The Tarot of Eli 2-LLC: Rider-Waite-Smith-Tarot, King of Wands & The Archeon Tarot -King of Wands

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🔥 King of Wands – The Solar Sovereign of Fire (Rider–Waite–Smith)

The Rider–Waite–Smith King of Wands is the living image of solar authority and the fiery will in its most mature, directed form. He sits confidently upon his throne, fist clenched in readiness — an unmistakable sign that this is not a passive monarch but one prepared to act, command, and shape reality by the force of his will. In his right hand, he holds a wand sprouting with new green leaves, the emblem of vital life-force and creative fire. This is the sex-force or vital flame of Spirit — the same fiery current that drives all passionate creation and sustains the universe’s ceaseless unfolding.

At his feet crawls a salamander, the medieval emblem of elemental Fire. Legends held that salamanders could dwell in flames unharmed — a fitting symbol for this King, who, though outwardly calm and composed, burns with intense internal passion. The salamanders embroidered on his cloak reinforce this elemental rulership. They remind us that mastery of fire is not about suppression but about direction: to rule fire, one must become its vessel without being consumed by it.

Around the King’s shoulders rests a blue-green mantle, a subtle but potent Hermetic symbol. This hue links him to Gaia, the Greek Earth Mother, representing the union of fiery spirit with fertile matter. It is also the color of Netzach, the 7th Sephirah on the Qabalistic Tree of Life — the sphere of Venus, love, beauty, and the elemental world. Netzach is the place where the fiery power of Spirit begins to manifest into tangible forms within nature’s matrix.

This color also hints at Chokmah, the 2nd Sephirah, whose Hebrew name — Chokmah, “Wisdom” — is grammatically feminine. Chokmah is the archetype from which all the Kings of the Tarot derive their authority. Thus, even the most solar and masculine of figures draws power from the feminine principle of Wisdom, showing that mastery is always a marriage of polarities. His fiery wand is thus rooted in the womb of Wisdom and blossoms through the Venusian field of Netzach.

Behind his royal back upon the throne roars the heraldic lion of Leo, the zodiacal sign traditionally linked with the King of Wands. Leo represents the solar force in its most royal and radiant aspect — self-confident, courageous, creative, and commanding. Around the King’s neck glows a golden sun-disc, the emblem of his solar rulership. This solar insignia, coupled with the salamanders and lions, proclaims that he is not merely a man of passion — he is the Solar Logos enthroned in human form.

☉ Hermetic Significance

From a Western Hermetic lens, the King of Wands represents the mature Yod — the primal fire-force of the Tetragrammaton (YHVH) fully developed and expressed through the human soul. He is the Solar Self seated in Tiphareth, the radiant heart of the Tree of Life, where Spirit and matter are reconciled.

Here the creative Will (Thelema) no longer acts as blind impulse (as in the Knight or Prince), but as sovereign command. His clenched fist shows will harnessed, not scattered. His sprouting wand is the staff of life — the fiery seed made fertile in the womb of Wisdom. His salamanders teach the Adept to enter the fire of transformation without fear. And the lion behind him roars of the Sun within — the immortal Spirit enthroned in the kingdom of flesh.

Thus, the Rider–Waite–Smith King of Wands is not merely a passionate ruler — he is the Solar Magus, the image of the awakened Will that commands the creative flame of existence itself. He is the Master of the Salamanders, the fiery son of Chokmah and Netzach, the radiant Lion-King who embodies the Great Work of fire: to will, to dare, to know, and to be silent.

Individuals with the Sun in Leo are often seen as charismatic, confident, and natural-born leaders. Here are some key characteristics typically associated with Leo Sun signs:

Positive Traits

1. Confident and Ambitious: Leos exude confidence and are often ambitious in their pursuits. They aim high and are driven to achieve their goals.
2. Creative and Artistic: Many Leos have a strong creative streak, excelling in arts, drama, and other creative fields.
3. Generous and Warm-hearted: Leos are known for their generosity and willingness to help others. They often have a big heart and enjoy making others feel special.
4. Loyal and Devoted: When it comes to relationships, Leos are fiercely loyal. They value loyalty in return and are very protective of their loved ones.
5. Energetic and Enthusiastic: Leos have a vibrant energy and enthusiasm that is contagious. They approach life with a positive and energetic outlook.
6. Charismatic and Charming: Leos often have a magnetic personality that draws people to them. Their charm and charisma make them natural leaders and influencers.

Negative Traits

1. Arrogant and Proud: Sometimes, Leos can come across as arrogant or overly proud. They might have a tendency to believe they are always right.
2. Dominating and Stubborn: Leos can be very strong-willed and sometimes domineering. They prefer to lead rather than follow and may struggle with compromise.
3. Attention-seeking: Leo's love being the center of attention and can become unhappy if they feel neglected or overlooked.
4. Impatient and Demanding: Their high energy can sometimes translate into impatience, and they may have high expectations of others.
5. Possessive and Jealous: In relationships, Leos can be quite possessive and may experience jealousy if they feel their position is threatened.

General Overview

Leos are ruled by the Sun, which symbolizes vitality, authority, and creativity. This influence makes them natural leaders, full of life and vitality. They thrive in environments where they can express themselves and shine brightly. While their dominant nature can sometimes be a challenge, their warmth and loyalty often endear them to others.

Understanding these characteristics can help Leos harness their strengths and address their weaknesses, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

🔥 King of Wands – The Charismatic Firelord (Archeon Tarot)

The Archeon Tarot King of Wands embodies charisma and command, a sovereign whose presence cannot be ignored. He is bold and dramatic, a natural leader whose fire burns just beneath the surface. His demeanor, though seemingly relaxed and approachable, conceals the coiled intensity of a ticking time bomb — a force that can erupt into decisive action at any moment. When he acts, it is with total conviction that the action was justified. This King demands loyalty, radiates passion, and stands as a figure of maturity, ambition, and seasoned wisdom. He is as professional as he is driven, and his charisma often makes others willingly orbit his flame.

Yet beneath this royal composure lies a complex personality. The King of Wands here is not the overt conqueror but a passive-aggressive ruler, one who will say what he wants, when he wants, often without consideration for the feelings of others. He believes utterly in his own capabilities, and this unwavering self-reliance borders on the absolute. He is intuitive, dynamic, and visionary — but also insists on being in control. His realm, his will, and his vision brook no rivals.

This creates an intriguing paradox: despite his fiery will and dominating presence, the King of Wands often believes himself misunderstood. There is a hidden sympathy in him — a surprising depth of emotion that he rarely shows, perhaps because he lives in a creative world unknown to others. It is in this interior kingdom that his true genius thrives, though few are permitted entry.

It is essential to remember that in the Hermetic tradition of Tarot, court cards do not denote literal gender. They represent personality archetypes — fundamental energetic patterns or “personality cores.” Masculine figures are associated with active, electric, forceful qualities, while feminine figures embody receptive, magnetic, nurturing attributes. Thus, this “King” is not inherently male but rather represents the fiery, outward-driving will of the element of Fire in its mature and sovereign form.

☉ Hermetic Significance

The Archeon King of Wands is a portrait of Fire enthroned in the psyche — the mature solar will that knows both its creative and destructive power. This King is the archetype of the Magus who has mastered the active force within himself. Yet, as with all fiery forces, this mastery is precarious: the same will that forges empires can also scorch relationships if untempered by empathy.

This tension echoes the dynamic of Tiphareth on the Tree of Life, where the radiant Solar Self must harmonize its leonine will (Geburah, Severity) with compassion (Chesed, Mercy). If he tips too far into Geburah without the balance of Chesed, his noble strength becomes tyranny; his leadership becomes domination.

The Archeon image captures this truth: the King is radiant yet volatile, charismatic yet potentially ruthless. He lives in the paradox of Fire — both life-giving and consuming, both the light of inspiration and the blaze of destruction. To embody this archetype consciously is to wield the wand with both strength and subtlety, allowing the Divine Will (Thelema) to express itself without eclipsing the humanity through which it flows.

🔥 Reversed Meaning

When reversed, the Archeon King of Wands warns of fire without balance. His noble leadership curdles into severity, his confidence into arrogance, his boldness into ruthlessness. The reversed King is controversy incarnate — a domineering presence who scorches rather than inspires, whose self-assuredness blinds him to the needs of others. It is a call to temper will with wisdom, fire with compassion, and sovereignty with service.

The Kings in the Tarot deck, which are the highest-ranking court cards, generally symbolize mature, authoritative, and established energies. Each King represents the mastery and mature expression of their respective suit's element and themes. Here's a detailed look at each King:

King of Wands

Element: Fire
Characteristics:

• Leadership and Vision: Represents a person who is a visionary leader, full of energy and ambition. They inspire others with their passion and drive.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Often associated with business acumen and the ability to turn ideas into reality.
• Confidence and Charisma: Embodies confidence, charisma, and the ability to lead by example.

Upright Meaning: Strong leadership, clear vision, and decisive action.
Reversed Meaning: Impulsiveness, arrogance, or a domineering attitude.

King of Cups

Element: Water
Characteristics:

• Emotional Maturity: Represents a person who has mastered their emotions and can handle complex emotional situations with calmness and understanding.
• Compassion and Empathy: Embodies compassion, empathy, and a deep understanding of human emotions.
• Artistic and Intuitive: Often linked with creativity, intuition, and a nurturing disposition.

Upright Meaning: Emotional balance, compassion, and wise counsel.
Reversed Meaning: Emotional manipulation, moodiness, or repressing emotions.

King of Swords

Element: Air
Characteristics:

• Intellectual Authority: Represents a person who values intellect, logic, and fairness. They are clear thinkers and excellent communicators.
• Strategic and Analytical: Embodies the ability to analyze situations and make fair, unbiased decisions.
• Ethical and Just: Often associated with truth, justice, and ethical behavior.

Upright Meaning: Clear thinking, truth, and ethical leadership.
Reversed Meaning: Manipulation, misuse of power, or cold-heartedness.

King of Pentacles

Element: Earth
Characteristics:

• Material Success: Represents a person who has achieved material success and security through hard work and dedication.
• Stability and Reliability: Embodies stability, reliability, and a practical approach to life.
• Generosity and Responsibility: Often linked with generosity and a sense of responsibility towards others.

Upright Meaning: Financial security, responsibility, and practical wisdom.
Reversed Meaning: Greed, stubbornness, or materialism.

General Attributes of Kings

• Authority and Mastery: Kings represent authority figures who have mastered the elements of their suit. They are often seen as leaders, mentors, or individuals who command respect.
• Mature Energy: Their energy is mature, stable, and reliable, suggesting someone who has gained wisdom through experience.
• External Manifestation: While Queens often embody the internal, nurturing aspect of the suit, Kings represent the external, active manifestation of their suit's qualities.

Understanding the Kings in Tarot provides insight into mature, authoritative energies and how they influence situations and people within readings. Each King brings a distinct flavor of leadership and mastery to the table, reflecting the diverse ways one can express authority and control.

The Tarot Personality birth chart is not mentioned nor shown in the instruction material of Rider-Waite-Smith nor the Archeon Tarot. However, it is part of the Western Hermetic Qabalistic Tarot, and all court cards are based on this chart of 16 personality cores. Checking the birthdate of an individual on this chart will help you find the significator of the querent or of any person they have encountered. We all incarnate and reincarnate in all 12 houses of the Zodiac, so these are merely attempts to signify the "Core" or the "seed" of one's personality.

[If you have questions about tarot or western Hermetic magick, just log onto El's Thoth Tarot Guide (EliChatGPT) and get fast concise answers.]

WHEN KING OF WANDS IS THROWN DURING A READING, it implies.

• A spiritual evolution is taking place at a deep core level. It is as if the past personality is fuel for a new phoenix- self arising from the flames.
• Experiencing the conviction of Spirit with much inner and outward movement of energy; the manifestation of leadership skills.
• Positive male power, complete with the ability to focus on long term goals but with rapid movement that can handle complex situations.
• Strong-minded and able to dominate others by force of will.
• A master of wit and charm, profound sense of humor and warm generosity with a strong liking for fun. Can persuade anyone into anything.
• A mature male who's inner and outer being are in mutual agreement and balance.
• A family man.

If reversed, it implies:

• Very Impersonal force without the conscience of the personal.
• May be a highly empowered spiritual being. Which doesn't necessarily mean he has your best interest at heart. Spirit is Pure Mind and doesn't see things in a personal way.
• Emotional coldness.
• Too much emphasis on the mind.
• Dazzling ambiguity.
• Fickle.
• Quick to anger.
• Driven by passions.

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