Forget the Straight Line

From the Vision Quest Tarot, the Mother of Fire (Wands); from the Bird Signs/Ascension to Paradise Cards, Barbet:

To control fire is to tame a force that defies captivity.

—Nelson DeMille

The Mother of Fire/Wands is confident, passionate and inspirational. Yet she has a mature side to this fiery personality. Fire rarely moves in a straight line; it runs along the ground and up trees, using the wind to send embers to untouched areas. This Mother/Queen is not deterred if she is in the middle of a project and her plan hits a roadblock. She bypasses the hissy fit and moves on to Plan B, knowing the trait of adaptability will serve her objective better. Barbet birds have stiff, hair-like bristles that surround their beaks and eyes, which act as protective shields and sensory tools. This bird implies a need to stay tuned to what we are currently experiencing. If we meet an impediment to our progress, understanding how and where things went off course can help us correct the problem instead of wasting time by insisting things should not be this way.

It Starts From Within

From the Albano-Waite Tarot, the Queen of Pentacles; from the American Pen Oracle, Eudora Welty:

Wherever you see fit to serve, your wise and embodied offerings are needed.

—Ruth King

The Queen of Wands has charisma and confidence, but one of her most amazing skills is being able to lead without the power of the King. She leads through influence rather than authority, understanding how to foster collaboration and be a team player. She is trustworthy, inspiring, and always willing to help support others in their interests. Though some of us may have knowledge or skills that might be of use or interest to a group, we may fear we don't have the experience to guide anyone. Eudora Welty offers us some encouragement: "A sheltered life can be a daring life as well. For all serious daring starts from within."

Don't Just See, Watch

From the Tarot of Durer, the Queen of Batons; from the Philosopher's Stone, Skill:

We live our lives supposing things are as they appear to be when that is almost never the case.

― Richelle E. Goodrich

Don't judge a woman by her coverings. This Queen is nearly unrecognizable, but her cheekiness in showing a bare leg is a big hint, as is the crown on her baton and lion at her feet. We are geared to make assumptions about appearances, but we are wiser when we do not. The Stone card shows off its skill in levitating a stone over its head - sort of like us walking while balancing a book on our head. It suggests that we would do well to draw our conclusions from actions rather than how people look or what they say. Our house got hit hard by Hurricane Michael, and the flooding that ensued from it necessitated moving our HVAC unit, pulling all the mucky ductwork from under the house, and putting new ductwork in the attic. These repairs unfortunately left a huge hole where the unit had been with no bricks to fill the wall. After much searching, a friend recommended a fellow who agreed to find some bricks and do the job. This man was in his 80s, had only a few teeth, and couldn't speak well. But today, no one can tell where the old brickwork meets the new. Outer appearances can hide much.

Out of Motion

From the Rosetta Tarot, the Queen of Wands; from the Day of the Dead Lenormand, Sun:

Unfold your own myth.

― Rumi

The Queen of Wands is straightforward, independent, and self-motivated. An elemental combination of water and fire, she is the steam engine that flies down the tracks to her goal. But because she is also a nurturer, she wants to inspire others to follow their dreams and passions too. She doesn't force but encourages, believing in us until we can believe in ourselves. Learning and doing something new and different can make us feel like a fumbling fool. But as the Sun indicates, having someone cheer us on can keep us going until we find our footing and develop some self-confidence. As Richard E. Byrd reminds us, "Progress grows out of motion."

Lighting Candles

From the Osho Zen Tarot, the Queen of Wands; from the A'HA Oracle, Creativity:

A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle. -James Keller

The Queen of Wands loves to be a mentor to others regarding how to do things, from creating a holiday centerpiece to writing a resume. She'll share her knowledge and talents generously, without ever feeling like someone might take away her 'shine.' It is her way to nurture and encourage others. However, she would agree with Mary Lou Cook: “Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.” Once we learn the basics, we can enjoy doing our own thing. Taking time for play, curiosity, and imagination without borders will bring us the inspiration we need.

Purpose-Driven

From the Roots of Asia, the Queen of Wands; from the Mahjongg Oracle, Peacock:

Giving back is as good for you as it is for those you are helping, because giving gives you purpose. When you have a purpose-driven life, you’re a happier person. 

—Goldie Hawn

The Queen of Wands is a creative superstar, so it's no wonder she often is surrounded by admirers who want her guidance for nurturing their own talents. She doesn't worry that sharing creative ideas with others will put out her own spark. This Queen knows that encouraging others can provide her with new inspiration, giving her new directions to explore. The Peacock is a warning not to become complacently prideful in her success. Yet the mirror the woman holds suggests introspection and self-awareness. An endless road of good intentions (assisting others) is often paved with exhaustion and burnout. The Queen must make sure she carves out some sacred time and space that is her own.  

There's a Difference

From the Gill Tarot, the Queen of Wands; from the Circle Deck, Partnership:

There is a significant difference between encouraging people and enabling them. No matter what the situation may be, you can cheer them on, but you can’t carry any of their steps or lessons out for them. 

― Morgan Richard Olivier

Like the codependency her sister the Queen of Cups must avoid, the Queen of Wands understands how easy it is to get sucked into other peoples' passions. If she got involved in everyone's projects, she would quickly become overwhelmed and find no time for her own aspirations. Instead, she acts as a mirror, reflecting the heat and light of each person, supporting them through encouragement and suggestions only. Partnership implies an alliance that compliments strengths and offsets weaknesses but does not require one person to pull the ox's load. The Queens know that boundaries are needed because we have limits on our time, energy and resources. As Shawn Meghan Burn cautioned, "One way to think of it is that when it’s a pattern, it’s a problem."

Crafting Anew

From the Dark Goddess Tarot, the Witch (Queen) of Fire; from the Tattwa Cards, Water: Seed of Earth:

Your life does not get better by chance; it gets better by change. 

— Jim Rohn

Cerridwen's message is "craft anew with the bones of the old." We can learn a new skill set, add to our knowledge, and open our mind to new ideas and perspectives. We don't need to accumulate stuff to transform ourselves - it's an inner change that is needed. Water: Seed of Earth suggests we move from planning to instigating, but it encourages us to find alliances who can help strengthen and boost our commitment to change. As Michelle Obama said, “Choose people who lift you up.”

Poked with a Stick

From the Sasuraibito Tarot, the Queen of Wands; from the Soul Cards, Protective Shelter:

Now that it's raining more than ever

Know that we'll still have each other

You can stand under my umbrella

—Rihanna

"Come on, get up and get moving - people are counting on you." "But I'm tired... I just want this to be over." She pokes me with her stick. "I am the steady force applied. It won't get done unless you do it. Besides, you're not alone." Her cat gives me a soft bop on the nose with her paw. "While you are being a guide and support, there are others who are your umbrella in the storm. Do you see the broken infinity symbol on my arm? Just remember, nothing lasts forever."

Creative Energy

This week the tarot I'll be using is the Ellis Deck, created and self-published by Taylor Ellis. Paired with it will be the Brownies Oracle, created and self-published by Doug Thornsjo. Today's draws are the Queen of Rods and Shelter:

Creativity is an energy. It’s a precious energy, and it’s something to be protected.

—Ava DuVernay

Lichen is often seen growing on tree branches, but on unhealthy trees, it appears in profusion. The bark of a healthy tree continues to expand and slough off with the growth of the tree, but with a tree that isn't well, this process stops. It's no wonder that this Queen is adorned with lush growth, as she is a nurturer of creativity and development. She would tell us not to worry about making mistakes, as these are to be expected, but to keep working at cultivating our talent. The Brownies warn us to shelter ourselves and the project we're working on. There are those who love to criticize, not to be helpful, but to squash our confidence and enthusiasm. 

Stoking the Fire

From the Herbcrafter's Tarot, the Madre of Fire (Queen of Wands); from the Green Wheel Oracle, Raven:

Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.

―Brené Brown

The ancient Greeks burned thyme as an incense and used it in their baths, believing it to be a source of bravery. In the Middle Ages, knights and warriors were given gifts that included time to bring courage to its bearer. This Queen/Mother encourages us to stoke the embers of the creative fire within us. Such an effort may require our own fearlessness as we expose a part of ourselves to the world. Raven brings the ability to see over great distances and asks us to see beyond our apprehensions and take a chance on our creative ideas. The honey bees around him remind us how sweet and rewarding any form of creating can be when we do it without obsessing about the result. 

Stepping Forward

From the Tarot Lukumi, the Queen of Wands; from the Diloggun Cards, Irete (16 mouths):

In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.

—Abraham Maslow

There's no throne for this queen; she's a "go and do, explore and create" kind of gal. She is represented by Oya, the orisha of the wind, lightning and storms. Associated with transformation, she brings change, wanted or not. It's no use blaming things on her when our comfortable life gets turned upside down. Change is as natural as the sun rising and setting. Irete (16 mouths) suggests we not constrict our kindness in reaction to any shifts in our life:

Ifa: Guard against selfishness; those who are selfish will come to bear their burdens alone.

Proverb: Enjoy breakfast all alone, share lunch with your best friend and give dinner to your enemy.

We don't want to push away the people who might help us adjust and adapt to whatever winds life sends our way.

Step Off the Stage

From the Victorian Romantic Tarot, the Queen of Wands; from the Dreaming in Color Cards, Opportunity:

To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.  ―Ralph Waldo Emerson

We all slide into roles that family, social/religious groups, and our society create for us. We are told to be a good _____ (fill in the blank), to accommodate and portray our character well. But this Queen of Wands, with a "you must be joking" look on her face, has tucked her mask in her pocket. "We all have been given certain talents and strong interests," she would tell us," "Why should we try and become someone else?" The Opportunity card seems to give advice along the same line, encouraging us to take advantage of the open doorways that will let us be ourselves and follow our passions. As G. Brian Benson wrote, “Once I began to realize that there were no rules and that my path didn’t have to look like everyone else’s, I relaxed and my whole world opened up.”

Interests that Stick

From the Spacious Tarot, the Guardian (Queen) of Wands; from the Phenomena Oracle, Blizzard:

You can't really predict with certainty what will capture your attention and what won't... Without experimenting, you can't figure out which interests will stick, and which won't.

― Angela Duckworth

The Queens are devoted nurturers, especially when it comes to their suit. The Guardian of Wands believes everyone should have an interest, a hobby or a cause - something that brings them joy and fulfillment. She loves to expand people's exposure to new ideas, places, and things to do in hopes that it will widen their possibilities for developing a passion. Yet Blizzard's card shows a white-out, when both visibility and mobility are stymied. It can be tempting to push what we are fervently interested in onto people close to us. But kids may care less about the sports their parents are nuts about, and a friend may prefer painting to a book club. What stokes our passion can be our own; we don't need to force anyone else into its flames to still enjoy it. 

Building the New

From the New Era Elements Tarot, the Mother of Fire (Queen of Wands); from the Tao Oracle, The Wanderer (Hexagram 56):

The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new. ~Socrates

The inspirational Mother of Fire, combining the opposing elements of fire and water, is known for her independence. Pieper has illustrated this card with a Maasai woman, a people known for their colorful clothing and intricate beadwork. Historically, Maasai women have been forbidden from owning their own property and from accumulating their own worldly goods, but thankfully these long-held customs are slowly changing. Women are leading the charge to gain education, acquire land and develop a trade, enabling them to change their own lives and the lives of girls in the future. The Wanderer (hexagram 56) indicates the unfamiliarity and feeling of vulnerability that comes with change. Rather than bulldozing through the unknown, it encourages flexibility, humility and sensitivity as one find's one's feet.

Creative Purpose

From the Tarot of Caro, the Queen of Wands; from the Holitzka I Ching, Hexagram 53:

The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning. ~Mitch Albom

The flat ears and narrowed eyes of this panther are probably watching the Knight of Wands stumble out of bed after another night of drinking and a one night stand. The Queen of Wands is a woman of fiery passion, but she's more than a party girl. She believes that each person has gifts that should be nurtured so that they can create something meaningful. There's nothing wrong with fun, she'd say, but what are you growing with your energy and enthusiasm? Chasing pleasures doesn't bring the same kind of lasting satisfaction. Hexgram 53 is called Gradual Progress, and is a caution that nothing grows overnight; tenacity is needed to see things through. 

Rider of Tigers

From the Margarete Petersen Tarot, the Mother of Flames (Queen of Wands); from the Elemental Dice, Mountain (Light + Earth):

Take any challenge as a creative opportunity.

— Alexandra Watkins

Petersen describes this Queen as a "rider of tigers" who tears apart patterns that restrict her expression. She doesn't just meet challenges head on, she tackles them with creative flourish and flounce. It's no wonder that people soak up her presence like sun-worshipers at the beach. Mountain implies that her abilities are grounded in self-confidence, a belief in her own abilities. This trait, the Queen would tell us, must be nurtured within rather than dependent on external praise. Though we might make mistakes, she reminds us of their value because we can learn from them. She would agree with E.E. Cummings: "Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human spirit."

Creative Generosity

From the Lilifer Tarot, the Queen of Wands; from the Wandering Soul Oracle, Divine Language:

Nothing can dim the light that shines from within.

–Maya Angelou

Unlike her husband, whose flame of enthusiasm can be glaring and overwhelming at times, the Queen of Wands keeps hers at a warm glow. She doesn't want to tell you what to do with your passion; she'd rather encourage through nurturing your creative side. She doesn't mind offering some ideas, but her goal is to be your cheerleader rather than your manager. The Divine Language card shows a drawing of the golden ratio, a proportion based on the patterns of nature that has been used by artists and designers for centuries. This mathematical ratio of 1:1.618 has a decimal that stretches to infinity. In these days of piracy and plagiarism, it may feel like we need to jealously guard our ideas and share them with no one. But as Maya Angelou reminds us, “You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” 

Innovate

From the Waking the Wild Spirit Tarot, the Queen of Fire; from the Saltwater Reading Cards, Mangroves:

To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment. ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Queen of Fire is the passion for life personified. Confident, knowledgeable and energetic, she often flaunts convention because it is just too tight a fit. She has causes and creative ideas that she wants to put into action and bring into being; as far as she's concerned, she won't let tradition stand in her way. Mangroves are tropical plants that are adapted to loose, wet soils, salt water and being periodically submerged by tides. They have learned to survive in what would be an uninhabitable environment for most plants, and thus their message is Innovation. The Queen would readily agree; the world is constantly changing, and if we are to survive and thrive we must be willing to transform our ideas and ways of doing things.

Explorer at Heart

From the Idiosyncradeck, the Queen of Arrows (Wands); from the Mixed Emotions deck, Curious:

Curiosity about life in all of its aspects, I think, is still the secret of great creative people. 

―Leo Burnett

The Queen of Wands (Arrows) is a fan of swagger and flair - check out her brightly colored scepter with ribbons and flowers. It's not that she tries to be the center of attention; her passion simply shows itself in everything she does and says. But best of all, she'll encourage others to follow whatever fascinates and interests them. How does she sustain such a creative and appealing personality? Curiosity. Her curious nature is open-ended without an agenda. She is an explorer of life in all its aspects, and her life is shaped by it.