Tarot Discussion Group, Card of the Week.

The traditional depiction of this card shows a young man, wielding his quarter staff, fending off 6 staffs presumably wielded by opponents just out of frame. This weeks card is about those whose best paths require they go it alone, even though the world often does not understand those of us who are different is some way and tries to shut us out. In Melanie's card the 6 staffs form a barrier between the young Nagual, and what appears to be beautiful Gothic Cathedral. In both cases the common theme is of the individual.

One thing I find unusual about Melanie's card is that it seems remarkably static. Nothing about the card implies movement. This is totally out of sync with dynamic numerology of the sevens. The color of the Nagual's dress and the flowers on the staff, contrast to the otherwise drab card. Implying the dynamics are being played out on the unseen rather than material level.

In Melanie's card the staffs form a barrier, separating the Nagual from the Cathedral, a symbol of established religion. The Church, and the barrier of staffs almost completely dominate the frame, pushing the young shaman to the fringe. The Nagual does not seem to be distressed to be on the outside looking in at the Church. He seems quite content to go his own way. It speaks to the confidence to embrace the intuitive, and step away from established dogma. The Staffs that make up the barrier seem to be rather imposing but functional. The 7th Staff, the Nagual's, is decorated with flowers near the end, creating the appearance of a magical device. His dress is also quite bright, compared to the otherwise drab colors of the card. To my mind this visually speaks to the static power of the pentacles, vs the dynamic power of the wands. Besides the Nagual himself, I think the card really is more a depiction of the Pentacles. While the Nagual is like a bright flame at the edge.

The Universal Waite on the other hand is a very dynamic card. The strong diagonal created by the figures staff, creates a very definite sense of movement and effort. Yet even though the figure defends the high ground, against such odds he will have to be clever as well as brave. Being able to respond to multiple threats, and yet keep his foes off balance, this is a very heroic card. The hero very often has to find an unconventional solution to a problem where conventional thinking would fail. Although the card depicts a young man of obvious physical courage, it is also a card about Moral Courage. The courage to take the high ground and stand alone for what he knows is right. Yet the card reminds us that being right is simply not enough. The mental agility that is so much a part of this card is important as well to bring others over to the Q. point of view. I don't see this as an arrogant card, but a hopeful one, it says to me that if the Q. is open to all possibilities s/he will win through despite seemingly overwhelming obstacles.

Divination: Taking a Stand, Going it alone, The Q may be beset by multiple problems requiring flexibility and creativity in response. The card indicates the overcoming of obstacles. Finding a path. Through multiple difficulties. Ultimately a very auspicious card.

Reversed: Team Work is needed rather than Individualism. Harmony may require compromise. Misgivings about the future. Hesitancy, Anxiety, Indecision.