ANCIENT EGYPTIAN STUDY GROUP - 3 Wands

[rwcarter]

A man meditates in a variation of the half-lotus position. As dawn breaks and the sun begins to rise, the suggestion is that he has meditated throughout the night and now that he's refreshed, it's time for him to begin his day and attend to the work the day will bring.

The three wands form an upward pointing triangle, which is a symbol of fire and of masculine virility. It suggests the trinity of physical, mental and spiritual.

The head next to the seated figure represents the seat of the life-force (generally and specifically of the seated figure) and the soul. It suggests wisdom, the mind, control and rule. Bald, it shows consecration and dedication.

Since the seated figure also has a head, the suggestion is of a two-headed figure. This symbolism suggests many things:

• the beginning and the end
• past and future
• yesterday and today
• solar and lunar powers (these first four are all suggested by the end of night turning into the beginning of a new day)
• the beginning of any enterprise or journey
• departure and return
• judgment and discernment
• cause and effect
• seeing both inwards and outwards

The day is a symbol for clarity, reason and candor. The coming dawn is a symbol of illumination and hope. It can also represent the awakening of new forces, a fresh idea or a new beginning, and something that gradually becomes clear to the mind's eye.

The orange coloring of the card suggests the assimilation of new ideas, broadening the mind and helping one to cope with their life and career. It increases vigor, stimulates energy and builds endurance. Yellow-orange represents the intellectual.

The card also represents the dawning of Spring after the months of Winter. Spring is a symbol of purity and fertile abundance. It represents new beginnings, projects or ideas. It also represents life and growth after a period of dormancy.

Barrett assigns the keyword of virtue to this card, but I don't really see that here unless one thinks of meditation as a form of waiting, which in turn suggests patience, which in turn brings to mind the old saying that "Patience is a virtue."

Rodney