Eight of Staves (Wands) Tarot Card Meanings

Eight of Staves Upright Meaning

This suit, most often called "Wands" and sometimes called "Rods" or "Staves," represents initiative, ambition, drive and desire. This is the suit of enterprise and risk-taking.

The Eight of this suit often shows a flight of spears or staffs moving through the air in formation, as if a hidden group of archers had let them fly all at once. This can refer to swiftly unfolding events, whether of unintentional or intentional design. There are also versions that emphasize the agricultural cycle, paralleling the yearly crop cycle with the swift growth of children into adults with children of their own.

In each case, the emphasis is on the necessity of change and the challenge of keeping up with it. With the turning of the seasons, we are constantly being forced to deal with change and there is no remedy but to live with that in mind. So, get busy -- there is no time to waste!

Eight of Staves Reversed Meaning

Awaken to the changes that are happening in your life; denial does not serve you. When the Eight of Wands is reversed, it is tempting to deny that a powerful chain of consequences has been unleashed in your life. It's very important that you awaken to the changes happening all around you. This is not a good time for you to assume that everything is fine the way it is.

Eight of Staves Advice Position

With the Eight of Wands in this position, learn all you can from recent successful experiences. Take note of what worked before and what did not. You possess awareness as to how to effectively apply your imagination to shape the world in productive and aesthetic ways. Thus, the testament to your talents may be revealed for everyone to see and admire.

Even if you had to leave it all behind, you know you could start all over among total strangers and succeed once again. This valuable self-confidence makes you free to strike out in new directions and not just cling to past successes and previous accomplishments.

Eight of Staves Love Position

When the Eight of Wands is in this position, take some time to stand back like a skillful gardener to marvel at the rate things are growing. This card has a powerful traditional association with speed, exponential growth and the unleashing of an evolutionary process of change that could have far reaching, profound effects on your relationship.

As you consider how swiftly things are developing, you will become concerned less about outcome and more about just keeping up. As your endeavor matures, it has the potential to absorb your attention, exceed your expectations and fulfill your vision. The call here is simply to follow through and nurture the abundance and joy you are creating, until they have a life of their own.

Eight of Staves Career Position

The Eight of Wands in this position indicates that you may be running to keep up with career and work place decisions and circumstances which seem to have taken on a life of their own. Being proactive may be difficult right now. Stimulating events may demand too much of your attention right now.

This is not to point out any weakness in the work place. Rather, you are simply caught up in a avalanche of cascading consequences. This can be an exciting and possibly exhausting time because the team spirit and cooperation will be tested at every level as the action plays out. It can take supreme effort to cope with unforeseen consequences, so keep your eye on the ball!

Eight of Staves in a Yes or No Card Reading

The Eight of Wands is a card of focus and determination. If you're looking for simple Yes or No guidance and receive the Eight of Wands, the answer is YES. Remember your top priorities and work relentlessly toward them.