Arcana Encyclopaedia

Eight of Wands

Minor Arcana Wands

Correspondences

  • Sephirah: Hod
  • Element: fire
  • Zodiac: Sagittarius
  • Decan: 1st decan of Sagittarius
  • Thoth Title: Swiftness

Meanings

Rider-Waite-Smith

Reversed

Keywords: Arrows of jealousy, internal dispute, stingings of conscience, quarrels; and domestic disputes for persons who are married.

Upright

Keywords: Activity in undertakings, the path of such activity, swiftness, as that of an express messenger; great haste, great hope, speed toward an end which promises assured felicity; generally, that which is on the move; also the arrows of love.

Thoth / Crowley-Harris

Upright

Keywords: Mercury in Sagittarius; clear, direct, swift communication; overcoming misunderstanding. »Swiftness« is the card for overcoming the hindrances which stand in our way (as shown on the Five of Wands). The blockage, represented by the square, transforms itself now into a large polished crystal, shimmering with the colors of the rainbow. If you state your own standpoint openly, directly and clearly, these hindrances can be transformed. Misunderstandings yield to clarity. You have found your own inner center and can present your position with emphasis and openness (red dynamic arrows radiating from center)

The moment has come for you to define where you stand. If you are open and remain centered, misunderstandings will be cleared.

Number 8: Intellect

Analysis, communication, attention to detail. The element rationalized.

Narrative position: refinement