Five of Wands Tarot Card Meanings

Five of Wands 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 Five of this suit symbolizes struggles caused by ambitious maneuvering and a competitive urge. This could be about someone who is pushing his or her agenda forward at the expense of others.

There can be a fine line between demonstrating personal excellence and making others feel like losers. It may be necessary to ask yourself, who is it that really benefits when we all fight so hard for such small rewards? Am I serving a negative, manipulative agenda when I start applying battle metaphors to business?

Even when your only motive is to be the best you can be, it is understandable to want recognition for what is fine and unique about you. However, minimize the number of egos bruised in the process or your success will be celebrated alone.

Five of Wands Reversed Meaning

When team spirit fails despite all effort, your inner strength can pull you through. When the Five of Wands is reversed there is no way to completely overcome the competitive environment; you are unable to bond with potential partners in a team spirit. You must fall back on your own sense of mission and sense of survival to provide direction.

Five of Wands Advice Position

The Five of Wands in this position encourages you to find your natural ambition. Identify what energizes you, what you would fight for and what you are passionate about -- even when you're tired or discouraged. Strive to make that the centerpiece of your mission.

This is how you find your livelihood and establish your path of service.

Five of Wands Love Position

When the Five of Wands falls in this position, the message is to focus on the goal that you and a potential partner share, rather than the struggle. Sometimes it may be necessary to push yourself through resistance to make things happen. In order to succeed in a worthy partnership enterprise, one needs to be prepared to deal with obstacles and competitors.

Growing a thicker skin helps, as does learning not to take small matters too seriously. You and your desired partner have every reason to feel confident about your ability to succeed at whatever you commit to. You could most likely have the power to sustain yourselves through this stage.

Five of Wands Career Position

The Five of Wands in this position indicates something in the work environment may be pitting you against co-workers and increasing your sense of isolation. Communications that were once harmonious could now be fraught with one-upmanship.

If this is the case, it may be difficult not to get caught up in conflicts and competition. In a situation like this, consider the big picture rather than getting taken in by petty disagreements. Step back, examine the matter dispassionately and trace the source of this disturbance.

Five of Wands in a Yes or No Card Reading

The Five of Wands is a card of conflict and confusion. If you're looking for simple Yes or No guidance and receive the Five of Wands, the answer is NO. Take enough time to truly understand every perspective and priority.