As I am a third of the way through my project creating my own deck, I thought I would share a preview of the Guidebook. Below is the mock up of the cover and the entry for the Four of Wands.
The Good Journeys Tarot deck was born out of my extensive journey with the Tarot over the course of 16 years. A minister at heart, I strive to help others find the joy in their journeys. The Good Journeys Tarot deck is an autobiography of my Fool’s journey. It is currently subtitled “First Draft” because I hope to illustrate it some day. Currently it is being drafted using creative commons imagery.
Four of Wands
The Lord of the Perfected Work
Associations:
Venus in Aries: inspiration
Fire: passion, creativity, work
Four: Stability
Tree of Life –
Sephira – Chesed: Mercy
Atziluth: World of Emanation
Decan: April 11-20
Positive Aspects: Harmony, Prosperity, Completion, Familial bliss, Peace, Rite of passage, Gathering, Celebration, Freedom
Shadow Aspects: While there are no shadow aspects for this card, a reversal can mean one may be failing to see their success. It is a reminder of the joy you should have.
Card Description:
Two people dance in the field of grass outside the confines of a church as a crowd exists. These are often viewed as a couple, but Waite in his explanation of the card is clear they are 2 women.
This card is about connection with others through a shared sense of freedom. They have left the “safety” of the “structure” and feel secure enough to express themselves publicly.
Commentary:
The Four of Wands can reflect the completion of art or even assure that sex is going to be a part of a relationship. However, most often, it is about finding joy and safety. We have left the confines of our shelter (walls of our imprisonment) and we are secure to dance in the fields without risk. We do so in the company of others whether that be family, friends, or like-minded individuals.
On the Tree of Life, Fours are associated with Chesed where Mercy lies. This is where we build or receive loving kindness.
Discussions of this card often center around the Demiurge, the spiritual and intellectual architect of the physical universe who has achieved the perfected work.
Symbols:
2 People Dancing: sisterhood; freedom; celebration.
The Crowd: You are not alone in your excitement.
Church: Shelter; walls.
Yellow sky: The Sun highlights success.
Personal reflection:
When one grows up in a religious family, they get this feeling of excitement when finally released from the auditorium on Saturday or Sunday morning after listing to an old guy talk forever! 8)
However, this image is about so much more than those small moments of joy as a child. It reflects my own freedom from conformity as I moved from evangelical minister to gay man figuring out my beliefs to trans woman who is confident in who she is and what she believes. The figures in the foreground are the colors of the trans flag.
