The Suit of Woodwinds
Thinking and Ideas
Element: Air • Platonic Solid: Octahedron
Colors: Sky Blue, White
The sound of a woodwind is produced by a player blowing air over an edge or across a vibrating reed, in conjunction with a column of air consequently vibrating within the instrument’s body. Those instruments that utilize only an edge are classified as flutes; those utilizing reeds are, not surprisingly, called reeds. In their case, the player forces air between a mouthpiece and a reed, or in some cases between two reeds. In both flutes and reeds, the pitch of the instrument is determined by its length, which is often effectively altered by covering and uncovering holes with the fingers or via keys.
The contemplative sound of woodwinds aligns them with the mind: they turn us inward, addressing our thoughts, our insights and understanding. Cards in the suit of Woodwinds address the qualities of our thinking, the depth of our understanding. As Woodwinds embody the element of Air, they can also address issues regarding the communication of our thoughts to others.