Eight of Wands Thoth Tarot Card Tutorial
My new YouTube channel is : Thoth Tarot Videos. The YouTube Video Presentation for the Eight of Wands can be accessed by clicking the image link below:
(ii) Thoth Eight of Wands
In the Eight of Wands, two overlapping pyramids form a shape of 8 points. There are no wands in this card they have all turned into electrical rays. The rays emanate from the centre of the figure and pass through the corners of the pyramid terminating in arrowheads. This is the only card in the suit in which flames are not present.
(iii) Rider Waite Eight of Wands
Eight Wands moving in groups from left to right. They are not yet touching the ground but move through a clear sky unobstructed.
(iv) Numerology of the Eight of Wands
The eight is represented by the CUBE in that it has eight corners and verticies:
The number eight represents the OCTAD and is assigned the element of Earth by Plato and therefore implies manifestation in the tarot:
It is associated with material success but one that is an end in itself. Just as the cube is stable and does not move easily, so this success is static rather than dynamic. This is born out in some of the tarot suits but not others. Other factors such as Astrology can also have a bearing of the meaning of the card, especially in the Eight of Wands.
(v) Eight of Wands, The Tree of Life & Four Worlds
The Tree of Life
The Eight of Wands is associated with the eigth sepiroth Hod, which is a reflection of Chesed. Both are ‘Builders of Form’. Hod is the constructor of things like the Magus of the major arcana, and both are ruled by Mercury.
Crowley says that Hod is the reaction to the ‘mischief’ of Netzach. Hod representing the Will where as Netzach represents emotion and feelings. Ideally a blend of the two is necessary for the best outcome. We fuse the Love of Netzach (ruled by Venus), with the Will of Hod (ruled by Mercury) to create balanced action.
Hod is named GLORY or splendour which represents the glory of God manifesting into form, and the awareness of spirit in human consciousness.
The 4 Worlds
Atziluth is the first and highest of the 4 worlds, representing the creative spirit or inspiration. Hod is low down on the Tree of Life, and is ruled by Mercury, as is the first decan of Sagittarius which the 8 of Wands corresponds to. So in this card we have a double impact of Mercury. Being in the world of inspiration (Atziluth), our ideas may well not be grounded in reality and with Hod being low down on the Tree of Life; miss communication can be a problem.
(vi) Astrology of the Eight of Wands
The Eight of Wands is associated with the 1st decan of Sagittarius (0 – 10 °) which is ruled by Mercury.
Mercury is in detriment in Sagittarius and thus in its lowest potency in there. This is because Mercury is the ruling planet of Gemini where it is at home and is therefore furthest away (180 degrees) in Sagittarius.
Mercury is the planet of communication and Sagittarius is associated with the swiftness of the arrow:
This combination produces a restless intellect. Learning is best when you are given the freedom to think for yourself when you are truly interested in the topic at hand.
(vii) Symbolism of the Eight of Wands
Rays = replacing flames seen in the rest of the wands suit. They are impulses of electricity and so we have the idea of swift impulses tying in with the characteristics of Sagittarius. They are also associated with rays of light. Their vibration produces matter
“The pictoral representation of this card shows the Light-wands turned into electrical rays, sustaining or even constituting Matter by their vibrational energy” (Book of Thoth, p193)
Geometrical Figure = two overlapping pyramids forming an 8 pointed shape symbolic of the sephiroth HOD (the eighth sephiroth).
“electric energy has created intelligible form.” (Book of Thoth, p.193)
Hod is also ruled by Mercury so the energy of this planet is very strong in this card. Therefore communication and swift action is important to the cards meaning.
Rainbow = the division of pure light into the 7 colours symbolising the interplay of forces making up the multitude of forms of the visible universe:
“Above this restored universe shines the rainbow; the division of pure light, which deals with maxima, into the seven colours of the spectrum, which exhibit interplay and correlation.” (Book of Thoth, p.193)
Another way of expressing the above is through the prism analogy:
Creation exists as there is interplay between the different ‘parts’ or colours.
(viii) Seven to Eight of Wands Transition
The testing times of the Seven of Wands has given way to inspiration in the Eight of Wands in the form of our ability to communicate with others and gaining fresh insights into overcoming obstacles. In this step we have earned success but it is more an end in itself and possibly short lived. With Mercury in Sagittarius there is bound to be instability in the future with so much energy being applied at once.
(ix) Shemhamphorasch Angels & The Eight of Wands
Nith-Haiah: Mastery of spiritual forces, white magic for well-being of others. Facilitates visions.
Haaiah: Adaptability. Scientific and political attitudes in regards to divine science. Seeks truth through reason. When negative, desire for earthly power, poor consequences.
(x) Divinatory Meaning of the Eight of Wands
Eight of Wands Upright
A flash of spiritual insight (light rays) manifesting something which is going to be tangible in our life (geometric form).
A situation has arisen in which you may need to act quickly to seize the opportunity presented
Go with the flow (like the light rays) and don’t resist. By over thinking you will put obstacles in the way of moving forward with your life at this time.
The need for clear communication at this time to create the things that we want (manifested rainbow/geometrical shape).
The card symbolises the spiritualisation of the fiery energy of Sagittarius, so drawing this card implies that we need to make sure we are communicating with others in the clearest way possible and are manifesting things in our world for the highest good.
The rapid completion of a project that is currently underway.
You are bursting with energy and ideas, and cannot wait to achieve one task in order to start another. Make sure that before you move to the next task, your previous task is complete.
This is an action-oriented card that encourages you to move quickly to pursue the best opportunities available right now. There is no waiting around while the Eight of Wands is present so focus your energy to that which is most important at this time.
Eight of Wands Reversed
Impulsive idea or actions. Charging ahead without any thought out plan.
Resisting change and not going with the flow.
Too many ideas at once and not grounding any.
Procrastination (not taking action) when it is needed.
Obstacles that get in the way of your plans for the future..
Poor communication so your plans go to waste.
Ideas that are not practical or realistically achievable.
(xi) Eight of Wands and The Celtic Cross Spread
Card 1: (Heart of Your Situation) – A situation has arisen in which you may need to act quickly to seize the opportunity presented.
Card 2: (Obstacles/Challenges) – A lack of communication or acting in haste are obstacles in your way.
Card 3: (Subconscious Influences) – Resisting change, not going with the flow when opportunities arise.
Card 4: (Your Recent Past Affecting Situation) – You have had insights which have greatly benefitted your life so take confidence that you have the skills to do it again.
Card 5: (Your Hopes & Goals) – To live life feeling more spiritually inspired.
Card 6: (Your Immediate Future) – Clear communication is needed.
Card 7: (How you are Handling the Situation) – You have lots of ideas and you need to ground one into reality so it becomes integrated into your life.
Card 8: (Your External Environment) – (if reversed) – obstacles are getting in the way of your plans to improve your life. This could be a work situation.
Card 9: (Guidance and Warning) – dont have too many goals at once. work on one and take time to see it to fruition without rushing. If in a relationship setting,clear communication needed. just go with the flow without rushing things.
Card 10: (Your Overall Outcome) – going with the flow of life and seeing your spirituality integrate into your life giving you harmony and inspiration.
(xii) Recommended Video links
(xiii) Meditation Links
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I cannot thank you enough for your site! I greatly appreciate the immense effort you have put into these teachings and putting this all together, along with your videos!! I just bought a Thoth deck and thanks to you, I can understand it much more easily. I love this deck so much more that RW now and so much look forward to continuing my journey with it! Fascinating!! Much love and respect to you from Greece!
Spot on amazing work.
What a wonderful website, thank you. I was born 23rd November @ 11:23am so this is my Birthday Card. With best wishes, Ed x