Cosmic Tribe Tarot

NINE OF WANDS

Community

Humans are profoundly social beings. We depend on social support to live and thrive. Each of our relationships is a strand in the web of community and each individual is a place where the strands come together. In this way, most individuals are as strong as their connection to others.

In the card a central wand is supported by lateral branches linked to a frame. No individual is free of family or community influence. Each unique branch of the web is connected to a frame, and all of the frames are interconnected by collective possibility and responsibility. The branches attach to the central wand with helping hands, hands that lend support and guidance. The central wand is the focus of this effort. It could represent the community supporting the individual. It could also represent individuals supporting the community. The central wand has one hand in the crescent moon of emotional sensitivity and another in the full sunshine of awareness. Both the community and the individual draw from the emotional realm for inspiration and both struggle to bring themselves to the light of practical awareness. This effort attracts the eyes of the universe that see through the hands to the purpose behind each action. The immediate result of an individual's investment in the community is a stronger web from which to draw support and inspiration. The ellipse of radiating color surrounding the central wand symbolizes this unity. The orange flames along the frame suggest that fiery creation can be a collective act as well as an individual one.

Divinatory Meaning

Should the Nine of Wands move into your reading, stick a spidery leg out and test the strength of your web. How are you part of your community? How do you support your family and friends? How do they support you? Move beyond the inevitable and superficial disagreements and ask yourself how your tribe makes you possible. Could you live as richly without them? Would you win as many battles? And who would spur you on to greater glory? If you're feeling uninspired, make the effort and get involved with your community. People need you and you need people. If you're already deeply involved, remember to take an occasional break and allow your family or community to support you.