LITUUS, WAND, PENCIL

Dec. 17th, 2022 09:55 am
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Since I am a Roman Polytheist, I usually do not use magic in my practice. However, in reading about wands, I realized that I do use a wand. When I do Roman divination, I use a lituus to mark out a templum to take auspices. The lituus is a curved wand with the top shaped as a question mark. Pointing to the sky or an area of land, I set up a square which I quarter, and then quarter again. This is the templum, which could be thought of as sacred space. I ask my question and note the signs occurring within the templum. I interpret the bird signs to discover what the Gods’ answers are to my questions.
 
In “The Witch’s Wand,” Alferian Gwydion MacLir wrote, “You aren’t begging for divine intervention, you are casting your will upon the cosmos as a person of power and confidence. That is what the wand signifies.” (Note 1.) In using my lituus, I am doing precisely that since I want an answer to my question. I am not foretelling the future but want to find out if I have divine approval for something.
 
In magic, wizards use wands to cast circles and direct magical energy. Wands are also used for channeling magical energy. With a wand, a wizard can write out their intention in the air. Oberon Zell-Ravenheart in “The Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard,” sums up what the wand means to a wizard. “In ritual, the wand strives to unite our body, mind, and soul with that of universal consciousness to bring into manifestation our magickal desires.” (Note 2.) I interpret that to mean that the wand unites the wizard with the Cosmos.
 
I pondered how I could make a wand since I am limited by my brain injury. Christopher Penczak, a noted wizard, inspired me in his observations about wands. He wrote that wands can be disguised as everyday tools. “I’ve known witches who use their wooden kitchen spoon and mechanics who use their screwdrivers.” (Note 3.) The important point is to be united with the tool so that it becomes a part of you.
 
For a wand, I chose the yellow No.2 pencil. (Note 4.) I use one daily to write in longhand for my exercises to promote brain health. Since for many cultures, words are magic, I regard my pencil to be a magical tool. Dr. Bernard Beitman writes in “Meaningful Coincidences, “words are created to carve out portions of reality that deserve our attention.” (Note 5.) With cursive, I can create and direct my will. (Note 6.) The flow of writing the words out by longhand channels the will of the writer, thereby creating magical intent. Cursive translates my will physically on to the paper much like a wizard writing with a wand in the air.
 
I have always been particular about my pencils. I routinely dedicate them to the Gods to aid in my writing. After placing them on my lararium (Roman altar), I ask Mercury the God of Communication to bless them and my words. For writing poetry, I ask Apollo, the God of the Bards. I dedicate those pencils to the act of creating beauty and truth.
 
For me, the pencil would be appropriate for a wand. It is made from wood, which is a traditional material for wands. Moreover, the yellow color represents the mind. The eraser, which is the pommel, balances the yellow and also represents intuition.
 
Notes:
Note 1. Alferian Gwydion MacLir, “The Witch’s Wand,” P. 170.
Note 2. Oberon Zell-Ravenheart, “Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard,” P. 104.
Note 3. Penczak quoted by MacLir, P. 26.
Note 4. No. 2 lead is neither too hard nor too soft for regular use.
Note 5. Dr. Bernard Beitman, “Meaningful Coincidences,” P. 10.
Note 6. I write all my essays using cursive in multiple drafts.
 
Works Used.
Adkins Lesley and Roy Adkins, “Dictionary of Roman Religion.” New York: Oxford University Press. 1996.
Beitman, MD.,Bernard, “Meaningful Coincidences.” Rochester (VT): Park Street Press. 2022.
Greer, John Michael, “The New Encyclopedia of the Occult.” Woodbury (MN): Llewellyn. 2003.
MacLir, Alferian Gwydion, “The Witch’s Wand.” Woodbury (MN): Llewellyn. 2021.
Zell-Ravenheart, Oberon, “Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard.” Franklin Lakes (NJ): New Page Books. 2004.
 
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SELECTED SYMBOLS IN THE TAROT: WANDS

Dec. 20th, 2021 10:22 am
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 Astrology adds shades of meaning to the various symbols found in the Tarot. In the Suit of Wands, the castle appears in three cards – the Two of Wands, Four of Wands and Eight of Wands. In the Tarot, castles are symbols of sovereignty and power. The Two of Wands depicts a confident male standing on a parapet surveying his domain. The castle in the Four of Wands dominates the celebration. Finally in the Eight of Wands, the formidable castle lies off in the distance.
 
Two and Four of Wands are in the First and Third Decan of Aries, respectively. Aries, the cardinal fire of new beginnings, has Mars as its Ruler. This Planet also governs the First Decan of Aries. Because of this, the castle is the governing authority. In the Third Decan, Venus, the Ruler, is in detriment to Mars and Aries. The somber castle in the Four of Wands stands in opposition of the gaiety of the people.
 
Meanwhile, the Eight of Wands is in the First Decan of Sagittarius, the mutable fire of transitions. The Rule of this Decan, Mercury acts as a bridge between the worlds. The wands in the foreground refers to the communication of ideas. Meanwhile, the distant castle is there as a reminder of the fundamental power of information.
 
In the Wands, mountains are often depicted in the distance. Mountains can either indicate a great challenge or the height of aspirations (or both). The people featured in Wands are either facing the mountains or have their backs to them.
 
The Three of Wands lies in the Second Decan of Aries, and has the Ruler, the Sun in exaltation. In this card, the man is facing the mountains, assured of his sovereignty of self. In contrast, the Five of Wands is in the First Decan of Leo. Since Saturn rules this Decan, the Ruler of Leo, the Sun is in conflict with this Planet. In the turmoil of fighting, the mountains stand in silent witness of the challenge yet to be considered.
 
The Eight of Wands and the Nine of Wands both lie in the Decans of Sagittarius. In the Eight of Wands, the mountains wait to be transcended. Meanwhile, the Nine of Wands is in the Second Decan of Sagittarius, where the Moon reigns. Corrine Kenner, in “Tarot and Astrology,” notes that the Moon calms the hyper-energy of Sagittarius. The guard quietly stands with his back to the mountains, pondering the challenges that will come next.
 
The stage, a subtle symbol, is the flat surface on which the characters act out a tableau. In “Tarot Deciphered,” T. Susan Chang and M.M. Meleen says that stages “remind the reader that this scene and the role we play in it shall soon pass.” The stage indicates that the person is usually reacting to an incident. Pausing on their journey, the person will take on a temporary role.
 
While the Four of Wands depict a celebration, Venus the Ruler of the Decan is in detriment in Aries. Therefore, this celebration is but a fleeting moment. In contrast, the Decan of the Nine of Wands has the Moon as the Ruler. Calming the restless energy of Sagittarius, the Moon lets the guard to pause to reflect. Meanwhile, Saturn rules the Last Decan of Sagittarius. The burden that the Ten of Wands carries requires the man to pause to stabilize his load of wands.
 
Works Used:
Chang, T. Susan and M.M. Meleen, “Tarot Deciphered: Decoding Esoteric Symbolism in Modern Tarot.” 2021. Llewellyn: Woodbury (MN).
Drury, Nevill, “The Tarot Workbook.” 2004. Thunder Bay Press: San Diego (CA).
Kenner, Corrine, “Tarot and Astrology.” 2011. Llewellyn: Woodbury (MN).
Greer, Mary “21 Ways to Read a Tarot Card.” 2006. Llewellyn: Woodbury (MN).
Hall, Judy, “The Astrology Bible.” 2005. Sterling: New York.
Louis, Anthony, “Tarot: Beyond the Basics.” 2014. Llewellyn: Woodbury (MN).
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ASTROLOGY AND THE TAROT: SEVENS

Oct. 20th, 2021 11:53 am
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 In comparing the Seven of Wands and the Seven of Pentacles, there are similar qualities which may not be apparent. To begin with as “sevens,” these cards are in the last Decans of their respective Signs. The Seven of Wands is in Leo, which is ruled by the Sun. The last Decan of Leo is ruled by Mars, the Lesser Malefic, who throws the energies of the Sun in disarray. Because of this, the Seven of Wands is known as the “Lord of Valor.” Meanwhile, the Seven of Pentacles is in Taurus, which is ruled by Venus, the Lesser Benefic. The last Decan of Taurus is ruled by Saturn, the Greater Malefic, who restricts indulgent Venus. Therefore, the Seven of Pentacles is known as the “Lord of Success Unfulfilled.”
 
At first glance, this would make each card different, but underneath is the same current that runs through each. According to Anthony Louis in “Tarot Beyond the Basics,” the Sevens in the Tarot are the last Decan of the Fixed Signs. During the time of these Decans, the fullness of their seasons are coming to an end (Spring for Wands and Autumn for Pentacles). During this time, the need is to let go of the equilibrium of the Sixes. To enter the final stages of the Pips, the thresholds presented as the Sevens have to be crossed.
 
In “21 Ways to Read a Tarot Card,” Mary Greer describes the progression of the numbers of the Minor Arcana as climbing a mountain. After reaching the peak at the Sixes, the Sevens begin the descent to the completion of the Tens. Going down the mountains can be as difficult as the ascent. Since the Sevens will test the person, completing them, according to Greer, will be the “True Victory” for the seeker.
 
Since the Sevens cause self-doubt, they encourage the Seeker to give up. For the Seven of Pentacles, the brooding gardener is depressed over the volume of work that needs to be done. The Seven of Wands has the weary warrior fending off the staves of his attackers. He is trying not to surrender to despair. As Sevens, both the gardener and warrior summon their inner fortitude to continue on.
 
The elements of each suit are reflected in the subject matter of the Sevens. The fire of Wands is stubborn and determined as the defiant warrior. The earth of the Pentacles is patient and working as the determined gardener. As the fixed Signs (Leo for Wands and Taurus for Pentacles), the Sevens represent steadfast and stable energies in these respective suits.
 
 
Works Used:
Chang, T. Susan and M.M. Meleen, “Tarot Deciphered: Decoding Esoteric Symbolism in Modern Tarot.” 2021. Llewellyn: Woodbury (MN).
Drury, Nevill, “The Tarot Workbook.” 2004. Thunder Bay Press: San Diego (CA).
Fontana, David, “The Essential Guide to the Tarot.” 2011. Watkins: London.
Greer, Mary “21 Ways to Read a Tarot Card.” 2006. Llewellyn: Woodbury (MN).
Hall, Judy, “The Astrology Bible.” 2005. Sterling: New York.
Louis, Anthony, “Tarot: Beyond the Basics.” 2014. Llewellyn: Woodbury (MN).
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ASTROLOGY AND THE TAROT: WANDS

Sep. 16th, 2021 01:22 pm
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 From the Universal Waite Deck, I drew the Six of Wands and the Ten of Wands. As Wands, they are of the element of fire. In the Tarot, this element indicates burning passions and drive. In Astrology, the Wands relate to the Fire Signs of Aries (cardinal), Leo (Fixed), and Sagittarius (mutable).
 
In “Tarot Beyond the Basics,” Anthony Louis says that in the Golden Dawn System, the number six reflects the middle Decan of Fixed Signs. This entails the “full expression of the season” which indicates a desire for stability. In contrast, the number ten refers to the “final expression of the season.” This number reflects the last Decan of the Mutable Signs, when one season ends to allow for the next one to begin.
 
The Six of Wands reflects the Second Decan of Leo, when this Sign is the strongest. Corrine Kenner in “Tarot and Astrology,” says that in the second Decan of Leo, “Jupiter puts Leo in the spotlight.” As the Greater Benefic, Jupiter gives this Decan great expansive energy. Therefore, it is appropriate that this card depicts a triumphal parade celebrating victory.
 
In contrast, the Ten of Wands has Saturn, the Greater Malefic, ruling the third Decan of Sagittarius. Although Jupiter is the ruler of Sagittarius, Saturn’s influence makes this Decan seem oppressive. The depiction of a man carrying a load of ten branches is apt for this card. The Third Decan of Sagittarius is usually the darkest time of year. In “Tarot Deciphered,” the authors T. Susan Chang and M. M. Meleen emphasize when the number ten comes in contact with fire, it tends to smother the fire. All of this adds to the intensity of the Ten of Wands.
 
For the reading of the Six of Wands and Ten of Wands together, the sentence is a stable victory that can become an overbearing challenge. What started as a success could turn into a burden. I interpreted this reading as “be careful what you wish for, it may become harder than you expected.”
 
Works Used:
Chang, T. Susan and M.M. Meleen, “Tarot Deciphered: Decoding Esoteric Symbolism in Modern Tarot.” 2021. Llewellyn: Woodbury (MN).
Hall, Judy, “The Astrology Bible.” 2005. Sterling: New York.
Kenner, Corrine, “Tarot and Astrology.” 2011. Llewellyn: Woodbury (MN).
Louis, Anthony, “Tarot: Beyond the Basics.” 2014. Llewellyn: Woodbury (MN).
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