Meet the Cards: Ten of Fire

Generally, all Tens:

• Express transition of their suit, or element.
• Reflect the themes and wisdom of the Wheel of Fortune.
• Symbolize an ending, and a beginning.
• Can be any point of death and rebirth, the Ordeal, the Dark Moment, or All is Lost; the character’s re-dedication to the change in their arc; that point in which the character has everything to lose; or the final push toward the end.
• Are the “dark night of the soul” mentioned in the Numbers in Tarot post.
• Tarot Notes hasn’t done her Tens post yet as part of the Take a Number series. (I’ll add the link when she does.)

What I See:

Fire can be so frightening. Yet it is often just what nature needs to reestablish itself. I think of the Phoenix. I also get a sense of chaos. The wind is whipping the flames higher and further afield. I imagine the forest animals are running, staying just ahead of the flames. The smoky clouds feel a bit oppressive. I think of crawling along the floor under a smoke cover to safety. Are the firefighters on the scene? Was the fire set on purpose? Or is this a naturally occurring fire?

General Fire element/Wands suit:

Please refer back to the Ace of Fire

Light (upright) Reading:

Seedlings grow up from the ashes.

• Keywords: Perseverance, Patience, or Home Stretch.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

Remember to trust the cycle.

• Keywords: Overload, Pressure, Encumbered, or Onerous Burdens.

Plots:

A fire. A forest fire. Firefighters, firemen. Perhaps, a story focused on running for safety, whether you use the fire or some other danger?

The smoke could be exhaust, perhaps a landing ship started the fire? What if the fire is a result of weaponry?

How about a retelling of the Phoenix myth? Maybe, that isn’t a fire…

• Ten Themes: Transition, Transformation, or Endings and Beginnings.

Typically, the card depicts a laborer carrying a load of ten wands. The wands aren’t laying neatly but are tangled. Perhaps, a theme of good intentions going awry?

Characters:

Release what is done and make way for what is to come.

• Suit Archetype/Feudal Class: Peasant or Servant Class.

The nine-point personality enneagram can also be useful for character building.

All Tens are E1: Perfectionist and/or Reformer

• Self Image — I am right
• Passion — Anger
• Virtue — Serenity
• Narcissistic Trap — Perfection
• Avoids — Vexation
• Speaking Style — Teaching or Moralizing

E1 people are instinctive, spontaneous, and intuitive. Their “gut” feeling is the center of their awareness. They are often direct or territorial. They are concerned with power, ruled by aggression, and may be troubled by self-doubt or self-blame.

Additionally, look up one of the Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) for personality traits.

Image: Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert from Llewellyn Worldwide

Meet the Cards: Nine of Fire

What I See:

My first thoughts are of peace and power. Having just talked about chakras, my eye is drawn to that part of the image. I see him drawing power from Mother Earth up through his chakras to burst back into nature. Yet, there’s also a sense of an aura in the glow around him, speaking to the Fire element. The cave, a sacred one according to the book, gives us the Earth element and grounds him. Renewal.

General Fire element/Wands suit:

Please refer back to the Ace of Fire

Light (upright) Reading:

You are at peace with yourself and where you are at in your life.

• Keywords: Fortification, Self-Protection, Discipline, or Determined.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

It’s time to reconnect spiritually.

• Keywords: Wounded, Boredom, Adversity, or Impracticality.

Plots:

An eastern themed story? A story exploring yoga, health, healing, meditation, and/or chakras? A spiritual quest?

That aura looks like a transporter devise, perhaps an alien? A god? Ascension to a higher plane of existence? Maybe some kind of power transfer?

The Crown Chakra looks like an actual crown, perhaps royalty?

How about some steampunk? Maybe the chakras are gears?

• Nine Themes: Self-mastery, Solitude, Wisdom, Experience, or Completion.

Typically, this card shows a warrior type man with wands at his back. A wounded warrior? A live to fight another day theme? A last stand?

Characters:

A being of light and of flesh.

• Suit Archetype/Feudal Class: Peasant or Servant Class.

Additionally, look up one of the Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) for personality traits.

For more information on the Nines in general, please refer back to the Nine of Air.

Image: Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert from Llewellyn Worldwide

Meet the Cards: Eight of Fire

What I See:

This card is similar to the traditional one. I think of wishing on stars, looking for the first star in the night sky. There’s a feeling of distance. The horizon looks to be a long way away. I’m struck by a sense of vastness. I have a visual of Lee Ann Womack’s I Hope You Dance — sure, she was talking about the ocean, but I think the same applies with a meteor shower. Meteors certainly speak to the Fire element. There’s a sense of fleeting. A fleeting moment. A fleeting opportunity. A fleeting emotion. A sense of embracing the spectacular.

General Fire element/Wands suit:

Please refer back to the Ace of Fire

Light (upright) Reading:

Strike when the iron, or inspiration, is hot.

• Keywords: Excitement, Movement, Travel, or Communication.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

Beware of being resistant to change.

• Keywords: Impulsiveness, Hysteria, Discord, or Thoughtlessness.

Plots:

A nature story? How about camping and sleeping under the night sky? Wishing on a star?

A space story? Perhaps those are escape pods landing on an alien planet? Or are they aliens landing on Earth?

Maybe fireworks?

It almost looks like the flaming tips of arrows. A war? A siege? Perhaps Cupid’s arrows, how about a romance?

• Eight Themes: Taking Action, Energy, Self-directed Movement, Empowerment, or Transforming Vision into Reality.

According to Tarot for Writers by Corrine Kenner the Eight of Wands is “associated with long-distance travel and messages.” What about a long-distance romance? A chat-room affair?

Characters:

Filled with awe and wonder.

• Suit Archetype/Feudal Class: Peasant or Servant Class.

Additionally, look up one of the Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) for personality traits.

For more information on the Eights in general, please refer back to the Eight of Earth.

Image: Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert from Llewellyn Worldwide

Meet the Cards: Seven of Fire

What I See:

There’s something rather sexy about a lady blacksmith to me. It’s a skill set more suited to a man’s strength yet there’s an element of artistry, too. I wonder if she followed in a parent’s footsteps or actively sought out the career. She has physical strength to work with iron. She has patience. She must have determination to see her project through to the end.

General Fire element/Wands suit:

Please refer back to the Ace of Fire

Light (upright) Reading:

“Strike while the iron is hot.”

• Keywords: Taking a Stand, Courage, Bravado, or Self-Confidence.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

Beware of letting opportunities pass you by.

• Keywords: Retreat, Crudeness, Abrasive, or Brashness.

Plots:

She’s wearing an amulet that looks like Thor’s hammer, a retelling of a myth? Perhaps she is Thor’s daughter? How about exploring her career choice…did she follow in a parent’s footsteps or actively pursue it? Maybe, she’s just one of a tribe of Amazon women?

There’s a primitive feel to the setting, perhaps your story centers around a people who’ve returned to an earlier time? The tattoos on her arms makes me think of warriors — a struggle for land? Position?

• Seven Themes: Initiation, Focus, Inner Work, Setting Intentions, or Self-awareness.

Typically, this card shows a man on a hill with six wands in front of him while he holds the seventh as if to defend himself. How about a bravery theme? Being outnumbered?

Characters:

You have the strength to transform your life.

• Suit Archetype/Feudal Class: Peasant or Servant Class.

Additionally, look up one of the Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) for personality traits.

For more information on the Sevens in general, please refer back to the Seven of Water.

Image: Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert from Llewellyn Worldwide

Meet the Cards: Six of Fire

Generally, all Sixes:

• Express community and happy experience of their suit, or element.
• Reflect the themes and wisdom of The Lovers.
• Symbolize reciprocity.
• Can represent a false victory or lull before the storm in your story; the “Approach to Inmost Cave” portion of the Hero’s Journey (The Writers Journey by Christopher Vogler), or the “Reward”; it could be your mid-point, turning your story on its ear; or the preparing step of your character’s arc.
• Are the resolution of the second set of mini-dramas mentioned in the Numbers in Tarot post.
• For additional info on Sixes check out Tarot Notes Take a Number series on Sixes.

What I See:

Just off Samhain, perhaps the delay was divine intervention. This could be any bonfire type celebration. The heat off the flames adding a sheen of sweat to the people around the fire. The beat of the drums building the tempo, thus the dancers, into a frenzied pace.There’s a sense of sexual power.  Or, perhaps, release. That quote about “dance like no one is watching” comes to mind yet also a feeling of anticipation because someone IS watching. I get a sense of fulfillment, happiness, and community when I look at this card. I see all the gorgeous reds and yellows, and oranges I expect to see in a Fire element image.

There’s a crackle and a pop from the fire. The air is dry as I move closer to the fire. My blood is pulsing in time with the drums. I raise my arms and move…

General Fire element/Wands suit:

Please refer back to the Ace of Fire

Light (upright) Reading:

You may be charged by the power of the inner circle.

• Keywords: Triumph, Acclaim, Appreciation, or Good News.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

You may be burned out or feel you have nothing to offer.

• Keywords: Pomposity, Condescending, Pretense, or Vanity.

Plots:

This card only shows women, perhaps a story about friendship. Or Girls’ Night Out (In). How about a sorority? Maybe they are related. Perhaps six sisters? Or cousins at a family reunion?

Obvious bonfire celebrations come to mind: Celtic, Native American, Aztec, Jewish, or Persian to get you started. Or something as simple as a group of friends having a bonfire on the beach.

• Six Themes: Reciprocity, Collaboration, Peak Experience, Interaction, or Community.

How about a victory dance? Traditionally, this card shows a man on a horse, riding through a crowd. A victory parade? The conquering hero?

Characters:

Erotic power — release it.

• Suit Archetype/Feudal Class: Peasant or Servant Class.

The nine-point personality enneagram can also be useful for character building.

All Sixes are E6: Devil’s Advocate, Loyalist, Troubleshooter, and/or Guardian.

• Self Image — I do my duty
• Passion — Fear
• Virtue — Courage
• Narcissistic Trap — Security
• Avoids — Deviance
• Speaking Style — Warning or Limiting

E6 people are ruled by their head. They need to understand the pattern of events, where all the pieces fit in the puzzle of life, and are often detached from their emotions. Their objectivity may hide feelings of isolation or confusion.

Additionally, look up one of the Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) for personality traits.

Image: Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert from Llewellyn Worldwide

Meet the Cards: Five of Fire

What I See:

The first thing I notice is that there is no obvious five here. According to the book there are twisted faces in the smoke and fire…I’ll see one, then think I’m imagining it. Perhaps the point. And perhaps there are five. The next thing I’m stuck by is the single man, the fire breather. Either he’s incredibly brave or he’s an adrenaline junkie, LOL. I think of showboating, needing to be the center of attention, dominance, and anger.

Jenny Hansen recently had a post on dealing with anger in which she talks about anger coming from hurt and fear. The book even says, “Rage and anger are often masks for that which we fear.” I see that here. I think of short fuses.

General Fire element/Wands suit:

Please refer back to the Ace of Fire

Light (upright) Reading:

You’re playing with powerful and exciting fire, but beware it can be lethal.

• Keywords: Competition, Brainstorming, Male Bonding, or Sport.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

You may be dealing with burnout, allow the fire to inspire a transformation.

• Keywords: Sabotage, Stunted Creativity, Conflicts, or Ego Clashes.

Plots:

Perhaps your story focuses on a performer. A circus act or, pardon the term, a freak show act? Perhaps your MC likes living on the edge. Maybe a Native American Fire Ceremony or a Celtic Fire Feast?

There’s a sense of chaos in the flames, perhaps the organized chaos of war. Or a sporting event? Maybe focus on the excitement of danger.

• Five Themes: Challenge, Crisis, Conflict, Instability, or Change.

If we look at the number, you can focus on the five senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell)? I bet if you put yourself in the fire breather’s audience you can write all five. Or perhaps the elements (fire, water, air, and earth) bound by a high guidance of spirit?

Characters:

“We can let the circumstances of our lives harden us so that we become increasingly resentful and afraid, or we can let them soften us and make us kinder. We always have the choice. ~Dalai Lama“

• Suit Archetype/Feudal Class: Peasant or Servant Class.

Additionally, look up one of the Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) for personality traits.

For more information on the Five in general, please refer back to the Five of Air.

Image: Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert from Llewellyn Worldwide

Meet the Cards: Four of Fire

What I See:

The first thing that strikes me are the circles. We have the full moon which makes me think of the ebb and flow of emotions, and of coming full circle. We have the circle on her shirt which looks a little like a dragon, hello Fire. We have the circle she’s standing in, a sacred circle, with candles marking the four directions. Even her hair gives me the image of a circle. She appears to be breathing deeply, mediating, centering herself, absorbing the energy of the world around her. I get a sense of empowerment.

General Fire element/Wands suit:

Please refer back to the Ace of Fire

Light (upright) Reading:

You’ve stepped into the sacred circle to celebrate a right of passage.

• Keywords: Celebration, Blessings, Harmony, or Bountiful Harvest.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

You’re burned out, it’s time to recharge.

• Keywords: Insecurity, Social Gaffs, Thankless, or Incompatibility.

Plots:

How about a story focusing on rituals preformed by the light of a full moon? Sacred Circles? Perhaps Stonehenge or, even, Newgrange? How about one of the Celtic Fire Festivals? Or a Native American Fire Ceremony?

Perhaps a story about coming full circle? Feminine empowerment? Or the four directions? Travel, or coming home? There’s a connection to nature, perhaps even fertility, here you might use.

• Four Themes: Sacred Space, Structure, Boundaries, Limits, Foundation, or Stewardship.

Typically, this card shows a couple putting together garlands for a wedding canopy. Perhaps a wedding, or other celebration? The garlands are held up by four wands, four corners. Perhaps a first home? Or how about the finding, or losing, of security?

Characters:

You have the power to accomplish anything you’ve set your mind to.

• Suit Archetype/Feudal Class: Peasant or Servant Class.

Additionally, look up one of the Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) for personality traits.

For more information on the Fours in general, please refer back to the Four of Earth.

Image: Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert from Llewellyn Worldwide

Meet the Cards: Three of Fire

What I See:

Okay, I’m claiming this card for myself, I am a Fire sign after all

I love the colors, I see sunrise and sunset in them. I positively adore the woman dancing as though no one is watching! The three balls of Fire are drawn to her. Fire keywords like passion, creativity, and enthusiastic come to mind. I’m reminded of what I said about the Fire element, “Fire’s lust for life is contagious, spreading to those around them,” and imagine she’s spreading her magic.

The affirmation of this card is, “I express my joy and passion openly.” Love that, what a great motto to live by.

General Fire element/Wands suit:

Please refer back to the Ace of Fire

Light (upright) Reading:

There is nothing holding you back.

• Keywords: Visionary, Creativity, Initial Success, and Enterprising.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

You may be self-conscious about expressing yourself.

• Keywords: Overconfidence, Carelessness, Arrogance, and Distrust.

Plots:

A dancing woman, how about a story around belly-dancers? Perhaps a shaman? Native American/Canadian First Nations dancers? Maybe she dancing in celebration, or as part of a ceremony?

Maybe your story takes place on a world with three suns? Or maybe something as simple as a desert local? Perhaps a retelling of a sun god/dess like Ra?

Those clouds look stormy, perhaps a storm at sea? Or maybe those aren’t clouds but smoke from a forest fire? How about ball lightning?

• Three Themes: Harmony, Abundance, Ease, Manifestation, Productivity, or Expression.

Typically, this card depicts a man “waiting for his ships to come in” so perhaps a story surrounding business? A partnership, a merger, or maybe a takeover? An investment?

Characters:

Magical energy draws others into your sphere.

• Suit Archetype/Feudal Class: Peasant or Servant Class.

Additionally, look up one of the Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) for personality traits.

For more information on the Threes in general, please refer back to the Three of Water.

Image: Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert from Llewellyn Worldwide

Meet the Cards: Two of Fire

Generally, all Twos:

• Express balance, receptivity, and attraction of their suit, or element.
• Reflect the themes and wisdom of the Priestess.
• Symbolize polarity.
• Can represent Act Two, the confrontation, of your story; or a plot point such as the Catalyst, Inciting Incident, or the Call to Adventure; if you break Act Two down into two parts, this can represent Act Two-Part One, the response; or the increasing awareness step of your character’s arc; antithesis.
• Are a test of choice, the first test within the mini-dramas mentioned in the Numbers in Tarot post.
• For additional info on Twos check out Tarot Notes Take a Number series on Twos.

What I See:

We have gone from the one to the two, a couple, and awareness of another. Fire keywords like passionate, dramatic, and instinctual come to mind as I look at this card. I get a sense of yin and yang. Strengths balancing weaknesses. I think of Beltane Fires and dancers and building sexual attraction. This is a test of choice…will they or won’t they? Beltane also reminds me of fertility, we’ve left the darkest time of the year and it is time to celebrate life. Is it me or does the flame on that one torch look like a dancing devil?

General Fire element/Wands suit:

Please refer back to the Ace of Fire

Light (upright) Reading:

Attraction to a person, idea, or project has energized you.

• Keywords: Development, Achievement, Pride, and Collaboration.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

You doubt the attraction or your ability to handle the resulting changes of the choice.

• Keywords: Agoraphobia, Overwhelmed, Disillusioned, and Abuse of Power.

Plots:

Traditionally, this cards depicts a man often holding a small globe in his hand. Stories focused on a nobleman or businessman, ‘master of all he surveys,’ comes to mind. Also, the man is usually standing above a bay giving mind to a fortress. Perhaps a story about a siege. How about a Helen of Troy retelling?

According to Tarot for Writers by Corrine Kenner the Two of Wands can also suggest the “‘sadness of Alexander amidst the grandeur of this world’s wealth.’ In antiquity, Alexander the Great reportedly was at a loss once he had no more worlds to conquer.” How about a ‘money isn’t everything’ tale?

Yet looking at this card, one of the four Celtic Fire Feasts come to mind. Perhaps lovers. Perhaps a  handfasting or a wedding. Or look at another culture, Native American Fire Ceremony where “[we] bring something to burn that we would like to rid from our past (in Full Moon) or a prayer request of something new (in New Moon), that will burn, turn to smoke, and release into the ethers.” Perhaps a vision quest. Maybe those crossed torches mean a challenge, a truce, a mixing of cultures/races? A funeral pyre?

• Two Themes: Balance, Attraction, Receptivity, Duality, Reflection, or Choice.

Characters:

“Will the fire warm you or burn you?”

• Suit Archetype/Feudal Class: Peasant or Servant Class.

The personality enneagram, a nine-pointed array of personality types, might also be a useful reference for character building.

All Twos are E2: Helper and/or Giver

• Self Image — I help
• Passion — Pride
• Virtue — Freedom
• Narcissistic Trap — Service
• Avoids — Needs
• Speaking Style — Flattering or Advising

E2 people are relationship oriented. They are concerned with what others think of them, image and prestige. They see themselves as being for others and often believe they know what’s best. They dislike being alone and may feel sad or inadequate.

Additionally, look up one of the Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) for personality traits.

Image: Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert from Llewellyn Worldwide

Meet the Cards: Ace of Fire

Fire can bring about new life or destroy the old. In most decks this would be the Ace [1] of Wands. Typically depicted by a right hand (symbolizing action) holding a wooden staff or wand aloft.

What I See:

Blah. Not real thrilled with a snake. However, there is a feeling of curiosity or of meeting the world for the first time. I’m reminded of the wonder at seeing the world through the eyes of a child. We see the fire element in the sparks shooting up into the blackness of night in the background. I imagine a crackling fire and am reminded of the creativity the element symbolizes.

General Fire element/Wands suit:

• Keywords: Career, Creativity, Faith, Growth, Ideas, Innovation, Projects, Innovation, Risk, Energy, Action, Enthusiasm, Optimism, Desire, Passion, Perception, Determination, Will, Defiant, Defensive, Daring, Ecstatic, Pride, Ego, and Restlessness.
• Style: Exploding, Activating, and Inspiring.
• Jungian Function: Intuition or Feeling

Light (upright) Reading:

You have discovered a new way of expression.

• Keywords: New Beginnings, Inspiration, Innovation, and Virility.

Shadow (upside down or reverse) Reading:

Preferring to stay where you are, you fear change.

• Keywords: Selfishness, Poor Planning, Deflation, and Anger.

Plots:

The Ace of Fire represents a new beginning on a spiritual level. Perhaps your story is about the seminary or a shaman. The wand can be a phallic symbol. Perhaps your story involves the need to procreate.

All Aces represent the potential for creation. Perhaps you story involves a pregnancy. Perhaps a new idea is conceived.

You could take a more sinister path. The wand could be a wooden club, a weapon. A poisonous snake. A fire raging out of control.

How about a magic wand? Or maybe, just maybe, that’s not a snake emerging from that egg but a dragon…

• Ace Themes: Beginning, Opportunity, Conception, Birth, Potential, or Elemental Energy.

Characters:

Shed the old and embrace the new, like a snake sheds its skin.

• Suit Archetype/Feudal Class: Peasant or Servant Class.

Additionally, look up one of the Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) for personality traits.

For more information on the Aces in general, please refer back to the Ace of Air.

Image: Gaian Tarot by Joanna Powell Colbert from Llewellyn Worldwide