King of Wands – From Lord of Flames to Gentle Fire

Let’s start today’s post with a little humor. Why humor? Because the rest of the post probably won’t make you smile so much. For some reason, a line from Ice Age popped into my head as I was drawing the cards. I don’t even remember which part it’s from. It’s the scene where Sid the sloth makes fire and then shouts, “I am Sid, Lord of the Flames!” At that moment, Sid was the King of Wands, King of Fire.

In tarot, wands represent the element of fire. Their theme is passion and creativity. The King of Wands is their ruler. Together with the Queen, he reigns over this Minor Arcana. Perhaps you remember his companion. This amazing woman who ignites the fire in all her fellow human beings, who inspires and helps everyone to achieve their best. She is the magical mother who makes you feel comfortable. The King, on the other hand, reminds me a little of the ruler of the Fire Nation in the animated series Avatar. He burns, always, constantly. His passion is only curbed when he puts his heart on ice during this time.

Er warnt uns davor, tyrannisch zu sein oder auch vor einem Tyrannen, welcher in unser Leben tritt. Der König der Stäbe nimmt keine Rücksicht auf Verluste. Bei einer Diskussion mit ihm betrachtet er alle, die seinem Feuer zum Opfer fallen, als Kollateralschaden. Er ist aber nicht unbedingt ein schlechter Mensch. Sein Problem ist seine ungezügelte Leidenschaft. Er hat nie wirklich gelernt, seine Flammen auch einmal klein zu halten. Sich selbst klein halten, bedeutet nicht, dass wir uns jemand anderem unterwerfen. Es bedeutet, dass wir anderen Menschen Raum geben. Raum für ein Miteinander.

Basically, the King of Wands, like his companion, wants the best for his fellow human beings. Often they don’t notice this, as they only see his loud and brutal manner. When he enters the room, they make way for him. His fire burns too hot for them to approach him. He has always burned brightly and had to learn the hard way what happened when he tried to tone it down on the few occasions he did. It’s funny that I’m developing sympathy for a person who, at first glance, seems like the devil incarnate.

But it’s important that we question things. It is important to understand why a person has become who they are. Why is a person—I’m sure you can think of someone—always loud? Why is someone always stubborn, or let’s call it opinionated? What must have happened to make a person prefer to burn everyone else rather than allow closeness? This is not about defending this person, but about understanding. Just asking yourself briefly what might have happened. This moment is enough to give us the courage to approach them. To take a small step toward this burning torch.

We can decide later whether we can get along with this person or not. The first step is not to let ourselves be blinded by the flames. It’s about forming our own opinion. You would be surprised how small the loudest ones actually are. How gently their little fires can crackle when they feel that someone is really listening to them. So many of us have built a protective wall around ourselves based on our life experiences. Some seem cold as ice, others seem to glide through the shadows and are shrouded in darkness. Others have a shell of stone, and some have a blazing wall of fire.

Whatever happens today, whether you meet someone or perhaps even stir up your own flames, give and allow space. We can only work together if we don’t judge too quickly.

Do as the tiger on the “Leadership” card does today. Position yourself in a relaxed manner and let your power radiate outward. Breathe calmly and deeply. Feel that nothing can throw you off course, no storm and no burning king. And when he stands before you, don’t roar. Let him enter your sphere of influence. Let him feel that fire can also be different, and you will see that the king who was just burning so brightly will quickly become a little Page, because he is finally allowed to.

For all of you who, like me, are rather impulsive: Remember this post the next time you feel like you need to raise your wall of fire. Yes, it’s not always easy. Yes, we didn’t use this fire without reason. I know we often had to. But before you unleash all your flames on the world next time, pause. Breathe like the tiger. Relax and be confident: you will be seen even without a conflagration.

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