The Suit of Wands - Learning Tarot

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The Suit of Wands – Learning Tarot

“The wand chooses the wizard.” It may be a line from a children’s book, but its premise is correct. Far from being just a passive staff we wave around during spellcasting and rituals, a wand is an energetic tool. Used with respect, it helps manifest a witch’s (or wizard’s) will. That’s the main energy behind the suit of Wands in a tarot deck. The suit of Wands, like all Minor Arcana suits, consists of 14 Minor Arcana cards: 10 number cards from Ace to Ten and 4 court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King). It started evolved from the suit of Batons in playing cards. In its most popular depiction to date in the Rider-Waite tarot deck, the suit of Wands shows its figures winning battles (actual or metaphorical) as well as making choices and carrying the burden of said choices.

The Deeper Meaning of Wands

Every tarot suit represents a sphere of human life. The Wands represent matters of passion: towards another person but also towards the things that are important to us: creative projects, ideas, businesses, and work plans that stoke our inner fire. The Wands know that our own Will and Passion transform the world around us in our image.

The Wands also represent strength (both physical and strength of character), ambition, adventure, and inspiration.

Associations: Summertime; noon; Fire; South; the astrological signs of Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius; a witch’s wand; red and golden colors; masculine energy.

Ace of Wands

A new start, excitement, job opportunity

Ace cards represent new beginnings and positive developments in our endeavors. The Ace of Wands represents an exciting, new beginning of something creative: now is your chance to shine brighter than ever and get all the attention you need!

Two of Wands

Momentum, setting goals, discovery
You’re all fired up and ready to embark on a new adventure — but first you need to pause for a moment and take stock. Do you have all your ducks in a row? If so, the success of your new adventure is all but assured.

Three of Wands

Plans for the future, expansion, opportunities

Your journey has already started; you are now out of your comfort zone. But don’t panic; you have all the ingredients to keep moving forward. The future will bring expansion and success, if you can be flexible enough to alter your course as needed.

Four of Wands

Celebration, party, coming together

A time for rejoicing and merrymaking! Either an actual celebratory event (like a wedding or an office party) is coming up on your horizon, or a celebratory energy is surrounding you. Don’t fight it. Can you be happy for the things you’ve achieved so far?

Five of Wands

Conflict, competition, tension

A little healthy competition, especially in a work environment, can motivate you to try harder. Make sure to choose your battles wisely: losing yourself in unnecessary conflict won’t help you move forward with your goals.

Six of Wands

Victory, rewards, confidence

Be proud of your achievements; you’ve done well! This card is an indication that you’ve risen against the obstacles and will soon be rewarded for your endeavors. If you’re offered a promotion, don’t shy away from it — you deserve it!

Seven of Wands

Challenges, against all odds, standing your ground

Do you feel cornered, with your back against the wall? The Seven of Wands represents your inner courage and your refusal to give up, even when situations seem less than ideal. Staying committed to your chosen path will get you there in the end.

Eight of Wands

Sudden change, news from abroad, love at first sight

You will be faced with sudden change or hear some news, but the surprise will be a pleasant one. (This card is like the friendlier version of The Tower.) Embrace the change and work with it — you have everything you need to make this situation work in your favor.

Nine of Wands

Perseverance, goal within sight, one last hurrah

You’re almost there! The Nine of Wands acknowledges that the road so far has been exhausting, but your goal is finally within sight. Don’t waste time thinking you’re being set up by people who wish to see you fail. Just grit your teeth and make it past this last hill.

Ten of Wands

Completion, responsibilities, risk of burnout

Tens in general indicate completion. The Ten of Wands shows you have achieved your goals… but is it possible that you’ve bitten off more than you can chew? This new position or project you took over is demanding, and if you keep trying to do everything yourself, you may risk burnout before you get to enjoy your victory.

Page of Wands

New hobbies, enthusiasm, free spirit

When was the last time you did something for the first time? That’s the question the Page of Wands poses, urging you with childlike enthusiasm to try your hand at something new. You don’t have to be perfect at it yet; at this stage, you can just have fun.

Knight of Wands

Fast action, passion, bold behavior

This card calls for fierce determination. You’re falling head over heels and giving it your all, whether it’s a new romantic interest or a new job/creative project that may involve travel. The pace is too fast now; there’s no time for second-guessing.

Queen of Wands

Confidence, strong female figure, determination

Being nice doesn’t mean you can’t become a dangerous opponent if someone crosses you. When you know your worth, you can set boundaries and live your best life. This card could also point to a female ally or mentor who can help you with work-related issues.

King of Wands

Excellence, strong male figure, entrepreneurship

You are accomplished in your field; others look up to you. Don’t be arrogant with your knowledge and power; use your status to lift up, help, and teach others. This card could also point to a male ally or mentor who can guide you through challenges.

A Mabon Tarot Spread and Reading

Wiccan Sabbats are a great time to practice divination, although each Sabbat has its own energy. During Mabon, the second Harvest Sabbat of the year and the Autumn Equinox, we need to look inside, equally at our successes and failings, to find our precious inner balance as the Wheel turns. This tarot spread will help.

What you’ll need:

Your favorite tarot deck
One black and one white candle
A tarot reading cloth (or a simple white cloth will do)

What you’ll do:

Spread the tarot reading cloth on top of your Altar or over a flat surface.
Place each candle on a candlestick and position them at the opposite ends of your working surface.
Hold your tarot deck in both hands and meditate with it for a bit.
Invoke your matron deities to help with your reading. (You can also invoke Persephone or any other deities associated with Mabon.)
Place your tarot deck between the two candles when you’re ready to begin.
Focus on your overall goal (to find balance, to see what energies you’re bringing forth to this Harvest, for example) and knock on your tarot deck lightly once or twice. Think of it as knocking at a door beyond the Veil, where the answers to your questions dwell.
Start pulling your cards, one by one, using the guide below to see what each card represents:

Card 1: What has come to the Light, this Harvest?

Place this card close to the white candle. This position is about the new ideas or developments in your life that have become prominent during this time of year. These can be positive things, but also difficult situations that may have arisen and require your close attention.

Card 2: What will be left to the Darkness this Harvest?

Place this card close to the black candle. This card position is about all the things that have not and will not yet be resolved— the things you need to stop focusing on right now. It can also signify some habits, people, or things you may need to give up or let go of.

Cards 3, 4, 5: How will I find my inner balance from now on?

Place these cards one below the other, equidistant from the two candles. These are the things that will help you find and hone your inner balance in different areas of your life (work, relationships, spirituality, health, etc.).

Card 6: What will the dawn of the next Harvest bring into my life?

Place this card below the cards 3, 4 and 5. This final card represents the energy that you will see developing from this day onward until Samhain. This can be a glimpse of things to come into your life or of habits and ideas you will slowly start cultivating within yourself.

Something to consider: If you feel conflicted or unsure as to how to interpret a card, make a note of it in your Book of Shadows. The answer may come to you later.