Known in most decks as the suit of Staves, Rods, or Torches, the element of Fire describes and informs our actions and creative endeavors. Fire is the intersection of the other three elements: it requires material for base fuel, air to ignite, and water to temper its flow. In human terms, when we have resources, intellectual capacity, and emotional desire, creative inspiration emerges. The Path of Fire applies both to our imaginative ideas and to our ability and willingness to execute them.
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Ace of Fire
Here’s a fantastic idea! And a quick look around indicates that you may have everything you need to make this idea into a reality! This Ace is still a potentiality, though, and when we embrace it, we are committing ourselves to a journey of self-discovery and growth. Fire is, above all other things, transformative, and that can be constructive or destructive depending on a great number of factors. Still, the presence of the Ace suggests that, if you honor the process, something incredible will come from it.
Reversed: Creative blocks and boredom with established ideas abound. You may be surrounded by the detritus of prior abandoned projects that failed to live up to their potential, your trash bin overflowing with half-started ideas and thoughts. Executive dysfunction occurs when you have a sincere and true desire to accomplish something – anything – but your mind and body are unwilling to let you.
Astrology: The Fire signs, Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius – The Fire signs are known for their impulsivity, constant activity, and sometimes aggression. They are, broadly-speaking, very ego-forward people with a tendency towards competitiveness and social standing. Aries begins the entire Western Zodiac cycle, blasting out of the gate with boundless energy and enthusiasm. Leo leads the troops into glorious (and fashionable) battle by inspiring loyalty through generosity and positivity. Sagittarius rounds it up with a warm and inviting after-party, reflecting on unity, community, and philosophy.
Two of Fire
Now that you have this brilliant idea, it’s time to do your due diligence and determine where it can lead you. True inspiration does not allow itself to stay married to its first impression: it must be developed and molded over a period of time. In which ways can this idea unfold? Think about the possibilities from a high point, looking at the big picture. This is a plan that is going to impact your future, so try to calculate any possible outcomes to whichever direction you choose.
Reversed: Too much pressure to choose! It’s clear that some choices are better than others, but can you truly trust your instincts on this? You’ve been burned before with what you thought was a sure thing, and you find yourself second-guessing what you think might be your options. There are critical priorities and pieces of information that you’re missing, ignoring the forest for the trees.
Astrology: Mars in Aries: The cardinal fire of Aries is the first sign out of the gate, sometimes without feeling the need to know what the point of the race is. Under the influence of warlike Mars – who also rules Aries in its natural state – Aries adopts a deeper dimension of not only competition but also strategy, taking a few extra beats to consider and calculate what the best path to ultimate success will be. The idea of losing is completely alien.
Three of Fire
Now that a choice has been made, it’s time to flesh out the details and start preparing for the action phase. There is still time and room for things to go awry in the future, and now is a good opportunity to build some careful adaptability into your plans. Allow yourself to be in the moment, to feel where you are in the project, to connect with what you’re trying to accomplish. Remember that ideas evolve over time, so when you think about the question, “Why am I doing this?”, your answer should include how the final result will ideally affect you and those around you.
Reversed: Without the benefit of careful foresight, any plans you make are bound to have more than the usual number of setbacks. Goals that are set too far into the future or that are too vague to be readily attainable might still seem desirable, but the ability to attain them diminishes rapidly. You may be experiencing delays in getting the resources you need to start creating your vision.
Astrology: Sun in Aries: The sun represents the dominant strengths of a person, and one who operates with their sun in Aries personifies this with unparalleled initiative. They are the first to speak up in a room, the first to take an action, and often the first to argue a counterpoint. This energy is vital for Three of Fire in order to ask the critical questions about the details of the plan.
Four of Fire
You have the inspiration, you picked the path, you have a plan, and now it’s time to build the team and get started! This is the ribbon-cutting ceremony on a new venture, or possibly a marriage proposal or a new partnership. Our creative endeavors are rarely only financial or material gains: they will affect our homes, communities, and families. Luckily, the consideration and care that you’ve invested thus far provides a stable foundation from which all else can growth with a positive chance of success.
Reversed: Due to a lack of effective communication, the assistance and resources that you need to pursue your endeavor are delayed. There’s a disconnection between what you are asking for and what others are hearing, and the meanings lost in those translations are detrimental to your chances of success. You may be forced to make a lateral move instead of advancing your position, giving up progress or promotion until the miscommunications can be cleared away.
Astrology: Venus in Aries: Romantic Venus takes the vitality of fiery Aries and directs it to commit its energy to a single endeavor. Venus demands one’s full attention, and she will not suffer for Aries to dart off in some random direction without purpose. Aries is inspired to act with Venus’ care and consideration, to think about the consequences of their choices and actions.
Five of Fire
What defines an adventure over a boring tale is conflict. There may be some debate at this point about specific parts of your project or plan, plus some disagreement and strife over the best path forward. Despite the tension and stress, this is mostly a healthy competition; though heated, there is no malice in this confrontation. Emotions may run high, but make a note to not take critiques and feedback as personal attacks: those who truly care about you will tell you honestly when they think you might be making a mistake.
Reversed: Avoiding conflict often means avoiding resolution. When one or more parties in a discussion are unwilling to address their issues directly and honestly, all the conversation and talk in the world will not overcome the obstacles that are being faced. This phase might be marked with pointless meetings and wasted time, rehashing minute details that have nearly no bearing on the final project – and greatly impeding the ability to resolve major flaws in a timely manner.
Astrology: Saturn in Leo – Fixed fiery Leo, proud and expressive, is directly challenged by Saturn’s stern and rigid discipline. This is part of what creates the perceived conflict in the Five of Fire: Leo, as a fixed sign, is not prone to changing its course once its set off, but Saturn demands proofs and assurances. It wants Leo to validate its impulses, which is not something that Leo is natively prone to do. The undercurrent of meaning is that Saturn believes in Leo’s course of action, but accomplishment without understanding is pure luck, and Saturn does not suffer outcomes based on random chance.
Six of Fire
Success! That dedication to an honest conversation and a willingness to look dispassionately at the weaknesses of the endeavor have now allowed you to enjoy a major milestone. This isn’t the finish line, but it is a major indicator that you are on the right path. You are making excellent progress and receiving the right amount of public recognition for your work. You deserve the confidence that you feel, and it’s more than warranted to have a celebration for your victory. Just remember that the work continues tomorrow.
Reversed: The weaknesses and failings of the endeavor are clear for all to see: there is no hiding the disgrace. This likely validates your lack of confidence and low opinion of the project, and you might find yourself casting about to blame the responsible parties that led to the failure – though the blame is most likely meant to fall at your own feet. It is a difficult time, feeling the sting of defeat, particularly when it could have been avoided with more honesty and critical thinking skills on the parts of all of the team members.
Astrology: Jupiter in Leo – This is more like it! Leo’s playfulness and exuberance are supported by jovial Jupiter’s expansiveness and optimism. These two aspects are well suited to one another, though there is still the potential of conflict if the parties do not agree on what the most glorious part of their victory is. Jupiter as the ruler of planets brings good fortune fueled by attention to detail, by the willingness to dig into deep subjects like philosophy and religion, finding the kernels of wisdom that fuel ongoing success. Leo must be willing to listen to that wisdom and take advantage of Jupiter’s counsel to gain full benefit.
Seven of Fire
The person at the top of the hill will automatically become the target for those aspiring to climb, and that’s what is happening right now. Your endeavor comes under attack from naysayers and falls under heavy scrutiny from those that would see it fail, but your due diligence and hard work has ideally made these investigations nothing more than further proof of your quality. You have the high ground, and while it is uncomfortable to be examined so closely, stand confident that this phase is a sign of healthy competition more than jealousy or ill intentions.
Reversed: The harsh criticism leaves you feeling defensive and overly protective of the parts of the endeavor you cherish the most. It would not be unexpected for you to give it all up right now and turn your back on the whole thing. You feel overwhelmed with the weight of the judgment of others, and while you want to defend your ideas and integrity, it feels like a pointless exercise.
Astrology: Mars in Leo – Proud Leo knows its worth and the value of its accomplishments, and calculating Mars bolsters Leo’s ability to defend its position. The problem with having a warrior’s stance is that it invites others to challenge you, and this is the energy that fuels the Seven of Fire. While another element may take these repeated demands of proof and interrogations as a sign that something might be amiss, Fire uses that pressure to temper and galvanize its plans into something far more solid and strong than it was at the beginning of the path.
Eight of Fire
This is the buildup to the climax finale! Breakthroughs are happening, new pieces of the project are unfolding, and everything seems to be moving at a breakneck pace. Travelling, especially by air, might be indicated. Problems and issues that might’ve been uncovered in the last phase are able to be addressed with surprising speed at this point, and any changes that need to be made are accomplished swiftly. This is a high-energy time, so remember to pace yourself so that you don’t risk burnout!
Reversed: Even though you wanted a faster resolution, it seems that everything is moving at snail’s pace. Delays in one area cause major delays in other areas, leading to greater and greater levels of frustration. In particular, more information is needed in order to determine the best way forward, and it seems that that information just isn’t manifesting. However, it’s important to not make any decisions until those last bits of data come through: forcing the issues right now will only make things far worse.
Astrology: Mercury in Sagittarius – Mutable Sagittarius, an almost Dionysian figure of optimism, adventurousness, and strangely consistent luck visits the very detail-oriented Mercury with a small amount of conflict: Mercury reminds Sagittarius to be mindful of the message in their actions, to stay conscious of the moment even while careening at full gallop towards the end goal. Yes, things can fall into place with remarkable serendipity, but Sagittarius making a reckless misstep could throw a wrench in the gears.
Nine of Fire
This is the final round of testing, the last proof of the project, the big reveal – and also much harder scrutiny than your endeavor experienced before. You must stand your ground and defend your thesis, be persistent and resilient in the face of your potential detractors. Your faith will be tested, but so long as you stuck by your principles and maintained your integrity throughout the entire journey, you have nothing to fear.
Reversed: You are feeling on edge, defensive, and maybe even a little paranoid. You have a nagging feeling that you might be on the losing side of the battle, if not the war. You have spent a great deal of time attempting to defend your principles and world view, but as the end of the journey draws near, you are suspecting that you might’ve been mistaken. Your defenses are in danger of becoming a self-made trap.
Astrology: Moon in Sagittarius – Despite the seemingly defensive position of the Nine of Fire, its association with a Sagittarian Moon is part of what casts that optimistic light on the scrutiny this phase is undergoing. The intersection of the Moon’s fascination with understanding things deeply and Sagittarius’ adaptability make the examination and challenges to the endeavor nearly academic compared to the previous phases. More than anything, this astrological combination assures us that everything truly does work out in the end.
Ten of Fire
The curtains have closed, the audience has gone home, and now it’s time to clean up after the show. Your energy may feel depleted after putting so much effort towards the end result, but in looking back, there was much to be gained from the mistakes as well as the triumphs. Enjoy a sense of accomplishment at a job well executed, but be aware that this victory also may come with more responsibilities on your shoulders as you move forward. The battle is won, but the wounds still need to be tended and the final negotiations honored.
Reversed: You feel exhaustion deep in your bones as you realize that you have not been recognized or even fairly compensated for your hard work. Some of this may have been your own doing, taking on more responsibility than you had the time and energy for, and you feel yourself buckling under the weight of those tasks. Similarly, as the end of the journey draws near, you know that there is a pile of unfinished business to be addressed, and every part of you wants to avoid dealing with the inevitable.
Astrology: Saturn in Sagittarius – At first glance, staunch and serious Saturn might seem in opposition to optimistic and exuberant Sagittarius, but these two aspects share a common core value of upholding ethics to the highest standard. One might consider them two sides of the same coin, or perhaps two expressions of the same virtue. Saturn defends the law, and Sagittarius defines the law according to their inherent moral compass. On the Path of Fire, this confluence brings us to the Minor close with a strict reminder that so long as we have honored the rules and worked hard at our task, we have complete permission to play hard.
Page of Fire
The Page is a young and enthusiastic person who is ready to make things happen. Their excitement for the project is contagious and it’s hard to not share in their enjoyment. They love the thrill of exploration and discovery, of collecting experiences instead of items. They may not have a lot of photos or mementos, though, because they get so embroiled in the moment that they often forget to select souvenirs.
On the Path of Fire, the Page is reminiscent of the Fool, an eager spirit who is chomping at the bit to get out there and experience life. This is the bright ember that inspiration stokes, the spark that becomes a wildfire if not managed well.
Reversed: The Page Reversed is the antithesis of the eager, energetic youth. He tends heavily towards pessimism and being a wet blanket, preferring predictability and routine to doing anything new or exciting. At the same time, he’s dissatisfied with his lot, but he both lacks fresh ideas of his own to try and also nay-says other people’s suggestions. There is a distinct lack of direction and motivation.
Astrology: Earth of Fire – This is the fire pit, the place specially prepared in which to begin the conflagration. This is the foundation meant for starting something brilliant, a safe place to begin planning and experimentation.
Knight of Fire
The Knight is a passionate man, prone to lust and adventure, and he has built a solid reputation as someone who gets things done. When he’s sold on an idea, he becomes laser-focused on getting it accomplished. He’s driven by the dopamine highs of completed projects and big rewards.
On the Path of Fire, the Knight indicates that the spark that crackled to life by the Page is now a hot and well-tended fire, ready to be harnessed for your intended project. The pieces are falling together to get the endeavor truly rolling.
Reversed: Despite assurances, the resources needed to move forward are delayed. The Knight Reversed has a temper that flares suddenly at frustrations and inconveniences, and this trait often creates further delays as other people attempt to navigate around his tantrums. While it seems like there is quite a lot of activity going on, very little is being accomplished.
Astrology: Air of Fire – The flames are billowed to incredible heights – or else blown into dangerous flares. Air applied to the correct area at the base of the fire will increase its usable heat and improve its utility; wind blowing through without specific intention can spin embers far into the air and start uncontrollable wildfires.
Queen of Fire
The Queen is a warm and determined woman who entertains those she cares about with ease and acceptance, but she has little tolerance for those who fall outside of what she considers social decency. She runs her household with a firm routine and an unspoken undercurrent of warning to those who would violate the rhythms of her home life. She manages events great and small with determination and vibrancy, finding great joy in socializing. She is giving and loving, but the fool who dares interfere with or hurt any member of her tribe will find out just how fiery and fierce she can be.
In terms of the Path, the Queen indicates a phase of action and execution, where the pieces are now being forged into something very close to their final form. Tempers might still flare if major setbacks are suggested, but the Queen energy demands that solutions be found and implemented quickly.
Reversed: The Queen Reversed feels disenfranchised and disconnected from her community, often finding fault with those who she once held close. She might seem like a shrinking violet, a person too shy to really engage with a social setting, but the reason for her to hold back has more to do with being judgmental and distrusting. She can alternately be aggressive and demanding for no good reason, wanting a tribute made to her ego than to actually accomplish anything material.
Astrology: Water of Fire – Water feels like the antithesis of Fire, and indeed, it is the element that is most likely to extinguish Fire altogether. It can be used instead, however, to control the flow and direction of the burn, to protect delicate properties, to disperse the heat enough to be healing, even.
King of Fire
The King is a natural-born leader. He’s the favorite manager or executive, the one that listens to his people and works the hardest to provide for them while getting the best possible product from them. He has a naturally entrepreneurial spirit and vision coupled with honor, and his ideas aspire to make the world a better place. He knows how to get things done, how to delegate tasks, and how to find the best people to execute them. His team is known for their loyalty and confidence.
As the culmination of the Path of Fire, the King represents the completed project, the final chapter, the reviews submitted, and the accolades received. This has the same flavor as the Ten of Fire but with a little more enjoyment and success. What you’ve accomplished isn’t just a final product: it’s a highly respected addition to your personal portfolio of achievements.
Reversed: The King Reversed is a ruthless micro-manager with arbitrarily high expectations and poor leadership skills. He is far more concerned with obedience and having others inflate his ego than in being actually correct or effective. He tends to set impractical (if not impossible) deadlines and demands grueling hours from his underlings – and he sees them as underlings, make no mistake, not as team members or even employees. From a Path perspective, this phase says that all that work was for naught because the motivation and underlying concepts were likely flawed from the beginning.
Astrology: Fire of Fire – The King of Fire is the purest form of its element, and as such, it is the most temporary. The King embodies the command that sends the spark of life into being, and he completes the cycle of life with the pyre. It is his transience that gives him such beauty, that he is impossible to hold and yet vital for survival.
Final Thoughts on the Path of Fire
I have discussed the Path of Fire in terms of “endeavors” and “projects” because even in the context of a larger role, the element of fire only burns for a short period of time before being transformed into something else. It is more immediately transformative than any other element, and that can work to either the positive or negative – and oftentimes both, regardless of your perspective.
The Ten of Fire is often seen as a dark indicator, one that suggests exhaustion and demoralization, but here as the final stage of minor Fire path, it is revealed to be more about wrapping up and taking a short leave. It suggests that we should allow ourselves to be proud of what we’ve accomplished but also to look up on our work with a critical eye to see what can be improved next time. The minor Fire path is a self-perpetuating cycle that repeats again and again, improving and refining our understanding and method as it goes.
The Court of Fire is a fast-track to project completion that points to several critical pieces of emotional intelligence necessary for success: know and support your team, treat people with dignity and respect, and protect your tribe.