Monday, January 16, 2012

Tarot Card Symbolism: The Ten of Wands Reversed

If you are a Tarot reader who believes that reversed (upside down) cards have unique meanings and are not read the same as those cards in their upright positions, then the Ten of Wands in its reversed position indicates burdens and responsibilities will shortly ease. If you are looking for a promotion or if you want to tackle a large or long-winded job, this may not be the best time. Set these ambitions aside for a little while and come back when things look more positive.

Tarot Card Symbolism: The Ten of Wands of the Minor Arcana

The Ten of Wands of the Minor Arcana of the Tarot is the tenth card of the Suit of Wands. It follows the Nine of Wands. It is the embodiment of burdens and responsibilities.

The Symbolism of the Ten of Wands Tarot Card

This card is represented by a young man who is struggling to carry ten staves, or wands. He appears to be attempting to reach the village that can be seen in the background, but he is not sure he will arrive. These staves weigh heavily on his shoulders, and his future seems uncertain.

The young man is determined to reach his destination, but in truth, he cannot see past the staves. They consume his vision, and soon all other thoughts are blocked from his mind.

The General Interpretation of the Ten of Wands Card

When appearing in a spread, this card implies an overload of burdens and responsibilities. This is likely indicating a situation where the individual has taken on too much responsibility. Often, this card sends the message that perhaps delegating a task is not so bad a thing after all.

Though the burden of responsibility weighs heavily upon his heart, the young man is nevertheless active, moving ever toward his goal, striving for an end he hopes is near. So, in another sense, this card tells the individual to keep moving forward, now that the responsibility has been accepted – it appears there is no alternative.

The Inner Meaning of the Ten of Wands in Tarot

The Ten of Wands is the image of burdens that rest too heavily upon the shoulders, and responsibilities that perhaps should never have been accepted. If there is any card in the Tarot that tells the individual to refuse a responsibility due to the danger of overburden, it is the Ten of Wands.

Of course, now that the responsibility has been accepted, there is nothing to do but to carry on, to strive towards the original goal. Though overburdened by the weight of his responsibilities, he must continue to move forward. He must continually strive towards his goal.

However, this card also carries a warning: to become involved in these responsibilities to the point where one cannot see past them is pure folly. The individual must take care that he or she does not become so focused on his or her obligations that they become all that is important. Stepping back, taking stock, is often advised by this card.

The Page of Wands follows this card. The Ten of Wands is the final numbered card in the Suit of Wands.

Tarot Card Symbolism: The Nine of Wands Reversed

There are many different ways to read the Tarot. About half of all readers choose to read reversed (upside down) cards as having the same meaning as upright cards. Many of these Tarot readers turn the reversed cards so that they are upright.

However, the other half sees reversed cards as having unique and distinct meanings. If you are in this second half, the Nine of Wands in its reversed position indicates a loss of status and position are possible. Illness may be on the may, so be prepared and try to stay healthy through the ordeals that are just over the horizon.

Tarot Card Symbolism: The Nine of Wands of the Minor Arcana

The Nine of Wands of the Minor Arcana of the Tarot is the ninth card of the Suit of Wands. It follows the Eight of Wands. It is the embodiment of order, discipline, and courage.

The Symbolism of the Nine of Wands Tarot Card

This card is represented by a man who stands alone, clutching a staff before him. He wears a bandage on his head as if he has been injured, but he stands defiant nonetheless, determined to the end. Behind him range eight wands, upright in position, forming almost a wall.

The landscape that stretches out behind this man is mountainous, rocky and unforgiving. And yet, the sky shines a bright blue, unaffected by the turmoil that might be occurring below.

The General Interpretation of the Nine of Wands Card

When appearing in a spread, this card implies a position which is unassailable, and highly defensible. Though the struggle may be fierce, with courage and fortitude, the challenge can be overcome. Success, though hard-won, will soon be achieved.

The Nine of Wands is a card of valor. This card assures the individual that courageous, honorable behavior will win the day. The discipline of a soldier might be required to succeed, for only in order can true victory be found.

The Inner Meaning of the Nine of Wands in Tarot

The Nine of Wands is the image of courage in the face of adversity. It is a card that conveys the idea of standing strong against all odds, and being victorious. Any opposition will be defeated and removed in short order. This is a card that indicates success, at least eventually.

However, it is important to note the bandage on the head of the man on the Nine of Wands. He has certainly been injured, though it is not clear how this occurred. However this happened, this injury is a message. At the very least, the victory will be difficult to accomplish; injury — physical, emotional, or mental — is a possibility.

Eight of the nine wands on this card form a wall, impenetrable to outside forces. This wall is sturdy and stable, and cannot be removed by force. This is yet another meaning to the Nine of Wands, that the individual must be strong and stable to face the adversity that is approaching. Only then can victory be truly won.

In yet another interpretation, this card can indicate good health after a long illness, or possibly after an injury.

The Ten of Wands follows this card.