Eight of Clubs
Angels (Organization / Confusion)
Guardians of Wisdom is an unorthodox but incredibly beautiful deck. There is no LWB or larger book for the deck, mainly because the DMs for upright and reversed positions are printed on the cards themselves.
In case you can't read the writing on the cards, the upright card says: "You are choosing the right path or action in a chaotic situation." Reversed, it reads: "Going in too many directions, resulting in not accomplishing what you set out to do."
The suits in this deck have the following associations: Diamonds (Native Americans) = physical aspects; Hearts (Goddesses) = emotional aspects; Spades (Ancient Asians) = mental aspects; Clubs (Angels) = spiritual aspects.
I feel that the suit of Angels (Clubs) – "spirit" – is comparable to the suit of Wands in many decks, but I make no claim that the Eight of Clubs is a perfect match to the Eight of Wands.
Todd Hershey writes: "The Angel category represents spirit. These spiritual guides can help align and balance you physically, mentally, and emotionally. It is with the Angel cards that you find the kind of faith that will move mountains and allow the impossible to become possible. The Angel cards will assist in finding the light at the end of the tunnel and realizing that the light has always been inside each and every one of us. The Angel cards inspire us to have faith to move forward to the next opportunity. It is here that we find some of life's greatest rewards."
The person on the Eight of Clubs wears a marvelous headdress that appears to consist of four smaller figures wrapped in spirals and tendrils that reach in all directions. There is a distinct sense of movement and activity on the card.
Certainly there is potential for confusion if each person chooses a different path. If all are united toward a single goal (i.e., organized) they can accomplish more. It is interesting that three of the four tiny faces look very similar, but one is turned in profile rather than facing us. Does this represent the potential for difference or disorganization (confusion or spiritual turmoil) that lies within the card?
In my Tarot system, the number Eight can suggest a new way forward, movement or being held back from movement, mastery, efficiency, harvest, an inquiring mind, power, continuity, regeneration, and magic.* When applied to the spiritual nature of the suit of Clubs in this deck, I get a strong indication that things are happening, and it's up to me to determine whether they proceed in an organized or disorganized fashion.
* My number associations are based on several sources and personal study over a period of time.
About the deck: Todd Hershey writes: "I created the Guardians of Wisdom cards to be a powerful tool for giving you insights into questions that you have about your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual nature with just the turn of the card." Although Hershey never uses the word Tarot, the structure of the deck is tarot-like, with the four suits, a Fool (in essence), and Trumps. Emy Ledbetter's exquisite paintings offer much to contemplate and enjoy.
What a wonderful deck! I love how the right way up all that amazing hair is organised and reversed it is a total confusion!
ReplyDeleteYes, that's really quite clever, isn't it? The cards are so detailed, you can easily get lost in them.
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