Six of Wands
Affirmation
I value sincere praise.
Symbolic Attributes
- Element:
- Arcana:Minor Arcana
- Suit:Wands
- Archetype:
- Numerology:6 (The Adjustment: cooperation, collaboration, interaction)
- Hebrew Alphabet:
Keywords
Description
A laurelled horseman bears one staff adorned with a laurel crown; footmen with staves are at his side.
Light Meaning
- Outperforming your peers
- Winning a competition
- Being recognized as a capable person
- Having your moment in the spotlight
- Being cheered on by the crowd
- Getting an award
- Earning the admiration of others
- Telling someone, Good job!
Shadow Meaning
- Being a bad winner
- Allowing your achievements to inflate your ego
- Looking down on people who seem less capable
- Craving to be the center of attention
- Giving or receiving insincere praise
- Envying the achievements of others
Questions to Ask Yourself
- •What kind of recognition do I crave? Why?
- •How freely do I praise the achievements of others?
- •What happens when the parade is over?
Personal Meaning
Triumph after great effort. Enjoy the moment, for it will be well earned.
Triumph after great effort.
Triumph after great effort. Enjoy the moment, for it has been well earned.
Personal Reversed Meaning
Be careful of arrogance as a result of your success, for you could end up turning away others with your self-importance or self-absorption.Alternatively, the potential for success is there, but you might block it from manifesting fully. Open yourself to embrace victory, for it will be well earned.
Arrogance as a result of your success. You might have turned others off with your self-importance or self-absorption.Alternatively, the potential for success was there, but it was blocked from manifesting fully.
You may be leaning toward arrogance as a result of your success, and may be turning away others with your self-importance or self-absorption.Alternatively, the potential for success is there, but you are blocking it from manifesting fully. Open yourself to embrace victory, for it has been well earned.
Fortune Telling
- •Someone is planning a party for you, but not everyone feels so good about your recent success
- •Watch out for envious friends
How to Interpret This Card in a Reading
A guide to deepening your understanding of Tarot symbolism.
Context is Key
No Tarot card exists in a vacuum. While the meanings above provide a foundation, the true significance of this card depends on where it lands in your spread. Is it in the past position, indicating a phase you are moving away from? Or is it in the outcome position, suggesting a potential future? Always consider the neighboring cards — they often tell a story that modifies or amplifies the message.
Trust Your Intuition
Traditional meanings are the starting point, but your intuition is the compass. When you look at the card imagery, what draws your eye first? A specific color, a symbol, or a facial expression might trigger a personal memory or feeling. That immediate reaction is often the most relevant message for your current situation, even if it differs from the standard definition.
Understanding Reversals
If this card appears reversed (upside down), don't fear it. Reversals often suggest an internalizing of the card's energy, a delay, or a need to revisit the lesson before moving forward. It can also indicate that the "shadow" aspects described above are currently more active, inviting you to bring them into the light for healing.
Connecting with the Element
Remember the suit this card belongs to. Wands speak to passion and action (Fire). Cups dive into emotions and relationships (Water). Swords navigate the mind and conflicts (Air). Pentacles ground us in the material world and resources (Earth). The Major Arcana represents larger life themes and soul lessons. Filtering the card's meaning through its elemental lens will give you a grounded, practical way to apply its wisdom to your life.