(Beginner’s Guide to Tarot, Juliet Sharman-Burke and Giovanni Caselli)

Maybe she’s born with it. Maybe she’s a Leo.

Let’s take a look at one of my absolute favorite cards: the Queen of Wands!

Almost all decks state that this fire queen is connected to the sign of Leo, so it should be of no surprise that this is one of my most beloved cards in the deck. Many tarot decks will use oranges, reds, and yellows for Wands cards, because not only are they are warm and inviting colors, but they evoke an image of roaring flames.  As a court card, naturally there’s an air of regality to the Queen of Wands. Like many Leo women, she has a commanding presence that is quite hard to ignore. She has a strong personality and always does what’s right and true. Her ruling element obviously makes her fiery and fierce.

My first full-sized deck was the same as that mini: the Beginner’s Guide to Tarot, written by Juliet Sharman-Burke with illustrations by Giovanni Caselli. Also known as the Sharman-Caselli deck, while it is certainly based on the famed Rider Waite, I was really drawn to its cleaner lines, streamlined design and lovely imagery. In fact, it remains the main deck that I use for divination. 

The Sharman-Caselli Queen of Wands is up at the top for your viewing pleasure. Check out the flame carvings on the top of her throne, the flames coming out of her staff, and the flames in her crown.   She’s creative and always radiates sunshine (see the sunflower in her hand and the sun behind her head?) warmth, and an undeniable energy. As for the Leo imagery, take a peek at the lions that make up each side of her throne, as well as the cat sprawled out at her feet.  A stunning depiction that warms my heart whenever I see it.

Pictured above, the absolutely gorgeous Morgan-Greer is another deck that I adore.  It has such a rich and vibrant color palette and a bohemian sensibility (which I think is an appropriate description since it was first released back in the late 1970s). A longtime friend who is one of my go-tos for readings uses this deck and I had to have it! Notice that this Queen of Rods also incorporates yellow and orange, a sunflower, and a staff. Simply beautiful.

(Left image: Universal Tarot, Right image: Renaissance Tarot)

Both of these decks also have sumptuous imagery and are keeping this Queen rich and regal. Just what she expects!

To me, the Queen of Wands truly portrays the Leo woman. She’s confident, strong, and powerful.  Each of these cards invoke her spirit as well as the summer, the season in which she rules. Her radiance is irresistible. You can’t deny it.

What do you associate with the Queen of Wands? Have a topic you’d like to read about here at Eklektiki Mageia? Sound off in the comments! As always, please be respectful!