Old English Tarot: 7 of Batons

In today's blog entry, Helen Howell continues her exploration of cards from the Old English Tarot by Maggie Kneen (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.)

Old English Tarot

Seven of Batons

by Helen Howell

I’m kicking off the new year with some more Old English Cards and as usual comparing their meanings agains the traditional Rider Waite Deck. 

Rider-Waite Tarot

First let’s take a look at the traditional Rider Waite 7 of Wands. As you know this suit’s element is Fire and is expressed through action and creativity. In the Rider Waite illustration we see a man standing atop a cliff. Six wands are below him and he has one wand held up in a defensive pose. You could almost say he is standing his ground. This is a card that speaks of courage and willpower and the ability to remain flexible in a challenging situation.

Now when we look at the Old English depiction, we get a very different picture. We have a figure walking along with the aid of a walking stick. The trees to the side of him are wind blown and his cloak is also wind blown. It looks like the wind is pushing him along.  Indeed it may well be a challenge for him to keep on course! However, the figure keeps going towards his goal and so this card also speaks to us, although in a less dramatic way than the Rider Waite, of courage, willpower and the ability to remain flexible in the face of an obstacle in order to overcome it.

I like the Old English visual as it’s less aggressive than its more traditional brother and to me it speaks of quiet courage. Of having the willpower to see something through to a successful finish -- and not only willpower but sheer determination to overcome any difficulties one may come up against. Why he may even be using that wind behind him to help him move forward! And there we have the element of flexibility to work around that obstacle so that it doesn’t hinder but can be put to good use.

Either way both these cards speak of the need to keep moving and keep learning new skills in order to stay on top. But both tell us that although one can be successful it will not come without some hard work. (Have you tried walking in a very strong wind? ^_^ )

LWB says:
Gain, overcoming challenges and obstacles, success.
Reversed: Anxiety embarrassment