop. Government has become Tyranny.”

--Aleister Crowley, Book of Thoth

Upright Keyword: BURDEN

Burden, responsibility, hard work. Oppression or exploitation of labor.

It is too much to bear.

Even in the achievement of goals, further responsibilities arise.

One is capable of delegating here, and may not be able to complete the task alone.

Reversed Keyword: RELEASE

One is unnecessarily bearing a burden that can and must be released.

A purging is needed.

Thoth Title: Princess of Wands

Hermetic Title: The Princess of the Shining Flame, Rose of the Palace of Fire

Elemental Title: Earth of Fire

Zodiacal Glyph: Cancer, Leo, Virgo

Zone of Influence: 0 degrees Cancer to 29 degrees Virgo

Trumps: CHARIOT, STRENGTH, THE HERMIT

Minors: ACE OF WANDS

“He is unknown but faithful, and his tidings are strange.”

--A.E. Waite, Pictorial Key to the Tarot

“The original Will has been expressed. The Great work is complete and in action. She is the earthy part of fire, the potent and irresistible fuel that is compelled to burn: the pristine and living flame of the soul. […] With her power TO WILL, creative and spontaneous inclination are set in motion.”

--M.M. Meleen, Liber Mundi

Upright Keyword: RAW POTENTIAL

A passionate creative and spiritual potential, but unhoned.

Much to learn- creativity here is unburdened by the weariness of living.

Restless energy and undeveloped vision.

Itching to go, but with no direction yet.

Reversed Keyword: LOW SELF-ESTEEM

Down on oneself. Low self-esteem.

One’s visions are not playing out as expected.

Thoth Title: Prince of Wands

Hermetic Title: Prince of the Chariot of Fire

Elemental Title: Air of Fire

Zodiacal Glyph: Leo

Zone of Influence: 20 degrees Cancer to 20 degrees Leo

Trumps: STRENGTH, CHARIOT

Minors: FIVE OF WANDS, SIX OF WANDS, FOUR OF CUPS

“The motion of the horse is key to the rider’s character.”

--A.E. Waite, Pictorial Key to the Tarot

“He has all of the virile potential of his father combined with the steadying, reflective lucidity of his mother […] He is fighting always against odds, and always wins in the long run – always.”

--M.M. Meleen, Liber Mundi

“You gotta sing when the spirit says sing.”

--African-American spiritual hymn

Upright Keyword: IMPULSE

One is stirred by active impulse. Feeling it.

Energy, action, and confidence in pursuit of one’s drives. When moved by the impulse, one has no choice but to act.

Reversed Keyword: FRUSTRATION

Delay, frustration, going nowhere.

One’s desire for action is not met.

Hermetic Title: Queen of the Thrones of Flame, Queen of the Salamanders

Elemental Title: Water of Fire

Zodiacal Glyph: Aries

Zone of Influence: 20 degrees Pisces to 20 degrees Aries

Trumps: THE EMPEROR, THE MOON

Minors: TWO OF WANDS, THREE OF WANDS, TEN OF CUPS

“This is the fiery feminine, the receptacle that draws in and gestates the True Will initiated in the Knight. She embodies the nature of the Scarlet Woman, the sacred feminine flame. She radiates the calm authority of one with true inner power and is capable, decisive, and generous, though she can also be vain, self-satisfied, and tyrannical.”

--M.M. Meleen, Liber Mundi

“The Queen brings qualities of Dominion and Virtue […] she is the sanctifying and anointing fire. As a person, the Queen of Wands is a regal and powerful leader kind and generous unless opposed, and bearing great magnetism.”

--M.M. Meleen, Liber Mundi

“A cat may look at a King, they say.”

--P.L. Travers, Mary Poppins Opens the Door

Upright Keyword: CHARISMA

Energy, vibrancy, charisma, magnetism, presence.

Extroverted energy and great social power.

Or, the positive influence of a powerful woman with these qualities.

Reversed Keyword: MANIPULATION

Playing people- manipulating others to one’s own ends.

Or: the negative influence of a charismatic woman with social power and magnetism.

Thoth Title: Knight of Wands

Hermetic Title: Lord of the Flame and the Lightning, King of the Spirits of Fire, King of the Salamanders

Elemental Title: Fire of Fire

Zodiacal Glyph: Sagittarius

Zone of Influence: 20 degrees Scorpio to 20 degrees Sagittarius

Trumps: TEMPERANCE, DEATH

Minors: EIGHT OF WANDS, NINE OF WANDS, SEVEN OF CUPS

“The card always signifies honesty.”

--A.E. Waite, Pictorial Key to the Tarot

“This is the card that best represents the Father, the masculine first letter of the Divine name. This is the primal fire of creation and of life force, vigorous and potent, though not lasting. This knight is proud and noble. He revels in being the first to act, and act swiftly, but must succeed at first go or he has not the patience to regroup and try again.”

--M.M. Meleen, Liber Mundi

Upright Keyword: VISIONARY

Fire energy – visionary, initiatory, active, aggressive.

Honesty and true originality. One’s ideas and initiatives are iconoclast or ahead of the pack.

Or: the positive influence of a powerful man who is a visionary and active leader – someone who loves both challenge and conflict, but uses these to bring out the best in people.

Reversed Keyword: OVERBEARING

Dominating, pushy, overbearing, rash.

A tyrant.

Or: the negative influence of a man with visionary and leadership qualities.