Suit of Wands · 12:17am Aug 25th, 2020
The suit of Wands is associated with elemental Fire, action, and the playing card suit of clubs. The Ace of Wands is associated with inspiration, opportunity, and potential; reversed, it means delays, lack of direction, and distractions. I... couldn't think of a good pony for this one. So instead I ponified Iris Wildthyme, who is basically an in-universe parody of Doctor Who, banging around time and space in her double-decker bus, going to parties, getting absolutely smashed, and having a brilliant time. Even when she doesn't know where she's going, she goes there hard and with purpose. She's just a delight.
The rolling hills are symbols of challenges we must face, but which can be overcome with effort. The pinecone on the staff is a symbol of the Maenads, a group of Dionysus-worshippers who really knew how to party hard and also sometimes kill people. The bus is a promise of opportunity, the promise that you can go anywhere and everywhere in the multiverse when you step onboard -- your destination might not be up to you, but you can jolly well make the most of it!
2 of Wands, or 'Dominion', represents planning, discovery, and progress; reversed, it means fear of the unknown or lack of planning. I chose Romana for this one because she's very scientifically-minded and never afraid to investigate the unknown.
We do not know what the remote she holds does -- it therefore represents unknown potential. She sits in her room, in safety, but the window to the balcony is open, suggesting that she may soon depart for the world beyond.
3 of Wands, or 'Virtue', is the card of expansion, foresight, and overseas opportunities. I think that last one is oddly specific, but there you go. Reversed, it means unexpected delays or lack of foresight. I chose Pip for this one because I definitely see him going into sailing, something that I certainly hadn't based solely on him looking adorable in that little pirate costume what are you talking about.
The three wands are all firmly planted on the ground, symbolizing this card's determination. He is turned to face out to the horizon, viewing the vast sea before him with clarity. A ship goes by, representing moving forward and progressing with one's plans.
4 of Wands, or 'Completion' is the card of celebration, joy, and homecoming. Reversed, it means conflict with others or transition. I chose Autumn Blaze for this one because, well, it was kind of the whole conclusion of her episode that she was able to come home and reunite with the other kirins. Also she's just very fluffy and I love her.
The four wands here are bound up with banners and streamers of a celebration, while below the kirin dance and celebrate the return of their voices, representing the joy of completing a goal. Behind them, a house sits, lights on and door ajar, symbolizing the safety and security of home.
5 of Wands, or 'Strife', means diversity, conflict, and tension; reversed, the release of tension or avoidance of conflict. For this card I chose the Flower Sisters, Lily, Rose, Daisy, Hyacinth, and Violet. They are... fairly dysfunctional, especially when Hyacinth is around. (Vacation to a Pleasant Country Retreat).
The wands here are crossed, but not striking anyone -- there is tension, but not a fight. The different flowers that top each one suggest that each sister is markedly different from the others, with little common ground.
6 of Wands, or 'Victory', refers to self-confidence, success, and public recognition; reversed, it is a fall from grace, a private success, or egotism. I chose Trixie.
The laurel wreath is a sign of victory, and the stage is a place to show off in front of a cheering crowd beyond the fireworks. She is not afraid to toot her own horn, and the audience is absolutely loving it.
7 of Wands, or 'Valor', is a symbol of competition, perseverance, and protection; reversed, it means throwing in the towel or being overwhelmed. Much as I think Octavia is rather more wild and debauched than she is often framed as, I kinda headcanon Vinyl as the Mom Friend. She would fight anyone who threatened her or her loved ones, she worked her way up to fame and stardom, and she can and will take a napkin and rub that schmutz off the corner of your mouth.
Here, she appears to be defending herself against a swarm of faceless ravers, though the fact that she hasn't yet put the record down suggests she may have come in unprepared. She has the high ground, but they have the numbers.
8 of Wands, or 'Swiftness', is associated with air travel, fast-paced change, and movement; reversed, it is delay and frustration. I chose Cloudchaser for this because I see her as just a figure associated with speed. She's in the Wonderbolts, after all, and I see her being very frustrated in many ways that she's still stuck in Ponyville.
She flies alongside eight shooting stars, representing speed and movement. Sometimes, it really is that obvious. I did have fun drawing this one, it might be my secret favorite.
9 of Wands, or 'Strength', is the card of resilience, courage, persistence, and boundaries; reversed, it is paranoia, defensiveness, and being overwhelmed. I chose Ember for this one, because despite her father telling her that she couldn't, and all the other dragons competing for the role, she became the Dragonlord. Of course, her trials aren't over -- she's still quite small, and having the Bloodstone Scepter literally handed to you by a baby dragon raised by ponies isn't going to instill confidence in you as a leader, but she'll fight as long and hard as she needs to.
She holds the scepter in a defensive posture, prepared to meet her next challenge, represented by the eight stalactites and stalagmites before her. However, as she is a nine, this will be her final challenge before achieving her end goal.
10 of Wands, or 'Oppression', represents extra responsibilities, carrying the a burden, hard work, and completion; reversed it can either mean sharing the burden or release, or it can mean trying to do it all yourself. I think Limestone would do the latter. I chose her because she seems to be the driving force behind the Pie Family Rock Farm these days, always dragging along her burden -- in this case, these stupid sticks that got into the rocks!
I mean, the symbolism is quite blatant here, she's literally carrying a burden. But she's nearly there!
The Page of Wands signals inspiration, a free spirit, and ideas; reversed, redirecting energy, self-limiting beliefs, and a spiritual path. I chose Zecora for this one because she is certainly a free spirit with lots of ideas, off in the Everfree, meditating and making potions.
She stands firmly planted here as she moves -- she has taken inspiration from this wand, but she remains rooted in reality. Behind her, the bog in which she stands erupts in light, signifying that inspiration may be found in the most unexpected places.
The Knight of Wands is a symbol of passion, inspired action, and impulsiveness; reversed, it means scattered energy, frustration, and haste. I chose Starlight for this one because she is definitely passionate about her magic! And impulsive. Veeery impulsive.
Here, she rears back, full of fire and energy for the project ahead of her, ready to impose her will on the hot, barren landscape that is her canvas.
The Queen of Wands is the symbol of courage, confidence, independence, and determination; reversed, it means self-respect, self-confidence, and introversion. I think that all sounds great, honestly. I did Somnambula for this one because she saw her pharaoh get kidnapped by a big mean kitty and she just went and got him back. Honestly I wish for that level of confidence, you go, Somnambula.
The lions on the stone throne symbolize courage and strength, while the cat below symbolizes confidence and a connection to the inner self.
The King of Wands represents natural leadership, long-term success, and grand visions; reversed, it means ruthlessness, impulsiveness, and high expectations. I chose Shining Armor for this because he does strike me as a strong leader who can make good policies. He's an easily frazzled nerd, but hey, so's Twilight.
The wall behind him represents his fortitude. The salamanders on the ground are symbols of fire and strength, and they bite their tails to evoke infinity, the ongoing drive to overcome adversity. His wand is also blossoming into leaves, a sign of life and creativity.
And that's the deck! I sure hope you enjoyed these, because I certainly enjoyed making them. I might try and make them into a physical thing at some point, but that's probably quite expensive so perhaps not for awhile. I'm quite content with them as they are, anyway.
-6&7
A potential pony Ace of Wands might actually be Photo Finish. Inspiration, opportunity, potential... that's basically the start of Fluttershy's modeling career in a nutshell. The reversed meanings are said career from Fluttershy's perspective.
Still, I quite like pony Iris. An emptying wineglass is certainly one way to measure time.
I have to love how you don't need an explanation for Six of Wands beyond "I chose Trixie." She may well be this card given life as a pony. (Hmm. There's a story idea...)
"Shining, how did you get all those salamanders to bite their own tails?"
"Simple. I asked Fluttershy."
"Oh."
"Hey, natural leadership means knowing how to delegate, Miss 'I'll Run the Swannifying Myself.'"
Fantastic stuff from start to finish. Thanks for putting it together.
Beautiful and elegantly made.