The more I study this picture, the more amazed I become at the richness of the image's symbolism. Naturally, the couple and their wedding embody the traditional meaning of this card as a joyful celebration of unity, stability and accomplishments. Also to be found in the image are:

• Celtic Cross, with the maypole and outstretched ribbons forming the cross, and the dance binding it all with the circle.
• "Hermetic Cross" symbolizing God above, Nature or Earth below, and Man and Woman between. It is said God created Man from Earth, then created Woman from Man. Why from his rib? So she would stand at his side.
• God, and Nature, and Man, and Woman all join in the center, towards which the dance pulls us. (Even if we *are* going in opposite directions!)
• To Native Americans, Pythegoreans, Navigators, etc., the pole indicates the directions above and below, and the dance--bound to and with the pole as its axis--includes the other four, or 360, directions.
• The spiral itself is a powerful symbol, and powerfully connected to the Four of Wands, as rites are repeated through generations. Double helix, intertwining old and new. With the maypole, it creates the cadaceus, and a nice connection to the Rider Waite Two of Cups. = D
• The white canopies are the "Chuppah," representing the home which the couple establishes together. It is customarily held up by friends. In this image, three canopies are shown and I was informed by the bride that the fourth is represented in the assembled witnesses. Unity, community. Traditions old and new.

voice	imho	vision
home	Back to  tarot	contact

Photo courtesy of the Magpie Nest; image text by Van Morrison; end text by Frank Herbert.
Four of Wands page(s) created: June 2004; last modified: never.
http://www.moonchild.ch/Tarot/minors/wands/w04/w04.html