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In traditional medieval art, there are no princes or princesses as in the nontraditional Thoth Tarot and Robert Wang's Jungian Tarot. This is because the Medieval world of Europe was under the Inquisition of the Roman Catholic Church, which is notably misogynistic in its dogma that stated women were the reason for mankind's "fall from grace". The prevailing Church backed propaganda egregore of the time stated that she/Eve tempted Adam to disobey the Archon Yahweh and hence the expulsion from the garden of Eden. Therefore, woman should be kept as 2nd class citizens. Hopefully, this is a well-known example of propaganda now days and not taken seriously. Woman is the reason Humankind exists! Each of us is made of and were formed in "mother's blood". Besides, by being expelled from the Garden of Eden, freed mankind for it is written that humans were created to "tend the Garden for Yahweh. which is another way to say were created as slaves.

In the Hebrew account of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 2:15, the direct quote regarding mankind tending the Garden of Eden is:

"וַיִּקַּח יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים אֶת־הָאָדָם וַיַּנִּחֵהוּ בְגַן־עֵדֶן לְעָבְדָהּ וּלְשָׁמְרָהּ"

Transliterated, this reads:

"Vayikach YHWH Elohim et ha-adam vayanihehu b'gan eden le'ovdah u'leshomrah."

In English, it is commonly translated as:

"The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." Something the copiers of Genesis to the Christian bible forgot to mention.

Besides, the joyful Garden of Eden resides in all of us, but we forgot the truth of our own freedom to create ourselves and tend to our inner garden as we wish before dogma and indoctrination took over as self-identity.

Each of us has the identity of the One and that is called "I AM", which exclaims existence, but not what exists. The "What I AM", is our own declaration and therefore, an assumption that provides our fate. None of us have "fallen from grace". We are the Grace of the Divine made manifest. The Will of the One is called Eheieh-meaning, "I Will Be" and we are "I AM Being", hence the fulfillment of the original Will. Therefore, we are the Will of the Divine Creative made manifest in Malkuth.

This is not to say that the ancient Adepts didn't know the truth of YHVH (Tetragrammaton) Yod being -Father/King and Heh-being Mother/Queen, and Vau-the prince and the last Heh-the Princess, all creating the formula of Tetragrammaton. Therefore, the pages or knaves (the last Heh) are notoriously effeminate images that hint at femininity. This kept the artist of the Tarot cards from the proclamation of heresy and the inquisitor's hot brands.

On the Rider-Waite-Smith-Page of Wands, we see a young almost feminine looking man in the act of proclamation. As if stroking a phallus, he holds his leafy and phallic headed staff as he is proclaiming his fertility, fecund creative force, and therefore, his creative power. He is unknown to himself, but faithful and his tidings are strange forms of "self-stroking" for he is beginning his journey into Self-knowledge.

His outfit is in the gold and red of the element of fire. On his tunic are medieval images of salamanders, who were believed to be fire elementals. He is notorious for his dark qualities, yet also a faithful friend, lover, envoy, and postman (messenger). S/He is also noted for his/her quick anger and therefore, a dangerous rival. S/He is the image of fiery passion, and youthful amorousness and the brilliance of combustion.

Again, the Rider-Waite-Smith card chooses to keep to Waite's oath of silence and hint at the esoteric meaning of the card, although Waite knew it as he practiced in and achieved high status in the Golden Dawn Lodge of Western Hermetic Qabalah. But keeping to his oath, he shows only the exoteric meaning with a medieval Page holding an obviously phallic wand, sprouting leaves of fertility. Hence, this card is also known as "immature sexuality" which indicates a lack of monogamy and promotes spontaneous sexual excitement.

As stated, Pages (Knaves in the medieval Marseilles deck from which the Rider-Waite-Smith deck was derived) were used in the old Tarot decks, because of their "effeminate qualities", kind of like combining the prince with the "will to form"-authority of the Queen. The idea also being that the Princess Personality can be in both males and females as they are not separate sexes: the brain is both feminine and masculine.

When the "outer self" is masculine the "inner self" is feminine, and when the "outer self" is feminine than the "inner self" is masculine. However, this Law of Attraction is too esoteric for Waite to divulge in his card.

The inner anima (female-Latin for Spirit) and animus (male-Latin for Soul) in the realm of psyche, was later best defined by psychologist and parapsychologist Carl Jung (look him up on the INTERNET). Therefore, the Page of Wands is comparable to the Thoth Princess of Wands but does not divulge the "inner magic" of such. Hence, the rather unremarkable Page has a red feather in shape of a flame (Yod) on his cap, and salamanders decorating his garment; all of which implies the element of fire.

The Animal Totem Tarot-Page of Wands display a salamander perched on a wand. The Salamander is shown on the Page's clothing on the Rider-Waite-Smith card interestingly displaying a creature that has a strong association with water and yet the wands are the element of fire (the red ribbon on the Animal Tarot represents the fire element).

Being an amphibian, the salamander must be near water to keep its skin moist, or it will suffocate. Here the key is to understand the elemental force of fire. Without a proper balance of fiery emotion and watery emotion, fire is terribly destructive.

Hence, this page is letting us know that new experiences and passions are on the horizon, and you should understand that you mustn't let the aggressive passions of fire overcome the Watery emotions of nurture, understanding, empathy, and love. Love what you do and do what you love without harm. Understand that creative inspiration can be seductive and even addictive to the uninitiated, so take your time, curb your spontaneous reaction of instant combustion and really allow yourself the time to feel the thrill of this new fecund energy flow.

The salamander, as a power animal, spirit guide, or totem animal, carries deep symbolism rooted in themes of transformation, adaptability, and spiritual rebirth. Its connection to the element of fire (from alchemical and esoteric traditions) also imparts it with mystical associations of purification, resilience, and inner strength. Let’s explore its characteristics in detail:

1. Transformation and Rebirth

The salamander is known for its regenerative ability to regrow lost limbs, symbolizing healing and renewal. As a power animal, it reminds you that even when you feel wounded—whether emotionally, physically, or spiritually—healing and new growth are always possible.

• Lesson: Difficult situations are not permanent. They provide opportunities for rebirth and self-reinvention.
• Message: Let go of past wounds. The salamander teaches that scars are part of the growth process and not something to be feared.

2. Adaptability and Hidden Wisdom

Salamanders are amphibious, living both in water and on land, and they often emerge at night. As a spirit guide, they teach you how to navigate multiple environments with ease, showing you how to adapt to shifting circumstances without losing your sense of self.

• Lesson: Be flexible in your thinking and behavior, as this will lead to success.
• Message: Hidden within challenges are powerful lessons. Trust that by exploring your subconscious and intuitive nature, you will uncover hidden wisdom.

3. Element of Fire and Alchemical Transformation

In alchemical and mystical traditions, the salamander is connected to the element of fire and often represents purification and spiritual transformation. In medieval lore, the salamander was believed to be able to walk through flames unharmed, embodying the ability to overcome adversity through inner strength.

• Lesson: You have the power to transmute pain and difficulty into strength and wisdom.
• Message: When you encounter “fires” in life, embrace them as opportunities to burn away the old and emerge stronger. The salamander teaches you to embrace spiritual growth, even when it feels intense or uncomfortable.

4. Balance of Water and Fire

While the salamander is symbolically linked to fire, it is also an amphibious creature, making it a bridge between the elements of water and fire. This dual connection represents the balance between emotional depth (water) and spiritual power or passion (fire).

• Lesson: Emotions and intuition (water) must be balanced with willpower and action (fire) to achieve harmony.
• Message: Balance your passion and drive with emotional awareness. If you feel emotionally overwhelmed or burned out, the salamander reminds you to return to equilibrium.

5. Intuition and Dream Guidance

Because salamanders often emerge at night and are elusive by nature, they are linked to dreamwork, intuition, and spiritual exploration. As a totem animal, they encourage you to trust your inner voice and to explore the hidden aspects of your subconscious.

• Lesson: Pay attention to dreams, symbols, and synchronicities.
• Message: Salamander spirit guides often come to those who are ready to delve into the mysteries of their own mind and spirit. Trust that the answers you seek lie within.

6. Protective Energy and Fire Resilience

The salamander’s connection to fire also extends to its protective qualities. It teaches you how to shield yourself from harmful influences or overwhelming emotions by developing a strong, resilient inner core.

• Lesson: Set healthy boundaries to protect your energy.
• Message: The salamander shows you how to “walk through fire” without being consumed by it, suggesting that you have the ability to overcome negativity and emerge purified.

7. Shadow Work and Shedding the Old Self

As a creature that sheds its skin and lives near water, the salamander embodies the process of shedding old layers and emotions. It encourages shadow work—facing hidden or suppressed parts of yourself to achieve deeper understanding and growth.

• Lesson: Don’t be afraid to confront your past, hidden fears, or suppressed emotions.
• Message: Growth requires release. The salamander reminds you that healing comes through embracing both your light and shadow aspects.

8. Sensitivity to the Environment

Salamanders are highly sensitive to their surroundings, making them symbols of awareness, caution, and attunement. As a spirit guide, they can appear when you need to become more aware of subtle energies around you.

• Lesson: Pay attention to your environment and trust your instincts when something feels “off.”
• Message: Sensitivity is a strength. Use your heightened awareness to protect yourself and guide others.

When the Salamander Appears as Your Guide:

• In dreams or meditations: It is time to embrace change, regeneration, and transformation.
• In moments of struggle: The salamander comes to remind you that you are resilient, capable of navigating challenges, and can emerge stronger.
• In periods of spiritual growth: The salamander signals that purification and deep self-reflection will lead to a new phase of enlightenment.

Working with the Salamander Spirit

• Rituals of Purification: Incorporate fire and water elements into your rituals. Light a candle while reflecting on what aspects of your life need purification.
• Shadow Work: Use salamander imagery or meditations to explore suppressed emotions or aspects of your shadow self.
• Dream Journaling: If salamanders appear frequently in your dreams, pay attention to intuitive messages and patterns in your life.

Affirmation for Working with Salamander Energy:

"Like the salamander, I walk through the flames of life without fear. I embrace transformation, healing, and spiritual growth with resilience and grace. As I release the old, I am reborn in balance, wisdom, and power."

Because of the raging fires in LA and often other parts of the world, I thought it might be interesting to show you a Western Hermetic Magick ritual that can actually control fire.

The modern idea of using salamanders (or salamandine elementals) to fight fire is rooted in the mystical, alchemical, and symbolic associations of these beings with the fire element during ancient times; hence an invocable beneficial egregore has been established on the Astral planes.

While salamanders are traditionally depicted as beings of fire—embodying its essence, energy, and transformative power—they are not literal fire-extinguishing entities. However, within the framework of esoteric thought and ritual magic and their association with water, there are ways to work with the symbolism and energy of salamanders to influence or counteract destructive fire.

Symbolic Perspective

• Salamanders are not hostile to fire but are thought to exist harmoniously within it. They represent control, balance, and mastery over fire.
• Invoking salamanders in a ritualistic context could metaphorically be used to "calm" a fire, symbolizing an appeal to the essence of fire for temperance or transformation.
• Esoterically, salamanders may guide practitioners in channeling the energy of fire toward creation and away from destruction.

Practical Esoteric Application

While not physically extinguishing fire, rituals or meditations invoking salamanders can help on a spiritual and symbolic level:

1. Calming Fire Energy: A practitioner might invoke salamanders to soothe or tame the fiery energy of a situation—whether that fire is literal or metaphorical (e.g., anger or conflict).
2. Balancing the Elements: Rituals can focus on balancing the fire element with water or earth to mitigate fire's destructive effects.

Ritual to Appeal to Salamanders for Fire Control

If you wish to symbolically use salamanders to combat or control fire, here is a suggested ritual:

Preparation

1. Sacred Space: Create a protective circle in a quiet, safe space.
2. Elements on the Altar:
   • A red or orange candle (fire's representation).
   • A bowl of water (symbolizing its counterpart).
   • Fire-safe tools like incense or charcoal.
3. Intent: Be clear about your purpose—calming or balancing fire energy.

Invocation Ritual

1. Cast the Circle:

   • Begin with a chant to call the element of fire into harmony: "Salamanders of the eternal flame,
     Spirits of fire, wild and tame.
     Guide your power, fierce and bright,
     To calm the blaze, to bring the night."

2. Meditate on Fire:

   • Visualize the fire you wish to control—literal or symbolic. Imagine it shifting from destructive to calm, warm, and controlled energy.

3. Appeal to Salamanders:

   • Speak directly: "O Salamanders, lords of the flame,
     Hear my call, in your power and name.
     Tame this blaze, temper its might,
     Transform chaos into guiding light."

4. Balance with Water:

   • Lightly sprinkle water around the sacred space or over the candle flame (if safe) to symbolize tempering fire with its opposite.

Practical Reality

• On a physical level, fire safety measures (e.g., extinguishers, water, or firebreaks) are essential and cannot be replaced by esoteric practices.
• The ritual serves as a spiritual support to focus intent, direct energy, and align with the balance of the elements, but it should always be paired with practical action.

Modern Interpretation

In symbolic terms, salamanders can "fight fire with fire" by transforming its chaotic aspects into controlled, beneficial energy. While they cannot physically extinguish a fire, invoking their essence can inspire clarity, courage, and focus, aiding efforts to control or prevent destructive fires.

The Page of Wands is always acting on impulse s/he can be very witty and possesses an extraordinary imagination, often to the delight of those around him/her. However, s/he can be subject to great swings of mood; one minute s/he is the soul of decorum and the next s/he is exceptionally vulgar.

When alone, s/he often feels depressed. However, s/he is bursting with new ideas, and passionately seeking new things to do, to study and learn, although s/he doesn't have the experienced maturity necessary to follow through with fleeting passions.

When the Page of Wands is thrown in a divination it implies:

• A person whose beauty is created by their own vigorous energy.
• S/he represents immature sexuality and therefore, can be both seductive and permissive. 
• This one's passion is so great that one is dazzled by a chemical reaction that enforces the impression of beauty on the beholder.
• Being a type of "spontaneous combustion", in anger or love s/he is violent. sudden, and implacable.
•  S/he can often be irrational, when displaying her enthusiasm, fiery ambition, and aspiring nature.
• Such a Princess, never forgets an injury-----and the only patience she shows, is when lying in ambush to revenge a perceived wrong.
• S/he is often self-absorbed to the extent that she is entirely reckless in achieving gratification and is notably insatiable.
• However, as is all Power-----it is as destructive as it is constructive, so caution and encouragement compete in this one.
• Passion is the "big bang" of all Creation.  But like all fires, one must know how to work with it, never against it, to properly achieve the necessary transformations of their Great Work.

If ill-defined and/or Reversed:

• The Page of Wands persona would be the defects of such passion.
•  S/he would be superficial and theatrical, shallow and false while never expecting that s/he is anything of the sort.
• S/he becomes predominately a "spasm of mood" and s/he is cruel, unreliable, faithless and domineering.

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