Comparative Tarot

5 of Wands shows a man and woman engaged in a rather aggressive embrace. The man's face isn't visible as it is pressed into the woman's bosom. His muscular torso is naked and blue shorts (or some blue material) cover him from waist to knees. His left leg rests on the woman's right thigh and his black boot is visible. His right hand is clasping the woman's left and they are upraised as though dancing. His left arm is clasping the woman about the waist. The woman's right hand is grasping his thigh as though pulling it closer to her. The woman wears a long purple and pink gown. Her shoulders are bare and her right leg is visible. Each figure has a bubble over their head. The man is thinking "Man! This chick is uptight!" While the woman ponders "Romance ... is that too much to ask for?"

The Book says: A struggle in life and love. Petty obstacles, short-term difficulties which when overcome and seen from a broader perspective, can lead to deeper understanding. A conflict of interest or argument fueled by creative differences. In it's reverse this card can mean inner conflict or replaying old arguments in one's head in order to fuel building resentments.

Bee's Buzz: Hmm, this is quite an interesting interpretation of a passionate (although perhaps pointless) struggle. Based on the image I would guess that this couple is conducting the mating dance - will they have sex or not? Apparently the woman is yearning for some romance - soft words, candlelight and music - while the man is just eager to get right down to business. The woman seems to be sexually attracted to the man, after all she is holding his thigh in place with her hand. This is struggle that many relationships experience. Even when pure lust is the motivating factor we sometimes yearn for something more - for an emotional connection. I think sometimes human nature requires us to put a pretty face on things. We need to feel that there is more to sex than just lust. Passion alone is not enough to sustain us for long. How many times have we seen marriages break up over an extramarital affair that occurred because one partner gave in to uncontrollable passion? How many books, movies and songs exist as paeans to overwhelming, all-consuming passion? And yet what happens once the passion is consummated? If there is no true emotional connection then the struggle was for nothing and we are left empty and unfulfilled. In our life we experience in a multitude of situations and on various levels. How many of us have struggle with our need for a stable, comfortable life versus our need to fulfill ourselves on an emotional and spiritual level? How many times have we heard someone yearn for a job that would allow them to follow their bliss and pay their bills? These are never easy struggles to endure but once we are able to reconcile our different needs and desires then we are able to move on. Of course there may be another struggle waiting around the corner but each triumph makes us stronger and more able to deal with the next challenge.

Bees Blessings
Debbie