The Pages – Getting In Touch With Your Inner Child

Page of Wands – Orion
Orion is one of the most recognisable constellations for those of us in the northern hemisphere, with its characteristic broken-X shape. The Ancient Egyptians named it Sahu, the soul of Osiris. The name Orion comes from Greek mythology – he was a hunter loved by Artemis. Apollo tricked her into killing him and in her grief she placed his body in the heavens (the Greek Gods seemed to be very fond of doing this).
Orion is one of Greek myth’s many action men. His impulsiveness (some might say uncontrolled aggression) is typical of the Page of Wands. Pages represent children and childlike energy, and in Wands this youthful enthusiasm is most directly and physically expressed. This Page turns up to augur new ideas, projects, passions – anything that’s got you all worked up and ready for action.

Page of Cups – Ophiuchus
The constellation Ophiuchus is entwined with another constellation, Serpens, and the mythological Ophiuchus’ name in Greek means “serpent bearer.” He is associated with Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine, who was taught healing by a snake. Asclepius was killed by Zeus for daring to raise the dead, then immortalised in the heavens in recognition of his skills. Ophiuchus/Asclepius was receptive to information from the natural world (the snake), and this gave him healing skills that seemed magical. The Page of Cups represents this receptivity and healing ability – at least in potential. Because he is a Page, his skills have not yet been tried, but his open-heartedness and playful delight in learning make him a sponge for soaking up information on an intuitive level.

Page of Swords – Mercury
Mercury is the nearest planet to the Sun and the second smallest after Pluto. Its surface resembles the Moon; full of impact craters and distinctly lacking in atmosphere. Mercury was the messenger of Roman mythology (the equivalent of the Greek Hermes). He ruled all forms of communication, from speech to writing (and today he’d happily preside over radio, TV and the net). The Page of Swords is the ultimate student of communication. He only stops talking long enough to check his email or send a text or IM. His boundless desire for information can become gossipy or shallow, for this Page does not discriminate in terms of quality. He represents the curious child in us who is forever asking “why?”

Page of Pentacles –Bootes, the Herdsman
The constellation of Bootes contains one of the sky’s brightest stars – Arcturus. In Greek mythology Bootes is better known as Arcturus, which means “guardian of the bear.” In one version of the legend, Bootes earned his place in the stars by inventing the plough. This association with earthy practicality is appropriate for the Page of Pentacles, who represents the qualities of the careful and diligent student. Here the flighty enthusiasm of the Pages is grounded, indicating someone who is inexperienced but also dedicated and tenacious. This Page represents the application of a new idea to everyday reality; the creating of real, practical strategies to put our ideas into action.