Son of Fire

(2016), pencil on paper, 5.5"x10.5" backed with digital frame.

The court cards are leaving space for a number of interpretations in a spread. Often they are read as actual people having an impact on the querent's life, who share characteristics of the element they are associated with and hold a certain social or familial "rank". However, they can also be aspects of the querent's personality that either define him or her or that are currently suppressed.

The Rider Waite deck shows us a knight mounted on a chestnut horse. He wears a yellow tunic with a pattern of black salamanders over his armor. The crest of his helmet looks like flickering flames as he gallops forward and he is holding a wand in his right hand. In the Thoth deck a nude young man crouches on chariot drawn by a lion. He wears a spiked crown reminiscent of the Greek sun-god Helios and a mantle made of flames. In his left he holds the reigns that govern the lion, in his right a golden wand.

For my own card I wanted to continue the association of the Element of Fire with the continent of Africa and chose a young Masai warrior with a traditional beaded headdress. He holds a wand/ spear against his right shoulder.

In a spread the Son of Fire signifies an energetic, charismatic, competitive and confident young man. He loves challenges, excitement and adventure and can be fairly impulsive. If things are not progressing at his pace he can quickly become impatient. Obstacles or resistance can provoke violent outbursts of frustration. However, he is courageous and tenacious as well and will stay strong even in the face of overwhelming odds.

For a relationship-related question the card may indicate that you are challenging one another and are feeling fairly competitive. There may also be a tendency to be a little hot-headed and unwilling to cut the other person some slack or to settle into any kind of routine. Make sure you show each other respect or there can be a potential for conflict. The Son of Fire will also bring a lot of passion and heat to any given situation, resulting in exciting times. If either you or your partner are generally shy or timid, the other could feel a little overwhelming right now. You may also meet someone in the near future who you will become passionately involved with; however, the relationship could be short-lived.

If the card comes up for a business-related question it means that you are in a challenging situation, but you are ready to rise to the occasion and prove yourself. You may have a tendency to be a little curt and impatient, and you will not back down if you feel others are questioning your competence, knowledge and abilities. You’ll gladly embrace risks to ensure you get what you want. If you can best the competition while you do it  - all the better! You will be successful, but resist the temptation to leave scorched earth behind and make enemies on the way.

If the card stands for yourself it means you are bursting with energy and self-confidence. You can’t wait to put your new plans into practice and prove yourself to those around you. For those you love you will be a strong, generous and fierce protector. For those who challenge you, you will be a force to be reckoned with.

If the card is uncovered in an adverse or blockage position it could mean that you are overly aggressive and reckless and are in danger of hurting yourself and others, because you lack restraint, foresight and empathy. You are burning the candle at both ends and could end up injuring yourself mentally, emotionally and physically. You are taking unnecessary risks just for the thrill of it. You may perceive challenges and sleights where there are none and retaliate by indiscriminately lashing out at those around you. Alternatively you could be feeling as if you are stuck in a complete rut and that your life lacks in abundance, energy and creativity. You are incapable of getting out of the sense of stagnation that weighs you down and frustrated with your tendency to second-guess everything and to procrastinate. Try to unstick yourself with small projects and accomplishments. This will build your self-confidence and sense of momentum.