Five of Wands -

Tarot Card Meaning

Part of a full-series guide of all 78 Tarot Cards. See the full guide here.

Written by Made Musings

FIVE OF WANDS

At a glance:

The Five of Wands indicates a period of disagreements and disputes.

Upright Keywords:
Competition, conflict, rivalry

Reversed Keywords:
avoiding conflict, resolution

Numerology:
Numerology: 5 - adaptability, challenge, change, and a desire for new experiences

Five of Wands: Upright Meaning

The Five of Wands card depicts five men, each dressed differently, crossing wands in what appears to be a competition or skirmish. Despite the apparent conflict, no one is actually getting hit, suggesting that the struggle is more about competition and assertion than actual maliciousness. Conflict and competition often arises from misunderstandings, but by listening and appreciating others' opinions, you can often resolve these issues more harmoniously.

Numerology and Suit Meaning:

  • The number 5 symbolizes adaptability, challenge, change, and a desire for new experiences. This number reflects the need for growth and learning, even when it involves overcoming obstacles or embracing new perspectives.

  • The suit of wands primarily symbolizes passion, creativity, determination, and drive. These feelings lead us to take inspired action and manifest our dreams. There is often also an aspect of overcoming challenges or travel.

  • Elementally, wands are correlated to fire. Like our ambitions, fire is a source of energy. It can help create change such as transforming raw materials into porcelain or metal. However, when it loses control and becomes impulsive, it can lead to destruction.

Love/Relationships

The Five of Wands love meaning indicates a period of disagreements and competition for attention. You and your partner might find yourselves in frequent conflicts or misunderstandings. These fights may stem from a lack of communication or differing perspectives. It’s essential to evaluate whether these disagreements are worth the struggle and to work towards mutual understanding. If single, you might find yourself competing for the attention of someone you’re interested in.

Money/Career

In a career context, the Five of Wands signifies competition and potential conflicts in the workplace. You might be vying for a promotion, a new job, or trying to make your ideas stand out among your colleagues. While the competition is fierce, this card indicates that you have the skills and determination to succeed. It’s crucial to stay focused and not be discouraged by the rivalry. Stay professional and assertive in your pursuits. Keep your eye on the prize and maintain your integrity throughout the process so that minor conflicts can be avoided.

Spiritual/Self

The Five of Wands reflects inner conflict, possibly with the different “parts” of you always seem to be in competition. Perhaps you feel torn between different desires, goals, or beliefs, leading to a sense of turmoil. This card encourages you to acknowledge these internal conflicts and work towards resolving them by better understanding the root of your internal conflicts. Begin to realign your actions with your true values and beliefs as a way to gain inner peace.

“Such disagreements may stem from a lack of communication or differing perspectives. It’s essential to evaluate whether these disagreements are worth the struggle and to work towards mutual understanding.”

Astrology

The suit of Wands in tarot is closely associated with the element of Fire, symbolizing energy, passion, and creativity. This fiery connection resonates profoundly with the zodiac fire signs of Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius, reflecting their dynamic, enthusiastic, and adventurous nature. The fire signs embody initiative, courage, ambition, creativity, and personal power. They are natural born leaders. Together, these fire signs and the Wands remind us of the transformative power of having the passion and courage in igniting our desires.

Note: It's important to recognize that not everyone incorporates astrology into their Tarot readings. The extent to which astrological references are used can vary greatly among readers. Each reader has a unique approach; some may draw heavily on astrological archetypes, while others might not use them at all. This information is meant to offer an additional perspective that could be helpful in your interpretations by highlighting parallels between Tarot and Astrology.

Although some argue that astrology wasn't originally part of Tarot, more modern interpretations like the Rider Waite Smith and Thoth decks may have integrated astrological concepts to align with their modern time mystical beliefs. Many contemporary decks made in this current decade also feature astrological references. Ultimately, every individual develops their own unique relationship with both Tarot and Astrology.

Reversed Meaning

When reversed, the Five of Wands suggests a tendency to avoid conflict rather than addressing it head-on. This avoidance can lead to unresolved issues festering beneath the surface. Alternatively, the reversed card may indicate that a previous dispute has been resolved and that harmony is restored.

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CARD SUMMARY

The Five of Wands indicates a period of disagreements and disputes.

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