DruidCraft Tarot - Eight of Wands
Authors: Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm
Illustrator: Will Worthington
Connections Book Publishing, London
ISBN: 1-85906-144-3

Description:
A young man wearing only a kilted plaid, is flinging a simple wooden spear across a chasm. He stands at the edge of the grassy knoll to shoot his spear with seven more lined up at his side ready to be rapidly fired one after the other. The sky is brilliant blue with flufy white clouds.

From the (not so little, nor white) book:

Speaking of eights in general:
"Since eight is the number of abundance and manifestation, it is also the number of successful magical work in which the initiate is able to realize dreams, to give birth in the material world to ideas which were originally given to them in the subtlest way with Awen. Eight is the number of completing a cycle of working hard - and effectively - in the world, and the consequent harvest that results from this work."

About the 8 Wands: Key Words: speed/synchronicity/accomplishment

"You have either achieved your goal or are moving swiftly towards its accomplishment. You may well be experiencing a time in your life when so much is going on it can seem hard to slow down enough to take stock of what is actually happening. You may hear exciting news or take a journey, or you may find yourself falling in love, or swept off your feet in other ways –by being excited about a new project or idea, for example, and throwing your energy and enthusiasm into it.

There is a quality of efficiency and orderliness to the speed of events, success or movement suggested by this card, which means that it may indicate you are involved in streamlining your life or your business. Synchronicity and serendipity may abound, or rapid communication or negotiation could be occurring. While generally a very positive card to receive, it does sound a few notes of caution: when getting carried away by an idea or by your feelings for someone, be careful that it is not just an infatuation. And, as you experience the events and the time signified by this card, beware of going too fast. Try to sense the natural flow or rhythm and attune yourself to it, even if the excitement may make this difficult.

Reverse meaning: In matters of the heart, this may signal the end of an infatuation or loving relationship, or it could signal jealousy and conflict bringing confusion and uncertainty to the relationship. Projects or journeys could become delayed, or completion may seem impossible, with a sense that the situation will just continue indefinitely without conclusion. A shift of attitude may be all that is needed."

marianne's musings:
This card gives the impression of controlled energy. There is not a sense of things being out of control or overwhelming. There's no sense of tension here; this young man seems to be practicing on a delightful day in a delightful setting. It appears that he's serious about honing his skill but that he also enjoys the activity and his surroundings. The hard work and purpose which I associate with the eights is represented here but it is certainly not drudgery.

Reversed, this card seems to indicate a lack of control. The clouds appear like a mass of whitecaps on rushing water heading straight for the young man who appears off-balance and almost seems to be waving farewell to the spear which seems to be passing him by. Perhaps there has not been enough purpose or attention given to an opportunity which is consequently passing him by.

blessings,
marianne