In a lush red tunic with a cape covered in the one of the oldest alchemical symbols – the salamander, the King of Wands sits with one hand holding on a long, powerful wand while his other hand looks as if he’s about to stand up and direct a member of his court. His throne is decorated with courageous lions and salamanders with their tails winding in a circle to touch their mouths, reflecting maturity and completion. This leader is all about achievement – his ability to see his projects through with speed, accuracy and flourish are unparalleled. Few can compete with his brashness, his bravery, his succinct assessment of challenges and his lack of hesitation in taking on projects without being hampered by fears or doubt. He literally does not understand what it means to be indecisive. Or cautious. In his younger years when he was just a knight, he was eager to prove himself. He was brave out of naivety – brash from inexperience. He is even more dangerous now because though he has not lost his nerve or daring, his strategies now reflects lessons he’s learned along the way, the experience of seeing what it really takes to turn an idea into a reality and his ability to judge what is needed for success and ultimate fulfillment in his creative, often audacious plans and schemes. His most powerful advisor is the small, dark salamander we see at his feet – a quiet, understated amphibian that holds magical powers that belong to both fire and water. Like the salamander, the King of Wands is not afraid to merge opposite elements in order to bring a completely new and different element to life. His inventive mind works in unique and often unexpected ways and he often approaches difficulties from refreshing perspectives, unafraid of using unorthodox methods to resolve problems.
Many of the most inspired leaders of the world such as Mahatma Gandhi, César Chávez, Joan of Arc or Malala Yousafzai are basically the King of Wands incarnate. Bold, unapologetic, passionate, fierce, unorthodox, compassionate trailblazers who led not through control, manipulation or fear but by inspiring others to follow their example and by giving voice to what many were thinking or feeling but were too afraid to say aloud. Their fame and charisma have spread throughout the globe due to how much they’ve accomplished – not through charming words or beguiling looks but through daring acts. This is courage in its most potent form. The fire driving the King of Wands cannot be distinguished. He is an unstoppable force and in his wake his people experience a new era of security and peace through innovation, efficiency and productivity. He is powerful because he tames his inner fire, his passion for completion softening his Ego so that he willingly delegates to others in order to get the task done – playing to others strengths and nurturing their own passions as he instinctively understands that the best motivator is to allow a person’s interests and innate assets to dictate their role in moving a project forward. He never rules alone and his inspired energy draws others to him like moths to a flame – not to be destroyed but redirected so that the entire tribe experiences more harmony, productivity and pride in their accomplishments.
If the fiery flash of the King of Wands appears in a reading, the chance for achievement has leapt into our hands like a mischievous salamander. Contemplation and reflection are not as necessary as action done from the gut and often in the cooperation with others, without the confinements of status quo, unfair and old-fashioned rules or outdated regulations. We just need to take care that we are not overly eager or too impulsive – as these are the dark sides to the King of Wands feisty ambition. We must also remember that if others are not as daring, it is only because they are not as fueled with fiery Wand energy as we are, and it is up to us to inspire them to leave their fears behind and help us build a new dawn.
A potent plant ally to the King of Wands is Cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum), a spicy pepper from the nightshade family (Solanaceae) which also includes tomatoes, eggplant, and potatoes as well as more medicinal or psychoactive plants such as Ashwagandha, Datura, Belladonna and Angel’s Trumpet. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, the compound that gives it heat. This thermogenic effect means it raises core body temperature which helps burn extra calories, revs up the metabolism and reduces sensations of hunger. It also increases blood circulation and relaxes blood vessels, which can lower blood pressure and stop plaque from building up in the arteries. When applied to the skin topically, capsaicin lowers a chemical messenger or neuropeptide associated with inflammation and pain signaling called substance P that sends pain signals to the brain, making it a perfect addition to creams for muscle or joint discomfort including shingles, diabetic peripheral neuropathy and arthritis. Cayenne peppers also contain flavonoids, vitamin C and carotenoids which have antioxidant properties, helping protect against cellular damage caused by oxidative stress.
Alchemy is ever present between the King of Wands and Cayenne – for though this fiery, energized combo has played with fire many times, they’ve rarely been burned. In fact, they channel the heat in new and unexpected ways, using fire’s force to strengthen, heal, protect, and build. Taking this pair under our wing allows us to fly to new heights where fear is far behind us and a big, beautiful horizon of possibilities expands before us.
*Tarot reading is based on the Rider-Waite Tarot Card deck, illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith
References
Altınterim, Başar. “Cayenne, Capsaicin and Substance-P.” ResearchGate, January 2013. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268515427_Cayenne_Capsaicin_and_Substance-P
Anand, P and Bley, K. “Topical Capsaicin for Pain Management: Therapeutic Potential and Mechanisms of Action of the New High-Concentration Capsaicin 8% Patch.” National Center for Biotechnology Information, 17 August 2011. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3169333/
EBSCO CAM Review Board. “Cayenne's Therapeutic Uses.” EBSCO, 2024. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/complementary-and-alternative-medicine/cayennes-therapeutic-uses
Kubala, Jillian, MS, RD. “6 Potential Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper.” Healthline, 1 February 2023. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/8-benefits-of-cayenne-pepper#3-Packed-with-beneficial-plant-compounds
Pollack, Rachel. Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom. San Francisco, Red Wheel/Weiser, LLC, 2007. P163-165