(i) Six of Wands YouTube Video
My new YouTube channel is : Thoth Tarot Videos. The YouTube video for the Six of Wands from the Thoth Deck can be accessed by clicking on the image below:
(ii) Thoth Six of Wands
The 6 wands are balanced with vertical symmetry and paired to represent the harmony of Tiphareth. There are 9 flames in the background of the card.
(iii) Rider Waite Six of Wands
The Six of Wands shows a man wearing a victory wreath around his head and he also holds aloft a wand with a wreath,further demonstrating his success and achievement. The crowd represent public recognition of his endevours.
(iv) Numerology of the Six of Wands
Five points now become six, (Hexad), and the Platonic Solid associated with 6 points is the OCTAHEDRON which has eight faces.This symmetrical solid is made up of eight triangles, which is formed from placing two square based pyramids base to base:
Pythagoreans associated the number 6 with marriage as 2 is the first feminine (even) number, and 3 is the first true masculine (odd) number:
2 x 3 = 6 (marriage as 6 represents children where the product (multiplication), is greater that the sum (addition 2+3=5) of its parts. Multiplication therefore represents sexual union, sexual alchemy between male and female.
(v) Six of Wands, The Tree of Life & Four Worlds
The Tree of Life
Tiphareth = The ‘Mediating Intelligence’ (to conciliate, moderate, harmonise)
The Six of Wands is found in Tiphareth (Harmony, Beauty) which is the sixth sephiroth on the Tree of Life, found in the centre on the Pillar of Equilibrium.
It is the balancing principle in the Ethical Triangle between Geburah and Chesed.
Tiphareth harmonises all other sephira on the Tree of Life (Malkuth being separate and sometimes seen as a swinging pendulum)
The primary symbols of Tiphereth are ‘The Rose Cross’ and the ‘Calvary Cross’. It is the sephiroth of Sacrificed Gods implying harmony cannot be reached without having gone through relinquishment or sacrifice ourselves, as did Christ on the Cross ( the 5 wounds implying sacrificing the 5 senses for spiritual consciousness):
The 4 Worlds
The Six of Wands is found in Tiphareth in Atlizuth (First World):
In the fire sign of Leo, Jupiter gives a certain spontaneity, and in the first world of Aziluth (inspiration), expresses this quality through creativity in the life of those with this combination in their natal chart.
(vi) Astrology of the Six of Wands
Decan = 2nd Decan of Leo (11 – 20°) ruled by Jupiter which occupies the middle Decan, the latter implying consolidation of the energy of Leo from the impulse of the first Decan.
Leo likes to be the centre of attention, the star of the show, like the main figure in the Rider Waite Card.
Leo is also ruled by the sun and so is Tiphareth so we have an added balance and harmony.
Jupiter is the planet of allowing us to expand into the world and grow in our personalities and responsibilities. In the fire sign of Leo, Jupiter gives a certain spontaniety, and in the first world of Atziluth (inspiration), expresses this quality through creativity in their daily life.
As Leo is a fixed fire sign, it gives the six of Wands endurance to fully develop their creative talents.
(vii) Symbolism of the Six of Wands
Vertical Symmetry = balance & harmony
The Wands are of the Wands of the:
Chief Adept (Winged-Serpent -Eye)
Major Adept (Phoenix Headed) and the
Minor Adept (unfolded lotus bud),
All these were seen in the Five of Wands and were in conflict but they now fall under the Harmony of Tiphareth.
Shafts of Wands = reddish amber, the colours of Leo in Assiah.
Winged Eye of Horus = clarity of vision that we have at this point in our lives.
Solar disk/ Wings of caduceus = red and blue respectively represents the union of opposites (fire and water). This is harmony out of conflict.
Violet Background = Jupiter in Assiah. Assiah is the last of the 4 worlds and perhaps this represents the ‘grounding’ and expression of the energy of the six of wands in our practical/daily world.
Blue and white Lotuses on two wands = colours of water and spirit.
Phoenix Heads = solar power of Tiphareth.
9 flames = instead of dispersing in all directions like the Five of Wands they burn steadily like lamps. They are 9 in number representing the sephira Yesod and the moon thus bringing femininity and balance to the masculine energies of the sun. We see this also in the Nine of Wands:
(viii) Five to Six of Wands Transition
The flames of discord in the Five of Wands are now tamed and harmonised in the Six of Wands. We have a sense of accomplishment after setbacks and hard work to achieve our goals. Public recognition may also happen for our endevours.
(ix) Quotes From the Book of Thoth
“The five has broken up the closed forces of the four with revolutionary ardour, but a marriage has taken place between them; and the result is the Son, and The Sun” (BOT.p.192)
“There is no circle to enclose the system, it is self-supporting like the Sun.” (BOT.p.192)
(x) Shemhamphorasch Angels of the Six of Wands
Sitael: Construction, master builder. Honesty in administration. Overcoming of obstacles and difficulty. Peacemaker, gift for negotiating. Social and political renown. Power to expand and fructify.
Elemiah: Fair and impartial authority. Participation in the creation of destiny. Rectification. Discovery of a new path. Optimism, end of a difficult period.
(xi) Divinatory Meanings of the Six of Wands
Six of Wands Upright
The 6 of wands represents victory over our past troubles and difficulties. This can relate to many spheres of life such as:
- Successfully passing a course after much effort
- Spiritual Progress after some tough times
- Harmony in our relationship after a rocky patch
- Financial solvency which was hard fought for
A possibility of public recognition of your achievements (as illustrated in the Rider Waite Card, e.g. an award from your peers for your success.
You have a high level of confidence in yourself (Leo) to go forward and set new goals and improve your learning and understanding (Jupiter).
Also a time for reflection, and celebrate your achievements. Be proud of who you are and have the confidence that you can achieve your goals with effort.
As this card is about public recognition,now is the time to promote yourself and your brand so that others may benefit and hence support you positively.
Six of Wands Reversed
An inflated ego with a sense of self-importance with respect to others.
Having a fall from grace as your lifestyle has let you down and now you may be personally and or publically humiliated.
Having low confidence in your ability to shine and achieve your goals.
Trying to achieve too many goals at once without clear direction.
Success that is short lived and you are having once again to gather your confidence to move forward.
(xii) Six of Wands and The Celtic Cross Spread
Card 1: (Heart of Your Situation) – You have achieved your goal after much sacrifice and hard work, now is the time to reflect on your success and decide where you want to go next.
Card 2: (Obstacles/Challenges) – time spent realising your goals has affected other area of your life to some detriment so you need to reassess what is important to you to restore that harmony moving forward.
Card 3: (Subconscious Influences) – You have something yet to achieve and put in your all, but a lack of confidence has stopped you from doing so. This is a reminder that you have the potential find something that really inspires you.
Card 4: (Your Recent Past) – You have had public recognition of your successes.
Card 5: (Your Hopes & Goals) – to make a name for yourself in a field of interest. Finding fulfillment and being appreciated by others.
Card 6: (Your Immediate Future) – success is just around the corner and you just need self-belief and determination to reach your goals.
Card 7: (Your Internal Self at this Time) – (if reversed) – you don’t feel others recognise your hard work and successes. Feeling as if you are underappreciated.
Card 8: (Your External Environment) – financially solvent and a place where you feel appreciated for your efforts.
Card 9: (Guidance and Warning) – try not to over reach yourself by taking on too many things at once. It will use up too much of your time and energy. By focusing on one goal, your efforts will be more effective.
Card 10: (Your Overall Outcome) – a feeling of balance, harmony and wellbeing in your life after much hard work. People recognise your talents more and more. Reflect on your journey, meditate, and know that success can be short lived but is just a stepping stone to something new.
(xiii) Recommended Videos on the Six of Wands
(xiv) Meditation Links