Victoria Regina Tarot - Six of Wands
Art: Sarah Ovenall
Book: Georg Patterson & Sarah Ovenall

Description: A soldier in full dress uniform including banner & tall shako hat rides his fiery steed. He clasps upright one pen (the suit symbol of wands) and 5 more are arrayed precisely behind him. There is also a suggestion of wheels & cogs at the top, and a single wagon-wheel at the bottom. The soldier easily controls his fractious horse.

My take: A total triumph; the enemy is vanquished. The soldier's saddle is topped with a leopard skin, which almost seems like a coup, as though he's parading the spoils of war. The cogs & wheels at the top and the single wagon wheel at the bottom make this feel like the triumph of technology over simplicity; progress marches on. The machinery at the top also reminds me that although this soldier seems to be an individual, he's part of a much larger machine. He may have deluded himself into thinking he did this alone, but he's only a cog.

The book: "A moment of public acknowledgment for your achievements. No one wants to feel that they're toiling endlessly for no reward. At the same time, it's not good to attach too much importance to the reactions of others.”

Interesting note: The figure in the card is the Prince of Wales, Victoria's heir, the future King Edward VII. Apparently Victoria had a troubled relationship with him; didn't trust him & gave him little to do. She also blamed him for the death of her beloved Albert, and distanced herself, providing few moments when he could succeed & receive praise for his talents. This depicts one of the few times she acknowledged him in public (his triumphant return from India). How sad!

Blessings,
Janet