THE FIVE OF WANDS
“The Lord of Strife”
Saturn in Leo
DESCRIPTION AND SYMBOLISM
Five young men brandishing flowering Wands engage in a contest among themselves, each struggling to gain the upper hand in the conflict. Will is pitted against will as they struggle to resolve their quarrel. Each man is equally armed so no one has an advantage over another. Each seeks a resolution of this conflict of wills and is struggling to realize that this period of difficulty and uncertainty is an opportunity for change and the gateway to a new cycle of order and stability.
ASTROLOGICAL ASSOCIATION
The human will encounters the obstructions, conflicts and difficulties which Saturn brings when this planet resides in the worldly sign of Leo. When we externalize our will and participate in the drama of the world we encounter the conflicts that are inherent in life itself and from which we cannot escape. Other wills oppose our own; conflicts of opinion arise; aggression and strife often pummel us due to competition in our business or personal relationships. The negative energy of Saturn in Leo often threatens to engulf us but we must confront and resolve the difficulties we face and continue our struggle to lay claim to a victorious life.
ORACLES
When Appearing Upright in a Reading
An atmosphere of strife and trouble swirls around your life. Only through a strenuous and sustained effort on your part can you hope to emerge victorious from this period of difficulty. Compromises may be necessary in order to attain your goals.
When Appearing Reversed in a Reading
Disputes and acrimony are engulfing your life. A conflict may lie ahead of you that you must confront before new opportunities will emerge. Victory is not impossible but it will be hard won.
THE TREE OF LIFE
“The Sphere of Severity”
Trouble, strife, adversity, insecurity and instability – all are a necessary part of life as without this challenge there would be no incentive to grow and evolve. Instead of fearing conflict and the negative consequences it often brings we should embrace it and in our resolve transform this negative energy into a positive evolutionary advance that will serve to draw us nearer to the Creative Source of life itself.