Fire at the core: the Margarete Petersen Tarot

Four of Flames (trimmed):
© Margarete Petersen Tarot

Margarete Petersen’s Four of Wands image is surrounded by a predominantly gold frame, enclosing what might be described as a ‘sea’ of red shades, darkest at the bottom, working up to bronze-orange at its surface. The top strip could be sky – pale blue – with a flash (I ‘see’ a bird) dancing on the surface of the fiery ‘sea’. Alternatively, I could see this representing the fiery core of the earth and the many layers between it and the earth’s surface that we exist on.  On consulting the LWB, I see it supports my latter theory!  “…unshaped purple fire of the earth’s core touches the heavenly fire of the sun”.

According to the LWB, this is about the fires of mind and body working together, strengthening each other. I usually see this as the solidifying of some creative project or enterprise (and often with moving house), taking a breather - and the need to tie up loose ends before moving on to the next stage. The image reminds me of the need to draw from our depths, our reserves, our heart/core strength.

The Flames have inspired more attempts at creativity – haiku...

Plans are underway.
Tie up loose ends, take a break,
Strengthen your resolve.  

...and a limerick!
 
A project or plan underway - 
Step back and take stock for a day.
Bounded by gold,
Passions unfold,
Take heart, fan the flames, make it play!    

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