Four of Wands

The Four of Wands shows us two women celebrating a victory.  There's dancing and partying in the background.  In the background there is a huge fortress or perhaps a home - this symbolizes faith, strength, being grounded and level headed, or even strong home-ties.

The bridge in the background is a passing over of sorts.  Sometimes before passing into a easier part of our lives we have to go through a bit of trouble or go to places we do not want to go or deal with situations that we do not want to deal with.  I suspect this could be the reason why the victors in this card are so excited - they made it through the difficulties or overcame the odds that were stacked against them in their respective situations.

If today you're facing difficulties, keep persevering, keep a positive outlook, get help or guidance from someone, and keep plugging forward - you will get to the light, to the other side where and reap the rewards of not giving up.

Strength, reversed

The Strength card shows a woman playing with a lion - she has it under her command.  The lion's tale is between its legs and has a happy look on its face.

In the reversed position, the tables are turned on you - you're not in a position of strength or advantage.  This isn't necessarily a bad thing.  Watch the situation closely - if the person who is in command or the lead is open to suggestion then offer words of wisdom based on your past experience.  This can build trust and camaraderie and you might find yourself back in a place of influence once again..

If, however, the person in charge has their own agenda and isn't concerned about the rest of the team or will not take advice from others, then do what you can to minimize the affect of the fall out on you and on others.  Once the dust settles, others will see your proactiveness and possibly reward you for it.

Ten of Pentacles

The Ten of Pentacles shows us a couple meeting on the street while an person, advanced in age, sits off to the side petting a dog.  The people are surrounded by walls and buildings/homes - there's a sense of security and happiness in the air.  There are also trees, which represent strength, growth, even triumph because they have survived the elements through years.

In this card we also see loyalty, as represented by dogs.  The child represents a new age, the tapestries on the wall recount the history of the past.  The elder in the person is also symbolic of the past and can relay the tales and stories of days gone by.

What we can draw from this card is a sense of accomplishment, triumph, security but we cannot forget the past and the sacrifices that have brought us to this point in our life - if we do then we're destined to repeat yesterdays mistakes.

The Magician

The magician stands confidently and full of faith - he holds his wand to heaven while the other hand points to the ground.  The magician believes in his abilities and he believes in the heavens showing him the resolution to whatever issue or situation he faces.  The elements on the table, the pentacle, the cup, the sword, and the wand represent the four elements: earth, air, wind, and fire.  The infinity symbol above the magicians head represents the heavens.

What we can learn from the magician is that we need to utilize all of our strengths and abilities when we are faced with life issues.  Where we lack in ability we learn by facing opposition - but even when we lack experience in a situation we can be confident and strong.  Go forth, don't be intimidated, you just might surprise yourself and your opponent.

The Magician, reversed

Sometimes we find ourselves in situations where we are not in control, we're the follower rather than the leader or we're in a situation where we are limited and cannot use all of our abilities or strengths.  This may not be a sign of weakness, perhaps the Universe is saying, "now is not your time" - that doesn't mean to not be watchful of the situation because it could change and the Universe could tap you to step in an take command.

There are also some situations where you should not be in command because the Universe is trying to keep you out of harms way  and trying to lead would only bring frustration and disappointment.  This may be a time where you need to step back and perhaps learn something from others who are in command - it's easier to learn from others triumphs and tragedies.

Five of Pentacles

The Five of Pentacles shows two people, shuffling along in a snow storm.  One of the individuals is on crutches, both are in tattered clothes.  This card shows harsh conditions with the snow and the lack of proper dress of the two individuals.  One of the individuals has no shoes, the other has an exposed broken foot and their clothes are thin.  The broken foot is a symbol for a broken mental foundation - sometimes situations cause us much mental anxiety, we feel unstable or even broken.  The crutches are a symbol for the thing or person that's helping us get by but really isn't a solution, the crutch is  more of a stop-gap measure because that's what was expedient or the only option at the time.

The stars on their cloths represent hope - "wishing upon a star" as the old saying goes.  The stained glass on the building represents hope, faith, and comfort.  It could be that these two are hurrying to the front door and hoping to find shelter - a place to regroup and prepare for the rest of the journey that is still ahead.  Sometimes we need to stop and regroup - we need time to get out of the fight and think about how to resolve the situation and even rest and recoup.  This also can be a time of getting council from a a friend or elder so that we can get a different perspective of the situation.

I think this card is also a symbol of strength - these two had to press though their situation to get to this point.