WANDS:

• Represented by the element of FIRE
• inspiration, energy and enthusiasm
• hot, wild, unpredictable, energetic
• can be creative in helping us to cook or build tools, but it can also be destructive
• symbolic of passion, energy, enthusiasm and sexuality
• meanings of the Wands cards deal with spiritual level of consciousness and mirror what is important to you at the core of your being
• address what makes you tick - your personality, ego, enthusiasm, self-concept and personal energy, both internal and external
• negative aspects include illusion, egotistical behavior, impulsiveness, a lack of direction or purpose, or feeling meaningless
• Wands people are energetic, charismatic, warm and spiritual
• corresponds to CLUBS in a suit of playing cards

ACE OF WANDS

UPRIGHT:

• inspiration, new opportunities, growth and potential
• using creative force
  • inventing a better way, opening to greater possibilities, expressing yourself, coming up with a solution
• showing enthusiasm
  • feeling fired up and eager, being ready to tackle the world, inspiring others, sustaining optimism and giving 110%
• having confidence
• believing in yourself, feeling assured of your abilities, having high self-esteem, having faith in your path and knowing things will work out
going beyond your limits, being true to your beliefs, daring to take a stand, facing your fears

REVERSED:

• failure, boredom and stagnation
• an emerging idea, lack of discretion
• distractions and delays

TWO OF WANDS

UPRIGHT:

• progress, discovery
• future planning
• decisions
• personal power
• commanding attention and respect, directing those around you, holding the world in your hands, wielding influence, having authority, swaying others and being able to achieve your goals.
• being bold
• daring to do what you want, taking a risk, taking a gamble, confronting the situation head on, taking the initiative, speaking your mind, seizing the day and taking the bull by the horns
• showing originality
• doing what no one else has done, creating your own style, taking a different approach, being inventive, diverging from the crowd and marching to the tune of your own drum

REVERSED:

• fear of change, playing it safe
• fear of the unknown - a lack of planning
• an unexpected turn of events
• a new perspective on an old problem
• reluctance, self-imposed restriction

THREE OF WANDS

UPRIGHT:

• foresight
• preparation
• progress, expansion, opportunities
• exploring the unknown
• seeking out uncharted areas, going on a quest for new adventure, expanding your horizons, leaving security behind
• having foresight
• looking for greater possibilities, planning ahead, knowing what to expect, anticipating obstacles, taking the long view
• demonstrating leadership
• showing others the way, taking the main role, providing needed direction, rallying a group behind you, assuming a responsible position, setting an example

REVERSED:

• disappointment and obstacles
• playing it safe, lack of foresight and unexpected delays
• feeling blocked
• being unable to start or complete projects
• delayed results and distrust

FOUR OF WANDS

UPRIGHT:

• harmony
• homecoming
• joy
• celebrating
• rejoicing over a happy event, recognizing a success, observing an anniversary or milestone, congratulations on a job well done, reflecting on accomplishments, reaping the benefits, taking part in a ceremony or rite
• freedom
• getting out of an oppressive situation, breaking free of bonds, cutting loose, escaping unhappy circumstances, letting go of limitations
• feeling excited
• feeling thrilled, looking forward to the future, getting caught up in the moment, relishing in the moment, being pleasantly surprised

REVERSED:

• transition
• lack of support and conflicts at home

FIVE OF WANDS

UPRIGHT:

• disagreements
• strife
• disagreeing
• being torn by dissension, quarreling, bickering, a debate, being at odds with others, quibbling over details
• experiencing competition
• feeling the thrill of the contest, going against an opponent, rising to the challenge, trying to outdo yourself or others, going for gold, looking for a fight, having a rival
• experiencing hassles
• getting annoyed by demands, having minor setbacks, needing to take care of the details, being irritable

REVERSED:

• avoiding conflict
• trickery
• settling disputes
• being beset by inner demons (inner conflict)

SIX OF WANDS

UPRIGHT:

• triumph
• self confidence, progress
• success, public recognition, progress
• triumphing
• feeling vindicated, walking away with the prize, coming out on top, achieving success
• receiving acclaim
• being acknowledged, receiving praise or a compliment, achieving recognition
• feeling pride
• enjoying healthy self-esteem, holding your head up high, feeling worthy of notice, having a high opinion of yourself, putting yourself above others, being arrogant, condescending or self-important

REVERSED:

• lack of self-pride and recognition
• private achievement
• a fall from grace, egotism
• treachery, betrayal.
• a short-lived victory
• pride before a fall.
• embarrassment, public humiliation

SEVEN OF WANDS

UPRIGHT:

• aggression
• competition, perseverance
• competition, protection
• being aggressive
• going after what you want, asserting yourself, taking the offensive, firing the first shot, forcefully making a point, seizing the advantage
• being defiant
• holding out against pressure, defending your position, opposing all challengers, combating criticism, refusing to yield or resisting authority
• showing conviction
• being absolutely sure, having a fixed position, demonstrating strong character, standing up for what you believe in, knowing you are right, acting resolute and being firm

REVERSED:

• giving up, fear, being overwhelmed
• exhaustion
• putting up barriers
• refusing to negotiate
• being obstinate and biased

EIGHT OF WANDS

UPRIGHT:

• travel, change, movement
• fast-paced change, alignment
• taking quick action
• making your move, declaring yourself openly, putting plans into action, rushing into a new area, moving into high gear, getting caught up in change
• coming to a conclusion
• having all elements come together, closing out an activity, experiencing a grand finale, finding a successful resolution, completing unfinished business
• receiving news
• getting an important message, obtaining a needed bit of information, finding the missing puzzle piece, discovering the truth, learning more, having a meaningful conversation

REVERSED:

• panic, delay, embarrassments
• frustration, resisting change
• unforeseen, difficult events, shock

NINE OF WANDS

UPRIGHT:

• defensiveness
• resilience, persistence
• courage, test of faith, resilience
• defending yourself
• assuming ill will, expecting the worst, being paranoid, feeling wary and guarded, remembering past attacks, protecting others
• persevering
• persisting despite all setbacks, refusing to take “no” for an answer, seeing something through to the end, getting knocked down and standing up again, keeping your resolve, trying repeatedly
• showing stamina
• continuing despite fatigue, holding fast, drawing on hidden reserves, holding together through force of will, demonstrating strength, keeping up the pace

REVERSED:

• exhaustion and fatigue
• on edge, defensive, hesitant and paranoid
• overwhelmed, read to give up

TEN OF WANDS

UPRIGHT:

• burden, responsibility
• hard work, stress and achievement
• overextending yourself
• trying to do too much, taking all the blame, assuming another's debt, refusing to say no, shouldering all the work, being saddled with an extra load, working overtime
• feeling burdened
• never having time to relax, being taxed to the limit, assuming responsibility, being held accountable, carrying out an unpleasant duty or cleaning up a messy situation
• struggling
• fighting uphill, doing everything the hard way, experiencing resistance, pushing against the current, working for every gain, finding that nothing comes easily, laboring

REVERSED:

• feeling overburdened and burnt out
• taking on too much
• avoiding responsibility
• hard labor, little results
• letting go of a goal or dream
• facing a hard reality

PAGE OF WANDS

UPRIGHT:

• enthusiasm, discovery
• exploration, a free spirit
• similar to The Fool, represents change and new beginnings
• not fully weighed down by the burdens of the material world yet
• the catalyst that inspires change that might be impossible in any other situation
• indicates some sort of creative restlessness within you waiting for some sort of expression
• a sudden creative spark that comes to you unexpectedly
• express yourself and your individuality with lighthearted abandon
• listen to your unconscious mind and follow your creative urges, even if you're worried about being the lonely voice crying out in the wilderness
• with persistence and a balanced perspective, even its immature desires can be transformed into a beautiful creative vision that can change the world

REVERSED:

• lack of discretion and procrastination
• setbacks to new ideas
• pessimism
• a lack of direction
• childish tantrums
• lacking concentration and determination
• bad news or a reprimand in the form of a message

KNIGHT OF WANDS

UPRIGHT:

• energy, passion, a lust for adventure, impulsiveness
• act first, think later
• impatient and impulsive with a love for action
• he has a tendency to rush into things without consideration for the consequences of his actions
• in his haste to set off, he often fails to have a clear attack plan
• so focused on being the best in the pursuit of fame and glory, he almost forgets to plan ahead and keep track of reality
• may also come across as aggressive and overly ambitious
• highly insistent even if others stand in his way, criticize him or challenge him
• can expect to see a lot of change and action occurring around you, and you will no doubt be swept up by the restless, busy energy whether you like it or not
• you need to be ready to react quickly and go with the flow as resistance is useless

REVERSED:

• anger and recklessness
• haste, scattered energy
• delays and frustration
• a rogue, a philanderer, brawler or a cheater
• over-enthusiasm, impatience and a bad temper.
• prone to violence

QUEEN OF WANDS

UPRIGHT:

• exuberance, vibrancy
• warmth, determination
• not afraid to demonstrate her power to others, nor does she shy away from a challenge
• therefore a strong leader who is focused on her desires, intending to get what she wants
• thus, she indicates you are strong, independent and able to take care of yourself and sustain your own creative vision even in the face of adversity

REVERSED:

• selfishness and jealousy
• a shrinking violet
• aggressive and demanding
• a jealous, temperamental mistress
• a rival in love or work
• promiscuity, extravagance

KING OF WANDS

UPRIGHT:

• visionary, entrepreneur
• a natural-born leader
• honor
• unlike other Wands court cards, he is not so interesting in actual creation and creativity, or in dreaming up ideas and implementing them himself
• instead he is more inclined to take an idea and change the world to match his vision
• as such, he is a natural-born leader of all kinds of people, and is very visionary
• once he sets himself a goal, he sticks to it and ensures he can make it happen with the support of those around him
• people naturally gravitate towards him as they know he will get things done and will do it very well
• a master at being able to get other people to do his work for him, and keep them on side throughout the process

REVERSED:

• overbearing and unachievable expectations
• impulsiveness, haste
• ruthless
• an arrogant leader or boss with an inflated ego
• misuse of power
• almighty displays of anger