This week’s reading feels like a lesson in recovery.
The Knight (aka King) of Wands is all fire: warm and charismatic at his best, but not without impulsivity. When fire blazes uncontrolled, however, we all know how quickly it can lay waste to that which surrounds it. The result of these “scorched earth” experiences (either as a result of our own behaviour, or other people’s) is the despair of the Five of Swords. The companion notes to the Zillich deck describe the broken ram’s horn as symbolising “no rational thought or emotional comfort can get through” to the defeated figure. Sometimes, however unintentionally, we make a mess of things and coming to terms with it is hard, hard work.
And yet… Look at the ram stood proud beside the Queen of Discs. Recovery is possible, rooted firmly in nurturing and tender care of the self or of others. It takes patience and generosity – we may need to extend forgiveness and compassion not simply as a gesture, but as a process over time – but it can be done. If we ground ourselves in love, we can thrive again.
Have a good week and stay safe x
Louise Norgate 