Rusty Neon
In the Marseilles deck, the symbols of the other three suits relate to easily identifiable mundane, physical, non-esoteric objects: cups (or chalices), swords and coins.
The explanation of the symbol of the Batons suit (variously translated by tarotists into English as Staves, Rods, Sticks, Clubs, Sceptres, Batons, Wands, etc.) is not so clear.
What mundane, physical, non-esoteric object do the batons of the pip cards actually illustrate, historically speaking? Farming implements, weapons, firewood, construction logs, sceptres (of authority), or what? Note that I'm not looking for esoteric objects, please! (The various books which I have give plenty of those!)
The _Le Petit Robert_ French dictionary gives the basic meaning of baton as "a long piece of round wood that one can hold in one's hand and use for various purposes". The dictionary entry then goes on to give various specific meanings. Unfortunately, not one of them is expressly identified as _the_ tarot meaning. A baton can be, e.g., a physical support (like a cane), a ski or other pole, a shepherd's staff, a sceptre (of authority), a drum stick, an illusionist's (i.e., magician's) baton, a stick (such as crayon stick), a cylindrical object of various sorts, and an ancient currency unit. Not mentioned but a magic(k)ian's wand would also be a baton.
Thanks!
Rusty Neon
Puzzled in Canada
The explanation of the symbol of the Batons suit (variously translated by tarotists into English as Staves, Rods, Sticks, Clubs, Sceptres, Batons, Wands, etc.) is not so clear.
What mundane, physical, non-esoteric object do the batons of the pip cards actually illustrate, historically speaking? Farming implements, weapons, firewood, construction logs, sceptres (of authority), or what? Note that I'm not looking for esoteric objects, please! (The various books which I have give plenty of those!)
The _Le Petit Robert_ French dictionary gives the basic meaning of baton as "a long piece of round wood that one can hold in one's hand and use for various purposes". The dictionary entry then goes on to give various specific meanings. Unfortunately, not one of them is expressly identified as _the_ tarot meaning. A baton can be, e.g., a physical support (like a cane), a ski or other pole, a shepherd's staff, a sceptre (of authority), a drum stick, an illusionist's (i.e., magician's) baton, a stick (such as crayon stick), a cylindrical object of various sorts, and an ancient currency unit. Not mentioned but a magic(k)ian's wand would also be a baton.
Thanks!
Rusty Neon
Puzzled in Canada