Module 3 : The Suit of Wands

Module 3: The Suit of Wands

Exploring the Magic of Wands.

❖ Module Overview:

In early Tarot decks, from the 15th century, this suit was known as Batons. These cards often showed clubs, rods, or long, sturdy staves, which were symbols of power and authority. Like a king’s scepter, these were tools that represented a ruler's right to command others. They were in many ways similar to swords, if more brutish. Pre-15th century, swords were exclusively weapons of the elite, while other weapons, such as clubs, were left to the masses.

Over time, the symbolism on these cards began to shift. In the 18th century, thinkers started to explore deeper, more mystical meanings. By the 19th century, a group called the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn renamed the suit to Wands, connecting them to magic and spiritual power. With the 1909 publication of his deck, Arthur Edward Waite standardized the suit as Wands, transforming them from symbols of brute power and authority into tools of spiritual and magical power.

Wands is one example of many such evolutions in the Tarot. The Magician card was once called The Juggler, but this card has steadily matured from something of a deceptive charlatan, towards a character with the power to deconstruct and reconstruct his reality. But I’m jumping a long way ahead. For now, let’s focus on the Suit of Wands and how its symbolism is all about this kind of personal, inner power, instead of the right to rule over others.

As previously, we will first look at the use of the symbol in history, culture and myth.