Whimsical Tarot - Eight of Rods
by Dorothy Morrison, illus. Mary Hanson-Roberts
Publisher: US Games Systems, Inc.

Scene: Row, Row, Row Your Boat

Two youngsters sit in a small wooden boat. The boy, dressed in blue and dark red, sits to the left pulling on the oars. A shovel is visible behind him. Facing the boy, a girl in orange and blue holds a map and controls the rudder. Water in the foreground is rough, while the stretch between the boat and shore is calm and smooth. A castle sits on a grassy hill in the distance.

Like the rest of the Rods in this deck, the card border is orange with vines in autumn colors. Suit symbols frame the image.

LWB: Messages and communications, often from a considerable distance; sometimes, a trip over water.

Book Excerpts:
“Smile when the Eight of Rods floats into your spread, for it brings long distance messages of good luck, good fortune, and happiness. Synchronicity comes into play, bringing many of your hopes and dreams within arm’s reach. … Part of the reason life seems to have a dream-like quality right now is because everything is moving so quickly. … Don’t allow yourself to be overwhelmed.”

My take on it:
This young couple – teenagers, perhaps – are determined to make their own way in the world. The shovel indicates they’re probably hunting for buried treasure. Together, they’re making rapid progress toward their goal. It’s unclear whether they’re heading toward the castle or away from it, or whether it’s dawn or dusk, but they’re definitely taking action here. Rather than just dreaming or talking about having a grand adventure, they’re out actively enjoying themselves.

Tracy Hite