The Wands symbolize action, adventure, passion, desires, creativity, fun, entertainment, energy, enthusiasm, movement, entrepreneurial spirit, competition, dominance, sexuality.
They often relate to various endeavours, an action that needs to be undertaken.
A.E. Waite (1911): A hand issuing from a cloud grasps a stout wand or club. Divinatory Meanings: Creation, invention, enterprise, the powers which result in these; principle, beginning, source; birth, family, origin, and in a sense the virility which is behind them; the starting point of enterprises; according to another account, money, fortune, inheritance. Calamities of all kinds. Reversed: Fall, decadence, ruin, perdition, to perish also a certain clouded joy. A sign of birth.
Delay. Next year. Next time. No clear outcome yet. Need to wait.
Two of Wands
A.E. Waite (1911): A tall man looks from a battlemented roof over sea and shore; he holds a globe in his right hand, while a staff in his left rests on the battlement; another is fixed in a ring. The Rose and Cross and Lily should be noticed on the left side. Divinatory Meanings: Between the alternative readings there is no marriage possible; on the one hand, riches, fortune, magnificence; on the other, physical suffering, disease, chagrin, sadness, mortification. The design gives one suggestion; here is a lord overlooking his dominion and alternately contemplating a globe; it looks like the malady, the mortification, the sadness of Alexander amidst the grandeur of this world's wealth. A young lady may expect trivial disappointments. Reversed: Surprise, wonder, enchantment, emotion, trouble, fear.
A.E. Waite (1911): A calm, stately personage, with his back turned, looking from a cliff's edge at ships passing over the sea. Three staves are planted in the ground, and he leans slightly on one of them. Divinatory Meanings: He symbolizes established strength, enterprise, effort, trade, commerce, discovery; those are his ships, bearing his merchandise, which are sailing over the sea. The card also signifies able co-operation in business, as if the successful merchant prince were looking from his side towards yours with a view to help you. A very good card; collaboration will favour enterprise. Reversed: The end of troubles, suspension or cessation of adversity, toil and disappointment.
Big and broad vision. Far travel on the horizon.
Waiting for something to happen. Challenges in distant travel. Unexpected delays. Creative blockages.
A.E. Waite (1911): From the four great staves planted in the foreground there is a great garland suspended; two female figures uplift nosegays; at their side is a bridge over a moat, leading to an old manorial house. Divinatory Meanings: They are for once almost on the surface--country life, haven of refuge, a species of domestic harvest-home, repose, concord, harmony, prosperity, peace, and the perfected work of these. Unexpected good fortune. Reversed: The meaning remains unaltered; it is prosperity, increase, felicity, beauty, embellishment. A married woman will have beautiful children.
A.E. Waite (1911): A posse of youths, who are brandishing staves, as if in sport or strife. It is mimic warfare, and hereto correspond the Divinatory Meanings: Imitation, as, for example, sham fight, but also the strenuous competition and struggle of the search after riches and fortune. In this sense it connects with the battle of life. Hence some attributions say that it is a card of gold, gain, opulence. Success in financial speculation. Reversed: Litigation, disputes, trickery, contradiction. Quarrels may be turned to advantage.
A.E. Waite (1911): A laurelled horseman bears one staff adorned with a laurel crown; footmen with staves are at his side. Divinatory Meanings: The card has been so designed that it can cover several significations; on the surface, it is a victor triumphing, but it is also great news, such as might be carried in state by the King's courier; it is expectation crowned with its own desire, the crown of hope, and so forth. Servants may lose the confidence of their masters; a young lady may be betrayed by a friend. Reversed: Apprehension, fear, as of a victorious enemy at the gate; treachery, disloyalty, as of gates being opened to the enemy; also indefinite delay. Fulfilment of deferred hope.
A.E. Waite (1911): A young man on a craggy eminence brandishing a staff; six other staves are raised towards him from below. Divinatory Meanings: It is a card of valour, for, on the surface, six are attacking one, who has, however, the vantage position. On the intellectual plane, it signifies discussion, wordy strife; in business--negotiations, war of trade, barter, competition. It is further a card of success, for the combatant is on the top and his enemies may be unable to reach him. A dark child. Reversed: Perplexity, embarrassments, anxiety. It is also a caution against indecision.
A.E. Waite (1911): The card represents motion through the immovable-a flight of wands through an open country; but they draw to the term of their course. That which they signify is at hand; it may be even on the threshold. Divinatory Meanings: Activity in undertakings, the path of such activity, swiftness, as that of an express messenger; great haste, great hope, speed towards an end which promises assured felicity; generally, that which is on the move; also the arrows of love. Domestic disputes for a married person. Reversed: Arrows of jealousy, internal dispute, stingings of conscience, quarrels; and domestic disputes for persons who are married.
A.E. Waite (1911): The figure leans upon his staff and has an expectant look, as if awaiting an enemy. Behind are eight other staves--erect, in orderly disposition, like a palisade. Divinatory Meanings: The card signifies strength in opposition. If attacked, the person will meet an onslaught boldly; and his build shews, that he may prove a formidable antagonist. With this main significance there are all its possible adjuncts--delay, suspension, adjournment. Generally speaking, a bad card. Reversed: Obstacles, adversity, calamity.
A.E. Waite (1911): A man oppressed by the weight of the ten staves which he is carrying. Divinatory Meanings: A card of many significances, and some of the readings cannot be harmonized. I set aside that which connects it with honour and good faith. The chief meaning is oppression simply, but it is also fortune, gain, any kind of success, and then it is the oppression of these things. It is also a card of false-seeming, disguise, perfidy. The place which the figure is approaching may suffer from the rods that he carries. Success is stultified if the Nine of Swords follows, and if it is a question of a lawsuit, there will be certain loss. Difficulties and contradictions, if near a good card. Reversed: Contrarieties, difficulties, intrigues, and their analogies.
A.E. Waite (1911): He is shewn as if upon a journey, armed with a short wand, and although mailed is not on a warlike errand. He is passing mounds or pyramids. The motion of the horse is a key to the character of its rider, and suggests the precipitate mood, or things connected therewith. Divinatory Meanings: Departure, absence, flight, emigration. A dark young man, friendly. Change of residence. A bad card; according to some readings, alienation. Reversed: Rupture, division, interruption, discord. For a woman, marriage, but probably frustrated.
A.E. Waite (1911): The Wands throughout this suit are always in leaf, as it is a suit of life and animation. Emotionally and otherwise, the Queen's personality corresponds to that of the King, but is more magnetic. Divinatory Meanings: A dark woman, countrywoman, friendly, chaste, loving, honourable. If the card beside her signifies a man, she is well disposed towards him; if a woman, she is interested in the Querent. Also, love of money, or a certain success in business. A good harvest, which may be taken in several senses. Reversed: Good, economical, obliging, serviceable. Signifies also--but in certain positions and in the neighbourhood of other cards tending in such directions--opposition, jealousy, even deceit and infidelity. Goodwill towards the Querent, but without the opportunity to exercise it.
A.E. Waite (1911): The physical and emotional nature to which this card is attributed is dark, ardent, lithe, animated, impassioned, noble. The King uplifts a flowering wand, and wears, like his three correspondences in the remaining suits, what is called a cap of maintenance beneath his crown. He connects with the symbol of the lion, which is emblazoned on the back of his throne. Divinatory Meanings: Dark man, friendly, countryman, generally married, honest and conscientious. The card always signifies honesty, and may mean news concerning an unexpected heritage to fall in before very long. Generally favourable may signify a good marriage. Reversed: Good, but severe; austere, yet tolerant. Advice that should be followed.
They often relate to various endeavours, an action that needs to be undertaken.
Reversed, Wands can mean the opposite of energy and drive: illusion, depression, lack of direction, meaninglessness, laziness.
Ace of Wands
Aces are very powerful, positive cards and they will tune down any misfortune showing up in a Tarot spread. They represent great potential but not guaranteed results. Ace is a seed that has yet to grow into something more substantial. See this card as the creative spark, new endeavour, new energy, that comes into your life. It needs fuel to manifest.
Two Aces showing up in a reading is a rare occurrence. It is a powerful moment when a completely new and potent energy is entering one's life.
MacGregor Mathers (1888): Birth, Commencement, Beginning, Origin, Source; Reversed: Persecution, Pursuits Violence, Vexation, Cruelty, Tyranny.
Impulse. Stimulus. Spur. Spark.
Invitation. Innovation. Inspiration. Incentive. Initiative.
Promotion. Engagement. Reinforcement.
Following instinct. Good move. Feeling bold and daring.
Gaining momentum. Gaining confidence. Great promise.
Purpose. Measure. Hope for fruitful harvest.
An indicator that you should just go for it.
Business venture. Physical activity.
Sport. Olympics. Army. Production. Playground.
Reversed Ace of Wands
Delay. Next year. Next time. No clear outcome yet. Need to wait.
It is rather a fertilisation, sowing time than reaping.
Being on hold. Being turned down. Taking some time off.
Commitment is halted. Getting off the ground is difficult.
An action has turned upside down. Disappointing.
Difficulties in finding purpose. Lack of direction.
Unmotivated. Unappealing opportunities. Unwanted stagnation.
Patience is needed.
Two of Wands
MacGregor Mathers (1888): Riches, Fortune, Opulence, Magnificence, Grandeur; Reversed: Surprise, Astonishment, Event, Extraordinary Occurrence.
Observation. Suspension. Anticipation. Consideration.
On hold. Recess. Reconsideration. Impasse. Standstill.
Division. Split. Dissonance. Detachment. Partition.
Dispatch. Correspondence. Doorway. Journey.
Unfulfilling success. Longing for the past. Was it worth it?
Well established, yet not happy.
Being tied down, held back. Stuck in a golden cage.
Journey down the memory lane. Deciding not to go and regretting it.
In need of a creative partnership. Looking for a joint venture.
Reversed Two of Wands
Compromise. Finding a solution. Hoping to make worldly progress. Looking ahead. Deciding to take a step forward. Step out into unknown. A career change. Many options are available. Tension is released.
Three of Wands
MacGregor Mathers (1888): Enterprise, Undertaking, Commerce, Trade, Negotiation; Reversed: Hope, Desire, Attempt, Wish.
Opportunity. Planning ahead. Forward-thinking. Foresight. Vigilance.
Considering more opportunities. Good management.
Progressing as expected. Taking advantage of the potential.
Big and broad vision. Far travel on the horizon.
Broadening horizons through travel, trade, business.
Stretching beyond own comfort zone. Thinking BIG.
Stretching beyond own comfort zone. Thinking BIG.
Venturing to new places. International trade.
Exploring international job, business opportunities.
Being totally committed to own endeavours. Being well established.
Confidence in action. Being adventurous. Mercantile skills.
Confidence in action. Being adventurous. Mercantile skills.
Reversed Three of Wands
Waiting for something to happen. Challenges in distant travel. Unexpected delays. Creative blockages.
Playing it safe and staying in the comfort zone. Closing off from new opportunities. Not interested.
Something holding back. Some disappointment, frustration. Wasting time. Plans might come to a halt. When planning, add a buffer time. Risk assessment ahead of time.
Four of Wands
MacGregor Mathers (1888): Society, Union, Association, Concord, Harmony; Reversed: Prosperity, Success, Happiness, Advantage.
Celebration. Happiness. Relaxation. Happy Home.
Appreciation for the good things in life.
Significant event (wedding, birthday, homecoming, reunion).
Having reasons to celebrate.
Time of peace and contentment. Feeling supported and secure.
Enjoying special time with others. Being with those who love and care.
Returning home. Enjoying familiar places.
Home environment. Improving or renovating a house.
Finding new comfortable habitat.
Reversed Four of Wands
Celebrating quietly. Not sharing happiness.
Not wanting to celebrate. Not coming home.
A small failure in a home environment. Some discomfort.
Transition, the tension in the family, home. Moving house.
Not enough stability and security. Changes.
Five of Wands
MacGregor Mathers (1888): Gold, Opulence, Gain, Heritage, Riches, Fortune, Money; Reversed: Legal proceedings, Judgment, Law, Lawyer, Tribunal.
Strife. Clash. Tangle. Tension. Conflict and change.
Being in the midst of battle. Competition with others.
Running up against constant opposition.
Everyone is fighting to be heard. No one is listening.
Everybody has a different opinion.
Misunderstandings run rampant.
Productive conflict. Brainstorming and problem-solving.
Challenging ideas. Mastermind group.
Diversity and differences of opinion.
Dealing with people from different backgrounds.
Struggling to accept others.
Group’s energy is scattered and misdirected.
Reversed Five of Wands
Internal conflict. Unclear on important issues. Contentious topics such as abortion, immigration, globalisation or the environment, Others around have strong views. Tension and disagreement.
A tendency to avoid conflict wherever feasible. Ignoring a problem. Finding a compromise.
A sigh of relief after a struggle. Worked through anger, hostility.
Six of Wands
MacGregor Mathers (1888): Attempt, Hope, Desire, Wish, Expectation; Reversed: Infidelity, Treachery, Disloyalty, Perfidy.
Success. Victory. Accomplishment. Award. Promotion.
Important milestone. Successful endeavour.
Having worked hard and now reaping the rewards.
Successful return.
Recognition. Public acclaim. Congratulations.
Pride. Boost to confidence.
When surrounded by Pentacles, it is a good time to invest, play the lottery.
Reversed Six of Wands
Success no longer enjoyed. Disappointment. Criticism.
Knocked down. Feeling uncomfortable. None or bad feedback.
Falling from grace. Falling reputation. Seeking approval and validation in vain.
Self-importance. Arrogance. Being spoiled with success.
Private achievement. No reason to share it.
Seven of Wands
MacGregor Mathers (1888): Success, Gain, Advantage, Profit, Victory; Reversed: Indecision, Doubt, Hesitation, Embarrassment, Anxiety.
Defending. Fighting off. Resistance.
Tense and competitive environment.
Proving own abilities. Being challenged by others.
Attacked by (invisible enemies).
Disagreements in a public forum.
Pressure. Possible threats. Obstacles.
Engaging a lawyer or support team.
Supporting oneself. Standing firm.
Opponents getting in the way. Challenges ahead.
Establishing one's own territory. Not letting others mess around.
Holding own ground. Taking a stand.
Reversed Seven of Wands
External pressure. Anxiety. Perplexity. Being exhausted. Doubts. Discouragement. Failure.
Opposition. Relentless battle. Unnecessary fighting. Withdrawal. Backing out. Giving up.
Questioning own position.
Eight of Wands
MacGregor Mathers (1888): Understanding, Observation, Direction; Reversed: Quarrels, Intestine disputes, Discord.
Dashing Action. Fast pace. Dynamism. Speed.
Progress. Forward momentum. Encouragement.
High level of energy. Being very busy. A lot is going on.
Moving forward. Shooting out. Reaching out.
Productivity. Accomplishing a lot in a short time.
Being occupied by something important.
Striking while the iron is hot.
Action-oriented. Moving quickly and swiftly.
Pursuing the best opportunities available.
Quick travelling.
Reversed Eight of Wands
Attack. Charging ahead. Haste. Prone to making mistakes. Rushing into things. Jumping from one idea to the next. Feeling stuck. Significant delays. Facing multiple obstacles. Frustration. Holding off activities for a short time.
Nine of Wands
MacGregor Mathers (1888): Order, Discipline, Good Arrangement, Disposition; Reversed: Obstacles, Crosses, Delay, Displeasure.
Defence. Resistance. Resilience. Perseverance. Endurance.
Watchfulness. Being on guard.
Feeling battered, exhausted. Being hurt, wounded in the past.
Fighting back any adversity. Protective attitude.
Standing strong and firm. Defending own position.
Standing strong and firm. Defending own position.
Being on guard. Protecting your rights. Holding a firm stand.
Overcoming setbacks, attacks, obstacles.
There is support.
Fortification. Territoriality.
Establishing one's own boundaries and fiercely protecting them.
Strong immune system. Recovering from ill-health.
Resistance to infection.
Reversed Nine of Wands
Barriers, blockades. Lack of support. Being under attack. Resignation. Opting-out. Pulling back.
Internal struggle. Mental concerns.
Ten of Wands
MacGregor Mathers (1888): Confidence, Security, Honour, Good Faith; Reversed: Treachery, Subterfuge, Duplicity, Bar.
Hard work. Heavy obligations. Heavy workload.
Working extra hours. Taking on an extra burden.
Pushing to the limits. Making extra effort.
Uphill struggle. Muddled up.
Trying to do everything at once.
Completion of a cycle.
The end is in sight. Final steps.
Reversed Ten of Wands
Being under pressure. Awkwardness. Apprehension.
Working hard but getting nowhere.
On the brink of a collapse or a breakdown.
Martyrdom. Doing all alone. Unwilling to share the burden.
Physical exhaustion. Health problems.
Relief. Release. Letting go. Unloading. Saying no.
Pushing away from heavy duties. Delegating responsibilities.
Page of Wands
Pages are messengers. They are of a small useful service. Represent an emerging situation or a communication, information. They are in the process of formation, so no specific outcome yet. It is usually an offer, an encounter, a suggestion that should serve well.
Pages may point out to a young or immature person in your life that has some special meaning in the situation.
MacGregor Mathers (1888): A Good Stranger, Good News, Pleasure, Satisfaction; Reversed: Ill News, Displeasure, Chagrin, Worry.
A.E. Waite (1911): In a scene similar to the former, a young man stands in the act of proclamation. He is unknown but faithful, and his tidings are strange. Divinatory Meanings: Dark young man, faithful, a lover, an envoy, a postman. Beside a man, he will bear favourable testimony concerning him. A dangerous rival, if followed by the Page of Cups. Has the chief qualities of his suit. He may signify family intelligence. Young man of family in search of young lady. Reversed: Anecdotes, announcements, evil news. Also indecision and the instability which accompanies it. Bad news.
Incentive. Invitation. Encouragement. Stimulus. Boost. Spur. Annunciation. Proclamation. Good news.
Heralding. Foreshadowing. Fore-running.
Favourable testimony. Faithful envoy.
Curiosity. Novelty. Experiment. Exercise. Performance.
Go and do it.
Offering a new job, a new project.
Busy time. Lightening a fire.
Messenger. Spokesperson.
Young person. Apprentice. Assistant.
Playground. Entertainment.
Reversed Page of Wands
Some upsetting news. Consternation. Indecision. Inability. Immaturity. Wrong approach. Unprepared. Inner fears. Anxieties. Hampering. Killjoy. Limited joy. Not being taken seriously. Not taking action. Action leading nowhere. Disappointment. Draining energy. Attention seeking. Intrusion. Annoyance. Mocking. Anecdotes. Bad stories. Impetuous child. Dismissal. Rejection. Lack of motivation.
Keeping your path private.
Knight of Wands
Knights are on a special mission - to deliver something or to defend something, each accordingly to the suits they belong. Knights are always in service. The nature of their service depends on whom they serve. Any Major Arcana or Court Card in a spread will be the lord over them. Surrounded only by Minor Arcana may suggest that the knight is not serving a high and mighty purpose, as he should. He's mission might be degraded to the common pursuit - often of vanity, low desires, immature, hasty action.
More: Tarot - The Knights
MacGregor Mathers (1888): Departure, Separation, Disunion; Reversed: Rupture, Discord, Quarrel.
Departure. Relocation. Restoration. Research.
Mission to restore. Reclaim. Retribution. Rediscovery.
Getting back. Rushing back. Charging the past.
Recreation. Vacation. Adventure.
Venturing into old territories.
Taking a charge of past events.
Working something through. Sorting something out.
High ambitions. Competition.
Seeking out the lost treasure. Raging to bring back success.
In need of migration.
Young adult. Envoy. Athlete.
Reversed Knight of Wands
Impulsiveness. Impatience. Interruption. Overreaction. Rushing into things. Lack of focus. Short-term vision. Needs more space. Finding alternative ways. Fall from grace. Unsustainable success. Restricted action. Setbacks. Police, an army on streets. Rebellion. Revolt. Protests. People on the streets. Military policeman. Division. Discord.
Queen of Wands
Queens are 'mothers' of the element. They are mastering the element from inside and have deep understanding and fondness about it. They appreciate the element's gifts and inspire others to do the same.
The Queen's tap into the element's energy by nurturing and caring. They have gentle and subtle influence, yet with a strong impact.
As events, Queens represent creativity and ideas coming to fruition. They provide nourishment that will keep your ideas and actions going.
They may represent people aged between 30 and 50 with a good amount of life experience, some authority, strong personal power, mature character.
MacGregor Mathers (1888): Woman living in the country, Lady of the Manor, Love of Money, Avarice, Usury; Reversed: A good a virtuous Woman, but strict and economical, Obstacles, Resistance, Opposition.
Courage. Confidence. Self-respect. Passion. Creativity. Inspiration. Health. Vitality. Energy. Persuasion.
Believing in one's own personal power.
Speaking up. Making one's own stance.
Expressing own visions and opinions boldly.
Showing who you really are. Knowing how things work.
Being clear on personal truth and belief systems.
Engaging others. Ideas, actions to share with others.
Connections with others. Actively inspiring, influencing others.
Winning others over. Creating a circle of like-minded people.
Giving power and self-assurance. Creating positive outcomes.
Reversed Queen of Wands
Detachment. Shying away. Not telling the truth. Fear of expressing oneself. Having adversaries.
Watching and listening on what is going on. Something that most people don’t know about.
Introverted. Secretive. Spending more time alone. Knowing own shadow self. Knowing the darker side of things. Passion, project kept hidden away. Protecting a hidden part of oneself.
King of Wands
Kings most often stand in for other people. Expect a King to be of aid.
Since the Kings rule the suits, other cards from the suit will be beholden to the meaning represented by the king.
MacGregor Mathers (1888): Man living in the country, Country Gentleman, Knowledge, Education; Reversed: A naturally good but severe man, Counsel, Advice, Deliberation.
Executive powers. Governance. Supervising. Overseeing. Observance. Stewardship. Monitoring. Watching. Checking. Control. Custody. Holding power.
Engineering. Logistics. Leading. Managing action.
Giving orders. Decisive power.
Common goal. Getting other people to do work.
Lasting impact. Determining factor.
Successful. Leaving a legacy of actions.
Major opportunity.
Reversed King of Wands
Misleading. Machination. Manipulation. Poor leadership. No support. Not ready to step into a role.
Aggressiveness. Arrogance. Selfish pursuit. Putting others off-side. Dis-empowerment.
Letting a success get to head. False pride. Unrealistic action. Losing the grip.
