The Six of Wands carries victory, progress, and earned recognition. First, this card arrives after real struggle and steady effort. Also, it marks the moment when tension breaks and direction becomes clear. And it reminds us that progress matters more than applause.
Also, this post uses my P.E.N.S.I Method. It explores Position, Element, Numerology, Symbolism, and Intuition to shape a full understanding of the Six of Wands. And each section adds structure and guidance for work with this card in readings.
Six of Wands, 1st Layer of Context: Position
We are not concerned with where the Six of Wands lands in a spread yet. First, this layer speaks to how the card behaves when it appears. And the Six of Wands stands at the point when struggle breaks and progress becomes visible. Also, it marks transition from tension into movement. Then, it shows the first breath of relief after pressure. Still, it reflects momentum, not completion.
Also, the position of the Six of Wands in a spread points to earned advancement, past, present or future. First, it appears when effort finally receives acknowledgment. And it signals a shift from conflict into direction. Also, this card often emerges when teamwork or public support matters. Then, it encourages stepping forward with grounded confidence. Still, it warns that the path continues and more work remains.
How do you remember that? Well, don’t memorize, learn to associate instead. If you have not, read the first P.E.N.S.I. lesson, it will help you make sense of tarot cards much easier.
2nd Layer of Context: Element is Fire
The Six of Wands belongs to fire. First, fire fuels action and purpose. And fire demands motion and strength. Also, fire drives expression and public presence. Then, fire teaches confidence balanced with discipline. Still, fire burns brightest when guided rather than forced. And this card reflects fire held with control and intent.
Remember fire from P.E.N.S.I.? Passion and career.
3rd Layer of Context for the Six of Wands: Numerology of Six
The number six reflects balance and restored harmony. First, six appears after sorrow, loss, regret or challenges. Challenges are often hand-in-hand with sorrows, losses and regrets. And it encourages steady rebuilding after strain. Also, it honors teamwork and shared success.
Rember the meaning of six from P.E.N.S.I.?
4th Layer of Context: Symbolism
First, the wreath symbolizes victory earned through real work. And the raised wands symbolize support and public witness. Also, the horse symbolizes direction and steady movement. Then, the rider represents confidence placed in purpose rather than ego. Still, the open path symbolizes progress ahead rather than a final destination. And the crowd symbolizes success shared with others.
Okay, so the above is sort of the generic you’re going to get from a guidebook. But let’s look at the image, the art and symbolism with an eager eye. Does it not look like a knight returning from a quest? Look at how he and his horse are dressed. The crowd carrying wands, this is not conflict, nor is it a bunch of bodyguards. They look like they are celebrating his return from a quest.
Guidebooks often speak of the wreath as victory through hard work, but it is more than a wreath. Ever hear the expression, “do not rest on your laurels?” A laurel was a wreath but used as a crown for new Caesars. A big celebration ensued, usually for weeks, but eventually the new Caesar was expected to buckle down and get to work.
So put all the symbols together. This is reward and recognition of hard work or an accomplishment. but the laurels say enjoy the fanfare, but it’s about time to get back in saddle, get back on the quest. Get back to work. Enjoy it, but you do have to get back to it. It is a reminder, you have earned reward, recognition, but you must continue too.
5th Layer of Context: Intuition
The Six of Wands speaks directly. First, step forward with confidence. And accept recognition without shrinking or swelling. Also, share progress honestly. Then, carry gratitude for those who support your path. Still, remember that leadership demands responsibility. And trust the direction that brought you here.
I already know when I see this card, that the party, the parade will end. One must continue moving on, they have not arrived, even though they deserve their pat on the back, applause and hopefully a raise!
Reversed Meaning
First, the reversed Six of Wands shows delay or stalled progress. And it reflects doubt and frustration. Also, it warns against comparison and impatience. Then, it asks for quiet rebuilding rather than force. Still, reversed energy marks pause rather than collapse. And it invites reflection before advancing again.
Sympathetic Decks
In the rider-waite era, this likely would have spoken more to someone going far away to study and return ready for a career in some field. It may have spoken to exploits and journeys geared for discovery or to acquire something related to business. It would likely not be so glamorous in this day and age, but the same idea.
It could be graduation, finishing an internship or the completion of a big career-related project. A promotion or raise is often an occurrence.
The deck I use currently and professionally the most is the Witches’ Tarot by Ellen Dugan, and it shows a literal knight. So, it is quite similar, but it is much clearer it is a knight.
Correspondences
- Planet: Jupiter
- Sign: Leo
- Element: Fire
- Number: 6
Tarot Spell: Six of Wands
First, place the Six of Wands upright on your altar or table. And set one candle behind the card. Also, write one sentence naming a recent success. Then, fold the paper and place it beneath the card. Still, speak one clear sentence of gratitude. And breathe three steady breaths to anchor recognition. Finally, carry the Six of Wands card for one day to honor progress.
Tarot Spell: Six of Wands Reversed
First, lay the Six of Wands reversed before you. And place one stone over its center. Also, write a short sentence naming the obstacle. Then, fold the paper away from your body. Still, speak one sentence releasing pressure. And snuff the candle gently. Finally, turn the Six of Wands upright the next morning to welcome renewal.
Final Note
First, this card calls for steady confidence. And it honors progress earned through persistence. Also, it reminds us that success grows from shared effort. Then, step forward with respect and purpose. Still, remember that victory begins the next stage. And allow this card to guide brave movement.
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Six of Wands!! I love the gratitude spell. For reward by hard work and persistence!! Can this card a need to continue the focused work in a particular area of your life?
Glad you like the gratitude spell Jennifer, đŸ˜‰ To answer your question, if I am understanding it correctly, yes – it sure can. It speaks to reward and / or recognition of one’s hard work and efforts and that sure feels good, doesn’t it? But depending on where it falls in a spread, there are nuances. Like, let’s say it fell into a position of “what you hope to achieve” or “the root of it” or “back of mind” or even in the past, it can mean you lack reward and recognition, just like the reverse meaning. In a tarot spread future position, well look forward to some reward and recognition and possibly a raise or bonus of some kind. In the upright though, it’s always a reminder to get back in the saddle if you want to make your goals or pursue your dreams. Blessed Be.
So, this card can mean a job promotion or a raise?
It is recognition and reward, so I would say yes, something along those lines.
Hi Zahra, đŸ™‚ Yes, it often does!
this is so much simpler now, not at all what I thought. thanks for this.
You’re welcome!
I have seen many people cry when I tell them to breathe, the hard work they are doing is paying off and people appreciate them. Not many people hear that anymore in their jobs. But they always make a sound of relief when I tell them to take a breather.
I couldn’t agree with you more, Megan. (Six of Wands in reverse) It sometimes feels like a punch in the gut, when it’s suddenly in your face. Feeling taken for granted, or people not appreciating your hard work. It always sucks, but … only a few things happen: The person moves on to where they are recognized and rewarded for their hard work and efforts, or they start asking for it where they are. The last thing, and the worst is to simply accept it, accept no reward for efforts. That all relates to employment though. In terms of passions, the things we wish to simply because we want too, well – there’s more flexibility. In the reverse, what relates to employment is similar, but with passions and creativities, the person can choose to start a new canvas, or undo part of their creation. They could choose to change the plan or adapt their vision. Pride will sometimes keep them from doing that though. đŸ˜‰ Blessings!
What about the element of self-doubt or the fear of failure that could be present in this cards symbolism?
Hello Ander, of course, but that is when the reverse meaning comes into play.