Herbal Tarot - Eight of Wands - Sassafras

Soaring Eagle

You can see the minor arcane cards in Constellation 8.

Description: Eight staffs are floating in the air pointing down towards a sassafras tree. The tree is planted by a river and there are mountains in the background. A sassafras twig is in the very front of this card.

Significant Details: The staffs symbolize strength of will. The river symbolizes life forces. The mountains are the gateways to the spirit realm. Sassafras symbolizes healing.

Keywords: Swiftness, Messages, Many things happening at once, Intensity

Medicinal Uses: “Native Americans once took sassafras root for fevers. Externally, the antiseptic root bark heals sores and eases poison-ivy rash.” American Nature Guides Herbs by Anna Kruger. “Herbalists use sassafras for a variety of medicinal uses. It is said to have value as a stimulant, pain reliever, astringent and treatment for rheumatism. Skin eruptions may be bathed in an infusion from the leaves. Sassafras tonic has been used as a treatment for syphilis since the early 1600's. It is reported that chewing on the bark may help break the tobacco habit, however, ingestion of sassafras may cause vomiting and can be toxic if taken in large doses. Medicinal use of sassafras has declined in recent years because of the possibility that it may contain carcinogens (cancer-causing agents).” http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/4h/Sassafras/sassafra.htm

My Interpretation: You may receive an important message during this time. You may have many things happening at once right now, things are intense.

Number Significance: 8 – Movement, Change, Action or Inaction, Accomplishment. The 8 of Wands is ruled by Mercury in Sagittarius. The Eights are in Constellation 8 with VIII Strength and XVII Star. Self-Confidence. Fate. Perseverance. Power. Force. Kundalini Energy. Hope. Grace. Balance.