Prince of Staves (Wands) Tarot Card Meanings

Prince 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.

This character is traditionally called the Knight, but in some modern decks appears as the Prince. Traditionally, this card indicates the energy of an instigator, a fire-starter, a feisty and easily provoked character who is liable to attack first and ask questions later. This energy is quick to anger and enjoys a fight -- so much so that the thought of a diplomatic solution can provoke a secret disappointment! Nevertheless, he sees himself as trying to help, rescuing the world from its madness by imposing his sense of order upon it.

His vices are bossiness, paranoia and a tendency towards overkill. Nevertheless, there are times when his energy is perfectly appropriate, like when his assertively protective nature is defending threatened treasures or interfering with dark forces. The trick is to keep a sense of proportion when this Knight unleashes his fire, because he enjoys intense experiences and is always ready to take it to the next level. Once in awhile, this kind of intensity is called for, but on a daily basis it is exhausting.

Prince of Staves Reversed Meaning

Give the knowledge or opinion of others a fair hearing; it may better prepare you for your path.

When the Knight of Wands is reversed, it indicates a powerful desire for change and transformation, which others may neither understand nor agree with. Take time to listen to them and try to comprehend why they disagree with you, even though you are anxious to get moving.

Depersonalize the circumstances a little to gain new perspective. If you consider their point of view and give them the benefit of the doubt, you may be better prepared for what you have to do and how best to do it.

Prince of Staves Advice Position

The Knight of Wands (in some decks, a Prince) in this position advises that you modify your self-image in order to get a sense of yourself as a person of action. No matter what your past patterns have been, it is fully possible to place yourself solidly on the road toward the future.

Not only can you get a clear sense of the proper path, but you will also have enough instructions to be self-directing. Necessary skills and resources are available to you, and the time is right for you to act. Once you get started, you may be surprised how easy it can feel, but don't be seduced by that feeling. There will be comfortable stretches of the road and there will be distinctly uncomfortable ones. Know that any form of motion is better than no motion.

Prince of Staves Love Position

The Knight of Wands (in some decks, a Prince) in this position indicates readiness for a voyage of discovery for you and your possible love interest. You are prepared for the journey, your effects are in order, you are in great shape and the excitement of departure prevails.

Inside there is a powerful feeling of youthful idealism -- you have no idea if this is going to be difficult or not, but those problems are tomorrow's problems. Today the energy is high, spirits are bright, the sky is clear and if there ever was a heroic and noble impulse in you, you are getting a chance to express it now.

Prince of Staves Career Position

When the Knight of Wands (in some decks, a Prince) is in this position, someone in your career or work environment may be launched into their dream. The situation feels poignant and bittersweet to you. You realize how joyful and important an occasion it is. Still, you see how likely it is that the shiny new armor will soon be dented, the husky horse will become tired, and the optimism of youth tempered by some difficult trials.

Virginal innocence has not yet met an adversary, and that's a beautiful thing. Still, it deserves to be celebrated and supported no matter how more seasoned eyes might envision the eventual outcome.

Prince of Staves in a Yes or No Card Reading

The Knight of Wands is a card of flow and elegance. If you're looking for simple Yes or No guidance and receive the Knight of Wands, the answer is YES. Embrace any creative inspiration that comes your way.