Wands
If a Wands Tarot card appears in your reading (or if Wands dominates the spread), interpret it as a dynamic call to action that might require extra effort.
The Tarot’s Wands suit—sometimes referred to as Rods, Staves, or Staffs—symbolizes the energy of movement, creativity, and invention. Wands represent ideas, innovation, and an entrepreneurial spirit. While they are often associated with your career or sense of purpose in the world, their connection to charm and desire means they can also provide potent guidance in love matters.
The Wands suit is linked to the spring season and the Fire element, carrying dynamic messages of boldness, ambition, drive, competitiveness, and initiative. When a Wands card emerges, it signifies or suggests actions in progress and change is on the horizon. Wands are potent and passionate cards, compelling you to take daring steps or caution against hastily moving.
In more esoteric Tarot decks, the Wands reveal a connection to the life force, also known as Qi, Kundalini, or Prana—the animating energy that infuses every living thing with vitality, essential for sustaining life. Coupled with its association with Fire, the Wands Tarot cards symbolize the light that triumphs over darkness, whether a candle in the window or the Sun at the center of the universe.
In a traditional Tarot deck, the Wands suit comprises 14 cards, starting with the Ace of Wands and advancing through the 10 of Wands. The sequence concludes with the four Court cards: the Page, Knight, Queen, and King of Wands.
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Three of Wands
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Seven of Wands
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Eight of Wands
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Knight of Wands
Upright: Motivation, fresh possibilities, development, and untapped potential.
Reversed: Inspiration, new opportunities, growth, and undiscovered potential.
In the Ace of Wands, a hand emerges from a cloud holding a sprouting wand, as if presenting a fresh opportunity or idea with the potential to flourish. The lush, green landscape serves as an additional affirmation of this growth potential. In the far distance on the left, a castle symbolizes forthcoming opportunities, while hills and mountains on the horizon indicate challenges that may arise. The undulating peaks remind us that obstacles can be overcome with sufficient effort.
Upright: Strategic foresight, advancement, decision-making, exploration.
Reversed: Individual aspirations, internal harmony, apprehension of the unfamiliar, absence of preparation.
The Two of Wands features a man adorned in a red robe and hat, clutching a small globe. Holding the world in his hands symbolizes the vast potential within his reach if he can expand his horizons. Despite contemplating significant opportunities, he remains within the confines of his castle, indicating that he’s still in the planning phase and has not ventured beyond his comfort zone. His hand rests on an upright wand, and a second wand is mounted on the castle’s wall, underscoring his hesitancy to step out. In the background, the landscape is both fertile and rocky, suggesting a favorable chance for success if he can overcome the challenges that lie ahead.
Upright: Advancement, broadening horizons, strategic vision, international prospects.
Reversed: Underestimating potential, absence of strategic planning, unforeseen setbacks.
In the Three of Wands, a man donned in red and green robes stands on a cliff with his back turned. Three wands firmly rooted in the ground signify his dedication to his plans. Having departed from the castle in the Two of Wands, he now finds himself in an expansive open space, overlooking the sea toward distant mountains. Observing three sailing ships passing by, he symbolically acknowledges movement and progression. Positioned at this elevated vantage point, he gains a comprehensive view of what lies ahead, encompassing both upcoming challenges and opportunities.
Upright: Happiness, unity, serenity, returning home.
Reversed: Internal balance, interpersonal discord, period of change.
The Four of Wands depicts two joyous individuals dancing and celebrating while holding flowers. In the foreground, a lovely wreath adorned with blossoms and grapes hangs between wands, symbolizing the happiness and contentment derived from reaching a significant goal or milestone. In the background, another group, potentially a family, stands before a substantial castle, signifying the security and comfort of home.
Upright: Disputes, discord, rivalry, strain, diversity.
Reversed: Internal struggle, avoidance of conflict, alleviation of tension.
In the Five of Wands, five men seem to engage in a conflict, wielding their wands as if they were weapons. However, upon closer examination, their wands are raised but not actively striking or causing harm. The chaotic scene appears to lack a genuine purpose or outcome, serving only to generate conflict and discord within the group. Each man is dressed differently, symbolizing their diverse backgrounds and belief systems. This diversity implies that, due to their differences, they struggle to establish harmony and find common ground with one another.
Upright: Achievement, acknowledgment, advancement, self-assurance.
Reversed: Individual accomplishment, personalized success criteria, decline in reputation, self-centeredness.
The Six of Wands portrays a man adorned with a victory wreath on his head, riding a adorned white horse through a jubilant crowd. The horse symbolizes strength, purity, and the prosperous advancement of a journey, while the enthusiastic onlookers represent public acknowledgment for the man’s accomplishments. Holding a raised wand with a wreath attached at the top, he underscores the themes of success and achievement. Unhesitant to showcase his life’s accomplishments, the surrounding crowd joyfully cheers him on.
Upright: Obstacle, rivalry, safeguard, tenacity.
Reversed: Fatigue, surrender, feeling overwhelmed.
The Seven of Wands depicts a man on top of a hill, armed with a wand in each hand and fighting off six more wands drawing up from below. He seems to be defending his territory and his successes. Interestingly, the man is wearing two different shoes, suggesting that he may have been caught unaware or unprepared for battle, or he may be unclear of his own stance and opinion.
Upright: Motion, rapid change, activity, synchronization, air travel.
Reversed: Procrastination, irritation, reluctance to change, internal harmony.
In the Eight of Wands, eight flourishing wands soar through the air with great velocity, indicating change, motion, and travel. The clear sky and the flowing river below contribute to the vibrant landscape, symbolizing freedom and vitality.
Upright: Tenacity, bravery, endurance, trial of belief, limitations.
Reversed: Internal strengths, conflict, feeling inundated, defensive stance, paranoia.
The Nine of Wands portrays a wounded man tightly holding onto a wand. Glancing over his shoulder at the eight wands looming behind him, he appears fatigued and battered as if having already endured a battle. Now, he must confront additional challenges presented by these eight wands. As a Nine, this represents his ultimate trial before reaching his goal. He must persevere through this final test of strength and character before crossing the finish line.
Upright: Added responsibility, strenuous effort, fulfillment, and burden.
Reversed: Handling everything, shouldering the load, assigning tasks, letting go.
In the Ten of Wands, a man strides towards a nearby town, burdened by a sizable bundle of sticks. His posture is hunched, indicating the weighty load he carries. Despite the apparent strain, he recognizes that he is on the brink of reaching his destination. The end of his journey is near, and he anticipates the imminent relief when he can finally release the substantial weight he has been shouldering.
Upright: Creativity, insights, exploration, boundless potential, liberated essence.
Reversed: Freshly conceived concepts, channeling energy elsewhere, overcoming self-imposed limitations, a spiritual journey.
The Page of Wands features a young man holding a lengthy staff with both hands, gazing curiously at the green leaves burgeoning from its top. His tunic is adorned with salamanders, mythical creatures linked to fire and transformation. The Page stands still, firmly planting his staff on the ground, signifying that, while inspired by the potential growth symbolized by the sprouting staff, he has yet to take action on this inspiration.
In the backdrop, the terrain is desolate and mountainous, suggesting that this Page possesses the ability to discover growth and potential in unexpected places. He is so invigorated by his ideas that he can manifest anything, transcending the limitations of his circumstances.
Upright: Vitality, enthusiasm, proactive drive, exploration, spontaneity.
Reversed: Creative endeavor fueled by passion, impatience, dispersed energy, setbacks, and frustration.
Perched on his horse in complete armor, the Knight of Wands dons a yellow robe adorned with salamanders (linked to the element of fire) and a helmet with fiery red plumes streaming behind. In his right hand, he grasps a budding wand, symbolizing his vigor and zeal for his quest. The horse rears up on its hind legs, displaying readiness for action. Similar to other Wands Court Cards, the backdrop is arid, parched, and barren, with towering mountains in the distance.
Upright: Boldness, self-assurance, autonomy, sociability, resolve.
Reversed: Self-esteem, self-assurance, introversion, reaffirming one’s identity.
Seated on a throne adorned with lions facing different directions, representing fire and strength, the Queen of Wands exudes power. Sunflowers embellish her left hand, crown, and background, symbolizing life, fertility, joy, and contentment. In her right hand, she holds a wand with a small sprout emerging. At her feet sits a black cat, indicating that while she is bold and extroverted, she is also connected to her shadow self—the obscure and lesser-known aspects of her being.
Upright: Innate leader, visionary, entrepreneur, integrity.
Reversed: Impulsive, hasty, ruthless, demanding.
Seated on his throne, the King of Wands clutches a flourishing wand, a representation of life and creativity. Lions and salamanders embellish his throne and cape, serving as symbols of fire and strength. The salamanders biting their tails signify infinity, symbolizing an unwavering determination to progress despite facing obstacles.
