Friday, 6 May 2016

Tiger, tiger, burning bright... Margarete Petersen’s Seven of Flames



Margarete Petersen’s Seven of Flames includes another cat – the leopard of the Six has been replaced by a tiger! I’m reminded of the various felines that feature in the Thoth’s suit of Wands – the tiger in the Princess of Wands, or the (cat) in the Queen. This tiger seems to be growing out of the shoulder – or leg – of an abbreviated human figure in the image. Is it me or do the flames seem to be more vertical in this card? According to the LWB, the tiger is about releasing anger, with a focus on the shoulder and pelvis – the joints from which action springs, perhaps? 
 
Seven of Flames (trimmed) ©Margarete Petersen Tarot

I’ve always seen this as being about strength and having the courage to fight for what you want or believe in.  The LWB supports this with references to the fire of action, the courage to express oneself, and being willing to take responsibility for our feelings (but not others) and for the consequences of our actions.  Astrologically the Seven of Wands is related to Mars in Leo – the drive and determination associated with the Roman god of war joining forces with the strength and courage of the lion… or in this case, the tiger!


Today’s haiku (with thanks to William Blake!)


Tiger, burning bright.

Take heart, grasp it by the tail –

Accept what follows.

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

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