The Eights from the Today’s Journey Tarot deck are all cards of mastery and accomplishment. They are the completions and results of the challenges begun in the Sevens. These challenges are met with strength, satisfaction, despair, or skill depending on the Element at work here. Because they are double Fours they represent another foundation we have built for ourselves. This foundation is very solid and lasting.

In the Eight of Fire the entire card is filled with images of fireworks. For many of us this is one of the largest displays of energy we will ever see. The intensity of the Seven has increased many times. It is a chance to utilize that energy – seize the moment – to accomplish great things now because this concentration of energy will quickly burn out. Recognizing the opportunity through all of the Fire Element’s chaotic power is still a challenge but it is time now to seize control and tame the wild beast. The Eight of Water shows an artist who has just completed a work and with his back to his painting, is putting away his tools. This card is about knowing when something is finished. The Eights offer accomplishment but the Water Element often makes us reluctant to let go to the point that little is accomplished. The artist has done all that he can do and he is satisfied with that aspect of his work – even if the work itself falls short. He knows when it is time to move on. There is no emotional attachment. The child from the Seven has grown up with emotional mastery. The Eight of Air shows a woman overcome by fear to the point that she has created a self-imposed prison. There are multiple locks on her door and she huddles up on a brown couch with no awareness of the world beyond her window. Fear and despair are accomplishments too. This woman has mastered the art of fear. Very few could do it better. The true mastery here is over the Air Element’s destructive thoughts, but first she must become aware of that option. The challenges of the Seven have left her confused and doubtful of her own ability to participate in life. This is not a solid foundation that anyone would want to endure. The Eight of Earth shows an artisan at work. He is a master jeweler who has honed his skill through hours of practice and hard work. The patience of the Seven has paid off and he now uses the Earth Element to create pieces of beauty. He has a career to be proud of that will sustain him throughout his life.

Teresa Sue McAdams co-creator of “Today’s Journey Tarot”, co-author of “Today’s Journey Tarot, A Traveler’s Guide”, and author of “Lessons, The Wisdom Within Each Moment”