Torch and flame in tarot
Fire is the element of the suit of Wands and stands for will, passion and spirit, but it can warm or destroy. The Devil holds a burning torch pointed down, light used for the wrong ends, and the man chained before him has a flame burning at the tip of his tail. Fire bursts from the windows of the Tower when the lightning strikes. Small yod-shaped flames fall on either side of the Tower, and similar drops appear around some of the Aces. In readings a flame is energy and desire. Notice whether it is held up, turned down or out of control.
Cards that show torch and flame
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The Lovers
The Lovers: The tree of flames
Behind the man rises a slender tree whose leaves are drawn as flames. Waite calls it the Tree of Life bearing twelve fruits, which readers often link to the twelve signs of the zodiac. The flames suggest passion and living spirit.
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The Devil
The Devil: The downturned torch
In the left hand a lit torch points towards the ground, close to the man's flaming tail. A torch held up gives light; turned down, its fire is spent on lower things, the energy of desire without direction.
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The Tower
The Tower: The flames in the windows
Fire bursts from the top windows. Once the structure is breached, the energy inside it comes out: the card is about release as well as damage.
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Page of Wands
Page of Wands: The plumed hat
A pale grey hat carries a curling orange plume shaped like a flame. The feather gives him a messenger's flourish and a touch of swagger; its shape ties him to the suit of fire.
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Knight of Wands
Knight of Wands: The flame plumes
Long orange plumes stream from his helmet and from his elbows and back, drawn like flickering fire. He trails flames wherever he goes, and leaves a little heat behind in every place he passes through.