The Archetype and the Tarot: The Destroyer and Eight of Wands
Through the Destroyer and Eight of Wands, this week we’re being called to clear the way for an infusion of Spirit. Can we be honest with ourselves about what needs to go?
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BIG ANNOUNCEMENT
Before we get to this week’s Archetype/Tarot, I have big news to share: I’m renaming my Substack! While I’ll always support those of us on the witchcraft path (including my weekly Witchcraft Wednesday posts on Notes), I want a name that clearly reflects my offerings.
Now that my monthly downloadable Magic packs are finished, my big offering beginning in October will be a year-long ancestral healing class. With this shift from Magic packs to ancestral healing, I feel the name "Witchcraft & Metaphysics" might be a bit confusing going forward.
The new name I've chosen is (drumroll, please)...
Spirit Connections with Jenna Newell Hiott.
Rest assured, the Archetype and Tarot posts as well as regular Thursday musings will continue as always.
I’m super excited to continue exploring relationality across all realms with every one of you!
Now, on to today’s post…
The Destroyer Archetype
In my opinion, the Destroyer is one of the most fascinating and powerful of all the archetypes. It's an energy that's both feared and revered, much like the force of a thunderstorm. At its core, the Destroyer archetype embodies the principle of destruction, but not in a solely negative sense. This archetype teaches us that destruction is a natural part of the cycle of life, making room for new growth and transformation. Understanding the Destroyer archetype requires a balance between recognizing its potential for growth and being cautious of its capacity for harm.
To those of us familiar with the tarot, we might tend to equate the Destroyer with the Tower card of the major arcana. But, to me, the Destroyer is a little different. Where the Tower tends to be a depiction of destructive events that happen to us, the Destroyer is more about the ways we embody this pattern. In other words, the Destroyer shows us the ways that we destroy.
In the light, the Destroyer is a catalyst for positive transformation. It helps us to embrace necessary endings and to trust in the process of renewal. It's the force that lives within us that knows what needs to go and how to destroy it with mercy and understanding. By dismantling outdated systems and structures, the light side of the Destroyer paves the way for growth and evolution. This one is unafraid to confront the status quo, recognizing that true progress often requires the tearing down of old paradigms. It reminds us that sometimes, the greatest gift we can give ourselves is the courage to start anew.
On the shadow side, the Destroyer can become a force of chaos and unnecessary destruction. It can manifest as self-sabotage, impulsive decisions, or a tendency to tear things down (including relationships) without considering the consequences. The shadow Destroyer is often driven by anger, fear, a desire for control, or a simply the thrill of causing harm. In this state, the Destroyer might forget the creative potential of destruction and instead focus on the chaos and ruin it can cause. The challenge here is to harness this energy constructively, channeling it toward meaningful change rather than wanton devastation.
Some questions to consider this week:
What in your life feels outdated and in need of renewal?
How have previous experiences of destruction paved the way for new growth or transformation in your life?
Consider the ways in which the Destroyer archetype manifests within you. Are there areas in your life where you tend to destroy rather than build?
How can you embrace the transformative power of the Destroyer in a positive way?
Eight of Wands
Here we see a wide expanse of blue sky with eight wands passing across the foreground. One of the first things I usually notice with this card is the lack of any central figure. There are no people, no characters. The entire focus of this card is the wands themselves. The second thing I notice is how easily these wands are flying through the air. There are no obstacles. It’s all clear sailing and easy conductivity.
For me, the eights are a huge turning point in the story of the tarot. This is the moment when we have gathered enough wisdom through relating with the outside world, that we now take what we’ve learned and turn inward to relate with the deepest parts of ourselves.
The eight of wands in particular is all about conducting the magic of the wand inward. There’s a new infusion of Spirit or life force that causes us to turn inward. Once we’re ready, this whole process is super easy because it’s where the energy of the wand has always been headed. We just have to open up to it, to allow it.
When the Eight of Wands comes up in a reading, I believe we’re being asked to look at ways we’ve been putting all of our life force into external things and how can we now open up to guide that energy inward?
How Does This Pair Work Together?
I love the energy of this combination! What I see here is the Destroyer charging out ahead (wearing their Incredible Hulk fists) knocking down anything that might get in the way of these eight wands.
I think this is our task this week: can we clear the path for a new infusion of life force energy to come through by destroying whatever might block the way?
I feel excited about getting a new infusion of Spirit this week! I’m ready to see and destroy what might be getting in the way. Who’s with me?
An infusion of spirit and your name change to Spirit Connections is just perfect! It’s like you’re receiving an infusion of spirit into your space here. And I love it, Jenna. Truly a lovely name change!
Now, time for me to think about what needs to be destroyed so I can receive the infusion that wants to come into my life. Thank you, as always! ❤️
Love the new name for your Substack! Congrats!
And I'm wondering about the Destroyer archetype along with the crumbling of all the patriarchal hierarchies around us. I have the sense that we're at a tipping point.
Wow - I wrote the above before I even read the part about the VIII of Wands where you write, "the eights are a huge turning point in the story of the tarot." ❤️🙏🕊️