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
For sources, see the
Bibliography and Credits
page.
http://www.moonchild.ch/Tarot/minors/wands/w02/w02voice.html
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