Fire Court Cards
THE STORYTELLERS OF FIRE
Welsh Mabinogion Family
Blodeuwedd, Lleu, Arianrhod, Beli Mawr & Elen of the Ways
In Imaginosophy the Fire cards arise as deities who wield Wands, Spears, Antlers, and Flowers. Fire cards have to do with the strength and creativity of our psyches and souls. In the traditional tarot, the Fire cards are linked to Wands and Spears. All of these hallows are expressions of Fire. These cards invite us to challenge what we think is true and to ask again, then actively create something new.
The Fire cards invite us to discard or burn away layers of egoic programming to discover the truth of our authentic selves. The cards are very active, connected to virility, creative potency, and manifestation. Used incorrectly, they can burn you. Used with intelligence, they can lead to alchemy, transformation, and can act as gateways to the 5th Element of Spirit.
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 stag and ram. RED in this system relates to the element of FIRE.
The Welsh Family: The Storytellers of Fire arise out of a series of 11th and 12th century Welsh tales known as the Mabinogion. This is the ancient Welsh family includes: Blodeuwedd, Lleu, Arianrhod, Beli Mawr, and Elen. An emphasis in Imaginosophy: Beyond Tarot is placed on the bardic retelling and reexamination of stories told in the Legends of the Grail Series. These tales can be found in Heroines of Avalon & Other Tales.
Storyteller Cards: The Storyteller Cards include Kings, Queens, Heroes, Heroines and Mages. The traditional Court Cards (King, Queen, Knight & Page) are replaced here with “Storyteller Cards.” These are all portraits, and their eyes are penetrating. You may even feel they can act as Oracles. The Storytellers of Fire may appear in your life as people. They can be used to get to know an archetype or deity.
Kings & Queens: Kings act as protective leaders, warriors, and protectors. Powerful Queens see the truth and nurture the life of the court.
Heroes & Heroines: In Imaginosophy, Knights and Pages become Heroes and Heroines. The Heroes are more active, while the Heroines are more reflective.
Mage: Imaginosophy adds a fifth Court Card, a magical walker between worlds. All the Mage cards are masters of their element. Their symbol is lightning, and they all can be considered deities that awaken and inspire. The Mage of Fire, Elen of the Ways, is an ancient deity, a protector of roads, ley lines and the energies that flow through the land.
The Fire cards are associated with the color RED. One note about the color of the Elements. When doing a reading, look to see if there is a predominance or lack of a color. Finding the rainbow of colors can help bring you more deeply into the landscape of the reading.
Heroine of Fire – Blodeuwedd
Keywords:
Free Spirit – Romantic – Adventurous
Shadow
Self limitations – Unreliable – Hasty
Colors
Coral/Red/Emerald
Meaning:
The Heroine of Fire is ready for a new adventure. She is a free spirit, and may not have a plan, but will go where the wind takes her. Creative ideas flow through her ascending like the parachutes of dandelion seeds that fly with the help of fire spirits to the place where the soil is fertile. Blodeuwedd is a flower bride. She might fall in love quickly, but then out of love just as fast. She loves romance but not commitment.
When the Heroine of Fire appears in a reading, you are being called to live in an entirely new way. The landscape may seem unfamiliar to you, but there is a sense of excitement. You might meet a person who invites you to see the world in an entirely new way.
Symbolism/Image as Guide:
A lovely woman gazes dreaming toward the distance. She might be looking at the reader, or then again, she might be contemplating another world. The feathers in her hair connect her with the owl, that is flying behind her. There is a geis put upon her at her making that if she is unfaithful to her husband Lleu that she will turn into an owl. The flowers all around her are a reminder that she was born of meadow flowers. Her ring has a large rose quartz, a love stone, that amplifies her Venusian energies. The sun shines behind her, indicating that the magic of the Otherworld always shines upon her with beneficent warm rays always encouraging her to step toward love and wisdom.
As a person: A beautiful young woman who enjoys dating and going on adventures. A person who might not be ready to settle down. A free spirit.
Astrology:
The astrological sign of Leo when joined with a Venusian energy like Blodeuwedd is full of summer love, drama, and passion.
Story:
Blodeuwedd was originally a flower, but through the work of magic was turned into a woman for one sole purpose. She was to be the wife of Lleu Llaw Gyffes who was under a curse that prevented him from marrying a woman born of the human race. Blodeuwedd became a desirable flower bride. Her flaw was that she was never taught human morals, nor did she understand or abide by them. She was more attuned to the faery folk who have their own ways of loving and living. This confused her and many shunned her for her human errors. Blodeuwedd is the free spirit who likes to dance barefoot in the meadows, kiss who she wants, and doesn’t realize that her actions have consequences.
Myth: (Excerpt from: Heroines of Avalon)
“Blodeuwedd is not born into the world in the usual way. Before she was a woman, she was a flower or a deva of the wild places that help flowers grow. Since Arianrhod had laid a geis upon Lleu that he would never marry a human woman, two magicians gathered with the intention of creating a woman from flowers for the youth. Although Math fab Mathonwy and Gilfaethwy are generally given credit for the conjuring of Blodeuwedd, it may be that Arianrhod was also secretly part of the making of Blodeuwedd, whose name means flower-face.
Not being of the human race, Blodeuwedd was not happy with the destiny she was bound to, nor was she versed in human morals. In the Mabinogion, she becomes lusty, is accused of adultery and attempted murder, and then is turned into an owl by her creators. Arianrhod, having already been tricked by several men, might have been more lenient as Blodeuwedd’s creator. The English writer Robert Graves is more forgiving of Blodeuwedd’s behavior than most, arguing that because she is an ancient Goddess she therefore operates out of the traditions of another age. Perhaps our generation will understand her.”
– from: Heroines of Avalon
Grail Question:
Who are you in love with? Have you ever made an error in love? How is love arising within you now?
Hero of Fire – LLeu
Keywords:
Skill – Creative Energy – Romance – Independence
Shadow
Impulsiveness – Undirected energy – Imprudence
Colors
Red/Deep Red/Yellow
Meaning:
The Hero of Fire is action oriented. He pursues the dreams and desires of the Heroine of Fire. He is enthusiastic, passionate, and ready to make things happen. Like Lance of Longinus or the Spear of Destiny, the spear Lleu holds can wound or heal. The Hero of Fire believes he can walk on fire, and maybe he can. He can be romantic and seductive, perhaps a skilled lover. At his best, Lleu is the warmth of the sun inspiring benevolence, love, and creative energy.
When the Hero of Fire appears in a reading, it is time to go for your creative dreams and ambitions. He wants to fire up relationships, projects, and endeavors. The Hero of Fire is inviting you to pour your energy into something you truly enjoy and aim to work for the greater good. Think carefully about your words and try not to be too impulsive, for what you think, say and do influences the reality you live into.
Symbolism/Image as Guide:
A young man wearing a deep red tunic holds his spear which can shine as brightly as the sun and reputedly blinded the Balor of the evil eye with pure radiance. The green wheat suggests that Lleu is still young but has the promise of bearing a good harvest and being a good contribution to his tribe. He will have to face many tests, but the gods smile upon him. Like Jupiter and Zeus, Lleu can shapeshift into an eagle and throw a lightning bolt as a weapon, or as a gift from the gods. The sun shines brightly behind Lleu suggesting that he comes from a lineage of Light bearers.
As a person: A dynamic young man; a potential lover; a creatively inspired person.
Astrology:
Leo is a fixed sign ruled by the sun and is represented by the lion. As personalities, Leos tend to be energetic, spirited and like to shine.
Story:
Lleu means ‘light’ or ‘brightness’ and this links him to the sun-god Lugh, one of the most important Irish gods. He was also known as a fili, or seer and poet. Recognized as a great hero and warrior, it was Lugh who at the Battle of Mag Tuired led the Tuatha de Danann to victory against the Fomorians. With his magical spear, Lugh killed Balor of the evil eye and thus initiated a successful forty-year reign of peace and prosperity. Lugh is linked to the Celtic Lugos or Lugus
Unlike the powerful sun gods, Llew’s reign is more of a diminishment of sovereignty. His wife Blodewedd, an embodiment of the land, leaves him. Lleu’s reign is more about personal radiance and ultimately independence. He is a spark of light that leaves the sun and explores the landscape on his own.
Myth:
The Welsh mythological cycle known as the Mabinogion is a cycle of tales relating to the family of Pryderi, and the restoration of the Mabon (the British god Maponus), the divine son. It also contains the story of Gwydion, father of Lleu. In the story, the magician Gwydion turns some fungi into beautiful horses and hunting dogs, which he trades Pryderi, King of Dyfed for his magical pigs. The fungi resumed their original at sunset, infuriating the king. Clearly, Gwydion is full of mischief, and some say he created April Fool’s Day.
Above all else Gwydion wants an heir. His sister Arianrod refuses to have children and so he tricks her. Arianrhod of the Silver Wheel is deceived by the dark magician Math, who asks her to jump across his wand to prove she is a virgin. She jumps but suspended in midair, gives birth to two sons. One is Dylan of the Waves, and the second is an unnamed bundle who is scooped up by Gwydion and put into a magical chest.
The bundle over time turns into a fair-haired boy. Gwydion hints that this is his son with Arianrhod, but she wants nothing to do with any of the men or boys. She places three curses on the boy. First, she denies him a name unless she gives it to him. The second curse is that he may never have a weapon. The third curse is that he may never marry a woman born of the human race.
Not to be outdone, Gwydion sends the boy to Arianrhod disguised as a shoemaker. After he makes her a beautiful pair of shoes, she calls him Lleu Llaw Gyffes, of the skillful hand. He then has a name. Thinking that her island is being attacked Lleu is given a weapon, breaking the third curse. And finally, Gwydion is inspired to create a woman out of flowers, for then she is of the faery folk.
3 Grail Questions:
What is your weapon? What adventure is calling you? How are you experiencing your independence?
Queen of Fire – Arianrhod
Keywords:
Magical – Attuned – Passionate – Courageous – Benevolent – Respect
Shadow
Manipulative – Secretive – Malevolent
Colors
Gold/Violet/Deep Red
Meaning:
The magic behind the Queen of Fire is that she knows the secrets of the universe and she works in alignment with them. She also knows when to appear and when to disappear. Her preference is to be in balance with the cosmos. When she is in full presence on her throne, she trusts that the intelligence of All That Is operates perfectly through all of life. As if she were an enchanted harp (or wheel), there is nothing she needs to do other than stay completely attuned. She can choose to sing her own songs in her own way if she chooses, or hum along with the harmony that lives within her. She knows that her family and community are cared for perfectly by a greater force. When her people are threatened, she knows what spells to cast to keep them safe. Perfectly and finely attuned to life, the Queen of Fire is the embodiment of white magic.
When the Queen of Fire appears in a reading, you are being asked to attune to the benevolence inherent in all forms. It is love that creates the greatest metamorphosis. No matter what you are going through, remember the goodness that carries you and tend the life affirming flame that burns in your heart. The more attuned you are the more effectively you will be able to navigate the world.
Wisdom Teaching: When betrayed or shunned, Arianrhod knows how to disappear. She is good friend, but challenging enemy. She of the Silver Wheel understands the cycles of time. Although she knows how to lead the dead to the Otherworld, and help the living achieve their life purpose, the Queen of Fire is happiest and most at peace at home in her protected fortress. Ultimately Arianrhod will choose who she shares her magic with, and to all others she is simply a legend, a mist at sea.
In mythology, Arianrhod gets herself into trouble when her sibling asks for help. Even though she does not want to leave her home, out of the goodness of her heart she goes to rescue her brother. What happens is that she lands herself in a tangled web which she eventually extricates herself from with great effort. Furious, she then seals herself off from her family, her siblings, and children to their own fate. They still try to deceive her, after some time has passed, she forgives them.
The teaching is that when someone asks for help, stand back, and see if your services are truly required and or you will find yourself in a drama that you would rather avoid. Often it is best to help people become attuned and learn to work out their own karma. Creating our own personal citadel, fortress, or sanctuary where we can retreat from the chaotic and dualistic influences of the world can be of great benefit. In our sacred space, we get to choose who comes in and who does not.
Symbolism/Image as Guide:
A mature woman holds a magical wand loosely in her fingertips. Her gaze is on a white butterfly. There is a sense that a spark of radiance from her wand has assisted the metamorphosis of the butterfly. The meadow flowers in full bloom are reminiscent of the role she played in the creation of the flower bride Blodeuwedd. The priestess crown with a horizontal moon suggests that she is aligned with the Priestesses of Avalon and the lineages of the goddess-healers Brigid and Isis, who know how to heal through integration of the shadow, and how to live in even during turbulent or changing times.
Arianrhod embodies the magic of forgiveness, and she shows us how to live again after we have been hurt or betrayed. She is sometimes referred to as one of the three white ladies of Britain, perhaps because her essence can never be tainted by the words or deeds of others. Even though Arianrhod was deceived by her family, she learned to love again. She can help us let go of the suffering that no longer serves us. We can all learn to balance the light and the darkness within our hearts, freeing our souls. It is said that Arianrhod flies through the night with her Silver Wheel bringing threads of comfort to those who seek her.
As a person: A magical person; an integrated person that knows the power of their light and darkness; a wounded healer; a witch or person with strong healing medicine.
Astrology:
The symbol of Sagittarius is a centaur aiming for the stars. It is a mutable sign, and those with strong Sagittarius in their charts tend to be flexible and able to adapt to changing situations. They tend to be good conversationalists, often choosing principles over feelings. Those with a moon in Sagittarius like their independence and might find relationships to be smothering. This fire sign tends toward optimism and the broader perspective. They often have strong flashes of inspiration.
Myth: ARIANRHOD IN WELSH MYTHOLOGY:
Mother Goddess & Enchantress
Arianrhod is a Celtic Moon Mother Goddess who is the ruler of Caer Sidi, an enchanted island located off the coast of Wales. Caer Sidi is sometimes seen as a revolving castle or a portal to Annwn, a Celtic Otherworld. In folklore, Arianrhod rides her celestial chariot through the sky as she observes the tides. She oversees who is coming into the world and who is departing. Arianrhod is the archetypal womb Goddess who connects us to birth, death, and re-birth. Her Silver Wheel is a symbol of reincarnation. The stories of the daughters of Don suggest that there was a matrilineal culture, which tracked descendants through the mother and not the father.
The fourth branch of the Mabinogion tells the tale of the seduction or rape of Goewin, who was the ceremonial foot-holder of the shadowy King Math of Gwynnedd (Math fab Mathonwy). Due to a Celtic geis or taboo that had been placed on the monarch, the foot-holder of King Math had to be a virgin. Arianhrod was chosen as Goewin’s successor. Before she could take the position, Arianhrod had to prove her virginity, but is tricked by magic into producing two sons.
Arianrhod’s mixed reputation in Wales is due to the custom of mothers being required to give their children names and weapons—and she refused her children both, until tricked by Gwydion, her brother/lover. Arianrhod is mother of both light (Lleu) and darkness (Dylan). She has been compared with the Greek Ariadne, Goddess of Mazes and Labyrinths, for she teaches us to always live at the center of existence.
(Excerpt from: Heroines of Avalon)
3 Grail Questions:
In what ways are you magical? Who has wronged you? What inspires you now?
King of Fire – Beli Mawr
Keywords:
Natural leader – Jovial – Generous – Independent – Superhero
Shadow
Libertine – Hedonist – Indulgent
Colors
Violet/Gold/Red
Meaning:
The King of Fire has a lot of personality. He is attractive, and simply magnetic. His allure pulls towards him, and who can resist his charm? The King of Fire is a captivating natural leader, a visionary and entrepreneur. Good at enlisting others to help him achieve his goals, he knows how to handle his money and make more. Bountiful by nature, Beli rules his kingdom with a generous heart and people love him for it. He loves deeply and passionately but likes his independence.
When the King of Fire appears in a reading, hold fast to the vision of where you wish to go and what you wish to create. Enlist others to help you achieve your dreams. With the King of Fire by your side, success is at hand.
Symbolism/Image as Guide:
A mature man with long flowing hair holds a flaming wand. He represents the fertility of the land. Roses flower around the staff or wand that he holds. His staff of light could also become a weapon, such as a spear if needed. His crown shines with the radiance of the sun. The three stars represent the three castles that are connected by Elen’s trackways: In the Celtic world good things come in threes, and this man is good. The golden torc around his neck indicates that he is free to choose the course of his life. Beli the Shining is known by all Celtic people as the god of fire, sun, and war.
As a person: An experienced and mature person who is steady and down-to-earth. A person to go to for financial advice. Not a person to cross in matters of love.
Astrology:
Aries is a fire sign which makes them naturally optimistic. They are naturally courageous and adventurous. They are the superheroes of the zodiac.
Story:
Beli Mawr is a Welsh god of Light. His earlier form is Belenos, the bright and shining one. Beli is linked to the Earth Mother Don and is considered an ancestor of the British kings. In the Mabinogi, Beli was considered the King of the Island, an impregnable fortress or protected earthly Paradise. It was alson known as the Honey-Isle of Beli. He was the father of four sons: Caswallawn, Nynniaw, Lludd, and Lleuelys. The kingdom was finally won by Maxen Wledig, who drove Beli and his sons under the sea, connecting them to Tir Na nOg and the Sidhe. Some scholars say Beli became Pellinor (Pelli-Nor), the father of the Grail Champions Perceval and Dindraine.
Myth:
Many tales link Beli to the Merovingian Dynasty of Frankish kings who ruled during the 5th century and were said to be the descendants of Jesus. They rose to power when the Roman Empire collapsed and ruled for 250 years. Bards told tales of how those of the Merovingian lineage escaped the Holy Land with a pregnant Mary Magdalene and settled in France. To some Grail seekers, Mary Magdalene is the Holy Grail or the Sang Raal, or the royal bloodline. Those of the Merovingian Dynasty were attributed with supernatural powers and had links to sea gods. They wore their hair long, believing there was power in their hair. Some claim that there is a link to Wales and Ireland also, and the sea traders who visited the Holy Land.
3 Grail Questions:
What would you like to give to the world? Who do you love? Where do you need to travel?
Mage of Fire – Elen of the Ways
Keywords:
Guardian – Protection – Synchronicity – Custodian
Veils:
Elusive – Changeable – Intangible
Colors:
Red/Olive/Gold
Idea:
The way opens to the quester when the right questions are asked.
Meaning:
The Mage of Fire is a guardian of the pathways, and one to call upon when taking a journey along the roads or into the Otherworlds. Elen of Ways understands the ancient mysteries and, if she chooses, can reveal the secrets of the forest. She understands how each person is meant to unfold, and also when a journey has reached its end. She can love deeply and passionately and is not afraid to dream. She knows how to create bonds that can strengthen and heal the land. The Mage of Fire is a mistress of the mysteries, a guardian of those who are meant to awaken and lead.
Divination:
The Mage of Fire card often appears in your life as a person who acts as a guide so that you can get back on track. Synchronicity is generally part of meeting this Elen of Ways only appears when a person is ready. Looks for signs that show you the next phase of your journey.
Veils:
Elen of Ways is elusive and can be found only when she is ready to make an appearance. If you feel lost in your life, call upon her for assistance.
Symbolism/Image as Guide:
An antlered goddess stands beneath the full moon. She is radiant, but the light seems to come from within. She shimmers magically beneath the stars. Elen of Ways is the soul of the forest, a guardian through all life passages. Her strength is that of an ancient warrior, and her gaze is steady. She has no fear. As a gatekeeper of the mysteries, she sees all and knows how life will unfold. The green leaves and golden flowers in her hair suggest that she is a shapeshifter, someone who can survive the turning of the ages. Elen wears the alchemical symbol of fire on her left shoulder. Like most master alchemists, she knows the secret of turning lead into gold. As Mage of Fire, she is linked astrologically to the passionate and spiritual signs of Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius.
As a Person: A wise person; a spiritual teacher; a wisdom keeper; a guardian of knowledge; a way shower.
Story:
Elen of Ways is an elusive Sovereignty goddess who originally bestowed kingship on the rightful ruler, the man who will fertilize the land. She is also known as the Green Lady, but can shapeshift into a warrior queen. Her most ancient form is that of an antlered or horned goddess who understands the pathways of physical and spiritual life. Female reindeer have antlers, which links her to the tracks of Northern Europe, to Celtic shamanism and the Dreamways. Some mystics speak of her as the soul of the forest.
Myth: See http://www.imaginosophy.com/fire-court-cards. Her story can also be found in Heroines of Avalon & Other Tales.
3 Grail Questions:
What test must you face to discover your inner guidance?
Where is the path leading you?
How do life events and synchronicities inform you?
