Five of Wands

On this card, we can see two major archetypes, Yaldabaoth, the lion serpent versus the liberator, symbolized by the unicorn. In other terms, these alchemical antagonists are represented by mortificatio and albificatio. This fight between two brothers is a narrative in many mythologies and scriptures. This card not necessarily describes a real enemy, outside of ourselves, but rather an inner struggle, which has to be resolved.
The animal on the left is not a sparkling and friendly unicorn, as you can imagine. Being the liberator, it can often be the destroyer of a rigid order. It is adorned with reptile sheds, emblematizing the archaic brain stem, in which our flight and attack mode rests. Being in this state of mind, can be expressed by feelings of presumption and behaviour of aggressivity, often without knowing, to whom it shall be directed. On the right, the lion serpent roars back at the unicorn. Symbolizing control, order, and patriarchal systems, it will defend itself until the end, always thinking it knows best. It will regard it’s opponent as a villain, worthy to be destroyed, and vice versa – each one of them fights a holy war, not aware of their own shortcomings.
In the upper part are four spears, arranged as a quadrat. It is the arena, in which the act takes place. Like in an arena, there is no escape from this inevitable combat.
A fifth spear strikes down on the alchemical vessel. In it, phosphorus is trapped in matter, ready to be set free. This explosion will be fierce and inevitable – it will destroy the vessel. When it’s broken, it can’t be fixed. Once the conflict takes form, it can’t be contained any more. The now freely roaming phosphorus becomes spirit, and as such has the opportunity to enlighten both opponents in this delicate process. To be freed from illusion, would serve them both well. A disruption of fire will finally bring both opponents to the table. Like in a volcanic eruption, this process can be messy in the beginning. There is no need to bother about the destruction now, because while being part of this procedure, it can’t be stopped anyway. The shards must be picked up later.
These two polarities are entangled in eternity, symbolized by the infinity symbol, connecting them in endless confrontation. They will be antagonists, until the chymical wedding is fulfilled – within us, and on a cosmic scale as well. Even then, they will be drifting apart again, as time rots away every goal, which has been achieved. No need to be angry about these inner dialogues and struggles. Maybe this fight is something, which all beings have in common. At least, no one is alone with unachievable balance. Which can be won, is a truce. The goal of this card would be, that both accept their necessity equally. They don’t need to like each other, but mutual respect can be reached at least.