King of Wands
When I pull a court card, I am immediately intrigued. Court cards represent either the querent or a person who is influential in the querent’s life. The court cards are divided into King, Queen, Knight and Page. And although, it may be tempting to interpret the “King” as a man, consider instead the richness of the symbols embedded within this card and how these symbols invite meaning.
Wands are associated with fire: the vital life essence, the energy of existence, the divine spark in the soul (Pollack, 2019, p. 161). Fire represents optimism, confidence, and hope. The Kings symbolize the most socially minded version of the suit cards, and if you look closely you can see all of the King cards wear “a cap of maintenance” underneath their crowns (Pollack, 2019, p. 161). The King of Wands is strong minded, believes in his own rightness, and cares about his responsibility toward others.
The salamander and lion (Leo-a fire sign in astrology) are featured in this card representing the mundane and the spiritual (Pollack, 2019, 164). The salamanders’ joined heads and tails on the King’s cloak represent the totality of Fire in the suit of Wands (Quinn, 2009, p. 175) and maturity and completion (Pollack, 2019, p. 164).
This card is an invitation to consider how I or someone I know is using their decision-making skills or leadership abilities. Given the King’s assurance of the truth, perhaps this card is also an invitation to examine where are my qualities of righteousness interfering with my ability to access the flexibility and spontaneity of the Fool. The impatient side of the King who is intolerant of weakness and less inclined to understand despair, may be part of the teachings of this card. Where can I become more tempered in my life? How can I soften toward others and myself when the spark of life is not easily accessible? How can I become more patient with the parts of me or others who may feel tired, unenthusiastic, or experiencing moments of despair? How can I honor both the mundane and spiritual aspects of my life?
