bless you Jewel, you are really picking up a lot already. When you see the coloured versions, I really hope they continue to resonate even more for you.
So.... let's take a look. The 2 of wands once again has layers, and possible reversed meanings. In a nutshell, I see this as depicting those times we lack confidence or question ourselves or our own abilities. Remember, we have only just started this journey and in the early stages may wonder if we have it in us to see it through. Our little elf with the large book is that character. His shoulders and expression say it all. Yet we have one who has a calm self confident air about them, and another who is rather over confident. (I think we all had one like that in our class at school. Amazed they never gave themselves a hernia when jumping around with arms waved like that...lol). How ironic the young elf who is the central character is having to sit next to this hyper-excited elf. That can only add to your despair for sure. Each time they leap out of their seat, you will sink a little deeper into your own.
So, what does the book indicate? Well, it is rather large and looks heavy going. Is that something that is adding to their despondancy? Or is it something that could help them by way of additional study, thus gradually increasing their sense of self belief? Just because the others are not using a support by way of a book, does this mean our young elf has to follow suit?
I know this card is often linked with being at a crossroads, or not knowing which path to take. This could apply to this young elf. He could on one hand just give up and accept he is not going to graduate. That would be one path for sure. Or, he could dig deep and realise he is more capable than he first thought. With that spark he would have time to come through, and thus open up another path of opportunity. He in that respect, at a crossroads within his own mind right now, and what he decides to do will have an impact on his future. How often do we tell youngsters this when it comes to exam time eh? "you only get the one opportunity, don't waste it, what you do now will dictate the rest of your life etc, etc...."
The 7 is a real favourite of mine.
We have indications of a battle, struggle or spat for sure. Instead of just seeing 7 wands battering against each other we see the menace of the wolves, but as Jewel said there is a lot going on peripherally. One is menacing another by baring teeth. Is it all show, or can they back that up? Either way it is working at the moment, as one is looking submissive - for now. We have one on the other path watching in as an insider. Have they instigated this then took a step back, or are they genuinely not wanting to be involved?
What about the main three though. Is it possible there was a disagreement between two, and a 3rd went wading in on something that had not involved them?
Look at that wee rabbit. He is desperately trying to flatten himself behind the rock and literally keep his head down. He is a prey animal and knows it is not going to go well for him if the wolves spot him. And we have our young elf. (He is in the 2 and runs through the whole suit. If you want to know the whole story, alas you may have to wait until/if/when it is published...lol)
He needs to continue down that path but for now his way is blocked. What does he do about it? Or as Jewel has said, is he ready to defend himself should the pack head his way?
For now he is totally mesmerised and caught up as an observer.
So again, we hope we have depicted angles for this card. Not everyone is directly involved in such tensions, yet often the 7 of this suit does not reflect the indirect involvement or even the cause. We hope we have added that sense of depth to this, so in a reading any one of the characters can be associated with, thus adding a new take and perhaps giving a more accurate reflection of their role.
The 8 is just beautiful. THis will knock your socks off when coloured, as it will also have a sun. (setting or rising - for you to decide when you see the card - either may be applicable depending on the context of the reading), and will cast a beautiful glow on the undersides of the swans. I think Jewel has summed it up perfectly
And also, it is a throw back to the ace. That ace is powerful. We have the fire burning within the heart, and that will be a reflection of the driving force each and everyone of us has the potential for.
Well, there you have it. 3 of the wands.
We will not look to show more than 3 from any of the pips.
Davina