Five of Wands - Fusion:
The light of our sun and every star in the night sky is the result of fusion reactions, but we experience it only from a great distance. Perceived from up close, the explosive forces suddenly released are so violent and massive that all else may be forgotten.
As gravity within the growing proto-star builds to a critical mass, reactions within it that were impossible are now inevitable. Hydrogen atoms fuse together within the star core, releasing furious energy and brilliant light into the darkness of space. The fusion process is violent, long-lived, and full of potential catastrophe.
This moment represents an overwhelming challenge, a trial by fire - painful but necessary, traumatic but exhilarating. In the future wait all the hopes and possibilities of life; in the past lie all the imperceptibly slow movements that led to this cataclysmic flash.
Hero's Journey, Step 5: The road of trials is a series of tests, tasks, or ordeals that the hero must undergo to begin a transformation. Often the hero fails one or more of these spirited confrontations. As the hero experiences trials and setbacks, however, new allies and strengths are discovered in this alien world.
Traditional Meaning: Mettle is tested in conflicts, as one encounters the full challenges of a strange new world. Dangers threaten, but many hidden powers offer assistance as well.
Six of Cups - Return to the Sea:
The familiar influence of returning back to the sea offers hope, restoration of balance and recognition of progress to the whales and dolphins on their journey, as they bring experience of their land-life to flourish in their ancient home.
Back when the earth's lands were empty, some sea dwellers left their water home and found niches on land, where they evolved into land mammals, breathing air, bearing live young, growing land-legs and a neocortex. Eventually some of these mammals returned again to the benefits of the sea, taking with them what they gathered on their journey by retaining many of the changes brought on by life on the land. Whales and dolphins flourished as they returned to the water, bringing new strengths and means of survival into their ancient home.
Hero's Journey, Step 6: Revisiting the influence of an old mentor restores a simple, familiar balance. Refreshed, the hero returns to the path.
Traditional Meaning: The card means hope, happiness, and blessings. It can mean reacquaintance or experiencing a new relationship with a previously known entity. Perhaps it is time to revisit old loves.
Ace of Wands - Nebula:
Apparently from nothing, the star stuff comes together and begins to take shape. But what will become of this gathering of dust, this mass of potential, this nebulous form just beginning to emerge?
The suit of wands represents your physical presence in the world - the work you do, the art you create, the roles you play, the person you know yourself to be. The wands is the suit of fire and of creation.
The beginning of a star's life represents the first step on that path. A universe of possibilities awaits, but the path forward may be impossible to see. Indeed, many who view this majestic birth see nothing at all. But the patient, experienced viewer will recognize the gathering garden from which a star will burst into life.
Hero's Journey, Step 1: This is a call to adventure. This is the first notice that things will change, if you accept the path. This is an opportunity to pursue a new identity or a new path.
Traditional Meaning: This card symbolizes renewal and creative energy. It is a new beginning, filled with potential. The materials of future accomplishments are gathered here, although unassembled.
Three of Cups - Symbiosis:
Some unions of two partners are unable to flourish and reach their full potential without a third influence, an unexpected helping hand. The orchid's soil and seed have a symbiotic relationship with a nearly invisible helper, the fungus, which is necessary for the orchid to blossom and thrive.
The exquisite variety and breathtaking beauty of orchid flowers inspired people to attempt to grow the seeds in cultivated soil, yet when they tried they failed. The missing element was the unseen fungus mycorrhiza living in the orchids' native soil. This fungus helps the orchid roots to absorb water and minerals from the soil. In return, the orchid plant provides the fungus with sugars created from sunlight through its leaves. With the discovery of the unseen fungus mycorrhiza living in the orchids' native soil, and its role in helping the orchid grow, people could now cultivate the exotic flowers successfully.
Hero's Journey, Step 3: Once the hero has committed to the quest, a guide and wise mentor will appear. New influences bring an opportunity for celebration and growth.
Traditional Meaning: This card symbolizes the birth of new life together. Opening to an outside influence provides the means and inspiration to take advantage of new opportunities. The result is creativity, growth, action, energy and enthusiasm.