The Princes symbolize passion, intensity, and focus of concentration. There is single-minded purpose involved when they appear in a spread. The purpose of their focus will be related to the element which rules the suit. However, there is also the danger that total focus can be carried to the extreme. In this situation, it can manifest itself as a dogmatic, fixed, and narrow viewpoint.

Each of the Princes is shown in a chariot, and bears a tool representative of his suit. The Prince of Swords bears two swords, one short and one long; the Prince of Cups bears a cup in the hand controlling the reins; the Prince of Wands holds a torch wand aloft; and the Prince of Pentacles shoulders his disk shield.

The specific meanings of more than one Prince in single spread are as follows.

The Prince of Cups is known as The Transformation. He represents the airy part of Water and rules from Libra to Scorpio, manifesting many of the Scorpio traits. He governs wishes, and desires. He also rules self-transformation, a significant Scorpio influence.

The coloring of this card is designed to strike intense emotional chords. Its purpose is to show the need to master emotional needs and fears. Desires must be recognized as simply the compelling energy of our lives. After this awareness, we must master them in order to use them wisely. This is not accomplished by suppression, but through the awareness of them. This card calls for recognition and acceptance of our innate sexual desires. It does not counsel moderation, nor repression. It simply counsels that we should be the master rather than the slave.

The concepts of self-transformation are seen frequently in this card. The coach is part scorpion and part eagle. The scorpion represents the dark aspects of Soul; the eagle is light of Spirit.

The individual represented by this card can be very subtle and crafty. He is intensely secret. Even though he may appear calm and unreachable on the surface, lie is deeply passionate. He may seem easily influenced, but it is often just an illusion. He secretly makes use of all information he gathers.

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The Prince of Wands is the Seeker and represents the airy part of Fire. He is impulsive, intuitive, and highly creative. This card symbolizes swiftness and strength in word and deed. Inherent in this are his qualities of individuality, ambitiousness, justice, and straightforwardness. His is a pioneering personality, as symbolized by his crossed legs which form the number 4, the number of the master builder.

The individual represented by this card is easily influenced by external circumstances and is inclined to act on impulse. He is often violent in his desire to see the ideals of truth and creativity upheld. He is fair and just, but in his heart of hearts, he knows that true justice is not to be found in this world. Therefore, he tends to look beyond this world for guidance and inspiration, thus earning his title as the Seeker. He is the essence of intuitive creativity, and he pours his energy into the creation of his dreams.

This individual can also be an extravagant boaster. He loves to argue simply for the sake of arguing; the original devil's advocate. He is a romantic, but people often fear him without knowing any specific reason for their fear. His intensity of purpose and constant motion tend to make bad first impressions.

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The Prince of Swords, also known as The Thinker, represents the airy part of air. He is the true intellectual of the Princes. His domains are intuition and creative thought. He rules from Capricorn to Aquarius.

The individual represented by this card is often full of ideas, yet they are often unrelated to practicality. He is intensely clever, rational, and stable, but without commitment to anything, not even his own ideas. He illustrates the qualities of the Aquarian. He charts a new course for others to follow, stirs the hearts of the rebellious, and then stands back to let others finish the task.

In order to achieve this degree of intellectual commitment, this individual must be totally free and unrestricted. Therefore, he shuns anything which suggests attachments or ties. He forcefully cuts loose anything that seeks to bind him, whether it be a person, place, belief, or emotion.

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The Prince of Pentacles is known as The Builder, and is ruled by Taurus. He represents the airy part of Earth.

The individual represented by this card is rooted in the physical world; a master of design and architecture. All his energy is focused on material and practical matters. He is unshakable, stubborn, and bull-headed. He is also enduring, a good manager, and a responsible worker. He is competent, trustworthy, and cautious, but also curious. He is always looking for new uses for old things. He is a typical plodder; trustworthy and good, but almost entirely lacking in emotion. He is slow to anger, but unappeasable when he does explode.

This type of person will stop at nothing to build his fortune. Everything and everyone is something what can be used for his gain. His determination is unmatched.

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