Minor Arcana
Fire Cards
Fire Cards
ENTHUSIASTIC RED (SOUTH) SPEARS/WANDS: Red and orange are colors we see in fires, as well as blues and violets. Red is related to passion and strength, the will to live and survive. We need the strength and passion of red to complete our journey. As an element of the South, it is related to horned animals such as the stags. RED in this system relates to the element of FIRE.
Fire cards have to do with the strength and creativity of our psyches and souls. Spears or wands are expressions of the Element of Fire. The Fire cards are very active, connected to virility, creative potency, sex and manifestation. Used incorrectly, they can burn you. Used with intelligence, the element of Fire can lead to alchemy, transformation, smoke, and the 5th Element.
The Fire cards represent the spirit through intuition and creative imagination. They are full of adventure, daring, and creativity. The mysterious power of Fire puts life events into motion. Here the quester must rely on ingenuity and vision instead of rational thought. The emphasis is on the meaning of experiences and the wonder of living.
The Fire family consists of five Welsh deities from the Mabinogion, a series of tales based on a 14th century manuscript known as the Red Book of Hergest, but the stories are thought to be even older, dating back to the 11th century. The stories of Beli Marw, Arianrhod, Llew Llaw Gyffes, and Blodwedd appear in the fourth branch of the Mabinogion. The Mage of Fire is Elen who arises out of the Dream of Macsen Wledig, but has an even more ancient origin. Some say Elen of the Ways is the most ancient goddess in the British Isles, dating as far back as the Old Stone Age. Elen leads us back to Celtic Shamanic roots.
Ace of Fire – Imagination
Keywords:
Inspiration – Inventiveness – Opportunities
Reversed
Writer’s block
Action
Create something new
Meaning:
The Ace of Fire is the boldest of the wands and generally represents good news. It indicates that you are being offered new possibilities, and if you have been dreaming in a new project, go for it. You are being offered possibilities that are aligned with the Higher Self. If you have drawn the Ace of Fire, you have a naturally creative spirit, and it is important to find your own voice and unique way of self-expression. If you have pulled this card in a reading, it is time to do that creative project and really go for it. Dare to dream big. It can also suggest good health, a financial boon, and spiritual insight.
Creative Expression:
If you are asking about a relationship, the Ace of Fire is full of vitality, energy, and passion. There is a new spark of interest and things are getting sexy and heating up. The Ace of Fire can even suggest fertility, conception, and birth, especially when chosen with the XIX Sun card.
Symbolism/Image as Guide:
A red background suggests soulful strength, vitality, and passion. A wand lays across a grey shield and a traditional silver rose blossoms in the center of what appears to be a compass. A star with eight points is said to open the seeker’s gaze beyond the material plane of existence so spiritual realms can be explored In the Old Babylonian period, Ishtar was associated with the planet Venus and later with the goddess of love and fertility, Aphrodite. Ishtar’s star is an eight-pointed starburst. All three deities are linked to beauty and pleasure. The 8-pointed star is also used in ritual magic and alchemy. The four masculine energies overlap four feminine energies creating the number 8 and the infinity symbol. It is an alchemical yin/yang, weaving order and chaos into natural harmony and balance.
A lilac rose floats above the shield with star and silver leaves and the wand. The living green leaves are mirror images of the silver leaves and seem to arise straight out of a fairytale. Once again, we are reminded of the inner and outer worlds. The lilac rose symbolizes eternity, health, and long life. It is one of the rarest of colors for a rose and is thought of as a flower of both enchantment and love at first sight. If someone gives you a lilac rose, there is always a sense of wonder and magic.
Adage:
As above, so below.
Grail Question:
What are you imagining?
Two of Fire – Possibilities
Keywords:
Self-expression – Travel Plans – Decisions – Artistry – Innovation
Reversed
Challenges – Creative blocks – Travel disruption
Action
Make some plans and see what happens.
Meaning:
If you have drawn the Two of Fire you may feel an inner restlessness. There is a desire to express yourself through your creations. Conflicting philosophies may wish to interlace within you to form a new perspective or way of seeing. Or it may be that you need to choose between two people in a relationship, or two career paths. You may feel the future calling you forward which stimulates the desire to travel. Can you handle the tension of opposites? Although you have accomplished much in your life already, a few paths may be presenting themselves as potential futures. Can you sense it is time to awaken to higher truths? This inner stirring leads to creativity, as well as new plans and possibilities.
Creative Expression:
Periods of darkness and despair can lead one to psychological transformation. It may be that the dragons act as personal challenges that must be faced and overcome. Carl Jung was fascinated by the alchemical mysterium coniunctionis, the union of opposites. He felt that the work of combining what polarized the psyche could bring a person to a point of creative synthesis which transcended the tensions inherent in human existence. Negativity, illness, and pathologies were seen to be part of the process of living. In the process of individuation, what lurks in the unconscious must become conscious. The goal of the psycho-spiritual alchemical work of the union of opposites is to find the true gold of the soul (the holy grail), which is the moral and spiritual transformation of the self.
Symbolism/Image as Guide:
Many levels are creativity appear in this artwork that emerges from a fiery red background. Two silver dragons face each other inside a circle or shield. Even though they could breathe fire, they do not appear to be fighting. The upper dragon seems to be focused on the moon and the ten stars. His forked tongue almost in the shape of a fleur-de-lis (the symbol of the nobility and saints of France) seems to aim for the moon. The lower dragon seems more contained, looking toward the querent as if asking which direction to take. Dragons are symbolic of the process of alchemy. It appears that something magical is happening, creativity is taking place. The wands behind the shield are crossed. One points up and the other down, which suggests that what is true in the heavens is also true on earth.
The violet morning glories reflect the silver morning glories inside the shield. The beautiful flowers are poisonous to ingest and can cause hallucinations. As a flower essence, the remedy calms the mind and reminds us to look upward into the sky towards the sun and new possibilities. It can help open the crown chakra so we can connect directly with source. The entire movement of this card is like a vine spiraling upwards. There is also a hint of the caduceus, the staff of Hermes, which is associated with alchemy and magic. The two overlapping circles form a Vesica Piscis, which means “bladder of the fish.”) In ancient times one circle represented creation, and two symbolized the union of the male and female and the life created from their joining. There is some question here about the blending of the dragons, but the merger seems alchemical and life affirming.
Adage:
An artist needs both discipline and a wild spirit.
Grail Question:
What are you creating?
Three of Fire – Inspiration
Keywords:
Opportunity – Motivation – Muse – Travel – Foresight
Reversed
Going home – Clipped Wings
Action
Time for a big dream.
Meaning:
After a period of planning and hard work, a breakthrough often emerges. Like the sun appearing after a storm, rays of light seem to erase any fears of new ideas and opportunities, even opening the chance to travel to foreign lands. The impulse is to live it up, take an adventure and fly into a new future. If you have drawn the Three of Fire, seek inner guidance and align yourself with the Higher Self. Now is the time to embrace big dreams.
Creative Expression:
Insights can come when we least expect it. Perhaps we suddenly understand how to overcome a health or relationship issue, or a glimmer of a new poem arises in our minds. The Three of Fire is about aligning with the natural unfoldment of life. It may be that in the quiet hours of dawn or during a sunny walk through a blossoming meadow, the muse appears offering sudden revelations. Quickly grab a pen or paint brush, or simply sing along with the inspiration being presented to you. You may have an intuition about an upcoming trip or sense an opportunity coming your way. Welcome this new awareness and let the creative desire move you.
Symbolism/Image as Guide:
A silver shield lined with pearls appears out of the fiery red background. In Celtic Shamanism a bee as a spirit guide is enthused by many flowers and can teach others the importance of cooperation. To be inspired by a bee suggests that you have the diligence necessary to fly directly to the Higher Self.
The points of three wooden wands point skyward as if to draw insights from the Otherworlds. A sun in the center of the shield suggests this is a card concerned with life and health. Creativity requires an open heart, for then we can begin to enter a wondrous relationship with the natural world. A bee seems to follow the silver spiral sunwise, and points to the symbol of the awen, a neo-druid emblem attributed by many to an 18th century Welsh poet by the name of Iolo Morgannwg. In Wales, an Awenydd is an inspired poet, bard, or individual who has been touched by awen, the muse of creative inspiration. The awen has even more ancient Celtic origins. According to the Order of Bards, Ovates & Druids, awen loosely translated from Welsh means flowing spirit or inspiration. The Goddess Cedridwin with her helper Gwion Bach created a magical brew that is known as awen, the brew that arouses creative imagination. Many Druid rituals begin or end with the participants chanting the awen.
Three thistles bring another element to the artwork. The thistle is the Scottish national emblem and connotes courage, bravery, and loyalty. It is in the sunflower family but is prickly with purple flowers. Some gardeners praise it as a medicinal herb, while others call it a tough weed, a “Flower of the Sun,” or the Herb of Witches.” Because in Scottish legend it is said to thwarts attackers with its sharp points, the thistle is thought of as a lucky plant.
Adage:
The most beautiful things in the world are felt by the heart.
Grail Question:
What inspires you?
Four of Fire – Celebration
Keywords:
Reunion – Family – Weddings – Community Spirit
Reversed
Delayed events
Action
It’s time for a party.
Meaning:
If you have been invited to a workshop or an event this card is a good omen. The Four of Fire indicates that it is time for the family or community to gather for a celebration. Reunions, parties, graduations, weddings, and rituals bring people together. Remembering our deep ancestral roots can help us remember that we belong in this world. It may also signify the celebration of an achievement, a homecoming, and familial harmony. Put some effort into it and make this event something worth remembering!
Creative Expression:
If you have drawn Four of Fire, it is time to express yourself in a group setting. Connecting with others in conscious ways makes a life feel like it’s worth living. See what creative opportunities want to unfold. Perhaps it is time to take a dance class or join a club. What dreams are you ready to pursue?
Symbolism/Image as Guide:
The two wands at the top of the artwork are horizonal, while the two at the bottom of the picture point slightly downwards. This is symbolic of our need to rest and build our energies in the company of the earth and others. A silver shield shows four reindeer head-to-head, hoof to hoof. Their heads merge as if becoming one. The Celtic quaternity knot in the center of the drawing represents infinity. The knot has no beginning or end, but points to the understanding that the earth has four directions which are part of one unified whole. Although we all have different designs and take different routes, we all find the right direction.
The reindeer are reminders of the Goddess of Sovereignty of the Land who gives a king the right to rule. Like the males, female reindeer have antlers. In ancient times land was seen as female while the masculine brought fertility to her. Elen of the Ways is acknowledged as the most ancient British goddess, and she would take on the form of a reindeer. It may be that the Father Christmas stories are based on the stories of the Shamans of Lapland who would fly like deer and send gifts. The daughter of King Cole (Albion’s Hermes), Elen of the Ways is the patron saint of Ley-hunters, and a guardian of the old tracks both on earth and through the stars. Elen can open spirit roads through which the seeker can travel. Some cultures believe that the deer follow the Milky Way to the primordial Mother in the constellation of Cygnus. Elen can be celebrated as a guardian of souls who always knows the way home.
Red Clover is known in Scandanavia as sparre, which is similar to spear. The flower head of the Red Clover is made of tiny clusters of blossoms, suggesting that the group identity forms the flower. As a flower essence, Red Clover calms anxiety and helps to reestablish calm inner knowing.
Adage:
“Celebration is forgetting oneself.” – Amma
Grail Question:
What are you preparing to celebrate?
Five of Fire – Battle
Keywords:
Competition – External conflict – Controversy – Struggle
Reversed
Internal conflict
Action
Be courageous and listen to other viewpoints.
Meaning:
Sparing with others can build strength of character. The Five of Fire is a card of competition and sorting out differences. There is an inherent warning that conflicting values can lead to increasing divisiveness. Arguments erupt over religion and politics, and we must learn how to negotiate our understanding of divine and human laws. If you have drawn Five of Fire in a reading, call upon the assistance of the Higher Self to understand how the energy of battle can be used constructively.
Creative Expression:
Fives generally represent conflict and change. There may be an inner battle raging within your soul and psyche. Or it may be that you are encountering opposition from others. The challenge is that arguing can be destabilizing and interfere with your ability to create, then again, sometimes the fire of battle is exactly what you need to get your imagination going. Perhaps you are fighting to be heard, instead of focusing on your artistry. Discussions and brainstorming can be productive. It might be a great time to light a bonfire and ask yourself if the battle is truly worth it. Listening to others who hold differing opinions can open your mind and invite in new possibilities. Five spears or wands when placed together can form a five-pointed star of power and the balance of the five elements.
Symbolism/Image as Guide:
Four spears point toward each other as if engaged in battle, but a fifth spear points skyward reminding us of divine strength and the immortality of the soul. In the center of the card, a black Luna shield with four crescent-moons (known as sickle moons) represents the ebb and flow of life and death. Two more spears form an equal armed cross, symbolizing the four elements. In the very center there is a counterclockwise spiral, depicted here as a portal to the spirit world, or the life beyond. The card reminds us to always battle for what is good and true, and to remember the power of love.
Red is the soul’s color for strength. It is also the color of spilt blood. In 1919 at end of the First World War, Canadian solider, physician and poet, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, buried a close friend after he had been killed during battle in the Flanders region of Belgium. McCrae observed how quickly Red Poppies grew around the makeshift graves. While sitting in the back of an ambulance he wrote a poem that was to become one of the most famous in that era: “In Flanders Fields.” It was to be one of his last. The poem was published around the world and quickly became synonymous with the sacrifice soldiers make when they die in battle. He was not the first to notice the Red Poppies, which had been witnessed and commented on since the Napoleonic Wars, and no doubt for many centuries before that. In the Commonwealth of Nations, it is common to see people wearing Red Poppies for Remembrance Day, which is also known as Poppy Day, in support of the armed forces. The flowers symbolize bloodshed in battle, as well as resilience and hope for a peaceful future.
Adage:
“In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row…” – John McCrae
Grail Question:
What is worth fighting for?
Six of Fire – Success
Keywords:
Public recognition – Self-confidence – Rewards – Triumph
Reversed
Inner achievement
Action
Make room for what brings joy into your life.
Meaning:
Awards, recognition and acclaim can come as a welcome boost. Many people are talented, but success requires hard work and luck. The Six of Fire suggests that you should be proud of your accomplishments, and it is your time to shine. When you sparkle and share your brilliancy, your example encourages others to succeed also. You might discover that a crowd is cheering you along.
Creative Expression:
There are countless ways to share your gifts with the world. Some people like to write, draw, and paint, others like to dance, or sculpt, or photograph the beauty of the world. Creativity encourages personal expression. The benefits include improved cognitive and psychological function, happiness, and increased quality of life.
Symbolism/Image as Guide:
A crossed pair of wands magically float over the solar shield. Four more crossed wands glide below the legs of a horse and amongst flowers as if activating the gifts of the soil. Symbols of joy and happiness, young Sunflowers are heliotropes that face east and follow the sun to the west. Overnight they return to their original position. A gift of Sunflowers brings a smile to almost anyone.
A silver horse trots beneath a sun shield with a triple spiral in the center. The Celtic triskele or triskelion means three legs and is one of the oldest symbols of spirituality. Threes are magic in the Celtic world for good reason. Threes unify the body-mind and soul. The triskele also signifies land, sea, and sky. The more ancient will equate the symbol with mother-maiden and crone. Two threes make six, the number of love, health, and oneness.
The Irish goddess Aine is associated with wealth, love, health, and sovereignty. In her role of solar goddess, Aine can appear in the form of a mare by the name of Lair Derg, as she does in this card. A horse as a totem suggests the need for independence, courage, and freedom. Her name means brightness, joy, splendor, and fame. Aine was challenged when married to mortal men but found happiness when she married the sea god Manannan Mac Lir. Another one of her forms is that of the Lady of the Lake. Attuned to the faery kingdom, she can bestow success on those she loves.
Adage:
Why just shine when you can sparkle?
Grail Question:
What does success mean to you?
Seven of Fire – Protection
Keywords:
Struggle – Competition – Creative Success – Perseverance
Reversed
Weak defenses – Hesitation – Vulnerability
Action
Protect creative ideas.
Meaning:
The Seven of Fire asks us how hard we are willing to work for something, perhaps our creative success. Once having earned the acclaim, how willing are we to protect our gains? Envy is always an issue. Sometimes we need to protect an idea until it is time for the final product to go out into the world. Or we may need to be silent about an investment until it is a clear winner. If you have pulled Seven of Fire in a reading it indicates that there will be success despite opposition. If the reading is about a relationship, then it is important to set boundaries or fight for your relationship. If this is about work, then push past fear and concerns. Sometimes you must fight for what you believe in.
Creative Expression:
If you have experienced success in a field, others may want to challenge you. Regardless of what others think, stay true to yourself just make sure you are ready to defend yourself. The best way forward is to establish clear boundaries. If you remain committed to your position, even if there are setbacks, you will succeed.
Symbolism/Image as Guide:
A silver dog emerges from the red background. The Irish wolfhound has a place in mythology. King Conchobar went to Culann’s feast but forget to tell him that the boy Setanta was following him. Culann let his ferocious hound loose. Setanta was playing with his hurling ball, but realizing he was in trouble shot it into the mouth of the dog and killed him. To make up for the death of the hound, Setanta promised to guard Culann’s land until a pup had been raised. He did such a good job that Setanta was renamed Cuchulainn, which means the hound of Culann. Cuchulain is the central figure in the Ulster Cycle of myth and is considered Ireland’s greatest hero.
The trinity knot in front of the circle suggests eternal life. Even though Cuchulain’s life was short, his story will live on forever.
The bright yellow flowers are called St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) and they have been used in Europe since the time of ancient Greece to help clear up a variety of mental conditions including depression. Yellow in color therapy relates to self-confidence and self-worth. When we feel good about ourselves, others tend to perceive this.
The white pearls at the handles of the wands point to inner wisdom. Certainly, someone who faces an obstacle, especially one with teeth, needs to be able to react quickly and effectively. Pearls are born into this world out of aggravation. Mollusks set up pearly layers to protect themselves from grains of sand. In legend they are said to be the tears of mythical creatures. Pearls remind us that we have the power to protect ourselves, and our intuitive response to life situations can lead to the creation of something wonderful.
Adage:
It is wise to protect what you love.
Grail Question:
What is it that you need to safeguard?
Eight of Fire – Spontaneity
Keywords:
Freedom – Movement – Travel
Reversed
Delays
Action
Be willing to think on your feet.
Meaning:
The Eight of Fire indicates that you have the freedom to move and travel as you choose. You can make plans, but this card indicates that it is best to be spontaneous. Trust the ebb and flow of life right now knowing that you are being carried in the right direction. It is best to get on with things and move quickly.
Creative Expression:
If you have drawn the Eight of Fire, you may be feeling enthusiastic about a creative project or feel drawn to take a trip. This can be a time of great excitement and action. Holiday romances might arise, or you may fall in love with a new culture or way of being. Allow the exhilaration to carry you into new obsessions and infatuations. This card often indicates that a wave of positive energy is coming. Make sure that you are ready and willing to ride the tides.
Symbolism/Image as Guide:
In Scotland there is a tale of the Cat Sith who is a witch with the power to change into a cat eight times, but on the ninth time she shapeshifts she must remain a cat. Out of the red fire, a magical cat with a supernatural tail in the shape of an infinity symbol emerges. There are more tales in Ireland and Scotland of witches who could take the form of cats. One notable shapeshifter was the Cailleach, the old woman of the world, who could take the form of a black cat with a white spot on its chest, or in other tales it’s a tabby cat. The Cailleach also loved Heather, which also appears in the artwork. Heather in the Tree Alphabet known as the Ogham is the 18th letter, Ur. The plant has a strong connection with bees that also appear in this card. Heather is a plant native to the Scottish Highlands and is said to provide a link to the inner self. Like the Cailleach, Heather symbolizes power, creation, death, rebirth, and is said to protect against the evil eye. The cat’s long tail twists over the silver shield of a tree and offers the illusion of an all-seeing eye. The wands in the artwork face all eight directions, suggesting that magic can be experienced in all places.
A cat appearing here as an animal totem is a sign that you are guided and protected. They tend to appear as a guide when a person is curious about alchemical secrets. In the Celtic tradition cats act as gatekeepers to the Otherworld. It is unfortunate that the black cat was associated with black magic, and it is certainly a misunderstanding. Cats are wonderful keepers of the mysteries that should be highly revered and respected. They are intelligent and sensitive with an innate sense of when to appear and disappear. A cat guides with ease and spontaneity, often choosing to keep an eye on life and travel alone.
Adage:
Truly spontaneous adventures make us feel alive.
Grail Question:
What are you curious about?
Nine of Fire – Boundaries
Keywords:
Defense – Courage – Test of Faith – Adversity
Reversed
Defensiveness – Paranoia
Action
Defend what you love.
Meaning:
Do you struggle to set boundaries? Sometimes we give up what matters and sacrifice ourselves in the process. It’s important to say no to the things we do not want to do and let people know what is not good for us. If we are following someone else’s agenda, we risk unhappiness and burnout. Healthy boundaries are important for mental health; just as well defended borders are necessary for the safety of a town or country. It is valuable to protect your energy, but think about the opposite side also and ask yourself if you are erecting a fence that keeps good people out? If is good to defend what you love; but ask why you might keep those you love away from your heart.
The Nine of Fire a reading suggests that you are experiencing significant challenges. Once you are certain of the way forward, call your team around you who will protect you as you make it to your goal, or defend what you hold dear.
Creative Expression:
If you have drawn Nine of Fire in a reading it is likely that you’ve encountered a temporary setback. Ask for help and try not to identify with the hurtful things people can say. Be clear about what you want and do not want. Set aside self-care days and learn how to say no. When we face and overcome obstacles, we tend to get stronger. This isn’t a time to give up, but instead to stand firm.
We live in a culture that has been divided for too long, and yet we need to defend what it is we value and love. Defending the family and setting boundaries in your home, workspace and community is healthy. However, if you have been too rigid you may be experiencing setback after setback. If that is true reexamine your motivation. Perhaps you have taken on too much. Ask yourself how you can defend yourself while staying open to the views, needs and opinions of others.
Symbolism/Image as Guide:
Nine of Fire shows a silver dragon behind an equal-armed Celtic cross. It is symbolic of an old argument between ancient and Christianized Ireland. The cross is related to the Celtic Church, but the dragon has older roots. Most people have heard the story of St Patrick driving the snakes out of Ireland, but the odd thing is that there never were any serpents. What Christianity drove out were the Celtic goddesses, and the gods. There is another tale of St Patrick murdering the Corra or Cailleach, the mother of the gods. As legend has it, the Cailleach in the form of a dragon appeared on the top of a hill by the name of Croagh Patrick. It is said they struggled for two days and two nights until she was beaten and thrown into Lough Derg. This rather dreadful story needs to be reexamined. Whether or not St Patrick actually existed, he does mark the period when Celtic polytheism (the worship of many god and goddesses) and Gaelic culture was replaced by Christianity. Many monks transcribed the stories giving them a religious spin, but what was lost when these old deities and archetypes went underground? The Spring Equinox has been celebrated for centuries.
With her sisters Banba and Fodla, Eriu was part of a trinity of sovereignty goddesses. Eriu gave her name to the early poetic name for Ireland, Eire or Erin. There is an argument that really March 17th should be Eriu’s Day instead of St Patrick’s Day. Perhaps as one century rolls into the next, there is room for both the equal armed cross (representing unification and peace) and the dragon (an incarnation of the goddess). Many say that the Cailleach is Mother Earth, that she is part of the living landscape, and a goddess worth defending.
Adage:
“Good fences, make good neighbors.” – Robert Frost
Grail Question:
Who do you need to set boundaries with?
Who are you fighting? What is worth defending?
Ten of Fire – Responsibility
Keywords:
Obligation – Hard Work – Burden
Reversed
Letting go
Action
Release what you no longer need.
Meaning:
The Ten of Fire suggests you have taken on too much responsibility and now feel burdened. One option is to open your arms, and let the concerns go. However, to complete a task, or a series of assignments, we might need to buckle down for a while. Perhaps a loved one is sick, and you have agreed to take on the burden of caring for them for a while. There is a timing on what all of us can endure. If we push too hard, the load can overwhelm, and we can burn out or breakdown. We need to take care of ourselves too. Like the dandelion seeds that float effortlessly in the wind, we will fly free one day also.
Creative Expression:
Think of the word “response-ability” and reframe it as the ability to respond. To create a business or finish an important project, focus is required and often a great deal of concentration. The trick is not to become burdened by it. Parenting can also be stressful but is ultimately rewarding. Eventually, to succeed, all artists, thinkers, writers, and co-creators must take full responsibilities for their thoughts and actions. A child picking a dandelion knows intuitively that dreams can always be breathed into the air. A question lingers in the mind: “Who is it that creates?”
Symbolism/Image as Guide:
A cauldron with stag horns emerges from a magical four-pointed star. The dandelion seeds that blow effortlessly in the wind are the secret to unlocking the Ten of Fire. The ten wands look as though they are chaotically entrapping a cauldron reminding us of the Welsh triple goddess Ceridwen and her Cauldron of Knowledge.
The artwork shows Ceridwen’s cauldron in which she pours herbs and brews a magical potion for her son Afagddu. Although he is ugly, she decides to make her son the wisest man in the land. She appoints a young boy named Gwion as stirrer of the pot. It is a lengthy task, for he is to stir the magical concoction for a year and a day. On the final day a bubble flies out (sometimes 3 bubbles) onto Gwion’s finger and he quickly puts it in his mouth, and the wisdom of the magic potion with it. Ceridwen is furious and pursues the boy, who has obtained the knowledge of the shapeshifter, as well as the rest of the wisdom of the world. Eventually Ceridwen gets the best of the boy, or so she thinks, but she becomes pregnant with her own magic and ultimately, he emerges as Taliesin, who is to become the greatest of all Welsh poets.
There are many cauldrons in Celtic mythology, and all nourish, and invite spiritual and sometimes physical regeneration. They also carry with them a warning, for after the drop (or drops) of wisdom are dispersed the rest of the liquid becomes poisonous. The misuse of these magical cauldrons comes at great price, and can result in the loss of life, even a wasteland. Magicians – all co-creators – are responsible for their actions and what they manifest in the world.
Adage:
“In dreams begin responsibilities.” — W.B. Yeats
Grail Question:
Who is it that creates?
