Continuing our Decan Walk with the 3 of Wands that is associated with the Sun in Aries. Let’s see how the Astrology connections and energies show up in the card imagery of the 3 of Wands.

3 of Wands: Sun in Aries: 31 Mar – 10 Apr

Let’s start by understanding the energy of the second Decan of Aries. This covers 11 degrees to 20 degrees of the Zodiac Sign of Aries. The time frame associated with the second Decan of Aries is from 31 March to 10 April.

Picatrix: Second Decan of Aries: Sun in Aries: ☉in ♈️

The Picatrix describes the energy or the image of this Decan in this way:

A woman wearing a red rope and a (green) dress with one leg probing diligently for dresses, jewelry, and children.

The keywords or the energy associated with this Decan are femininity, delicateness, cleanliness, kindness, entertainment, and beauty.

It’s a fascinating Decan compared to the energy of the previous one. In the first Decan, we had this fiery, hot-headed energy, like someone who’s just about to explode. Remember that guy with the axe in his hand? He was ready to unleash his anger! But this Decan is delicate and feminine.

There’s this whole focus on the woman with one leg, which is a recurring theme. In her book, “36 Secrets,” T. Susan Chang talks about it as well. She says there’s always something about this leg, whether it’s a woman with just one leg, or she’s baring her leg, or her leg is being stretched out. Several translations mention that the lady is wearing a green dress.

Note: The Picatrix is a book that was translated from Arabic (the original book was called Ghayat Al-Hakim) into multiple languages, and the original manuscript might be missing or incomplete. This means there’s a lot of lost information in the translations, and different people have different interpretations of these descriptions.

We can see in the Telos Tarot. The woman in this card is wearing a green dress, which is interesting because green can represent a seedling as it first sprouts – a symbol of new beginnings. We see this sprouting energy in the card as well. The sun energy is really prominent in this card, and it’s no coincidence, considering we’re dealing with the Sun in Aries. The booklet for this deck talks about leadership, regulating behavior, developing good habits, and the Sun’s all-seeing light. It says creative projects are entering a quickening stage, things are moving forward, and the energy is building. I love how it talks about regulating behavior – with the combined energy of the Sun and Aries, it becomes necessary to regulate the fiery and passionate energy that is unleashed.

Astrology: Sun in Aries: ☉in ♈️

Let’s look at the card from the Oracle of the Radiant Sun. This image shows a Knight battling a Dragon. He’s going for it, and he’s ready to slay that dragon!

The keyword on the card is Assertion. The image of the Knight facing off with the Dragon shows us the reckless heroism of the Knight. He refuses to avoid the battle. He is impulsive and willing to take risks. Sure, you can make mistakes when you’re acting impulsively. However, the Sun in Aries energy doesn’t let anything get him down. He quickly recovers if and when he falls down.

There’s so much energy and so much vigor in this card! It makes sense because Aries is a fire Sign, and the Sun is a fiery orb! This double fire energy can be intense, but it does not let anything hold you back. It’s about impulsivity, courage, and resilience. These individuals seek out challenges, they face them head-on, and they learn from their experiences.

Interestingly, it is quite likely that when challenges don’t appear, these people might even end up creating drama and challenges for themselves! You may need to be watchful for that. That is why the booklet for the Telos Tarot card suggested regulating behavior, as things could get out of control.

All in all, though, this Decan is about the spring energy of new life, impulsivity, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks. It’s about pushing boundaries and forging your own path, even if it means making mistakes along the way.

Astrology: The Sun ☉

The Sun represents individuality, vitality, and self-expression. If you look at the solar system, the Sun is the center. It’s the Sun’s light that enables life to flourish on Earth. This symbolism is not random; it’s a reflection of the Sun’s true power. The Sun is the source of life and vitality. The Sun is also connected with consciousness, energy, stamina, pride, ego, and individuality. This is the core energy of the Sun.

The Sun is also associated with the Father, while the Moon represents the Mother. In an astrological chart, the Sun’s position can offer insights into your relationship with your father.

Tarot: The Sun

We can see this bright Sun represented in all the Sun cards, and it’s no surprise. This is the energy that fuels everything. It is the energy that gives birth to everything. The Sun is about making things happen. You can’t stop the Sun’s light; it just is. It charges everything up.

If you look at the Marseilles Tarot, the Telos Tarot, and the Thoth Tarot, there are two children. However, in the Rider Waite deck, we only see one child. In his book, “Understanding Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot,” Lon Milo DuQuette says, “The twin babies in the Fool card, and the children and the bride and groom in the Lovers are earlier Tarot incarnations of the two dancing children we find in the Sun card.” According to Crowley, “they represent the male and female, eternally young, shameless, and innocent. They’re dancing in the light, but they’re also grounded on Earth. They represent the next stage of human evolution, in which complete freedom is alike the cause and the result of the new access of solar energy upon the earth.”

These two children depicted on The Sun card of the Thoth Tarot deck are the embodiment of the masculine and feminine energies in their purest form. They’re full of light, joy, and innocence. They don’t have the concept of shame. Their nudity symbolically shows us that they have nothing to hide. In the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot, the Sun card features a single child riding a horse. We can’t see if the child is a boy or a girl – merged as one, this child is a representation of unity and the interconnectedness of all things. This is the innocence and joy that one embodies after undergoing the challenges of the previous cards of the Major Arcana.

This is the innocence that is born after gaining wisdom and understanding from various life and spiritual experiences. Therefore, it is quite powerful and potent. It is not the innocence, or rather the naivete, that is born of ignorance. Rather, this innocence carries knowledge and understanding. In other words, this is a child-like expression of joy and not a childish expression of delight.

In the Telos Tarot, we can see the horses drawing the Sun’s chariot. In many myths and stories, the Sun is depicted as riding a chariot, often pulled by seven horses, across the sky. We see this in Norse, Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and even Hindu mythology. It’s remarkable how these myths, despite their different geographic and cultural origins, have a similar theme, reminding us that we’re all connected to the same source energy.

Chariot of Apollo

Chariot of Surya

In the Tarot de Marseilles, the Sun card also shows drops of light raining down from the Sun, similar to the bubbles we saw in The Tower card when we looked at the Decan for the 2 of Wands. All these elements, from the horses of the chariot to the drops of light, represent the blessings and the divine power of the Sun.

In the Telos Tarot deck, we can also see the zodiac signs, reminding us that the Sun’s journey through each Sign influences our lives and shapes our experiences. The Sun’s energy is powerful. It gives life, nourishes, and is a source of joy, enthusiasm, and carefree energy. Even in its different versions, whether symbolized as a single child or two children, the Sun is the life force, the joy, and the enthusiasm that brings light into our world.

I love the connection with sunflowers in the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. There’s a myth about a nymph who fell in love with Apollo, the Sun God. She became so enamored with him that she transformed into a sunflower so she could gaze at him as he moved across the sky. The sunflower is a symbol of devotion and a reminder of the beauty and power of love.

Astrology: Aries ♈️

Now, let’s look at the Aries energy. We touched on this in the previous Decan when we studied the 2 of Wands. Aries is the first Zodiac Sign, and it’s all about courage, fearlessness, independence, leadership, assertiveness, aggression, and impulsivity. We see this impulsivity in the Sun in Aries as well: a wild, untamed energy that’s ready to burst forth.

Tarot: The Emperor

The Emperor card represents the energy of Aries. We saw a glimpse of it in the previous Decan, but let’s delve a bit deeper.

We see the emperor sitting on his throne, holding an orb and scepter. All the cards contain the imagery of Rams, which represent Aries. The orb represents the globe, the Earth, which the Emperor is supposed to protect. The scepter connects to the Ankh, the giver of life. The eagles, soaring high in the sky, are also a symbol of rulership. This card is ablaze with reds and oranges, representing the fiery energy of Aries. It’s harsh, it’s burning, it’s blazing red. The Sun is also prominent in the imagery of the Telos Tarot. We see the mountains in the background, symbolizing the challenges the Emperor has faced on his journey to power.

The number four represents stability and foundation, and the Emperor is associated with the Father Archetype, with the responsibility of nurturing and protecting his children. However, this can also manifest as a tyrannical father, a controlling and domineering force.

It is quite interesting that both The Sun and The Emperor card are associated with the Father energy or archetype. This combination could result in a very heavy Fatherly vibe – which, depending on how this archetypal energy is perceived, could be positive or negative. Ultimately, it also depends on the context of where and how this double Father energy shows up.

Note: This card evokes different reactions in people based on their personal experiences with father figures and authority. People who have experienced a harsh or domineering father might only see the negative aspects of this card, while those who have had a more positive experience with father figures might see the strength and nurturing qualities. This is similar to the Hierophant card, where people who have had a negative experience with religion might only see the restrictive and controlling aspects, while those who have had a positive experience might see the spiritual guidance and wisdom it represents.

However, at its core, the Emperor card represents the Father archetype, the protector, the provider, and the authority figure. This energy is present in all the Emperor cards, where we see the connection to Aries, the blazing Sun, and the Father archetype.

Tarot + Astrology: 3 of Wands: Sun in Aries: ☉in ♈️

Now, let’s bring all of this together and examine how all these energies are reflected in the 3 of Wands via the symbolism in our Tarot decks.

Crowley’s Thoth Tarot shows us three gold and amber lotus wands, trimmed in scarlet and set on an orange background of brilliant flames. This card speaks of brilliance, heat, and primal solar energy. We see the symbols of the Sun and Aries. Lotuses are a symbol of spiritual development. The colors, amber, gold, orange, and scarlet, represent the fiery energy of Aries and the Sun.

Numerology: 3

According to Crowley, the number three is significant because it’s the combination of one and two, symbolizing the union of the masculine and feminine energies. The Aces represent the root energy of the element, the Twos represent the element and the suit manifesting as ideas, and the Threes represent the fertilization of that idea, the formation of the triangle. The remaining cards are the results of this union, which is a powerful force. Thus, the number 3 is the number of Creation. It signifies growth, abundance, and manifestation.

We see this blazing, powerful energy that’s creating something new, a seed being planted, nourished, and growing. This is the energy of the Sun, the life force, the creative energy, and Aries, the impulsive and energetic Sign that’s ready to take action.

In the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot, the figure in the card is well-dressed – a symbol of success and accomplishment. He’s standing on a hill overlooking a body of water with ships sailing back and forth. The yellow, almost orange, hue of the card represents the light of the Sun.
This card represents a moment of contemplation and observation. The creation process has begun, and he is looking at it, supervising how things are moving along. The ships symbolize trade and business and the exchange of messages and information. The water body talks about the movement of emotions and consciousness. Together, they represent the journey of self-discovery and the interconnectedness of all things. The 3 of Wands is a card of progress, expansion, and growth. The figure in the card is observing and supervising the unfolding of his vision, nurturing and guiding his creations toward their full potential.

In the Tarot de Marseilles, the 3 of Wands presents a more simplistic image, but the symbolism is just as potent. We see three wands arranged in a crisscross pattern, with one wand in the center, symbolizing the intersection of different paths and the emergence of a new direction. The leaves and flowers represent nourishment, growth, and the abundance of the earth. The 3 of Wands is about choosing a middle path, balancing different energies, and finding a harmonious balance between opposing forces.

The Elemental Dignity system, when applied to the Thoth and Marseilles decks, can tell us how these interpretations shift if these cards are surrounded by cards that aren’t supportive of the Fire element. So, if the 3 of Wands is surrounded by water cards, which represent the element of water, then the fire element of the 3 of Wands is considered ill-aspected. In this situation, the card’s meaning is interpreted like you would interpret a negative or reversed card.

In this case, an ill-aspected 3 of Wands would talk of an inability to find solutions, a lack of balance, and an inability to maintain the progress that has been made. If the 3 of Wands appears reversed, it can indicate a loss of control, a lack of supervision, and a sense of being overwhelmed. It’s a reminder to stay focused, to keep your eyes on the ball, and to maintain your vision.

It’s remarkable how the energies of the planets and the signs are so clearly reflected in these cards. It’s a testament to the power of symbolism and the interconnectedness of all things.

The Supporting Characters

Now, let’s not forget the supporting characters in this story. These cards aren’t the main stars, but they provide essential support and context to the overall message.

Ace of Pentacles + Page of Pentacles

First, we have the Ace and Page of Pentacles, representing the Earth element, and the initial seed energies, the potential for growth and abundance. These cards embody the powers of the earth, the foundation for all creation. They cover an entire Season, which spans 3 Zodiac Signs: Aries, Taurus, and Gemini. They act as a base energy for this Decan.

The Ace of Pentacles represents the initial seed, a gift from the universe, a symbol of opportunity and new beginnings. We see red flowers, a symbol of passion, love, and the beauty of life, further emphasizing the energy of new beginnings. The Page of Pentacles accepts this seed with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn and grow. He’s open to the possibilities and ready to cultivate this new seed.

The Princess of Disks, which is the Page in the Thoth and the Telos Tarot, embodies the double earth element, the feminine energy of the earth. She also holds that Ace coin, which represents wealth, abundance, and the material world.

It’s interesting to note that the suit of Pentacles is often associated with winter, a time of stillness and introspection. This is a time when the trees in the Northern Hemisphere shed their leaves, symbolizing a period of rest and reflection. However, within this stillness, there’s the potential for growth, and the energy of Aries, the first Sign of the zodiac, is all about new beginnings.

The Ace and Page of Pentacles, along with the Princess of Discs, represent the seed energy, the foundation for all creation, and the potential for growth and abundance.

Queen of Wands

The Queen of Wands is a woman who embraces her masculinity and femininity, balancing both energies with grace and confidence. She is Water of Earth – a combination of two opposing elemental energies. And she totally embraces this energy within her personality.

To me, the personality of the Queen of Wands feels like that of a tomboy who grew up to be a confident, powerful woman. She’s retained that adventurous spirit and a zest for life. She’s warm, loving, intuitive, creative, and assertive. She’s not afraid to take charge and go after what she wants. We see this in her posture, her feline grace, and the sunflower, a symbol of devotion, warmth, and love.

The Queen of Wands brings a sense of strength and determination to the story. She’s a powerful force who can help others make their dreams a reality. She’s a creative partner, a supportive friend, and a leader who inspires others to reach their full potential.

3 of Wands: Sun in Aries: ☉in ♈️

In our journey through the 3 of Wands with the Sun in Aries, we explored the fiery energy of Aries, the radiant light of the Sun, and the supportive energies of the other cards. It’s a story of creativity, growth, courage, and the power to make our dreams a reality.

🎞️ The Video

Here’s the video I made where I talk about this card.

📸 The Infographic + ⬇️ Download

If you like mind maps to organize your information, this infographic will be a fantastic resource.

Want a copy for yourself?

Click here to Download a Copy of the 3 of Wands Infographic

📣 Shoutouts!

I also wanted to give a loving shoutout to a few people who have joined in the Decan Walk, and have amazing insights to share! You should definitely check them out!

• A huge Thank You to Valerie! She has this amazing Substack where she’s doing a Decan Walk as well. The sheer poetry of her writing is absolutely breathtaking! 🤩
• I got a notification from YouTube that another amazing creator (who goes by @BigCroneEnergy) who is also doing a Decan Walk mentioned me in her video. ♥️ Her journals and artwork are so inspirational and aspirational. I’m a total digital girl, but seeing her journals makes me wish I could draw and paint – I’d definitely be filling notebooks with my own thoughts and reflections.
• And finally, there’s another lady on YouTube (who goes by @StateofGraceTarot). She’s also doing a Decan Walk, and her focus is on how these cards show up in the year of The Hermit, which is 2025. If you add 2 + 2 + 5, you get 9, which represents the year of The Hermit. She’s looking at how the energies of the cards manifest in that specific year. That’s a really cool approach, and I’m definitely going to check out her work!

📚 Homework

📓 Things to Think (or Journal) About the 3 of Wands – Sun in Aries

Here are some thoughts (or journal prompts) that showed up as I was editing this post.

• Recall a time when you chased after your Dragon with the intention of slaying it. 🐉 ⚔️
  • What did the Dragon represent? Was it a goal you wanted to accomplish? Was it a fear you wanted to conquer?
  • How did this “Dragon” show up in your life’s story? And how did you, as the “Knight,” show up in this story, as well?
  • What was the energy of the “dragon slaying” experience like? Was it sizzling electric? How did this make you feel?
  • Did you suffer any setbacks during this process? How did you recover from them? Was it easy to recover?
  • How did you feel after the Dragon was slain?
• Where in your life could you use this Sun in Aries energy of the 3 of Wands? What can you do to manifest this energy in your life?
• If there was an area of your life where you wanted this energy to manifest, what elements of the Sun and of Aries would you like to invite into your life?
  • What practical steps can you take to bring about or to embody those elements in your life?
• If you are a student of Astrology, take a look at your Birth Chart. Where is the Sign of Aries? What does that House represent?
• Do you have the Sun in Aries combination in your Birth Chart? In which House does it show up? In light of what you’ve learned about this card, in what way has this energy manifested in your life, especially in the specific area of the House in your Birth Chart?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this Decan and the 3 of Wands. Please share your experiences, your interpretations, and your insights. If you’re doing a Decan Walk, please share your work with me. If you have a blog or website, feel free to share it – I’ll give you a shoutout!

Now, with the crazy courage of the Sun in Aries and the fiery passion of 3 of Wands, let’s look at the way things are going in our lives and our work. Let’s go slay our Dragons! Let’s go accomplish our fiercest, most ambitious goals! Let’s embrace our passion with joy and creativity!