Southern Hemisphere Pagan: Knights in the Tarot

I won't go too into an introduction, but I have to write something - years of school and teaching has ingrained this in me on a fundamental level, but I am continuing from my previous posts about the court cards (Queens and Kings) with this one one the Knights.

General Meaning

The Knights in the Tarot are generally about change and transition. They mark the maturation of the individual from the child (Page) to young adult. They are generally still immature, but are more action oriented than the thoughtful or dreamy Page with much less discipline than the King. As the fire element, these people have the drive to achieve that which they dreamt about in childhood. They are not destined to become the King of their suit, the Knight of cups is not guaranteed to become the King of cups for example, unless they choose to master that particular skill - the Knight can become King of either the wand or the cup/sword/pentacle depending on which characteristic they choose to develop. The Knight will generally refer to someone aged 21-30 or someone who exhibits the same qualities.

Knight of Wands: desire for a challenge for the challenge's sake.

The Knight of wands is pure fire, as a result they will make goals for themselves so they have something to direct their energy into rather than remain stagnant. They are not as disciplined as the King and often get off track, distracted by a more appealing goal or lose interest quickly, either way many of their goals remain unaccomplished. Nor havethey discovered the King's lesson, that the journey is more important than the goal, and will jump into a new project as soon as the old one is complete. They love travel and learning and are driven by a need for change. In fact this love of change is often the reason for their new projects. They are also straightforward, positive and eager for action. I also see them as eager to help, but they can get frustrated if their help is relied upon too heavily or not accepted. As a lover, they will enjoy the pursuit rather than the end result and can move quickly between partners. The lesson in this card is to allow change to take place as it will benefit you in the end, also it is time to put plans into action.

Knight of Cups: change and transition in relationships, emotional maturation.

The Knight of Cups is the fiery part of water which directs imagination and intuition into action. It represents the transition from thinking about relationships to acting upon them to produce growth and a deeper understanding of life. Once in a relationship, the Knight will take his partner's needs into consideration when faced with a challenge or decision. They are very intuitive and use this and their imagination to find creative ways out of situations. They are enthusiastic and sensitive and will take on a challenge based upon their emotions and intuition. It can specifically refer to an emotionally beneficial offer, meaning the project or opportunity you are currently being presented with will help you emotionally so seriously consider accepting it. The lesson of this Knight is two fold. Firstly, take careful consideration before acting, following your emotions or intuition as to whether to act or wait. Secondly, focus on your relationships and put more effort into them, taking your partner's needs into consideration.

Knight of Swords: thinking and action.

This Knight is the fiery part of air, combining thought and action, yet it is often hasty action. These knights are often restless, unpredictable and impatient in their search for new mental challenges. They are more inclined to act rather than plan, often resulting in mistakes that could have been easily avoided. They need to develop a disciplined mind and/or will for success. Their relationships are often fleeting and based on an intellectual match, they will not be around for long so enjoy them while you have them! The lesson in this card is to stop thinking and act, just do it - quick action is required. It is may also be telling you that you need to discipline your mind or enthusiasm for growth.

Knight of Pentacles: consolidate plans before moving forward.

This Knight is the fiery part of earth, meaning they are capable of practical effort leading to tangible results. They will take risks like the other knights, but they will be researched and well thought out, having covered all possible scenarios. They are more focused on their ambition, climbing the career ladder while they are young and will most likely be in a higher position than someone their own age who may have played around for a while. Their emotions are hampered by their immaturity making relationships difficult when they do choose to enter into one, which they won't until they are financially able to afford it. He takes relationships more seriously than the other Knights and will see it as a long term investment, they will hang around for a while so they had better make the right choice!! Serious by nature, they are plan oriented and will not move forward in anyway until they have a clear plan. The lesson of this Knight is to be prepared to work hard to achieve your goals and to examine all possible outcomes before acting.