The Queen of Wands Revealed: Command or Conjure?

#The Tarot of Eli 2, LLC. 

The Rider-Waite-Smith Queen of Wands is once again presented in a more mundane and psychologically accessible form—precisely what a Western Hermetic Qabalist expects from a non-esoteric Tarot. Waite’s deck consistently externalizes inner forces into social and moral symbolism rather than unveiling their metaphysical mechanics.

In the RWS image, the Queen is stoic and composed, holding a leafy, phallic-shaped wand. This wand signifies not only fertility and sexual expressiveness, but also the expressive vitality of Fire softened and stabilized through a watery, nurturing modality. Here, passion is not wild or eruptive; it is contained, cultivated, and made socially intelligible.

At her feet sits the black cat, rather than the leopard or panther found in more Hermetic decks. The cat implies instinct, intuition, and the subconscious—what might be called the survival-mind or lunar reflex beneath the solar will. It represents her familiarity with shadow and instinct, though in a domesticated, manageable form.

Her solar-fiery nature is further reinforced by the sunflower she holds and the sunflowers carved into her throne, as well as the lions emblazoned upon it. Lions are the unmistakable symbols of Leo and the Sun, but in the RWS tapestry they also echo medieval heraldry, royalty, and the “lion-hearted” courage attributed to sovereign feminine authority.

Astrologically, the Queen of Wands rules from the 21st degree of Pisces to the 20th degree of Aries, expressing the Watery part of Fire. Put simply, Fire is the force of aggressive, outward-moving emotion and will, while Water is nurturing, empathetic, and receptive. When Fire is tempered by Water, passion becomes magnetism, dominance becomes charisma, and raw impulse becomes creative authority. This dynamic operates within the realm of Yetzirah, the formative world associated with Yesod, the lunar Sephira where forces become fluid, reflective, and colored. In this realm, color is not merely symbolic of force—it is force itself.

If one could perceive the aura and chakric structure directly, it would be evident that the eight conscious states of energy—often called auric bodies—are composed of spiritual or celestial substance: solar-conscious energy, or protons. Humanity did not originate as organic matter but as beings of photonic and plasmic evolution—souls of light. The ancients knew this when they called souls the “Suns of God.” 

Organic bodies are necessary not because Spirit is incomplete, but because Spirit seeks self-knowledge. Through the spiral of breath—Prana—moving through coagulated light (biological matter), consciousness learns to experience itself in form. Organic matter is, therefore, light slowed into visibility so that Divinity may know itself.

This brings us back to Binah, the third Sephira on the Tree of Life, known as the Sanctifying Intelligence or Understanding. The Queens of Tarot are direct expressions of this Sanctifying Intelligence. They are the wombs of force, the stabilizers of power, and the magnetic matrices through which the King’s archetypal authority becomes workable reality.

Emotionally and temperamentally, the Queen corresponds to the King, but she is magnetic rather than directive. Waite describes the Queen of Wands as a dark woman or country woman—friendly, chaste, loving, and honorable. In divination, if a male card appears beside her, she is well disposed toward him; if a female card appears, she shows interest in the Querent.

Seated and enthroned, the Queens embody the letter Heh—“window” or “sight”—revealing the inner nature of the suit by bringing its force into manifestation. Their power is steady, enduring, and profound, though not as swift or volatile as that of the Princes.

The Queen of Wands is often called the “Stylish Mother.” She is strong-willed, ambitious, sensitive, and unmistakably commanding. Her presence fills a room before she speaks. Witty, articulate, and subtly persuasive, she masters language as an instrument of charm and authority.

While traditional Tarot does not employ the Court Card Birthday Wheel used in the Thoth system, I apply the Western Hermetic Qabalah-Tarot Birthday Wheel to all Court Cards, traditional or otherwise, as it consistently reveals the core personality structure. (This system is discussed in my Thoth Court Card blogs and in Robert Wang’s The Mystical Qabalah.)

This Queen can be moody, quick to anger, and just as quick to forgive. She is an intuitive idealist who instinctively imposes her creative will upon her environment. Beneath the aloof mask she presents to strangers lies a deeply feeling and vulnerable nature. Her sharp or “bitchy” demeanor surfaces only when she feels threatened. Her independence is rooted in the security of home and family, which she loves fiercely. Above all, she is a protector—of her children, her domain, and her sovereignty—standing as a living flame against what she perceives as the hostile, unsophisticated chaos of the outer world.

The black cat or panther in the Queen of Wands card carries deep symbolic meaning, reflecting the card’s fiery, independent, and mysterious nature. The presence of this feline companion suggests themes of intuition, mystery, personal power, and the unseen forces of the subconscious. Let's explore this symbolism in greater detail:

1. The Black Cat as a Familiar and Guardian

The black cat is often associated with witchcraft, the occult, and esoteric wisdom. As a familiar, it represents the Queen's connection to hidden knowledge, intuition, and magic. The Queen of Wands, embodying fire and confidence, also has an awareness of the unseen forces guiding her path. The black cat, sitting at her feet, signifies an ability to navigate both the light and shadow aspects of existence.

• It symbolizes psychic abilities, a keen awareness of energy and hidden influences.
• It serves as a protector, warning of unseen dangers or treachery.
• It represents independence and self-sufficiency, much like the Queen herself.

2. The Panther as a Totem of Power

In some decks, a black panther replaces the black cat, intensifying the symbolism. The panther is an emblem of:

• Fearlessness and strength – The Queen of Wands is confident and unafraid to command attention.
• Shadow work and hidden depths – Just as a panther moves through the night unseen, the Queen is aware of the subconscious realm.
• Silent control and grace – The Queen wields her authority without aggression but with an innate magnetism and dominance.

3. The Color Black: The Mystery of the Unknown

The black color of the cat or panther aligns with themes of:

• Occult knowledge – Hidden wisdom, mystery traditions, and deeper truths.
• Protection – Darkness shields, guards, and conceals.
• Transformation – The power of the unknown and the ability to transmute fear into wisdom.

4. Feminine Mystique and Lunar Symbolism

Cats have long been connected to feminine power, sensuality, and lunar forces. The black cat here suggests that the Queen of Wands, despite her fiery solar nature, also has an understanding of the lunar, emotional, and mystical realms.

5. The Shadow Side: Deception or Manipulation

While the Queen of Wands is generally a positive figure, the black cat can also hint at hidden agendas, manipulation, or the use of power in a cunning way. It serves as a reminder to remain aware of both one’s own shadow self and the unseen influences around them.

Conclusion

The black cat or panther in the Queen of Wands card is a symbol of mystery, power, and independence, balancing her dynamic solar energy with the hidden wisdom of the night. It represents her ability to walk between worlds, master intuition, and harness unseen forces to achieve her goals. Whether viewed as a guardian, a magical familiar, or an embodiment of her subconscious power, this feline companion reinforces the Queen’s magnetism, self-assurance, and spiritual insight.

The Triple Goddess Tarot – Queen of Wands departs decisively from the seated, enthroned archetype. She does not rule from behind a throne, nor is her power guarded by animal familiars or heraldic symbols. Instead, she stands among the people, unmistakably visible, unmistakably sovereign. Her authority is not conferred by lineage or structure, but by presence.

She is clothed in a flowing red cape, caught by the wind—an image of Fire in motion, animated by Spirit rather than restrained by form. Red here is not merely passion, but life-force, the circulating blood of creative will. The wind lifting her cape evokes the invisible currents of intuition and inspiration that move through her effortlessly. She does not command the elements; she moves with them.

Around her gathers a crowd, their arms outstretched as if seeking blessing, recognition, or illumination. This is a crucial distinction from the RWS Queen. Where the traditional Queen receives visitors upon a throne, the Triple Goddess Queen walks among them. Her magnetism is such that others naturally reach toward her. She is not aloof, nor remote. She is approachable fire—warm, radiant, and unmistakably alive.

Behind her, partially obscured by atmospheric haze, rises the silhouette of a royal or sacred structure. Its indistinctness is deliberate. Power here does not emanate from buildings, institutions, or inherited authority. Those structures exist, but they are secondary—background forms rather than the source. The Queen herself is the living axis. She embodies sovereignty rather than occupying it.

This Queen’s keynote is self-confidence, but not arrogance. Hers is the confidence that arises from deep alignment with intuition, insight, and lived knowledge. She trusts her instincts because they have proven reliable. She trusts beauty because she recognizes it as a language of Spirit. She trusts collaboration because she knows creation is amplified—not diminished—when Fire inspires others rather than dominates them.

In the Triple Goddess current, this Queen is often associated with the Mother aspect—the mature phase of feminine Fire. She has passed through the Maiden’s ignition and the Crone’s withdrawal. What remains is radiant competence. She enjoys the finer things in life not as indulgence, but as appreciation of form perfected by taste and discernment. Beauty is not decoration; it is evidence of harmony.

Hermetically, she still corresponds to Heh, the window or revelation of force—but here the window is not architectural; it is embodied. She is the aperture through which creative Fire becomes visible in the social world. Her intuition is not private mysticism; it is actionable wisdom that others feel instinctively and respond to.

Psychologically, this Queen represents a woman (or feminine principle) who leads by example rather than decree. She does not need to raise her voice. Her presence organizes the space around her. Others collaborate because they want to, drawn by her warmth, clarity, and confidence. She knows when to stand alone—and when to invite others into the circle of creation.

In divination, the Triple Goddess Queen of Wands suggests a period where visibility is not only safe but necessary. It is time to be seen, to be recognized, and to allow one’s creative authority to inspire collective movement. This is leadership as blessing, sovereignty as service, and Fire as shared illumination.

Where the Rider-Waite-Smith Queen governs from containment, the Triple Goddess Queen governs from participation. She reminds us that true authority does not separate—it radiates.

All questions will be answered at:

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

• As an Archetype personality, this would be a red- or golden-haired woman who is adaptable (spontaneous), persistent in her energy but of calm authority which she knowingly uses to enhance her attractiveness.
• Independence.
• Closeness to Nature.
• Compassion.

• Such a woman of passion can be vane, but that is because she knows that passion plus nurture is attractive in its own rite. 
• Although S/he is often kind and generous she will not tolerate opposition. 
• There is an immense capacity for friendship and love, as that is the nature of fiery passion: However, it is always done on her own initiative where she cannot be talked into it or out of it.
• Motivated and won't stop until task at hand is done.

When ill defined by surrounding cards and/ or reversed it implies:

•  The Queen of Wands personality can be snobbish, vain, brooding which invariably leads to the negative decisions that cause her to fiercely attack. 
• Some might call this a "Fiery Latin" type of personality. 
• Her Passion can be stunning whether it is a sexual relationship or a vendetta. She must be treated with respect and remember that to play on her terms may be beyond the capacity of a less passionate mate.
• The tyrannical tendency is very present here.
• The dominating woman.
• Jealousy.

Thank you for your interest, your voice, and your generous support.
What you give returns as blessing, for prosperity is born of conscious flow.
May your life be long, your Spirit sovereign, and your path bright with Solar wisdom.

A Note on Thoth Magus Readings
The Thoth Tarot is not a fortune-telling device, but a living Hermetic map of consciousness. A Thoth Magus Reading does not merely predict events—it reveals the forces shaping them, locating your experience upon the Tree of Life and within the solar intelligence of the Soul. The cards do not speak about you; they speak as you, illuminating what is ready to be understood, integrated, and transformed. Tarot, when practiced as Hermetic art, becomes initiation rather than entertainment—clarity rather than conjecture.

☉ The cards do not decide your fate; they reveal the consciousness that creates it.

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