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The Two of Wands card combines a state description with a call. He points out that we have taken a neutral stance, but we have to take clear and unambiguous behavior instead. The situations indicated by the card are often paralyzed. There is nothing to justify our obsession or despair, and yet we firmly feel that something is not right. The card shows times when we find everything simply "nice". The background to this is that we have returned to a neutral state and keep ourselves away from everything. We were so aloof that nothing inside us was touched, and we were almost indifferent to the way life flies next to us. From this state, we can only break through if we turn our ideas into beliefs, intentions, and truly commit ourselves to them.

TWO OF WANDS : DOMINION

These cards refer to Chokmah. From the point of view of the ordinary person, Chokmah is really No. 1 and not No. 2, because he is the first manifestation; Kether is completely concealed, so that nobody knows anything about it at all. Hence, only on reaching the Deuces does an element appear as the element itself. Chokmah is uncontaminated by any influence; therefore the elements here appear in their original harmonious condition.

The Two of Wands is called the Lord of Dominion, and represents the energy of fire; fire in its best and highest form.

This card, pertaining to Chokmah in the suit of Fire, represents the Will in its most exalted form. It is an ideal Will, independent of any given object.

“For pure will, unassuaged of purpose, delivered from the lust of result, is every way perfect.” AL. 1. 44.

The background of this card shows the power of the planet Mars in his own sign Aries, the first of the Signs. It there represents Energy initiating a Current of Force.

The pictorial representation is two Dorjes crossed. The Dorje is the Tibetan symbol of the thunderbolt, the emblem of celestial Power, but more in its destructive than its creative form.

More, that is, in its earlier rather than its later form. For destruction may be regarded as the first step in the creative process. The virgin ovum must be broken in order to fertilize it. Fear and repulsion are therefore the primary reaction to the assault. Then, with understanding of the complete plan, willing surrender rejoices to co-operate.

Six flames issue from the centre. This indicates the influence of the Sun, who is exalted in Aries. This is the creative Will.

Mars in Aries is the attribution of the Geomantic Figure Puer. The meaning of these figures is to be studied in the Handbook of that science: “The Equinox” Vol. I, No.2. Remember that the Geomantic Intelligences (see Liber 777 Cols. XLIX and CLXXVIII) are all primarily Gnomes.

THE TWO OF WANDS - DOMINION

Astrology: Mars in the 1. decan of Aries Tree of Life: Chokmah through Fire

The power of energy that is born in the Ace is given direction and a goal in the Two of Wands. Chokmah as the power of creation and energy is the best possible surrounding for the flaming forces, the first manifestation following the pure idea, the beginning of transformation. 

Yet the card is not talking of consideration, let alone any cares. It comes up strong and recklessly, a wonderful thing when guiding at one good goal or project. Nevertheless, one should take at least a bit care that those wonderful powers won't crush anything around to pieces...

Drive: Courage, determination, the will to conquer 

Light: Power, creativity 

Shadow: Destruction, shamelessness, revenge, restlessness

THE TWO OF WANDS - Rule - Mars - Libra - Surface

Keywords: Mars in Aries, warlike energy, dynamic pioneer, domination of the situation

Advice: Pay attention to concentration. If you are in a relationship with yourself, you will definitely be in control. Trust your energy! Do not accept any false compromise.

Question: What situations and tasks are you facing?

Suggestion: When you're in a challenging position, sit upright and comfortable. Take a deep, abdominal breath. Wait until the air is soft and calm and you feel quite relaxed. Now visualize the situation. See for yourself how you continue to focus on the problem.

Revelation: Inside me, I find the power I need.

Analogies:

Ji-Ching: 43. Kuai (Breakthrough, Determination)

Mythology: The Indefinite (The Limbo of Dante's Inferno)

Keywords: theoretical judgment without internal principle or practical inference, neutrality, indifference, detrimental distance

Not to be afraid of those in power and insecure situations. These make you whole.

TWO OF WANDS

General Meaning

This suit, most often called "Wands" and sometimes called "Rods" or "Staves," represents initiative, ambition, drive and desire. This is the suit of enterprise and risk-taking.

The Two in this suit, often portrayed as crossed wands, imply a deadlock due to energies working at cross-purposes. This could refer to an internal split — perhaps a duel between optimistic and pessimistic parts of your psyche, for example — or some situation where you feel "damned if you do, damned if you don't." This could be a standoff with another person or rubbing up against limitations that are currently imposed upon you.

This card points to the possibility of creeping self-doubt — the kind that arises in a situation where one has bitten off more than one can chew. Give yourself a moment to take in the full implications of your situation. Find your bearings again before launching back into action. Deal with real concerns now — before they become regrets!

In the Reversed Position

When decision-making stymies you, look within your Self for the solution. The Two of Wands reversed suggests someone who is momentarily stuck in the process of decision making. You feel like you are in an all-too-familiar hall of mirrors, unable to recognize the real doorway amidst the many reflected images of it.

Bear in mind that your future self already knows what choice you made. When you can calm down and access the part of yourself that already knows there is a way out, your options will become clear again.

In the Advice Positon

The Two of Wands in this position advises you to respect your own decision making process. Instead of criticizing yourself for indecisiveness, appreciate the various implications of possible choices. Avoid pushing yourself to make a commitment.

Keep meditating, watching the situation and witnessing the forces at work. At some point you will have enough information to see clearly. The decision-making process will be over and the choice will be clear.

Read more:

• » The Book of Thoth - A Short Essay on the Tarot of the Egyptians by Aleister Crowley.
• » Liber LXXVIII - On the Tarot - A complete treatise on the Tarot giving the correct designs of the cards with their attributions and symbolic meanings on all planes. - A description of the Cards of the Tarot, with their attributions, including a method of divination by their use.
• » Manuscript N - The Tarot - A Golden Dawn Manuscript - A Theoricus Adeptus Minor Paper.