Tarot Card Meanings: Wands

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Element: Fire

Wands

The suit of the spirit: passion, creativity, ambition and drive.

Ace of Wands tarot card, 1909 artwork by Pamela Colman Smith

Ace of Wands

Upright

inspiration, potential, power

A hand bursts from the clouds holding a sprouting wand. A spark of inspiration is ready to catch fire.

Reversed

missed chances, low passion, boredom

The spark may be flickering, or the moment slipping by. Reconnect with what excites you.

Two of Wands tarot card, 1909 artwork by Pamela Colman Smith

Two of Wands

Upright

planning, decisions, discovery

A figure holds a globe, gazing past the castle walls. Your next adventure is in the planning stage.

Reversed

fear of the unknown, poor planning, playing it safe

Fear may be keeping you inside the walls. A small step beyond them counts.

Three of Wands tarot card, 1909 artwork by Pamela Colman Smith

Three of Wands

Upright

expansion, foresight, progress

A figure watches ships sail out across the sea. Your plans are in motion; keep your eyes on the horizon.

Reversed

delays, obstacles, frustration

Things are slower than you hoped. Adjust the plan and stay patient.

Four of Wands tarot card, 1909 artwork by Pamela Colman Smith

Four of Wands

Upright

celebration, harmony, home

Garlands hang between four wands as people gather to celebrate. Mark this happy milestone with the people you love.

Reversed

tension, transition, conflict

Celebrations may feel strained, or home may be in transition. Look for what still connects you.

Five of Wands tarot card, 1909 artwork by Pamela Colman Smith

Five of Wands

Upright

competition, conflict, struggle

Five figures clash wands, more scuffle than battle. Healthy competition can sharpen you; just don't lose the point.

Reversed

avoidance, agreement, peace

The fighting winds down. Common ground is within reach.

Six of Wands tarot card, 1909 artwork by Pamela Colman Smith

Six of Wands

Upright

success, recognition, pride

A horseman wears a laurel wreath as the crowd cheers. Your efforts are being recognized; enjoy the victory.

Reversed

ego, self-doubt, setbacks

Recognition may feel out of reach, or ego may be in the way. Stay humble and keep going.

Seven of Wands tarot card, 1909 artwork by Pamela Colman Smith

Seven of Wands

Upright

defense, perseverance, courage

A figure on high ground holds off six wands from below. Stand your ground for what you believe in.

Reversed

overwhelm, yielding, giving up

The pressure may feel like too much. Choose which battles are truly worth fighting.

Eight of Wands tarot card, 1909 artwork by Pamela Colman Smith

Eight of Wands

Upright

speed, action, movement

Eight wands fly through the open sky. Things are moving fast; ride the momentum.

Reversed

delays, frustration, waiting

Plans may stall or scatter. Patience now prevents mistakes later.

Nine of Wands tarot card, 1909 artwork by Pamela Colman Smith

Nine of Wands

Upright

resilience, persistence, test of faith

A weary figure leans on a wand, still guarding the line. You're almost there; keep going.

Reversed

fatigue, defensiveness, stubbornness

You may be exhausted, or guarding against threats that aren't there. Rest, and let someone help.

Ten of Wands tarot card, 1909 artwork by Pamela Colman Smith

Ten of Wands

Upright

burden, responsibility, hard work

A figure struggles under a bundle of ten wands. Ask what you're carrying that isn't yours.

Reversed

burnout, letting go, overwhelm

The load has become too heavy. Set some of it down.

Page of Wands tarot card, 1909 artwork by Pamela Colman Smith

Page of Wands

Upright

curiosity, adventure, enthusiasm

A young explorer studies a sprouting wand with wonder. Follow your curiosity somewhere new.

Reversed

impatience, hesitation, distraction

Excitement may scatter before it becomes action. Pick one spark and tend it.

Knight of Wands tarot card, 1909 artwork by Pamela Colman Smith

Knight of Wands

Upright

energy, passion, adventure

The Knight's horse rears, ready to charge. Bold energy is carrying you forward.

Reversed

recklessness, impatience, frustration

Rushing could burn you out. Channel the fire instead of letting it run wild.

Queen of Wands tarot card, 1909 artwork by Pamela Colman Smith

Queen of Wands

Upright

confidence, independence, determination

The Queen sits with a sunflower in hand and a black cat at her feet. Shine with warm, magnetic confidence.

Reversed

insecurity, jealousy, self-doubt

Your light may feel dimmed. Reclaim your confidence and stop comparing.

King of Wands tarot card, 1909 artwork by Pamela Colman Smith

King of Wands

Upright

leadership, vision, boldness

The King holds his wand like a scepter, a visionary ready to lead. Dream big and take charge.

Reversed

domineering, impulsiveness, rigidity

Leadership may be turning into control. Lead with vision, not force.

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Card artwork by Pamela Colman Smith, 1909. Public domain.