Dive deep into the suit of Wands

What do the Wands mean in tarot?

Wands are tools used to exert one’s will, to express what is inside and bring belief into reality. Their force is externally directed, and in that way, they can become weapons if wielded unwisely. As sticks or batons, they are used to beat and bludgeon, which can be seen in some illustrations. They are simple and primal tools.

Wands are elementally associated with fire and, by extension, they can represent one’s inner fire. This leads to activity and excitement, as well as spiritual fervor, creativity, and boldness. But passion and excitement can lead to primal urges as easily as creative genius or magical expression. Sex and violence are both expressions of fire and Wands.

Quick concepts for the suit of Wands

Ace of Wands: the gift of energy, excitation, and sparking passions

2 of Wands: balanced distribution of energy, assessment, inspired planning, Mars in Aries

3 of Wands: expansion of energy, adventure, creating new directions, Sun in Aries

4 of Wands: sustaining passions, restorative exercise, pause in activity, Venus in Aries

5 of Wands: disordered activity, experimental efforts, struggle, Saturn in Leo

6 of Wands: victory, earned credit, inspiring presence, Jupiter in Leo

7 of Wands: revolutionary spirit, independence, standing one’s ground, Mars in Leo

8 of Wands: fast movement, influx of energy, brilliance, Mercury in Sagittarius

9 of Wands: staking claims, setting boundaries, perseverance, Moon in Sagitarrius

10 of Wands: overwhelm, energy grown stale, establishing healthy habits, Saturn in Sagittarius

Page of Wands: someone who is willing to take creative risks and who enjoys an adventure, the earth of fire, Cancer–Virgo

Knight of Wands: someone who rushes in with vitality, excitement, and passion, the fire of fire, Sagittarius (primary) and Scorpio (shadow)

Queen of Wands: someone who leads through persuasion and inspiration, the water of fire, Aries (primary) and Pisces (shadow)

King of Wands: someone who excites through bold ideas and a charismatic presence, the air of fire, Leo (primary) and Cancer (shadow)

Let’s dive deep into these cards

This is an ongoing series. Every other week on Instagram and Tumblr, I post a series of Deep Dive images tied to one minor arcanum. I’ve completed the aces and pips, so it’s just the court cards that are left. The court cards are not all here yet, but I know that you’ll learn a lot about the Wands if you read on! And if you’re looking to read tarot more deeply like me, learn to read tarot deeply with my courses that go beyond the tarot basics.