Aries in the Druidcraft - court cards

Different traditions use different astrological correspondences when it comes to the court cards. These correspondences often (but not always!) depend on how cardinality, fixity and mutability have been assigned.  As Aries is the cardinal Fire sign, I’m looking for the Wands court card that’s associated with cardinality. 

The Druidcraft, although not created specifically with astrology in mind, seems to follow the ‘Kings as cardinal’ convention. The hints are in the imagery of the King of Wands -  the arms of his ‘throne’ are decorated with rams’ heads, and he wears red, the colour of Mars (Aries’ ruler) and of Fire.

Detail from ‘King of Wands’, 

Druidcraft Tarot

 ©Will Worthington

As an Aries figure, the King of Wands represents an active leader, someone who wants to inspire and initiate.  Will Worthington’s King looks as though he’s ready for action – his feet and staff/wand are firmly planted on the ground, his shield at his side.  He could launch himself forward using his staff or wand to help him move, rather than as a symbol of power (as might the Emperor/Lord).

 He could represent someone who’s ambitious, even competitive – although his real skill lies in his ability to encourage and inspire others.  Mars, as the ruler of Aries, adds a restlessness and tendency to impatience to this King - but also a strong sense of belief and confidence in himself and his abilities.  We think of the King of Wands as a natural leader – another Aries quality – who attracts people through his vitality and sense of fun and adventure.  

The shadow side of the King, still thinking in terms of Arien qualities – apart from a tendency to be impatient – is that he could become bored quite easily.  He’s the cardinal Fire sign, so will be great at getting things going but may find it difficult to maintain that creative drive through to an end.  He’s a King, a leader, but may find the responsibility of leadership a burden.  Inspiration and encouragement of others are his forte, rather than the sense of obligation to meet their demands or expectations.  Having said that, he’ll be the one to take risks in order to implement or initiate change – or encourage others to do so.

Druidcraft Tarot created by Philip Carr-Gomm and Stephanie Carr-Gomm, illustrated by Will Worthington, published by Connections

Aries in the Druidcraft Tarot: The Three of Wands

Today we move on to the Three of Wands, linked to the Sun in Aries, as well as the middle ten days of Aries – so from the 30^th March to the 9^th April.  The Sun, fiery in itself, brings the need for recognition to the pioneering spirit of Aries.  The Sun is exalted in Aries – it’s very happy here, although it’s not on its home ground (Leo).  It wants to shine, it wants the spot-light on its individuality. It wants to be the first to set off on the adventure, to break new ground, to explore new territory.

Detail from ‘Three of Wands’

Druidcraft Tarot

©Will Worthington

The Druidcraft’s Three of Wands shows a figure standing under a tree, in the shade, looking out at the road ahead.  As in many versions of this card (at least in the RWS-based decks), there’s the sense of looking off into the distance, the future – not knowing what lies ahead.  That, to me, is Aries wanting to be the initiator of the adventure, the first to step into the great unknown!  Although he’s in the shade, the landscape through which the road winds is bathed in Sun-light.  Cardinal Fire.

The three staves, or wands, are planted firmly in the ground.  We can see buds on all three – again, a reference to Aries, the new growth.  So here he is, still in the early phases of adventure, ready for the next stage!

Druidcraft Tarot created by Philip Carr-Gomm and Stephanie Carr-Gomm, illustrated by Will Worthington, published by Connections