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]]>The Five of Wands hits with noise and friction, and conflict waits in each corner. It is easy to learn this card with my P.E.N.S.I Method First, this card brings heat that forces growth through struggle. Next, it pushes you to face truth instead of hiding. Tension rises fast, and it refuses to soften. Still, you learn what you want when everything feels loud.
This post uses my P.E.N.S.I Method Position, Element, Numerology, Symbolism, and Intuition to build a full picture of the card, and it gives structure. Next, each layer adds shape, meaning, and guidance, and you can use it right now.
Five of Wands, 1st Layer of Context: Position
We are not concerned with position in a reading just yet. In the future, I’ll be doing lots of spreads. But for now, for a little context, it’s going to be about clashes at work or on creative projects.
This card drops when voices collide, and it demands your full attention. Next, it shows stress, rivalry, and strong wills that clash hard, so courage matters. Then, it asks you to choose action instead of silence, and it reminds you to move. Still, it suggests that chaos can build strength when you stay grounded, and it pushes you to hold steady. Finally, it points to hard talks, group challenges, or inner storms, so presence matters.
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
In P.E.N.S.I., fire is passion and often career and creative endeavors. It’s all about what we are passionate about. Very simple. Remember, fire maybe destructive, but it is always creating. One thing falls away or is undone, and something new is created that takes its place.
First, the Five of Wands lives in Fire, and it speaks with bold force. Next, this element burns with passion and sharp truth, so it clears confusion. Then, it pushes movement when things feel stuck, and it wakes sleeping power. Still, conflict flares because each person holds strong need, so tension builds. Later, Fire clears the air and forces honesty, and it strips away lies. Finally, it brings heat that shapes strength, not ruin, so power grows.
3rd Layer of Context for Five of Wands: Numerology of Five
Five in P.EN.S.I. is always about sorrow, loss, regret or all three. And this always precedes a better time, and one should have hope of better. First, five marks change and the breaking of old patterns. Next, it pulls you from comfort and shakes loose what no longer fits. Then, it shows a turning point when struggle must lead to motion. Still, it teaches that change feels rough before it feels right. Finally, it calls for courage and clear direction, so you can rise.
4th Layer of Context: Symbolism
First, the raised wands show challenge and clashing goals. Next, the scattered ground shows weak footing, so balance matters. Then, the open sky shows space to grow. Still, the bodies in motion show skill built through effort, so practice counts. Finally, the bright colors show energy that refuses to dim. This is along the lines of generic descriptions found in guidebooks.
But if we examine the symbols with a lens of “actual life”, that is all true, but I get a lot more out of it. Knowing this is about passion, creative projects, career matters, ask if it looks like people are getting along. I do not think so. It looks like conflict, not war, but conflict.
I see conflict, disagreements, challenges like petty squabbling in the workplace or in a coven or tight social group. There is a real need to put some serious effort into problem solving.
5th Layer of Context: Intuition
First, listen close because the Five of Wands pushes honesty. Next, step forward instead of stepping aside. Still, speak what burns inside you, and hold your ground without cruelty. Finally, trust your fire, so strength leads you.
When all the factors of P.E.N.S.I. come together, you get the above. But, more specific, I often know there’s a clash of creative ideas, everyone pushing their ideas to the point of bruising other’s egos. I challenge the client I am reading for to take leadership, acknowledge other people’s ideas, give them kudos. Strive to see how all those ideas can work together, the sum of the ideas are greater than the ideas alone.
Reversed Meaning
First, when reversed, tension turns toxic, and peace breaks down. Next, it shows shouting without reason and battles without aim, so you must stop wasting strength. Still, reset the field before blame grows. Finally, step back and choose calm, so truth can breathe. It still warrants taking a leadership role, and a higher road.
Sympathetic Decks
In its era, this would have been about serious business, and grand projects with large scale. But in this day and age it can fit just about any work environment or creative group. This card pairs well with decks that show sharp lines and bold color but whose art includes heat, motion and real bodies.
All versions of the Rider–Waite deck have depictions of five “combatants”. The deck I use the most these days and professionally, (Ellen Dugan’s Witches’ Tarot) features dragon riders, but again, it’s not war, just competition of egos that is unhealthy for the group.
Correspondences
- Fire
- Mars
- Leo
- Number Five
Tarot Spell: Five of Wands
First, place the Five of Wands card before you, and set a candle just above it to call in fire. Next, stand with your feet firm and hold a wand or branch in your strong hand, so your body feels grounded. Then focus on the card and speak the conflict aloud and let your voice shake loose blocked heat. Strike the ground once and name the result you choose, so the action becomes real.
Finally, let wax fall near the card without touching it, and thank the flame for the strength now set in motion. Think conflict resolution, and a meeting of the minds, an acceptable agreement.
Tarot Spell: Ace of Wands (Reversed)
First, place the Five of Wands card face up beside a bowl of water, so calm surrounds the fire. Next, write each conflict you must end on a small slip of paper, and speak them with steady breath. Then rest your fingers on the card and read the list aloud, so the tension leaves your body.
Fold the paper tight and drop it into the water, and watch the words soften. Finally, tilt the card away from you and walk forward without looking back, so release becomes truth. Use this spell when you seek an end to a conflict you believe will not end but need to walk away from.
Final Note
First, the Five of Wands asks for bold strength. Next, it shows struggle that teaches power through fire. Still, you rise when you move with purpose. Finally, choose battles with care, and step forward with intent.
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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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If you have not, read the first P.E.N.S.I lesson, it makes learning tarot so much easier. Through P.E.N.S.I., this card reveals pressure through fire energy, completion through the number ten, and symbolism that blocks clear vision. Intuitively, the Ten of Wands appears when endurance is being tested. Progress still happens, but the cost is growing. Something must shift before burnout takes over.
Ten of Wands, 1st Layer of Context: Position
Upright, the Ten of Wands reflects overcommitment and strain. Reversed, it points to release, delegation, or the choice to stop carrying what is not yours. We are not covering tarot spreads yet, but we will. But this could be past, present or future. In a relationship query, this client may feel the couples’ burdens are lopsided.
2nd Layer of Context: Element of Fire
Recall from the first P.E.N.S.I. lesson, fire is always passions and/or career. Often the two are tied together. In this card, energy is present, but it is burning low from constant output without recovery.
3rd Layer of Context for Ten of Wands: Numerology of Ten
Recall from the first lesson, ten is an energy we’ve been dwelling in for a while. This could be a happy or not so happy thing. But it always means the person is headed back to a one. Completion under pressure. An ending reached through effort rather than ease. Change will happen, it is coming, but what will it look like? It is up to the person the card represents.
4th Layer of Context: Symbolism
The bundled wands block the figure’s view, showing how excess duty narrows perspective. Progress continues, but joy and clarity are obscured. This is basic guide-book stuff, but I see a lot more than that. The destination (the goal) is not far, look close at the card in the lower right. But, will they make it? Overwhelmed, exhausted and further to go. I advise clients all the time when I see this; you have too many irons in the fire. A reference to a blacksmith and forge. You will not be able to hammer it all out successfully.
Delegate, ask for help, keep just the irons you are best at and have the most control over. Let the rest go or let someone else who is qualified do it. I further advise folk to let go of “people projects”. That does not serve them, no one is ours to fix.
5th Layer of Context: Intuition
This card often asks for honesty. What started as purpose may have turned into obligation. Strength remains, but it needs support. When I put this in context with the query, (the question if they have asked one) and other cards, position etc. a lot more often comes.
I can often tell what the projects are, and even some of the people involved. But you arrive at intuition by working the other aspects of P.E.N.S.I. much easier.
Reversed Meaning
Relief begins when boundaries return. You may be ready to drop a role, share a task, or admit something is too much. In the meantime, this person is just spent. Utterly tired and burned out. I tell them to let others take over while they take time out. If others will not take over, find other people then.
Sympathetic Decks
Most of the the decks I have come across are quite similar in imagery. In the Rider-Waite-Smith era, this would have spoken to big projects, like building a hospital or a new railroad. In today’s society, it can be easily fit to anyone’s career. The Everyday Witch Tarot depicts a witch carrying ten brooms, adorable.
Correspondences
- Saturn in Sagittarius.
- Herb: Ash wood
- Crystal: Smoky quartz
- Color: Rust red
Tarot Spell: Ten of Wands
Light a plain white candle and place smoky quartz beside it. Hold the Ten of Wands card and name each responsibility aloud. With each name, tap the card once. When finished, say which task will be shared, paused, or ended. Let the candle burn halfway, then extinguish it. Return to this spell only after action is taken.
Tarot Spell: Ten of Wands Reversed
Place the Ten of Wands reversed on a table with ash wood or incense. Sit quietly and breathe until tension eases. Say, “I release what is not mine to carry.” Pass the card through incense smoke three times. Put the card away to mark the shift.
Final Note
The Ten of Wands is not failure. It is proof of effort. Wisdom comes from knowing when to set the load down.
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