Too Much is Too Much ~ Tarot for 1 March 2017

An overabundance of Wands appears in today’s Thoth tarot reading along with one card from the suit of Swords. Catalytic energy in all directions versus defeatist thinking. The Prince of Wands begins the reading followed by the 8 of Wands, the 5 of Wands, and the 5 of Swords. The overall numerology reduces to nine or completion.

The Prince of Wands emerges from a brilliant fiery light on a chariot pulled by a lion. Energy moves in all directions indicating expansive action. The Prince is intelligent and passionate, full of enthusiasm and confidence. If not referring to an individual, the qualities of the card include forward movement that’s typically positive in nature.

The 8 of Wands illustrates the sudden release of energy in all directions. Swiftness is the card’s title as eight lightning bolts expand from the center of a crystal. This card tells us to move now. A rainbow appears above suggests that all possibilities are available. Balanced action and effort are signified by this card of elemental Fire.

Strife is the title of the 5 of Wands. Four wands are crossed in balance with flames in the background. A single ornate wand is placed in front as if standing in defense of or apart from the others. The number five is associated with the material world as well as ego and instinct. In the 5 of Wands, although the smaller crossed wands appear to strike some balance, the flames indicate that egos are still running high. The larger wand in the front suggests that a more powerful ego is asserting itself and no longer listening to the others.

Lastly, the 5 of Swords finishes out the reading depicting five swords in the shape of an inverted pentagram. When upright, the pentagram depicts the four elements as well as Spirit. When reversed, it illustrates the same four elements but instead of Spirit, the bottom point suggests matter or physical form is the focus. It’s essentially the other half of as above, so below.

In this card, five curved swords meet in the center of the card titled Defeat. We’ve let our ego govern our decisions to the point that our focus is on self over family and friends. Our intellect hasn’t served us well and our focus has been on illusion over truth. No one is listening to the other with conflict the apparent choice.

It’s easy to become carried away with ourselves, isn’t it? We believe our viewpoint is the only one that’s valid and when that happens it’s hard to listen to the positions of others. When I drew today’s cards, I really wasn’t sure how to interpret them. But there seemed to be a progression beginning with the Prince and moving clockwise or deocil from there so I began thinking about what happens when someone won’t listen to truth or reason.

When our passions get the better of us, it can be difficult to discern the truth. We see only what advances our own agenda and refuse to consider the needs of others. We can use our passionate energy to achieve positive goals but when out of balance it can destroy our relationships with others.

The reading feels like too much is happening. Too much conflict, too much argument, with no meeting of the minds possible. The fiery Prince is on a roll, causing a ruckus. He won’t listen to anyone so the possible outcomes promised by the rainbow in the 8 of Wands are out of reach, his ego too important to compromise with anyone.

Sound like anyone we know?

Maybe take a step or two back and give other viewpoints some consideration? Just a thought.

Blessed Be