Understanding the Basics of Tarot Cards—Wands

The Wands suit, also occasionally known as the Staffs suit, is one of the four suits within the Minor Arcana, consisting of fourteen cards. These cards revolve around our desires and beliefs, often impacting our action and drive. They are the epitome of passion, power, impulse, and motivations within your life and your personhood. While they all share the same overarching themes, each card has its own purpose and meaning.

Ace of Wands

The Ace of Wands represents an action taken that will impact the path toward your desired goal. It symbolizes the idea of new beginnings and fresh starts, guiding you towards a new life outcome. However, with this action taken, there must be commitment or follow through. When this card is pulled, it’s encouraging you to take a step forward in this new journey and to harness your feelings of inspiration and motivation.

Two of Wands

The Two of Wands follows tha ace, representing your second step on your new life journey. Think of this card as your call to action. This card is asking you to analyze your ultimate goal, make decisions in the best course of action (that is realistic), and start putting your energies into making it happen. When you pull this card, it’s telling you to ground yourself, and then charge forward.

Three of Wands

The Three of Wands symbolizes balance and patience, whether within your life or your personhood. It’s telling you that you are on the correct path, but that you need to be more patient and trust that you are where you’re supposed to be. You may be trying to speed up the journey or doubting the process, but this is the universe telling you that you will get what you desire with time. Be confident in the path you’re on and allow yourself to slow down.

Four of Wands

The Four of Wands represents collaboration and teamwork, the act of positively impacting your life through togetherness. Often when this card is pulled, it marks the start of an event or action in which people are brought together. Whether this be marriage, community engagement, reunion, or gathering of some sort, this card is a reminder to celebrate and embrace those around you.

Five of Wands

The Five of Wands symbolizes a difficulty or struggle caused by competition or conflict. You may find yourself in a position where rather than participating in friendly banter or light-hearted conversation, you feel the need to compete, compare, and make others feel small to build yourself up. Ask yourself why you find yourself wanting to fight and analyze if this approach is beneficial or damaging to you, and those around you. This card is asking you to reflect on your ego and need for success.

Six of Wands

The Six of Wands is a card of appreciation and recognition of your efforts and accomplishments. You have continued to make great strides in life and are reaching the goals you’ve made for yourself, whether big or small, and the card is telling you to celebrate yourself and your internal and external victories. The universe is proud of you and is cheering you on. When you pull this card, it’s essentially a pat on the back and popping of party streamers.

Seven of Wands

The Seven of Wands represents an individual who emanates success and good fortune, often seen as accomplished and prestigious. This card is telling you that you will continue to bask in the delight of success, but to be careful not to let your ego grow too big. Just because you are used to these moments of victory, does not mean that you are untouchable. So, allow yourself to be proud, but remember to remain focused and humble.

Eight of Wands

The Eight of Wands is telling you that vital events in your life are quickly unfolding. However, this isn’t a bad thing. It’s a reminder that change is good and necessary, and that while it can be challenging, it’s what will make you stronger. You might have a tight grasp on control, but this card is telling you to release that to live in the moment because time is going to speed up. Heighten your focus and energy, be aware, and live out every moment to its fullest potential.

Nine of Wands

The Nine of Wands represents a deep need for rest and personal time, to slow down and work on licking your wounds and taking the time to nourish your mind, body, and spirit. When challenges or roadblocks appear in life, take time for yourself before attempting to jump over them. Give yourself the time you need to breathe. This card is reminding you that you are important, and that life is easier to push through when given an adequate amount of tender love and care

Ten of Wands

The Ten of Wands is the opposite of the Nine of Wands, it’s urging you to push forward and keep your head up, or else you may lose sight of your goal or have success slip from your fingertips. You need to do everything in your power to reach completion. This card is urging you to focus your energies on one particular goal or need, and put all of your time and energy into accomplishing it.

Page of Wands

The Page of Wands is an individual who does not seek validation or approval, as he craves freedom and personal liberation. This card is reminding you of the power that you have within yourself that you need to harness and build upon. You have deep passions and are ready to start taking the bull by the horns and go after what you want. When this card is pulled, it’s urging you to let your fire grow bigger and explore what you want in your life.

Knight of Wands

The Knight of Wands is someone who is impulsive and fearless, ofter easily provoked and the first to start a fight. There is a confidence and smugness within this character, one that prioritizes action before logic. When this card is pulled, it’s telling you to analyze your temper and fiery spirit, looking deeper into the intensity of your actions and desires. While this intensity and impulse can be valuable, make sure it’s being used in the correct situations.

Queen of Wands

The Queen of Wands is best described as a gentle and compassionate leader, one with high energy and endless charm. This card can be read as a challenge and an encouragement depending on the context. Either way, it’s telling you to put yourself out there more, to allow your confidence to grow. To take the leap into a role of leadership and higher power, but to do so with kindness and understanding.

King of Wands

The King of Wands is the epitome of the hero. Much like the Queen of Wands, he is a leader, but in a way that is more self-centered and ambitious. There is a need for attention and recognition, an obsession with being praised. He is always seeking new adventures, easily restless when nothing exciting is going on within life. When this card is pulled, it’s telling you that you can be prideful in your success and status, that adventure is necessary, but to use these traits to push others towards success as well.