The Tarot of Eli 2, LLC: Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot- Eight of Wands & The Animal Totem Tarot -8 of Wands

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The Rider-Waite-Smith 8 of Wands card is laid out for more of a mundane reading or divination, masking some of the more esoteric meanings. On a blue sky and lush landscape background, Waite displays 8 leaf sprouting wands (implying fertility), as if suspended or flying. Again, the phallic force of Mercury is shown in the shape of the wands, and the swift movement of flying and of growth is shown in the sprouting twigs and leaves.

The reference to the Universal Element of Fire is the suite of wands and the sunny sky. Obviously, Waite, still holding to his oath of secrecy, didn't spend heroic effort in designing this card, and it is simplicity itself. Since the wands are flying, swift energy can be determined from this image. Hence, a swift outcome to the issue at hand is implied.

In the study of gematria, where numerical values are assigned to letters and words in Hebrew, Greek, and other languages, the number 8 holds significant symbolism and meaning. Here is an exploration of the gematria characteristics and symbolic attributes associated with the number 8:

Numerological and Symbolic Meaning

1. Infinity and Eternity:

   • The number 8 is often associated with infinity and eternity, symbolized by its shape (∞) when laid horizontally. It represents a never-ending cycle, continuous flow, and the concept of immortality.

2. Balance and Harmony:

   • Eight is seen as a number of balance and harmony, as it is the double of four (which signifies stability and order). This doubling effect enhances the qualities of equilibrium and completeness.

3. Renewal and Resurrection:

   • In many spiritual traditions, 8 is linked to renewal, rebirth, and resurrection. In Christianity, the eighth day (following the seven days of creation) signifies new beginnings and the resurrection of Christ.

Gematria in Hebrew

1. Chet (ח):

   • The Hebrew letter associated with the number 8 is Chet (ח), which is the eighth letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Chet symbolizes life and vitality, as it is the first letter of the word "Chai" (חַי), meaning "life."

2. Connections to Names and Concepts:

   • In gematria, various names and words that sum to 8 have specific meanings. For example, the name "Yitzchak" (Isaac) has a gematria value of 208, which reduces to 8 (2+0+8=10, 1+0=1, 1+7=8). Isaac is associated with laughter and joy, connecting 8 with positive emotions and divine promise.

Cultural and Esoteric Associations

1. Jewish Tradition:

   • The number 8 is significant in Jewish culture, particularly in the celebration of Hanukkah, which lasts for eight days and nights. This festival commemorates the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days, symbolizing divine intervention and miracles.

2. Chinese Culture:

   • In Chinese numerology, 8 is considered extremely lucky and prosperous. The word for 8 (八, bā) sounds similar to the word for wealth or fortune (发, fā), making it a symbol of good fortune and success.

Mathematical Properties

1. Cubic Nature:

   • Mathematically, 8 is a cubic number (2^3), representing solid foundations and strong structures. This ties back to the symbolic interpretation of stability and strength.

2. Symmetry:

   • The symmetrical shape of the number 8 reflects its association with balance and duality. It signifies a harmonious relationship between opposing forces.

Spiritual and Mystical Significance

1. Kabbalistic/Qabalistic Interpretation:

   • In Kabbalah, 8 is associated with the sephirah of Hod, which represents glory and splendor. It signifies humility and the acknowledgment of the divine in the material world.

2. Astrological and Alchemical Contexts:

   • In astrology, the eighth house is associated with transformation, regeneration, and the mysteries of life and death. Alchemically, 8 can represent the transmutation process, the journey from base to noble.

Summary

The number 8 in gematria and various cultural contexts is rich with meanings that span concepts of infinity, balance, renewal, and prosperity. Its associations with life, divinity, and transformation make it a powerful symbol in both spiritual and practical realms.

The Animal Totem Tarot-8 of Wands is also about swift movement. Here a wild free horse is galloping forward with the eight flying wands leading the way. This card is all about freedom and swift movement. Represented here is an image of your freedom and how willing you are to move along, the sooner the better. This feeling of flying free often accompanies inspiration, whose rapid creation depends on how fast you are willing to move. Therefore, don't let your hard work go to waste, act now.

In animal symbolism, the wild horse holds rich, layered meanings that reflect its powerful, free-spirited nature. Here’s a breakdown of its significance as a spirit animal, totem animal, and spirit guide:

1. Wild Horse as a Spirit Animal

A spirit animal reflects aspects of your soul or current life path, often coming to you during times when its lessons are needed. If the wild horse appears to you:

• Freedom and Independence: It symbolizes breaking free of restrictions and embodying the spirit of adventure.
• Power and Vitality: The wild horse represents energy, stamina, and a connection to primal instincts.
• Balance Between Strength and Vulnerability: While it carries a wild, untamed energy, it also teaches balance between being free and staying grounded.
• Journey of Self-Discovery: It may appear when you need to pursue your truth or passions.

Message of the Spirit Animal: "You are being encouraged to embrace your authentic self, take risks, and trust the path ahead. Let go of constraints and move boldly toward freedom."

2. Wild Horse as a Totem Animal

A totem animal is tied to your essence and characteristics, often representing a lifelong connection or shared traits.

• Natural Born Leader: People with the horse as their totem often possess charisma, a strong sense of leadership, and the ability to inspire others.
• Driven and Passionate: Like the wild horse, they pursue life with vigor and thrive on new challenges.
• Spiritual Traveler: The horse is a symbol of inner and outer journeys, making it a totem for seekers of truth or mystics who walk between worlds.

Key Lesson of the Totem: The wild horse calls on you to honor your personal power and spiritual growth. By nurturing both freedom and responsibility, you will unlock your full potential.

3. Wild Horse as a Spirit Guide

When the wild horse guides you, it is often during times when you are at a crossroads or feeling confined.

• Breaking Free of Limitations: The wild horse guide helps you find the courage to remove obstacles and embrace liberation.
• Healing Through Movement: This guide may appear when you need to physically or emotionally move forward, urging you to take action and trust the process.
• Connection to Nature and Spirit: Horses are closely tied to the Earth’s energy and the spirit realms, representing harmony between body and soul.

Guidance: "Allow the wind of change to move you. Let go of what no longer serves your journey, and trust your instincts to carry you to new horizons."

Symbolism in Various Cultures:

• Celtic Mythology: Horses were sacred symbols of sovereignty and the land, often associated with Epona, the goddess of fertility and abundance.
• Native American Beliefs: The horse was a sacred partner, representing strength, endurance, and freedom. Wild horses were often connected to messages from ancestors or spirit realms.
• Chinese Symbolism: Horses are considered symbols of success, forward movement, and perseverance.

When the Wild Horse Calls You:

• Are you feeling trapped or limited?
• Is it time to let go of old patterns and embrace change?
• Are you ignoring your desires for freedom, creativity, or adventure?

Meditate on the energy of the wild horse to reclaim your power, embrace personal freedom, and trust the wild, untamed spirit within.

The wands cards represent fire, which also represents the Spiral Energy of Spirit; Hence, this rush of energy could be intuitive and of high quality producing a work of great originality or even true genius. Here news is coming in that may accelerate your affairs. Therefore, this card implies that it is time to get off the couch claim your authenticity and go-go-go; get focused and start creating!

Here also is implied, swiftness as in an express messenger often seen as Mercury, the messenger of the gods/Spirit. Hence, great haste, great hope, speed towards an end that promises assured felicity. Energy that is on the move or even arrows of love. There is also a suggestion of overthinking an issue to the point of no real focus. However, as with all wands, the rapid forward push depends on the person and the circumstances.

Of paramount importance, inspiration must be "brought down to earth" by physical action, as unstructured ideas will soon dissipate, and sparks of inspiration dim quickly becoming nothing. Organization must be applied so that speech doesn't become rash, and consequences become ill considered. Therefore, it is necessary to translate subconscious materials into the linear and sequential perceptions of the conscious mind. This process is not an easy one, or there would be an immense quantity of famous poets, novelists, and philosophers produced in our society.

I often find that what I am saying in linear terms, is not what I am really trying to communicate and must settle for "baby steps", in sequential perceptions. Hence, the many blogs, to explain "One Thing" and/or the One Mind of multidimensional subtlety represented in the use of 78 Tarot Cards just to explain the 0-The Fool: The Spiritual-Psyche Essence of us all.

The primary meaning of the 8 of Wands is that taking swift and decisive action is your key to success at this time.

When the 8 of wands and 8 of Spring is thrown during a divination, it implies:

• Ideas. 
• Movement.
• Quick communication. 
• Flexibility.
• Expansion. 
• Intellectual power. 
• Unexpected impulse.
• Mental activity.
• Many good things happening all at once!

If reversed:

• Vehemence.
• Jealousy.
• Hastiness.
• Superficiality (no real focus).

Thank you for your interest, comments, and supportive donations. May you live long and prosper.

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