King of Wands

Upright

vision · leadership by example · a fire that can sit still

This King has learned to sit without going out. Vision, enterprise, a household or workshop that runs because someone can hold the heat and still hear: lead from the chair you actually occupy, and let others bring their wands. Authority here is a hearth, not a wildfire.

Reversed

tyranny of vision · a temper on a throne · leadership that will not listen

The salamander has become a dragon in a small room. You may be ruling by volume, or so married to the vision that no one else can add a log. Cool the throne and ask one question you do not already know the answer to; fire that cannot receive becomes smoke.

On the card

• Salamander robe

  A person who lives in flame and is not consumed.

• The wand as staff

  Authority that is also a tool. Leadership you can lean on.

• Lions

  Courage as a household. Heat that has been housed.

When it shows up

This looks like running the room well, mentoring without stealing the spark, finishing what you lit.

History

A king in a salamander-patterned cape holds a staff; lions again on the throne, a small salamander at his side. Waite’s Kings are the airy, conscious mastery of a suit. Smith’s lizards are fire’s creature, able to pass through flame. He is the Magician grown into a public life — will as governance.

If you want to sit with it

Where are you being asked to be a hearth, not just a match?

Optional. Nothing is saved.