Five of Wands

Conflict of all kinds is the key theme running through all topics this card represents.

The Five of Wands [Upright]

The five of wands has quite a different tone from earlier cards in this suit. Here we see five figures that seem very emotional. Each holds a wand as a weapon, but at first glance, it’s unclear if they are angry at each other or are trying to settle a friendly disagreement.

You may notice each figure is wearing a different outfit, so perhaps they represent diverse groups with different interests. This then could be the source of some disagreements.

Five of Wands Keywords [Upright]

  • Competition
  • Disagreements
  • Arguments
  • Conflict
  • Rivalries
  • Tensions
  • Aggression

Five of Wands Meaning [Upright]

This tarot card is a clear warning that there are problems or upsets on the horizon. You are likely to be caught up in some kind of competition. This could be a battle for resources, attention, a prize, or a promotion.

Whatever it is, you don’t need to worry, as things shouldn’t get too ugly. The message here is to stand your ground. Don’t just back down or hide away. That might seem the easier route, but sometimes you just have to face uncomfortable situations.

Your view matters, but others may not hear it. Look for better ways to communicate when a group cannot listen and work together productively. That’s much better than simply clashing until the loudest voice is heard. The most important thing is to identify and work towards a common goal.

If you are the problem, then make an effort to learn about what you don’t understand. After all, you’d expect that from others. Ultimately, the five of wands is about harnessing the energy of a group.

Key Points – Love [Upright]

  • The five of wands has plenty to say about love, starting with a warning for the single and looking crowd. You may find someone that catches your eye is pretty popular, with a whole posse of people pursuing the same goal. You need to find a way to stand out without being too pushy.
  • Be careful that minor conflicts don’t become major wars in other romantic relationships. Deal with concerns directly, rather than by posting your complaints on social media. Nothing gets sorted by using such passive-aggressive approaches.

Key Points – Money [Upright]

  • The five of wands often suggests some financial difficulties are lurking, though they could be a temporary problem. This tarot is a timely reminder to take control of your money management approach. Be aware of how you stand with debts and regular expenses so you can spot any changes.
  • You may need to tackle a minor problem, like a friend looking to borrow cash or a dispute over a bill of some kind. Be prepared to keep things in check and avoid getting carried away over things that don’t matter.

Key Points - Career [Upright]

  • In a reading about jobs or careers, the upright five of wands reflects a strong sense of competition. This may be simply a part of the work in question, say like sales, sports, or promotions, so it is necessary. The question to ask here is if this suits you for the long term?
  • Suppose the competition is all about fighting for attention, a promotion, or an attempt to tackle a personality conflict. In that case, you need to look for ways to resolve things and move forward. This tarot card suggests you will triumph, so long as you understand how to handle several egos simultaneously.

The Five of Wands [Reversed]

Five of Wands Keywords [Reversed]

  • Cooperation
  • Peace
  • Conflict reduction
  • Harmony
  • Resolution

Five of Wands Meaning [Reversed]

The five of wands reversed suggests conflicts are inside you, rather than at work or amongst your family. That might sound preferable, but it’s not healthy to keep lots of stress and tension inside, so take the time to de-stress regularly.

Sometimes the conflict you experience may relate to sensitive topics that happen to touch your life. It can be challenging to discuss world, social, political, and cultural issues, especially if those around you have strong views. The solution here is to research and understand a topic, to find your voice.

Key Points - Love [Reversed]

  • When reversed in a love reading, the five of wands is all about handling your feelings sensibly. Bottling things up will always lead to conflict and erode trust.
  • Don’t be afraid to voice your concerns or be clear about what you need in a relationship. This approach isn’t always straightforward, but being honest from the start should help avoid conflicts down the line.

Key Points - Money [Reversed]

  • The five of wands in a reverse position sometimes tells us that financial concerns are coming to an end, which is, of course, great news. Perhaps debts about to be paid off, or a better salary is on the horizon.
  • On the other hand, this tarot card can act as a warning. Be aware of your cash flow, and avoid making financial decisions that may become a source of conflict. Think carefully about using an overdraft, borrowing cash, or even lending it.

Key Points - Career [Reversed]

  • The primary message of the reversed five of wands for your work life is that any work-based conflict will end soon. Doing this could lead to you reducing work hours, changing roles, or adjusting your attitude.

See What Your Other Minor Arcana Crad Have To Say