Renaissance Tarot (Jones / Lyle) - Knight of Wands

[Sulis]

The Knight of Wands is presented as a fire spirit, I'm not quite sure of the name as I usually think of the elemental spirits of fire as being salamanders. Wikepedia refers to them as 'Vulcanus' which I presume is the singular noun: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elemental

He appears to be rising from flames and holds a large wand in his right hand. His left hand is raised as a clenched fist which I associate with a positive feeling or a feeling of victory or even solidarity (old socialist that I am )
Flowers which I presume are associated with summer bloom at the top of the card and at the bottom of the card are 2 lions heads, facing away from each other. The lions appear to be breathing out the fire in which the knight dances.

There is a lot of energy in this card and that's what I associate most with this knight.
I think of the Knights as fire so this guy (to me) is fire of fire... I know that the Golden Dawn system is a bit different, I think that knights are air in that system.

He's filled with fiery energy and because of this his concentration span is not great. He's the type of guy who starts something off with great gusto and enthusiasm but gets fed up quickly and moves onto the next great thing. His staying power is also not great.
He's sociable and enthusiastic though and probably has loads of friends.
He's a go-getter and like all the Wands courts is ambitious and goal oriented.
He's charming but (again like all the Wand courts) probably has a fiery temper but I don't think he's one to bear grudges, his rage burns out as quickly as it arrives.

The knights serve the Queen and are often involved in quests so this guy also signifies movement and travel.
I think that this knight would be a passionate quester.

 

[Papageno]

hmmmmmm....I've been getting the Wands court cards a lot lately

the first thing I noticed is his clenched fist raised in a very defiant gesture that suggests activism and idealism. there's definitely a very youthful spirit here, volatile, doesn't go with the flow, not a sheep to be herded.

to me The Knight/wands is the dynamism that keeps us scrappy and on our toes. we never really outgrow him, instead, the energy of the Knight is tempered over time and remains within us as a well of resources from which we can draw in times of need.

the Knights volatile nature can incorporate seemingly contradictory traits, but they aren't really, it all comes from the same forge so to speak. he can be mercurial and disdainful but in the same breath deeply compassionate and protective.

I also notice that unlike the King/Queen/Ace cards which incorporate the Salamanders, the Knight is accompanied by a pair of Lions which suggests strength/nobility/fortitude.

edited:

I guess we're both pretty much saying the same thing

 

[Papageno]

He's filled with fiery energy and because of this his concentration span is not great. He's the type of guy who starts something off with great gusto and enthusiasm but gets fed up quickly and moves onto the next great thing. His staying power is also not great.

I think that this knight would be a passionate quester.

yes, there's that negative potential in the Knight/wands.
lack of focus and commitment.
he can be like the uppermost part of the flame that is very hot and airy.
it dissipates quickly into the atmosphere.

 

[Sulis]

to me The Knight/wands is the dynamism that keeps us scrappy and on our toes. we never really outgrow him, instead, the energy of the Knight is tempered over time and remains within us as a well of resources from which we can draw in times of need.

I really like this thought that we never really outgrow him.
This is one of the reasons that I like to think that the princess becomes the queen and the knight becomes the king.
That's what real people are like - you don't completely loose the spark that you had in your youth (well hopefully not), you just mature and as you say, become tempered and changed but your essence is still the same.

I know that my own, personal Knight of Wands is quite well hidden within me but I like to think that he's there and will appear if needed
I think my Knight of Swords is more prone to making an appearance (usually just before my period is due ).

I'm so glad of this study group - I'm still quite shocked at how much I like this deck and at how readable it is

 

[Papageno]

I'm so glad of this study group - I'm still quite shocked at how much I like this deck and at how readable it is

I think this deck will be my #1 for a long time.
I know we said this is a really nice mixture of RWS-Marseilles but I also pick up a twinge of Thoth-iness in it.
The court cards are so wonderful......not just images of bored stupid aristocrats all dressed up with nowhere to go and exuding all the exuberance and vitality of dead blooms in a jug.

 

[Enchanted]

I really like what you both have said about the evolution, as such of the courts, knights becoming kings etc. Definite food for thought there!

This Knight of Wands does certainly look all fired up and ready to go!

The first thing I noticed was the fire that appears to be coming from the lion's heads, in a way it appeared to be fuelling his fire, keeping it burning. I wasn't sure whether to take this as something from outside of him at first, but then I thought that it could refer to him being fuelled by the beast within, his passions, his anger, his daring, risk taking nature.

From his bodily positioning, it would seem to indicate that he is now focussed or even perhaps slightly future focussed. His body is straight on, yet his lower torso leans forward. It is like he is getting ahead of himself, carried away by his passions, or just antsy to get going and moving. I think sometimes this card can indicate an individual who is sometimes blinded by impatience or just the very need to keep moving. He is restless and impulsive and this can lead him to getting carried away.

This guy doesn't dwell on the past, or even yesterday and this perhaps could be his downfall as to him the past is done and dusted and he doesn't take the time to contemplate any mistakes or learn anything from them, he just moves on to today and tomorrow.

I think he moves on quickly, so while he may be quick to anger, I think he is also equally quick to forgive and forget. The same goes for his passions.

For me in a reading, he is my little red flag. Am I moving for the sake of movement alone or am I actually heading somewhere?

 

[Little Baron]

Poor old Knight of Cups ...

The other day I did a two card reading and got the 'Knight of Cups' and 'Knight of Wands'.

Wasn't sure what to make of it at first and then I burst out laughing.

It was almost as if, while the 'Cups' knight had his back turned, that the 'Knight of Wands' was giving him the w****r sign with his hand. Couldn't stop laughing. And it was so apt to the read, as well.



Had to share that as you guys have already given this card such great coverage [line them up, it's really funny]

LB

 

[WooMonkey]

Well, after reading THAT, I obviously had to get my deck out and put the cards together. The effect is something like "stop paying so much attention to that *!@% cup!!!".

This card seems to be the roughest of all the court cards. I don't know if it's the expression or clenched fist, but the others seem more serene. I see knights as fire also, so it makes sense that the fire of fire would not sit around contemplating. He wants to move! Don't waste time thinking or introspecting on how you feel. Go with your gut--NOW!

 

[Enchanted]

The other day I did a two card reading and got the 'Knight of Cups' and 'Knight of Wands'.

Wasn't sure what to make of it at first and then I burst out laughing.

It was almost as if, while the 'Cups' knight had his back turned, that the 'Knight of Wands' was giving him the w****r sign with his hand. Couldn't stop laughing. And it was so apt to the read, as well.



Had to share that as you guys have already given this card such great coverage [line them up, it's really funny]

LB

Well you know I had to do this out of curiosity!

LOL, that is too funny! The poor Knight of Cups, it is almost as if he is saying "hand on my heart, it is true..." and the Knight of Wands responds with "Whatever!"