Rohrig Tarot - Five of Wands
Carl Rohrig
Bluestar Communications, 1995

Description: Pictorially, this card has quite an impact. As usual, my description cannot possibly do it justice. Five pillars rise erect from the ground, extending to the gray, dark sky. Toward the horizon the sky appears fiery. Light is shining behind each pillar (which stand two on the left side of the card and three on the right). A hand is reaching up from the ground into the light. Below the earth is a chasm, apparently formed when a rock formation split into two. The hand is reaching from the split. The same fiery light glows between the split rocks. The word "Strive" is written across the top of the card, and the same word in different languages is written along the bottom.

LWB: Challenges, being prepared for a situation, longing for harmony and success.

My take: The LWB explanation seems far too benign for this card. When I look at this card, I can hear the thunderous sound of the rocks splitting and feel the fiery heat emanating from between them. The hand is desperately reaching for the sky. It does not appear to have been "prepared" for that situation! On the other hand (no pun meant!), the hand is above ground, able to reach for the sky. It is not buried. The pillars stand proudly, alit with a white light - a sign of hope. Strife is a good word for this card; but perhaps "struggle" would be better. Though it will be a struggle to be fully above ground again, it is certainly possible - probable, even. The pillars aren't going anywhere. Despite these setbacks, the goal is still within reach.

Arcana