Cosmic Tarot - Ten of Wands
Norbert Losche
F.X. Schmid, 1988

Description: A person kneels on the ground, hunched over, arms up in a defensive stance but head lowered. They are surrounded by 10 rods, and appear to be trying to push them away. Fire rages around them. There are buildings in the background, visible behind the flames, and Saturn is in the sky.

LWB: The world burns; a person sinks into the flames.
Meaning: oppression, last effort, stubbornness, burden, intrigue, difficulties, link between strong oppositions, fulfilling of great wishes, new standard of life.

My take: I usually associate this card with the keyword “oppression”, but even so there are variations. One can be oppressed and angry, ready to fight against their plight; or overburdened and tired, but able to carry the load despite their fatigue. This card, however, appears to show someone giving up. It is almost more of “surrender” than “oppression”. It is not a happy scene. Not surprising; the Cosmic deck is pretty dramatic (probably one of the reasons I like it so much!). To me, this card is a warning: pick yourself up before it’s too late.

Arcana