Wands

Ace of Wands

Upright Meaning:

Inspiration, new opportunities, growth, potential, creative spark.

Reversed Meaning:

Delays, lack of motivation, missed chances, creative blocks.

Waite-Smith Symbolism:

• Hand holding wand from cloud: Divine gift of energy and initiative.
• Sprouting wand: Fertility, creation, and potential for success.
• Mountains in background: Challenges and ambitions.
• Green landscape: Abundance and life force.

Two of Wands

Upright Meaning:

Planning, progress, decisions, future vision, expansion.

Reversed Meaning:

Fear of change, lack of planning, playing it safe, limited vision.

Waite-Smith Symbolism:

• Figure holding globe and wand: Worldly ambition and foresight.
• Castle wall: Security and foundation for progress.
• Wand fixed to wall: Stability supporting vision.
• Farmland and water: Opportunity and potential beyond comfort zone.

Three of Wands

Upright Meaning:

Expansion, foresight, overseas opportunities, momentum, progress.

Reversed Meaning:

Delays, obstacles, lack of foresight, holding back.

Waite-Smith Symbolism:

• Figure watching ships: Awaiting results of plans and ventures.
• Three planted wands: Solid foundation for action and progress.
• Cliff edge: Perspective and strategic outlook.
• Open sky and water: Freedom and opportunity in the wider world.

Four of Wands

Upright Meaning:

Celebration, harmony, homecoming, community, stability.

Reversed Meaning:

Conflict at home, lack of support, canceled celebrations, instability.

Waite-Smith Symbolism:

• Two pairs of wands with garland: Joyful occasion and welcoming atmosphere.
• Figures dancing in the background: Celebration and shared happiness.
• Castle in distance: Established security and success.
• Floral wreath: Union and abundance.

Five of Wands

Upright Meaning:

Competition, conflict, disagreement, tension, testing opinions.

Reversed Meaning:

Avoiding conflict, inner tension, suppressed aggression, resolution.

Waite-Smith Symbolism:

• Five figures clashing with wands: Struggle for dominance or differing views.
• Bright daylight: Open and transparent conflict.
• No armor: Informal and possibly playful competition.
• Chaotic stance: Lack of coordination and shared direction.

Six of Wands

Upright Meaning:

Victory, recognition, success, triumph, self-confidence.

Reversed Meaning:

Fall from grace, egoism, lack of recognition, disapproval.

Waite-Smith Symbolism:

• Figure on horse with laurel wreath: Celebrated leader returning victorious.
• Wand with wreath: Triumph and acclaim.
• Supporting crowd: Public approval and communal pride.
• White horse: Purity of purpose and honor.

Seven of Wands

Upright Meaning:

Defense, perseverance, standing your ground, challenge, courage.

Reversed Meaning:

Overwhelm, giving up, lack of confidence, being caught off guard.

Waite-Smith Symbolism:

• Figure on hill defending position: Holding ground despite opposition.
• Six wands below: External challenges or competition.
• Mismatch of shoes: Imbalance or unpreparedness.
• Green terrain: Life force and need for persistence.

Eight of Wands

Upright Meaning:

Speed, movement, progress, rapid communication, swift change.

Reversed Meaning:

Delays, resistance, chaos, miscommunication, slow progress.

Waite-Smith Symbolism:

• Wands flying through the air: Momentum and unblocked energy.
• Clear blue sky: Clarity and directness in action.
• Open landscape: Path is clear and unobstructed.
• River below: Emotional undercurrents supporting change.

Nine of Wands

Upright Meaning:

Resilience, persistence, boundaries, wounded warrior, last stand.

Reversed Meaning:

Exhaustion, defensiveness, paranoia, giving up too soon.

Waite-Smith Symbolism:

• Bandaged figure with wand: Battle-worn yet standing strong.
• Eight wands behind: Lessons learned and previous struggles.
• Watchful gaze: Caution and preparedness.
• Brown and green tones: Endurance and grounded strength.

Ten of Wands

Upright Meaning:

Burden, responsibility, hard work, stress, carrying too much.

Reversed Meaning:

Release of burdens, delegation, burnout, letting go.

Waite-Smith Symbolism:

• Man carrying ten wands: Strain under accumulated duties.
• Obscured vision: Narrow focus and overwhelm.
• Town in background: Nearing completion or relief.
• Brown and yellow tones: Physical effort and striving for stability.

Page of Wands

Upright Meaning:

Inspiration, exploration, discovery, creative message, fresh ideas.

Reversed Meaning:

Procrastination, lack of direction, bad news, immaturity.

Waite-Smith Symbolism:

• Youth with wand: Enthusiasm and a sense of adventure.
• Desert landscape: New potential in uncertain territory.
• Orange tunic: Energy, creativity, and action.
• Feathered hat: Idealism and upward vision.

Knight of Wands

Upright Meaning:

Action, adventure, passion, impulsiveness, ambition.

Reversed Meaning:

Recklessness, delays, impatience, scattered energy.

Waite-Smith Symbolism:

• Knight on rearing horse: Drive and pursuit of goals.
• Flaming tunic and salamander symbols: Element of fire and transformation.
• Desert and pyramids: Bold exploration and confidence.
• Raised wand: Readiness to act with intensity.

Queen of Wands

Upright Meaning:

Confidence, independence, determination, warmth, charisma.

Reversed Meaning:

Jealousy, insecurity, introversion, manipulation.

Waite-Smith Symbolism:

• Queen with sunflower and wand: Life, joy, and magnetic energy.
• Black cat at feet: Mystery and intuitive protection.
• Lions on throne: Courage and mastery of will.
• Desert background: Resilience and creative command.

King of Wands

Upright Meaning:

Leadership, vision, entrepreneurship, boldness, long-term success.

Reversed Meaning:

Impulsiveness, arrogance, domineering behavior, overextension.

Waite-Smith Symbolism:

• King with flowering wand: Command of energy and inspiration.
• Salamanders and lions on robe and throne: Fire, transformation, and strength.
• Desert and lizards: Courage, vitality, and survival.
• Golden crown: Sovereignty over passion and ambition.