The Page of Wands, one of the Minor Arcana of a traditional tarot deck, is also called the Jack or Knave in some tarot sets. The Suit of Wands is also referred to as the Suit of Batons or Rods, and its equivalent in playing card tarot is the Jack of Clubs. In divinatory tarot, the Page of Wands represents new perspectives in business, philosophical, and intellectual pursuits.
The imagery of the Page of Wands is beautiful and powerful. It shows a young man who resembles the Fool of the Major Arcana, standing in a barren desert. He looks in admiration at a wand, the symbol of his power, and wears a tunic adorned with salamanders– traditional symbols of fire. Emphasizing the fire-element imagery, a flame-like feather sits in his hat and his boots have firey-looking yellow ornaments.
Pages are generally viewed by tarot readers as messengers and news-bearers. Combined with the element of the wand and the symbolism of fire, the the Page of Wands represents new voyages pursued because of intellectual evolution and spiritual gain. He is a young, idealistic man full of energy and courage, but may be reckless in his pursuit of further gain.
When the Page of Wands is drawn, it often symbolizes a time of adventure and stouthearted pursuit. The tarot reader should generally view the Page of Wands as an optimistic card that displays the tendencies and attitudes associated with youthful endeavors. He communicates a need for action and a desire for personal initiative, but also a willingness to be childlike and creative. The Page of Wands card indicates youthful recklessness and adventure.
Like many of the Court Cards of the Minor Arcana, the Page of Wands may represent an actual person. The person represented by the Page of Wands has the traits associated with the card: he or she is feminine, childlike, and fiery-spirited; likely an Aries, Leo, or Sagitarius. If the tarot reading is intended to reveal the identity of an individual, look for traits associated with courage, initiative, and the elements of fire.
When drawn in reverse, the Page of Wands may signal the negative traits associated with the character in the card. A person is domineering, selfish, and brash. He or she may be immature or lacking in personal initiative or willpower. It can also indicate a need for action on part of the tarot reading’s subject: daydreaming and procrastination have caused a goal to be lost.
Source: Rider-Waite Tarot Deck.
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