Philanthropy was important to the ancient Greeks, and the more you had, the more you were expected to give. Wealthy businessmen often gave back by sponsoring plays, such as the one the actors on our card are preparing for. Likewise, the Six of Pentacles is about a time when you have an abundance. How about using some of it to help your fellow man?

Excitement, courage, creativity, and inspiration. Like Apollo with his lyre, you are on fire!

Hephaestus was the Olympian god of fire, metalworking, stonemasonry and sculpture -- a really creative guy. He made many of the magical items used by gods and heroes alike, including a golden throne for his estranged mother, which wouldn’t allow her to stand up! His challenge, and yours, is to channel creativity into positive things, instead of using it to get in trouble.

Selene, goddess of the Moon, had a handsome son Narcissus, who took one look at his reflection and fell hopelessly in love -- with himself! He wasted away, refusing to stop admiring himself long enough even to eat. The Moon reversed warns of chasing an impossible dream without knowing when to call it quits. Sometimes giving up can be a good thing.

The Chimera, a fire breathing monster, was just slaughtering the hell out of everyone, until a hero named Bellerophon teamed up with Pegasus and rammed a mass of metal down its throat. The fire breath melted the metal, which suffocated the monster and saved the day! Likewise, you now have the intellectual energy to find an answer to the most difficult of problems.

Goddess of the Breeze, Aura, is ready to fan the flames of your creativity, but . . . where are they? Something has doused your fire. Reignite it!

Paris eloped with Helen because Aphrodite had promised him the most beautiful woman in the world for his bride. The fact that Helen was already married, and to the crazy king of Sparta, wasnt his problem, now was it? Ummm . . . . You know, enthusiasm is a great and wonderful thing, but maybe a little more thought needs to go into a certain situation just now.

At her best, the Queen of Wands is all energy, warmth and charisma. But reversed, that same charm can be used to hurt; she can be pleasant to your face while plotting behind your back. Likewise, her competitive nature can turn vengeful when she fears she is losing.

Like Hercules, who completed twelve supposedly impossible labors to win immortality, this card indicates a time in which you can overcome even the greatest of challenges.

Karen Chance