TWO OF WANDS - Astrological Associations

Astrological associations for the Minor Arcana cards typically involve both a planet and a zodiac sign. The attributions established by the Order of the Golden Dawn (OGD) are by far the most commonly used. However, some Tarot decks use a different set of associations. As a professional astrologer, I find it interesting to compare and contrast these associations from deck to deck. The use of astrological associations with Tarot is completely up to the reader. This is merely intended to be interesting and fun.

TWO OF WANDS

Thoth Tarot by Aleister Crowley
For Crowley (and the OGD), the Two of Wands represents the energy of the planet Mars in the sign Aries. Mars rules Aries, and is therefore very strong there. Like Book T, Crowley titles the card "Dominion." He writes that it represents "Energy initiating a Current of Force." The six flames in the center of the card symbolize the influence of the Sun, which is exalted in Aries. I like the way Hajo Banzhaf and Brigitte Theler (Keywords for the Crowley Tarot) use keywords to describe the energy of the card: "Forces of the ego, energy (Mars) spirit of departure (Aries)." I get a sense of a jumping-off point, like a rocket taking off.

One World Tarot by Crystal Love
Crystal Love associates the Two of Batons with the first subdivision of the sign Aries, with Mars as the natural ruler and subruler. She views this energy as "great strength and determination of will. Firm rulership. Courage and initiative. Earned success."

A.E. Thierens, PhD. (Astrology & the Tarot)
Thierens described the Two of Wands as having the energy of "Air on the Second house, that of Taurus." This makes sense in that the TWO is the SECOND card in the suit of Wands. Based on this association, Thierens associates the card with "music, art, artistic ability in general; capital, riches, heavy responsibility, pressure, obsession, melancholy, fear, weakness, impossibility or material power (on one side and on the other), gloom, dullness, 'spleen,' impotence, subjection to material circumstances; attitude of 'wait and see'; the future is for those that can (afford to) wait. Country life." (Note: The system devised by Thierens is radically different from that of the OGD. I will not go into detail here, but will simply provide the astrological associations for the card under discussion. If you are interested in learning more about this system, I recommend the book referenced above.)

The Mandala Astrological Tarot by A.T. Mann
Like the OGD, Mann's deck associates the suit of Wands with the element Fire. Mann describes Wand Two, Three, and Four as "The Lightning of Aries." Wand Two is assigned to the First Decan of Aries -- Mars in Aries. On the King Scale of Color, the color linked with both Mars and Aries is red (in case you couldn't guess). Mann's keywords for the planet Mars are "will, desire, energy, enthusiasm, temper, arrogance, passion." For the sign Aries, his keywords are "germinating times; unfolding energy; self-assertion; initiatory energy; adventure; daring; impatience; enterprising."

The Whispering Tarot by Liz Hazel
Liz Hazel's suit of Wands is the suit of the Fire element, embodying "ambition, vigor, creativity, travel, high spirits, and energy." She associates the Two of Wands with Mars/Aries.

In general, I find the Mars-Aries connection to be the most useful one for the Two of Wands. Mars is sometimes viewed as having destructive energy (the OGD associates it with The Tower), but Mars also carries considerable constructive energy and force. It represents sexual desire and aggression. Mars energy is enterprising and courageous, but can also be impatient and accident-prone. As the first sign of the zodiac, Aries confers leadership ability. It is also characterized as being impulsive and quick-tempered.

I welcome your comments!

Zanna