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Bohemian Gothic Tarot

EIGHT OF WANDS

Lighter or more conventional meanings

Everything happening at once, both threats an, opportunities * Speed, rush, events moving quickly * Feeling rushed off your feet - but quite enjoying the buzz * Events moving swiftly to a conclusion.

Darker, shadow or more hidden meanings

Too much happening at once, it feels unpleas­antly overwhelming * Threats and opportunities - can you tell which is which? * A brief passion that leaves you feeling wiped out and spent * Things coming to a conclusion, but is it a good or a bad way to end?

Action, speed, opportunities, tasks, possibilities, messages, excitement. The Eight of Wands is usually a dizzying card that's traditionally about a11 of these. It indi­cates one of those times in life when everything seems to be happening at once. This can be exhilarating or overwhelming, depending on how you deal with events - energy and enthusiasm will help you to stay on top of things, as will a sense of organisation and a firm decision not to even attempt to respond immediately to all that's going on. Take things one at a time and decide what takes precedence, then you can enjoy and take advantage of this exciting time rather than allowing it to exhaust you.

In the Bohemian Gothic card there is a feeling not of excitement but rather of dread. What we see depicted are not so much opportunities as threats - the gargoyles seem to be hurling themselves at the stone statue, and he turns, flinching and afraid. It's a picture of chaos set against an angry red sky and it gives the sense of being overwhelmed by the sheer speed of events.

In the Gothic, stories often build to a crescendo of action, when events move out of control and the characters are left battling against impending disaster. The wild chase to get to the castle before sunset at the end of Bram Stoker's Dracula is a classic example. The tempestuous end of Baron Metzengerstein, in Poe's story of the same name, is also an instance of fiery, furious tumult. In each case, the one who keeps his head and does not panic survives; he who loses himself in the fear and pandemonium is likely to perish. It's maybe a melodramatic way to consider the meaning of this card, but it's also useful. When we pull this Eight of Wands in a reading we should not feel panicked by it. Instead we might take it as clear advice to be calm and rational. Even in the midst of the excitement - which may be quite hazardous at times - we should try to remain unruffled.

Some further ways to consider this card

Why is the statue shrinking away? Can the gargoyles harm him or is his fear unfounded?

Several other cards in the deck feature gargoyles and rooftops. In particular, compare this card to The Fool, in which all is calm and still. If these two come up together in a reading how might they reinforce or lessen the significance of one another?

Up the long avenue of aged oaks which led from the forest to the main entrance of the Chateau Metzengerstein, a steed, bearing an unbonneted and disordered rider, was seen leaping with an impetuosity which outstripped the very Demon of the Tempest. The career of the horseman was indisputably, on his own part, uncontrollable. The agony of his countenance, the convulsive struggle of his frame, gave evidence of superhuman exertion: but no sound, save a solitary shriek, escaped from his lacerated lips, which were bitten through and through in the intensity of terror. One instant, and the clattering of hoofs resounded sharply and shrilly above the roaring of the flames and the shrieking of the winds - another, and, clearing at a single plunge the gate-way and the moat, the steed bounded far up the tottering staircases of the palace, and, with its rider, disappeared amid the whirlwind of chaotic fire.
- Edgar Allan Poe, "Metzengerstein", Tales of Mystery and Imagination.