A tall man looks from a battlemented roof over sea and shore; he holds a globe in his right hand, while a staff in his left rests on the battlement; another is fixed in a ring. The Rose and Cross and Lily should be noticed on the left side. Divinatory meanings: Between the 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, the sadness of Alexander amidst the grandeur of this world's wealth. Reversed: Surprise, wonder, enchantment, emotion, trouble, fear.--A.E. Waite


He is bored; his accomplishments have only served to wall him in (a situation very unpleasant to Fire), and the world he holds is a very small one. Waite compares his weariness to that of Alexander, who supposedly wept after he had conquered the known world because he then could think of nothing else to do with his life (his death shortly afterwards no doubt gave this legend an extra boost),
Waite's comment suggests that the Wands love of battle and challenge can leave one with no real satisfaction in actual accomplishments when the fight has been won.

Here we find one of Waite's best formulas: 'Surprise, wonder, enchantment, trouble, and fear'. All these terms together describe someone jumping directly into new experience. When we leave behind safe situations and past success to enter the unknown, we liberate so much emotion and energy that we cannot avoid either the wonder and enchantment or the fear that goes with it. The card speaks very strongly to people who have lived for a long time in some unpleasant or unsatisfying situation, and finally decide to make a change all at once.--Rachel Pollack


Personal power is an invigorating force that fills you up and lends you the courage to be great. A powerful person is like a magnet that attracts others into her sphere of influence.
True power always comes from the Divine. It passes through us and then flows out into the world. When we understand this relationship, we are blessed because this flow brings with it a tremendous feeling of expansion and fulfillment. Problems develop when we forget that we are not the source of power, but its conduit. Remember the familiar saying: "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." The intoxicating feelings that come with power can overwhelm our good sense and make us blind to our true desires and intentions.
In readings, the 2 of Wands indicates that power is a major issue in the situation. You or someone else has it or wants it. When you see this card, look carefully at your goals and activities to make sure you are using power wisely. Don't support power for its own sake, but enjoy it when it serves your worthwhile purposes.--Joan Bunning


In interpretation, this card symbolizes growth of the spirit and its yearning for unification with its opposite and with others of its kind. We often need to connect with that which is different from ourselves to grow and to change. The steam that arises from the combination of fire and water is symbolic of the action that joins opposing forces. This is the development the Two of Wands suggests; that the interaction of opposites will lead to a higher order and a higher level of development. The fallen and fertile leaves may suggest that in order for the spark of this new development to take, something must be let go. The meeting of opposites in compromise may be the beginning of unity.
The Two of Wands implies traveling--or journeying--of the spirit, as the salamander travels toward the water when autumn arrives. It may be an inner journey because in the fall, when the leaves are bright and fiery, we turn toward the hearth and the home for the nurturing and growth of the spirit. This card is about that kind of growth and change. When we set out on a journey of the spirit, we turn inward first and then reach out to our loved ones, with whom we have experienced an inner merging.--Alexandra Genetti


Be sure you do not agree with other people's ideas merely to keep the peace. There is no harm in having your own opinion and stating it categorically. Your view of the world is just as important as anyone else's. When you find yourself in a position of leadership, be humble and do not take advantage of those who trust you.--Navigators LWB


lady of shalott

imho

vision

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