The best way to learn tarot is by breaking it down suit by suit. A beginner’s guide to the major and minor arcana is a fantastic way to learn tarot at a quick glance; however, it’s almost as important to go beyond the keywords to learn how to identify the tarot cards by their details and understand what these nuances mean.

So, where should you start?

It’s recommended to learn the major arcana first, since these cards have a significant energy and presence in any tarot reading. Afterward, you may want to go in order of the minor arcana suits, starting with the Wands suit. 

Read on to learn what tarot is, what the Wands suit signifies, and each card within the Wands suit.

🎴  What’s Tarot?

Tarot is a set of playing cards that originally started as a game in the 15th century. Since then, tarot has evolved into a form of divination. Witches, psychics, and more believe that tarot cards can be used to discern spiritual messages. If read correctly, tarot can convey messages regarding the future, one’s spiritual journey, and so much more. 

There are many different tarot decks to choose from—Rider-Waite, Thoth, Tarot of Marseille, and so much more. For this blog post, we will focus on the Rider-Waite’s minor arcana, specifically the Wands suit. The Wands suit is sometimes referred to as other things depending on the tarot deck’s style and aesthetic. Wands may be denoted as batons, staves, clubs, staffs, etc. Regardless of how it’s referred to, the keywords for the Rider-Waite’s Wands suit may resonate with other depictions of the Wands in different tarot decks.

🔮  Wands Suit: Meanings and Symbolism

The Wands suit resonates with the element fire, making it bright, vivacious, and passionate. Since fire burns quickly, the Wands suit is considered to be the fastest-moving minor arcana card, spanning from moments to days.

Since the Wands suit is always in motion, this represents one’s instinctual and primal energy. The Wands suit may pop up in a reading to represent a quick timeline, fast-paced energy, or the desire to strike while the iron is hot. These fiery cards may also represent impulsivity, quick tempers, lack of direction, or inability to find one’s motivation. The meaning may depend on the Wands card position. Upright will likely have a more positive connotation of the Wands suit, while reverse may suggest a negative connotation. However, the tarot reader may have a different interpretation of the cards mid-reading.

Regardless, having many Wands cards in a tarot spread may suggest a desire to move forward or wrap something up. There’s an insatiable desire for something to materialize, conclude, or happen. As a result, there might be a lack of patience, but also an instinctual urge to move toward something that feels exciting.

What do the Wands suit cards represent? Read on to discover their overarching meaning, upright keywords, and reverse keywords:

Ace of Wands

The Ace of Wands #1 shows a hand holding a wand in the middle of the card. The hand holding the wand is surrounded by clouds, as if to show the beginning of something new taking form or divine inspiration. The landscape is open, green, and bright, indicating that new beginnings have a positive start. Pay attention to the background of the Ace of Wands—the mountains suggest potential obstacles, but the castle or house indicates eventual success if the querent is ready to move forward with gusto.

The Ace of Wands represents a new start that may begin sooner than expected. The querent or reader may take this as a positive sign that there’s enough physical, mental, and emotional energy to spring forward. However, the reversal of this card implies seeking direction and motivation, or else there might be a delayed start. Either way, the Ace of Wands is a positive card, implying that yes, something exciting and fresh is about to begin.

Upright Keywords: Inspiration, intentionally, new beginning

Reversal Keywords: Uninspired, unmotivated, distracted

2 of Wands

The 2 of Wands depicts a young man with his back to the querent. The young man is behind the castle walls, implying he hasn't left his comfort zone yet. He gazes wistfully out to the horizon to convey his desire to explore the great unknown. He holds a wand in one hand and a globe in the other to show his potential. What can he do with the world in his hands? Another wand stands behind him, suggesting he may have one foot in and one foot out. There’s a cautiousness, as if the man hasn’t decided if he will stay or go. The landscape shows a body of water, suggesting the man may want to consider his feelings before making a move. The landscape is lush and rocky, implying success and challenges.

The 2 of Wands arises when the querent is on the precipice of a new journey. It might literally imply taking a trip or considering new travel plans. The 2 of Wands will likely signify the start of something new that the querent wants to pursue, yet feels hesitant to throw caution to the wind. If the 2 of Wands is reversed, it may suggest that it’s not the time to venture out yet, either due to lack of confidence or insufficient planning. Regardless, the 2 of Wands comes up when there’s a new adventure underway—it’s just a matter of time before it commences.

Upright Keywords: Upcoming travels, future plans, adventure

Reversal Keywords: Delayed progress, lack of planning, hesitancy

3 of Wands

The 3 of Wands shows a man in the center of the card with his back to the querent. He wears red and green robes, perhaps alluding to the root chakra and heart chakra working together. Red could signify passion, energy, and stability; green may signify tenderness, healing, and heart-centeredness. He stands on a cliff, finally outside the castle walls and on his way. There are two wands planted in the ground, and the third wand rests in his hand to indicate steady progress. His outstretched arm shows a hint of armor, suggesting he is protected in his ventures. He looks at the three ships sailing in the sea to show emotional movement. There are mountains distant in the background, but the man’s position allows him to see everything that may come up in his journey.

The 3 of Wands appears in a tarot spread to show that there’s movement and momentum. The querent might be literally en route, be it that they’re about to jet-set or they’re already making moves to get the ball rolling. The 3 of Wands says that the querent has enough momentum and protection, so take this as a sign to be action-oriented. However, the reversal may indicate that the querent isn’t thinking big enough. The 3 of Wands reverse may suggest playing small, so it could be one’s cue to go big or go home. It may also indicate that one’s actions and momentum could still take time if there are unexpected delays. No matter the position, the 3 of Wands will imply that something is finally on the move.

Upright Keywords: Travel (especially overseas), foresight, progress

Reversal Keywords: Stalling, insecurity, unexpected delays

4 of Wands

The 4 of Wands shows two people celebrating between two wands on either side of them. The two wands on either side of the card imply stability in this joyous scene. The two people are embracing and dancing to show their bliss. Perhaps they’re married, or commemorating other domestic joys. Their family stands in the background of the card next to their home to confirm that there is familial support and stability. The scene may also indicate supporting a connection that may influence one’s home life and family.

The 4 of Wands arrives in a tarot reading to confirm that there’s something to celebrate. It could quite literally refer to pending nuptials and engagements. However, the celebratory energy of the 4 of Wands could also refer to other joyous occasions, especially occasions that bring family together. Depending on the surrounding cards, this may refer to a new family member joining the family, educational accomplishments, professional milestones, etc. Aside from this, the 4 of Wands may suggest coming into union with someone who will provide stability, happiness, and joyous occasions. However, the 4 of Wands in reverse may indicate a disconnect. The querent might not feel connected to their home or family. They could also feel like there’s not much worth celebrating at this moment, especially if there were recent missed opportunities or letdowns. Likewise, the 4 of Wands in reverse could indicate an independent celebration if the querent lacks a support system. Usually, the 4 of Wands comes up when it’s time to celebrate, or when it’s time to focus on the wins one’s accomplished, regardless of familial or romantic connections.

Upright Keywords: Marriage, celebration, domestic joys

Reversal Keywords: Disconnect, boredom, domestic conflict

5 of Wands

The 5 of Wands shows five men seemingly fighting one another in the center of the card. The men look different from one another to highlight how their differences lead to adversity. Each man holds one stick, or wand, in his hand. Although the scene is terse and angry, none of the wands are actually striking anyone in particular. There’s a high level of aggravation, but no real follow-through on fighting or hurting one another. Since there’s a lack of purpose, the 5 of Wands indicates that there’s nothing worth fighting for. It may also suggest that the outcome wasn’t worth the commotion.

The 5 of Wands appears in a tarot reading when there’s a whole lot of fuss in one’s life. There might be dumb arguments either ongoing or gearing up. The querent might be dealing with a stressful group of people who’d rather bicker than find common ground. Stress, competition, and chaos can also be represented by the 5 of Wands. However, the reversal may suggest that there’s conflict within as opposed to all around, or could suggest that it’s time to move away from conflict.

Upright Keywords: Conflict, disagreement, tension

Reversal Keywords: Inner conflict, inner tension, letting go

6 of Wands

The 6 of Wands shows a man riding on his horse at the forefront of the card. He wears a wreath around his head, and his horse is highly decorated, implying that he’s been successful in his venture. The horse is white to show pure strength. A group of people stands in the background of the card, as if welcoming the victor home or clamoring around in excitement. They’re here to celebrate the victor, who proudly holds a wand crowned with a wreath in his hand.

The 6 of Wands appears in a tarot reading to suggest that victory is imminent. Consider this a lucky card to receive, since it promises success. It may also signify immense progress with a goal or objective that’s destined to be successful. Some may receive the 6 of Wands as a reminder to take pride in their successes, to showcase their achievements, and to remain confident in their endeavors. When the 6 of Wands is reversed, this may indicate failure, lack of follow-through, redefining what success means, or private achievement. It could also suggest hiding or being hidden from the public eye.

Upright Keywords: Victory, progress, recognition

Reversal Keywords: Failure, private success, ego

7 of Wands

The 7 of Wands depicts one man on top of a hill defending himself from six sticks, or wands. He holds one wand in his hand to show he’s ready for the fight. There aren’t any other people in this card, so what this man is fighting can be subjective. Maybe he’s fighting himself, social expectations, or expecting people to be up in arms against him. Either way, the man wears a determined scowl on his face to show he’s ready, but his mismatching shoes and hasty stance imply he’s unprepared. The background of this card isn’t particularly interesting, so there’s no strong coloring or weather to add more context to what has disturbed this man.

The 7 of Wands appears when the querent is gearing up for something. The querent might even be defensive throughout the reading, so their attitude could be affirmed by the 7 of Wands. The querent may see the 7 of Wands as a cue to get ready instead of being caught off guard when trouble arises. In some cases, the 7 of Wands can be a cue to keep fighting the good fight. The 7 of Wands doesn’t always herald a fight—it can also represent putting up boundaries and getting ready to fight for what one wants. However, its reversed position can imply giving up due to feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. But the reversal meaning can also suggest lowering one’s defenses in hopes of a much calmer outcome instead of continuing an unnecessary struggle.

Upright Keywords: Challenge, uphill battle, perseverance

Reversal Keywords: Lowering defenses, giving up, self-doubt

8 of Wands

The 8 of Wands doesn’t show any animals or people, but eight wands flying across the card. These wands seem to compete with one another, with some wands further ahead than others. They’re racing through a lush scenery that shows green grass, blue skies, and a river. Although the backdrop is simple, it represents that there’s clarity and abundance in movement. The river alludes to how one’s emotional state can shift the movement of the card.

The 8 of Wands comes out in a tarot reading when something is moving quickly. What’s moving depends on the surrounding cards. If the 8 of Wands comes out with pentacles, it can show quick-moving financial and professional opportunities; if paired with cups, there might be quick-moving romantic and emotional energies; and if paired with swords, there might be quick-moving communication or intelligence. Aside from something rushing in, the 8 of Wands may indicate that there’s a change of scenery. Travel is possible, but there could also be a call to change in the blink of an eye. Since the 8 of Wands is so action-oriented, the reversal of this card implies delays, lack of follow-through, feeling halted, or the inability to move forward. 

Upright Keywords: Travel, fast-paced action, incoming communication

Reversal Keywords: Delays, being halted, inability to change

9 of Wands

The 9 of Wands shows a tired, injured man holding onto one wand while being surrounded by eight other wands. His clothes are torn and dirty, and he wears a bandage over his forehead to show that he’s already been to hell and back. He looks cautiously around at the other wands, which alludes to an impending fight despite already having gone through it. The background of the card isn’t necessarily ominous, but the look on the man’s face shows that there’s still work to be done or a fight to be fought. He’s weary, but he can do it.

The 9 of Wands arises when the querent still has a little way to go before achieving their goals or wrapping up a cycle. The 9 of Wands may signify being tired, feeling weakened, or physical injuries that have already come up throughout the journey. However, this isn’t a negative card to receive in a reading. It’s a test of one's strength and resilience, so it may indicate that the querent has a fighting spirit. However, the 9 of Wands could also show that the querent is on the verge of giving up if their faith is being tested. Consider this a sign to keep going and fight the good fight. The 9 of Wands reversed may indicate a lack of resistance or fight, which might be good. It could also be due to giving up, feeling overwhelmed, and lacking the necessary resources to keep going. The reversal meaning is more likely to be negative than positive, since this suggests overall fatigue.

Upright Keywords: Resilience, endurance, strength

Reversal Keywords: Defeat, fatigue, overwhelmed

10 of Wands

The 10 of Wands depicts a man bent over at the waist, carrying ten wands. His back is to the querent, as he hurries along his path despite being so heavily weighed down by the load of wands he’s carrying. Although he’s managing a lot, there’s a castle in the background of the card to show that his destination is close by. He doesn’t mind running along knowing he can put down his load once he’s home. The background of the card is otherwise lush and vibrant, so this indicates that there’s life, abundance, or growth to look forward to at the end of one’s journey.

The 10 of Wands will arrive in a tarot reading when the querent is feeling bogged down by their responsibilities and workload. They may resonate with this card’s heaviness if they feel like they’re carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders. Despite the mounting burdens, the 10 of Wands can be a nod to the ability to carry that weight well. The querent might be pleased to know that they’re on the move and handling their burdens with strength, even if they feel heavy. The 10 of Wands could be a signal to keep going, because the end goal is finally in sight. This is a sign to keep up instead of giving up. However, the 10 of Wands will encourage delegation instead of doing it all by oneself. This might be a sign to stop biting off more than one can chew. The reversal of this card implies it’s time to let go of some of the baggage. There might be conflicting feelings around this, but 10 of Wands in the reverse says it’s okay to carry a lighter load. After all, the weight of responsibility doesn’t imply being any more or less successful.

Upright Keywords: Completion, responsibility, weight of success

Reversal Keywords: Delegation, releasing responsibilities, lighter load

Page of Wands

The Page of Wands shows a young boy holding a wand in his hand. He’s looking up at the wand, which is sprouting a green life to symbolize something new budding. The young page is standing firmly to show his determination and groundedness despite being a spirited young lad. His tunic has salamanders on it to show his fiery spirit and to draw a connection with the King of Wands card. Despite looking fresh and curious to show excitement for the potential of something to come, the card’s background is lackluster. The colors are diluted, and there are mountains to indicate potential obstacles that come before growth. Luckily, the young page is excited by the possibility of what could be, so his energy can certainly grow no matter what may be in his way.

The Page of Wands can represent a few things in a tarot reading. Pages represent children, so this would likely allude to a little boy or a boyish spirit. The youthfulness pages can also allude to freshness, newness, and naivety. The Page of Wands may indicate a small flame that has the potential to grow. Pages can also represent conversations and ideas, so the Page of Wands implies an excitable discussion or invigorating idea that could build momentum. The Page of Wands will likely bring good news. The reversal of this card still plays on these key themes, but with a slightly different interpretation. The Page of Wands may be someone who’s acting immaturely, perhaps due to a lack of confidence or self-limiting belief systems. The reversed Page of Wands may represent someone who’s unable to follow through with new ideas and inspiration. A conversation or idea may stop short. Maybe there’s a lack of motivation to continue, or there may not be a clear plan to work with to ensure success. The Page of Wands could also indicate impulsivity in conversation, so the fieriness may feel more aggressive or annoying than warm.

Upright Keywords: Inspiration, ambition, boyish spirit

Reversal Keywords: Immaturity, lack of direction, insecurity

Knight of Wands

The Knight of Wands shows a young man wearing armor on a horse gearing up. The young man’s face is mostly covered by his armor, but he still looks ready for action. He holds a wand in one hand to show he’s ready to dive into his passion. Fiery red plumes flow from his armor to show his awakened energy and amplified excitement. The yellow robe over his armor has salamanders on it to show his progress from the page to the king. The color yellow could even align with the solar plexus chakra to indicate confidence and self-assurance. His horse is on its hind legs with its front legs off the ground, as if to convey it's ready to take off. The landscape is similar to the Page of Wands, showing mountains and a lack of greenery. However, this doesn’t deter the Knight of Wands from moving forward.

The Knight of Wands may come out in a tarot reading for a few different reasons. Knights often refer to young people, like teenagers, so this would be a teenage boy or represent a semi-youthful masculine energy. It’s more mature than the little Page, but doesn’t have the life experience of the manly King. The Knight of Wands indicates maturation that may come with opportunities. Speaking of opportunities, knights usually refer to an incoming opportunity. The Knight of Wands may imply movement with a passion project, a fast-paced deal, or a sexual opportunity. It could also imply making the first move to get the ball rolling. The card’s reversal implies either delays or hastiness. Delayed knights can allude to something on the precipice of starting, but the timing might be off or something akin. The Knight of Wands reversed can suggest acting too quickly, which may lead to scatteredness, impulsivity, and frustration. It could also imply sexual frustration if there’s a lack of passion in one’s love and sex life. Receiving the Knight of Wands reversed is typically a cue to take a step back to see what needs to be corrected.

Upright Keywords: Opportunity, inspired action, passion

Reversal Keywords: Delayed or lack of opportunity, haste, frustration

Queen of Wands

The Queen of Wands is arguably the only outright female figure in the Wands suit. She sits on her throne, technically facing the querent, but her gaze looks toward the right. Her throne depicts two lions to show her strength, pride, and expressiveness. The Queen of Wands wears a gold crown and yellow robes to show her nobility. The yellow in her attire may be connected to the solar plexus chakra to represent self-certainty and authenticity. The Queen of Wands holds a wand in her left hand and a sunflower in her right hand, which ties into the sunflowers etched into her throne. Sunflowers represent fertility, devotion, happiness, and warmth. A small, black cat is at her feet. Some believe this represents the connection to her shadow self; others see this cat as a symbol of her intuition. The background of the card has mountains off to the side to show her progress and ability to overcome obstacles.

The Queen of Wands can have a few different meanings in a tarot reading. Some may feel connected to this card, so it could be their representation of selfhood in a tarot spread. The Queen of Wands can also represent someone else in their life. Regardless of who this represents, the Queen of Wands often symbolizes a mature woman who’s confident in her sexuality and passions. She is an independent spirit unafraid of taking the lead. Her intuition is aligned with her actions, so she is sure-footed in all she does. Aside from representation, the Queen of Wands may appear in a tarot reading as a sign to be more confident and self-assured. The Queen of Wands reversed may indicate a few different things. It may represent an overly independent person who may need to work on letting others in; likewise, it could represent someone with insecurities who needs to work on their self-confidence. Usually, the Queen of Wands reversed is a sign to stand up and work on self-respect to re-align with oneself.

Upright Keywords: Mature feminine energy, sexually confidence, self-assurance

Reversal Keywords: Loss of selfhood, self-respect, and self-confidence

King of Wands

The King of Wands shows a strong king perched on the edge of his throne, looking off to the left. He may be sitting, but the King of Wands appears ready to leap into action given a moment’s notice. The King of Wands holds a wand with bright, green blooms to show his well-rounded energy and fierceness. Similar to his Queen, the King of Wands has lions on his throne and robes to show his strength. He also has salamanders throughout his card, from the tiny one at his feet to the ones eating their tails on his throne. The salamanders represent how his fire is infinite, so he carries an undying motivation, confidence, and courage. The background of his card is still barren, like the other court cards in the Wands suit. However, the King of Wands doesn’t have any mountains standing in the background, so the obstacles have been cleared.

The King of Wands can have a few meanings in a tarot spread. He may represent a person, such as the querent or someone else in the querent’s life. No matter who he represents, the King of Wands is typically aligned with a confident, self-assured man. This man may be a bachelor, or they may have a larger sexual appetite. The King of Wands indicates that the person has commendable stamina and physical energy to follow their passion. They may be an entrepreneur or a self-starter who has faith in their leadership skills. Aside from representation, the King of Wands may speak to one’s leadership skills. This may indicate a need to take charge if there’s a vision, ambition, or goal worth pursuing. The King of Wands represents passion, so this could be a sign for the querent to go after their desires. The King of Wands reversed may indicate a few different things. It could refer to a person who struggles with responsibility, so they may not be the most equipped leader. This person could also struggle with sexual deviancy, such as having a wandering eye or being unable to commit to one lover. It may also suggest that there’s an unnecessary impulsivity or ruthlessness, so the King of Wands reversed might be a sign to reign it in.

Upright Keywords: Mature masculine energy, leadership, visionary

Reversal Keywords: Impulsivity, ruthlessness, sexual deviancy

💫  Align With Wands Suit Energy

🧡  Carnelian

The Wands suit carries a confident, self-assured energy that resonates with Carnelian. This vibrant orange gem enhances your inner self-expression to help you feel courageously creative.

🔥  Hematoid Fire Quartz Tumbles

Embrace the vibrancy of the Wands suit with tumbled Hematoid Fire Quartz. This powerful stone combines the clarity of Quartz and the stability of Hematite to stoke your inner fire.

💛  Citrine

The Wands suit encourages you to believe in yourself, so you may feel connected to Citrine, which is known as the “Merchant’s Stone” or “Success Stone” for its lucky properties.

✨  Click here to explore the full collection →

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✍️  Meet ASCEND’s In-House Astrologer & Writer

Liz Simmons is a writer, astrologer, and tarot reader based in Salem, MA. Liz is the resident astrologer at ASCEND Get Lifted. Aside from providing astrological readings and tarot readings, Liz writes for ASCEND’s blog. Her expert commentary is featured in over twenty publications, including Cosmopolitan, Shape, Women’s Health, & more. Check out her work on Instagram, @the_ _crone & book a reading with her at ASCEND.