Kings are associated with control, discipline, resolve and mastery.  Wands are associated with inspiration, energy, passion, feeling, enterprise, ambition, matters pertaining to the "spark of life", and the element of fire.  The King of Wands is a charismatic, passionate and exciting man who is disciplined, masterful, in control and confident about his skills.  He has the charm and personality to convince others to follow him and he knows when and how to use force, if necessary.  The King of Wands can also represent letting go of an old identity and showing others that you are moving away from your old self.  The old identity has no life left in it anymore so it's time to retire it and move forward to a new phase of personal development.

It's so ironic that I drew this card today.  Last night hubby and I went to see the new Star Trek movie.  It was amazing!!  I just loved it.  What struck me is how much wands energy Kirk has.  In this movie he is still in a Knight of Wands phase - wild, unpredictable, charming and daring (almost too much for his own good).  In the series he has matured a bit and takes his responsibilities to his ship and crew seriously and moves more into the King of Wands phase.  Considering this made me ponder why Kings of Wands are so attractive.  One of the challenges to having  relationship with a King of Wands is that they are so charismatic and seductive that they may find it impossible to be in a monogamous relationship.  They can be as fickle as a flame - flirty and dancing with you but soon moving on to another partner.  That energy was definitely a key component to the Kirk character.  He was able to remain faithful to only one this - his ship and his crew.  Perhaps that is another aspect of the King of Wands - maybe he is able to bond to one partner but once that partner has been determined, no one else will ever stand a chance no matter what his behavior.  He may flirt, he may tease, he may even be unfaithful physically but in his heart and soul he is bonded to his partner.  It might explain the Clinton's relationship.

On a more general note, looking at the King of Wands from the Celtic Tarots we see a grim, brutish sort of fellow.  He is extremely muscular (think Conan the Barbarian) and has a huge club resting on his thigh.  He site on a huge stone throne and seems very relaxed and at ease.  His helmet covers his whole head and his face is invisible - there is actually a black hole where his face should be.  In this deck Wands are technically associated with Air rather than Fire but I'm ignoring that for now.  At first glance this guy is rather intimidating and dangerous looking.  Then you give him a second glance and his strength and self-control attract your eye.  He is not lifting the club in menace but keeps it nearby just in case.  He seems powerful and capable but at the same time unknowable.  We cannot see his fact - is he hiding something or protecting himself.  Maybe that is one of they keys to understanding a Wands personality - it's not easy to see into their core because it is difficult to stare into the center of a flame.  Is their charming, charismatic and flitting personality a defense?

The kingly figure on the Enchanted card is clearly a warrior - he carries a spear and shield and wears some type of mail or leather protection.  His sword is sheathed at his side and a helmet sits stop his head.  He had reddish hair and a long full beard.  A sun hovers over his head and butterflies and flowers hover in the air around him.  He stands in the middle of the landscape open and at ease.  He is not in a defensive pose but seems to be waiting to welcome you.  He very confidence and strength give you a sense of reassurance.  Whatever your problems, this is someone who can help you fight through them.  At the same time you sense a hint of humor in his demeanor.  He may be ready to defend himself at a moment's notice but he is ready to laugh at a moment's notice too.

Those are qualities with which I can identify - a sense of duty and responsibility tied with inner and outer strength and a sense of humor.  I like to think I possess those qualities - at least some of the time.  Maybe I need to get in touch with my inner Captain Kirk and start being a bit more daring; take more risks.  That might be the direction in which I need to move in order to move forward on my path.

I met Ellen for Tarot & Tea today.  We had fun - well I had fun anyway.  She showed me the Paulina Tarot which I think I now have to buy.  And she did a crystal reading for me using a technique she learned from Donnaleigh at RS09.  It was very interesting - simple yet profound.  Now I want to visit a crystal store and get some new stones!

Tarot Affirmations

• I am a master of creative energy; I focus its power to establish a clear vision and sense of purpose in my life.
• I share the results of my spiritual practice; seeing how I have changed gives others the courage to follow their dreams.
• I look to a higher power for spiritual guidance and faith to confront life's challenges with hope and optimism.