Fire of the mind - Margarete Petersen’s Eight of Flames

Eight of Flames (trimmed)
©Margarete Petersen Tarot

Margarete Petersen’s Eight of Flames shows us yet another cat – a cheetah perhaps, as it’s the fastest of all the felines. It’s above and to the left of a figure with a bow and arrow – the bow reminds me of the Wildwood’s use of Bows in place of Wands.  Very focused energy – more focused than that of the Seven, in this particular version of Wands, I would say. The arrow hasn’t been released yet, so not so much the end of the action, as in the RWS.  It could signify the sending of news, or maybe even reflecting on what releasing the arrow might manifest.

The accompanying book refers to the fire of the mind – concentration and inspiration. The latter lets us know when it’s time to release the arrow so it will hit its target.

Astrologically, there’s a connection to Mercury in Sagittarius. Sagittarius is the mutable Fire sign, so we’re looking at transforming what’s been established into something else.  It combines a fiery passion and creativity with the expansiveness and benevolence of Jupiter, the ruler of Sagittarius, to give us the visionary, the explorer, the philosopher.   

Mercury is associated with communication, so when linked with Sagittarius could indicate fast thinking, perhaps, or open and optimistic communication.  Ideas are probably more to do with long-term goals or aspirations towards an ideal. Getting bogged down by details seems unlikely, and there could be a sense of restlessness involved.  There might also be an interest in teaching others about what we’ve learned in our own journey. Tolerance and broad-mindedness are also qualities of this combination of planet and sign.

Although Margarete Petersen didn’t create her deck with astrology in mind (as far as I know), it does seem to fit!

Focus on the goal –
Wait for the inspiration:

Aim, release, and fire!

 

Margarete Petersen Tarot, AGM-URANIA, 2004. www.tarotworld.com