King of Wands

King of Wands or Batons is a card used in Latin suited playing cards which include tarot decks. It is part of what tarot card readers call the "Minor Arcana"

Tarot cards are used throughout much of Europe to play Tarot card gamescite book|last = Dummett|first = Michael|authorlink = Michael Dummett|title = The Game of Tarot|publisher = Gerald Duckworth and Company Ltd.|date = 1980|isbn = 0-7156-1014-7] .

In English-speaking countries, where the games are largely unknown, Tarot cards came to be utilized primarily for divinatory purposes [ cite book|last = Huson|first = Paul|authorlink = Paul Huson| title = Mystical Origins of the Tarot: From Ancient Roots to Modern Usage|publisher = Destiny Books|date = 1980|isbn = 0-89281-190-0] .

Divination Usage

The King of Wands card depicts a mature man who is decisive and passionate. The throne he sits on has no top, indicating infinite possibilities. The lion and the salamander at his feet symbolize his purified desire and a decisive will that remains unbroken even when tested by trying circumstances and fire. The card may be used for a decisive man who is given to quiet deliberation. Some of his undesirable traits include a quick temper and/or self-righteousness.

Symbolism

Some symbolism you can see in this card is the kings throne. There is no visible top, indicating that the sky's the limit. The suit of wands is associated with the element fire, and the lion on the back of his throne is symbolic of fire in the tarot. The salamander, once thought to be able to walk through fire, may be symbolic of the test you must endure when you draw this card in a spread. The fact that he appears to be in a burning hot desert is another indication of the element fire.

References

*cite book|last = Burger, Evelin|first = Fiebig, Johannes|title = Tarot Basics|publisher = Sterling Publishing|date = 2006