Minor Arcana - Wands Flashcards
Ace of Wands, Reversed
Hesitation, setbacks, doubt. Possibly not the time to begin something new. For a man, possible issues around sexuality (depending on the question and other cards).
Two of Wands
Choice, especially between security and adventure. Issues of risk. Success but also feelings of being closed in.
Two of Wands, Reversed
A move into new territory in a person’s life. Consequences of a choice. Excitement but also nervousness.
Three of Wands
Standing alone, looking out on your life. Committing all your resources to something. Alternatively, a reluctance to get involved, especially in relationships.
Three of Wands, Reversed
An old fortunetelling tradition says “the end of adversity.” Possibly joining with others or partnership in business.
Four of Wands
Celebration and joy, especially with others. Possibly a wedding. Recovery from illness or release from a difficult situation.
Four of Wands, Reversed
Following Waite, the meaning remains unchanged. Also prosperity, life in the country, possibly a delayed celebration.
Five of Wands
Competition without rancor. Positive but chaotic energy in need of organization or direction. Enthusiasm without clear direction.
Five of Wands, Reversed
Learning how to focus energy or direct enthusiasm in productive ways. Sometimes a competitive situation, such as a workplace turning nasty and people acting unethically or doing something behind the querent’s back.
Six of Wands
Confidence, success, optimism, leadership. The ability to attract followers. Victory in something as a self- fulfilling prophecy.
Six of Wands, Reversed
Negativity, pessimism, self- doubt. The challenge becomes to work with the image right- side up in order to turn yourself around. A more positive interpretation: going your own way without need of followers.
Seven of Wands
Dynamic energy, possibly aggressive or defensive against real (or imagined) threats. Someone who puts energy into many different things at once but has trouble resolving any of them.
Seven of Wands, Reversed
Disorganization, possibly feeling overwhelmed. Alternatively, learning to choose battles or to work on one problem at a time.
Eight of Wands
Positive movement, organization, swift action with good results. Expression of love, either as messages or simply desire.
Eight of Wands, Reversed
Delays, lack of focus. Plans might need more conscious guidance to bring results. Possibly arrows of jealousy that, with other problem cards, could endanger a relationship.
Nine of Wands
Power, courage, the ability to defend yourself against attack or just a series of crises. Defensiveness, tension.
Nine of Wands, Reversed
Weakness but also giving up a defensive attitude. Can indicate a willingness to find alternative solutions rather than constantly battle. Openness to other people’s perspectives or needs. (If you choose not to work with reversed meanings, consider these meanings as inherent in the card, along with the right- side up ones.)
Ten of Wands
Burdens, too much responsibility. Enthusiasm that’s led to someone taking on too many projects. In relationship readings, someone who attempts to keep the relationship going all alone.
Ten of Wands, Reversed
Can mean failure of projects but more often means a release of responsibilities. Simplifying your life, either because projects end or because you share the burdens. In relationships, greater communication and sharing of problems.
Page of Wands
theme: eagerness
Freshness, enthusiasm, a willingness to begin something. Someone young and energetic. Exciting news. Possibly a faithful lover or a declaration of love.
Page of Wands, Reversed
Uncertainly, hesitancy, caution (especially with the Fool reversed). It may be an unfaithful lover, especially with the Seven of Swords.
Knight of Wands
Theme: Adventure
Adventure, daring. Someone energetic and forceful. As a person, he can be very charming and confident. This can be a card of travel.
Sdnaw fo thginK
Possible delays and interruptions. Overconfidence, as if the Knight might have fallen off his horse because he was just not ready for everything he was trying to do.
Queen of Wands
Theme: Love of Life
She is confident, life- giving, and generous but sometimes fierce. She can be passionate sexually but impatient with a partner who shows weakness or hesitation. A love of life, possibly a time of ease and enjoyment.
Sdnaw fo Neeuq
Generous and good in a crisis, the Queen can become impatient with situations that go on too long. She needs to be around people and in situations that embrace life, and she can have trouble understanding limitations.
King of Wands
Theme: Confidence/Arrogance
An older man (or possibly a woman), very strong and confident. He may be impatient with those who act or think too slowly and who cannot stand up to his tendency to take charge. He has no guile, however, or ill will, just a powerful energy. A confident, demanding boss.
Sdnaw fo Gnik
Tested or in any way confined, he may react angrily. His desire for adventure may cause him to give up responsibility or resent what he does for others.
Ace of Wands
element: fire
theme: pure energy of suit, a gift
divinatory meanings:
Energy, life, good health, forcefulness, enthusiastic beginnings.
