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.

As soon as I saw the Speaker of Trees come up all I could think of was the Dr. Seuss tale The Lorax.  The Lorax pops up in the middle of a society just beginning to plunder its natural resources and proclaims loudly and proudly “I speak for the trees”.  He is a prophet trying to prevent the destruction of the Truffula trees and all the wondrous creatures that live among them.  I can easily see that energy being represented in this card.  The tree and its branches are at the center of the card with smaller trees and somewhat odd looking faces perched among them.  The sheltering arms of the Speaker of Trees protect and nourish them.  At the same time we realize that there is a balance that must be maintained.  If too many creatures try to perch in his arms, the Speaker of Trees will not be able to support them all.

All the same I get the sense he is a warrior when it comes to defending and protector those under his care.  Popular opinion does not hold much sway with him.  He is fierce, focused and faithful.  Once his energies are sent in a certain direction, his goals are achieved.  At the same time this is not someone who fails to plan.  He is well aware that charging into a situation without careful consideration and strategic planning will result in failure.  He wears command easily but it is due to his thoughtful intellect containing his more fiery, passionate side.  Maturity has brought wisdom and experience has taught caution.

Ultimately what this card reminds me is that if I'm not willing to fight for what I believe in, then I should not be surprised when those things disappear.  Ranting and raving is not the way to win these battles.  In fact even dramatic statements (a la PETA throwing paint on fur-wearers) will not win the day.  In order for me to conquer whatever challenges lay ahead, I need to temper my more excitable and forceful nature with an intellectual and thoughtful approach.  Planning before taking action might be the best course at this point.  Instead of bemoaning the fact that I can't just charge in and kick some ass, I need to realize that isn't the appropriate approach.  Instead I need to do some research, find some fact and persuade those who might think to challenge me with facts and logic.  It's time to let my inner Spock have more influence over my inner Kirk.