Just the Tarot

Ace of Swords

The meaning of The Ace of Swords in a Tarot reading, including definitions for the upright and reversed positions.

The card show a ghostly hand grasping a sword. The tip of the sword pierces a crown draped with laurels.

Upright: This card represents power and action beginning to manifest in the Earth plane. It may indicate the start of a new enterprise or the beginning of a very strong, power based sexual affair. There is the suggestion of an excess of force, of pure, undirected physical strength. The crown hints at positions of authority held by fear and intimidation rather than by merit or morality. This card is also linked to minor surgery and small cuts.

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Reversed: This shows someone who is pushing too hard or coming on too strong. It warns against over-reactions and loss of temper. If the Querant is entering a new business deal be warned that it may go very, very wrong.

EXAMPLES: A new boss or supervisor who immediately starts reshaping things to his or her own model through intimidation and sheer force of personality.

A new lover who is way too dominant and controlling.

King of Wands

The meaning of the King of Wands in a Tarot Reading, including definitions for the upright and reversed positions.

A red haired man sits on a throne holding a staff. His cloak and the back of his throne show salamanders eating their own tails. A lizard sits beside the throne.

Upright: A man who is highly intelligent and verbally adept but somewhat detached emotionally. He may be extremely interesting and highly informed and will be friendly and helpful. Don’t count on forming a deep relationship with him, though, because he seldom lets anyone get too close.

Reversed: He is still clever, witty, and amusing but may be somewhat deceptive. At worst, he may be a pathological liar or a sociopath. Someone you might enjoy having a drink with at a party but you wouldn’t want him to know where you live.

EXAMPLES: The easy going charmer. Puts you at ease, makes you laugh, and you always listen when he speaks because what he has to say is usually interesting.

A visionary artist who’s more inclined to spend her time with her paints and canvases than with her friends.

Queen of Wands

The meaning of the Queen of Wands and Queen of Wands reversed in a Tarot reading.

A woman sits on a throne holding a staff in one hand and a sunflower in the other. Her crown is topped with living greenery and her cloak is held together with a broach in the shape of a cats head. A black cat sits in front of her.

Upright: In the dark ages the Queen of Wands would have been very quickly labeled as a witch. To us she is simply, “the Wise Woman.” She’s a gardener and an herbalist, the woman who is equally at ease preparing sachets and weaving together spells. She’s powerful but well grounded in the earth and seems to have a special affinity for plants and animals. This card usually indicates a charming, magical woman entering your life, one who will keep you entertained with her wit and challenged with her wisdom.

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Reversed – A woman who appears to be charming and interesting but is really somewhat of a flake. Lots of show but very little substance.

EXAMPLES: The woman at the Farmers Market or Ren Faire who sells essential oils, knows the names and properties of every wild herb, and may offer to read your palm.

The friend or partner who nourishes your soul.

Knight of Wands

The meaning of the Knight of Wands in a Tarot reading, including definitions of both the upright and reversed positions.

A person of indeterminate sex wearing armor and an overcloak printed with salamanders sit astride a horse that is rearing into the air. He holds a staff in his right hand and mountains that resemble pyramids recede into the distance.

Upright:Travel, moving, relocation, perhaps a new romance. The Knight is putting the idea of travel which the Page of Wands conceived into effect. Still, there is an element of lack of control and planning, of perhaps being carried away by enthusiasm when a little more time should be put into details. The horse is back on its’ hind legs, raring to go, but not moving forward yet.

Reversed: Problems may develop with travel plans. Possibly a person who was going to share the expenses backed out at the last moment. A romantic vacation canceled because of a loss of romance.

EXAMPLES: Think of a friend yelling, “Road trip!” and all of you taking off at a moments notice. It sounds like fun but you may end up sleeping in the car because you forgot to make reservations with a motel.

Going to see a lover who lives in another state or country.

Page of Wands

The meaning of the Page of Wands in a Tarot reading, including upright and reversed positions.

A person of indeterminate sex is holding a staff with both hands and appears to be studying it. His undercloak is printed with images of salamanders and mountains that resemble pyramids recede into the distance.

Upright: Most often a card of travel, changes, and journeys. At this point the subject is more studying the idea of travel rather than actually doing it and things are still very much in the planning stage. On a mundane level, this card may indicate the presence of a younger person or persons, usually of a fair complexion. They tend to be bright, inquisitive, and active. It may be that the subject is preparing for house guests with children or, alternatively, traveling to visit someone with children.

Reversed: Problems or delays with travel plans, canceled reservations, difficulties making connections. If a younger person is present there may be something odd or disturbing about him.

EXAMPLES: Think of someone surfing through the internet looking at travel and airline sites.

A non-custodial parent preparing for visitation with a child or children.

Ten of Wands

The meaning of the Ten of Wands in a Tarot reading, including definitions for both the upright and reversed positions.

A man walks forward, bent over and carrying a bundle of ten staves. His head is downward and tucked into the bundle. A villa and farmed land are in the distance.

Upright:Heavy burdens and overwhelming responsibilities. The subject literally feels that he has the weight of the world on his back. He’s staggering along, shouldering the burden, but he’s lost sight of his long term goals and any real meaning in his life.

Reversed: The subject may be approaching a time when she can lay her burdens down but it may not be in a pleasant context. Possible loss of a job, demotion, or simply giving up and walking away.

EXAMPLES: The workaholic. Someone who is consumed by his job, not because he loves his work, but because he’s lost any sense of his true self and joy in life.

Taking care of family to the exclusion of taking care of yourself.

Nine of Wands

The meaning of the Nine of Wands, including upright and reversed position, in a Tarot reading.

A man stands in front of a virtual wall of staves, clutching a staff in his hands. He has been wounded and his arm and head are bandaged. He appears to be staring off to the side with a worried, cautious look on his face.

Upright: The subject has obviously been beaten up by life. He or she may still be standing but there are some pretty serious wounds. The main message here is to just hold your position and be prepared for further attacks. Do NOT seek out further battles, pick fights, or even get into arguments right now. Hold still and wait to heal.

Reversed: Things could get worse. The subject could lose her job or position in life. The stress from the psychological wounds may lead to physical illness.

EXAMPLES: Think of a boxer on the ropes. He’s absorbed too many punches and he’s just trying to hold out until the bell rings and he can make it back to his corner.

So called, “friends,” who insist on continuing an argument long after you’ve had enough of it.

Eight of Wands

The meaning of the Eight of Wands in a Tarot reading. Definitions include upright and reversed positions.

Eight staves appear to be flying through the air, descending toward earth. A peaceful river valley lies in the background.

Upright: New ideas and inspirations are literally flying into the subjects life and consciousness. Perhaps new associates, friends, or business relations which are novel and help to move the subject to greater heights and fresh horizons. On a mundane level, there is a possibility of air travel associated with the subjects employment.

Reversed: This is not the time to try out new or untested ideas. Stay grounded on familiar territory and don’t take risks. Travel plans may be canceled.

EXAMPLES: New, cool friends who turn you on to ways of thinking and feeling that you’ve never experienced before.

Meditating and suddenly seeing beyond what you always thought was reality.

Seven of Wands

The meaning of the Seven of Wands in a Tarot reading, including definitions for upright and reversed positions.

A man stands on top of a rising or hillock, a staff held crosswise in his hands in a defensive position. Six staves seems to wave in the air just beneath him and he wears an expression of concern and watchfulness.

Upright – A card of battles and a constant state of conflict. The key to note with this card is that – while under siege – the subject still holds the high ground and will probably triumph. Tactically, it is important for the subject to remember that he or she is outnumbered and it’s best to deal with one problem or person at a time rather than attempt to take them all on at once.

Reversed – There are just too many opponents or problems for the time being. Disengage from conflict and deal with what you can or you must.

EXAMPLES: A boss or supervisor who is under constant criticism from superiors and rebellion from employees. The misery of having to constantly fight just to hold your position.

Sharing a house with roommates who are constantly criticizing you.

Six of Wands

The meaning of the Six of Wands in a tarot reading, including definitions for the upright and reversed positions.

A man rides a horse through a crowd. He is robed in purple, wears a laurel crown and carries a stave which is topped with another crown of laurel. Five people stand aside as he rides by, each one clutching a staff of their own.

Upright: A card of victory and success. Of the multiple people battling in the five of wands, this person has emerged victorious and holds the dominant position. The cloak he wears signifies authority and command and he is definitely in charge. The laurel crowns tell us that he has won legitimate honors and recognition. This card can indicate victory in a legal battle or show that the subject’s ideas and view points have launched him or her into a position of authority. Promotions may be indicated.

Reversed: Approach any conflict with extreme caution. The subject is not in a position of strength and will lose if he engages in a fight. Walk away and live to fight another day.

EXAMPLES: Winner. Think of a person who has used her wits, skill, knowledge and persuasion to emerge as the head of the pack.

Winning an election.