Tarot Explained: What is the Suit of Wands?
Tarot has four suits, which make up the minor arcana.
These suits are:
- Wands
- Swords
- Cups
- Pentacles
Each relates to an element and an energy type, and they represent the subtle forces that move through our everyday lives. These forces affect us through our environment, our relationships and the circumstances we face on a daily basis.
The influence that these cards describe is usually temporary, yet are here to teach us valuable lessons and lead us into a place of greater self-awareness.
What is the Meaning of the Suit Of Wands?
Quick Reference:
Element: Fire
Astrological Zodiac Signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Playing Card: Clubs
Other Names: Rods, staves, staffs
Associated with fire, the suit of wands represents passion, creativity, inspiration, and primal energy. They bring ambition, determination, and strength of will. As such, they can often refer to your career and sense of purpose in your work in the world.
This suit is also the most individualistic of all, and like the element of fire can be wild, unpredictable, and highly destructive if not channeled wisely,
The suit of wands also bring refers to sexuality, and its energy is generally considered to be masculine.
What Does it Mean if the Suit of Wands Shows up in a Tarot Reading?
When these cards appear for you in a tarot reading, it’s likely a call to action – you need to put some of your creative and passionate spirit into the game!
Because of this suits connection to self-purpose, these cards showing up could indicate that you need to activate your inner entrepreneur. Take a risk, and start a new venture. OR are there more creative ways you could apply yourself to a current work situation?
The thing to remember when the wands show up in Tarot is that they’re likely revealing layers of meaning to things that are in their beginning stages (which is also where you should look for solutions). They also refer to the self – to personal behavior and ego, rather than anything outside of yourself. These cards may be calling you into self-inquiry and a deeper exploration of what is currently motivating you.
Suit of Wands Negative Aspects
When negative traits or meanings are indicated by the Wands, these usually involve egotism, impulsiveness, self-centeredness, and even a lack of purpose or direction.
A Super-Quick Guide to Individual Card Meanings
Ace of Wands
Upright: New beginnings, creativity, boldness, inspiration, bravery, will. Take a risk, have a go.
Reversed: Lack of passion, hesitancy, blocks to creativity.
Two of Wands
Upright: First steps, decision making, planning, discovery.
Reversed: Avoidance, bad planning, feeling stuck, over-thinking.
Three of Wands
Upright: Creative vision, momentum, expansion, foresight, growth.
Reversed: Restriction, delays, frustration, taking time out.
Four of Wands
Upright: Good relationships, community, reunions, establishing bonds.
Reversed: Lack of support, conflict at home, feeling unrooted and ungrounded, transience.
Five of Wands
Upright: Conflict, tension, rivalry (and the leaning that these states can bring).
Reversed: End or avoidance of conflict, peace, harmony, agreement.
Six of Wands
Upright: Victory, success, celebration, pride, acclaim.
Reversed: Failure, lack of recognition and reward.
Seven of Wands
Upright: Defending yourself, standing up for what you believe or have created.
Reversed: Giving up, admitting defeat, surrender, lack of self-belief.
Eight of Wands
Upright: Movement, progress, decisions being made.
Reversed: Delays, lack of progress, slowing down, the requirement of patience.
Nine of Wands
Upright: Persistence, determination, hope.
Reversed: Resistance, mistrust, an indicator of personal fear.
Ten of Wands
Upright: Responsibility, duty, carrying burdens, struggle, exhaustion.
Reversed: Too much responsibility, failure to delegate, breakdown.
Page of Wands
Upright: New ideas, excitement, fearlessness, enthusiasm.
Reversed: Haste, impulsiveness, impatience, laziness, unreliability, distraction.
Knight of Wands
Upright: Creative enthusiasm, adventure, energy, travel.
Reversed: Recklessness, lack of self-control, domineering.
Queen of Wands
Upright: Self-assuredness, confidence, charisma, optimism.
Reversed: Demanding, temperamental. Could indicate someone needs your help.
King of Wands
Upright: Leadership, daring, inspiring confidence, making decisions, optimism.
Reversed: Excess force, exerting power, weak leadership, tyrannical energy.