For some reason I was actually quite terrified to paint this card. Probably because it’s been so long since I’ve painted see creatures with their slippery iridescent bodies, and probably because I have memories of the selection of tentacled beasties I painted a number of years ago and their never-ending suckers! in the end, I really enjoyed bringing this octopus to life. When I was a teen I had a marine fishtank and spent a great deal of time crouched over rockpools talking to octopi and since I’ve been in Cape Town, I have tried my uptmost to meet the legendary octopus in my favourite swim spot.
When it came time to do the writeup for this card, I used the opportunity to reread Craig Foster & Ross Frylinck’s Sea Change - the book that he released before My Octopus Teacher put him on the map. It is the same basic story as the film, but far more indepth not only details of the incredible discoveries he made, many of them new to science including new species and unseen before behaviours, but also all the things that Craig Foster hints at in Teacher. It is one of the most profound books I’ve ever read. An interwoven story of Craig & Ross’ friendship, Their relationships to the creatures of the Kelp forest and Ross’s beautiful and heartbreaking story of the sacred masculine and his relationship with his son. It talks about all the things I speak about in this deck - shamanic journeys and trancework, extraordinary connection to the natural word and our history as a species and it leaves you breathless (not least of all, Craig’s spectacular photography throughout)
So now that you have a little background to this card, here is what she tells you:
The octopus is equally so familiar as to almost be human with her extreme dexterity and intelligence, but at the same time, probably the closest thing we'll get to an extra-terrestrial on earth.
They are quirky, curious, quick thinking and adventurous which are all things that the 8 of Wands bring to the table.
Just watching an octopus dance in the water like our gorgeous purple beastie makes us wish to join her in an undersea adventure!
We can learn much from watching an octopus - they are patient, shape-shifters hiding in camoflauge until just the right moment when they spring into action and are suddenly sleek and graceful speeding across the ocean floor.
Octopi are renowned as problem solvers and don't give up until they have the result they want. In the wild, they crouch over an abalone and slowly drill into the shell - a process that takes an hour or more in order to get to the tasty snack inside.
The 8 of wands tells you that progress is the name of the day. The time of waiting is over and now you will need to make quick decisions and to think on your feet (all 8 of them!) This isn't the time for trepidation, trust your intuition and jump in - the water's fine!
And just as you need to have octopus like reflexes, be prepared for fast results and sudden changes. These are exciting times, get ready to swim, life is about to sweep you off your feet!