Ace of Wands

New Initiative · Creation · Opportunity · Inspiration

Card Interpretation

Mountains, grasslands, trees, flowing streams, and a castle in the distance; high above this vast earth, a strong, powerful hand stretches out from the clouds, clutching a wand that symbolizes strength. The wand is thick, adorned with fluttering green leaves dancing in the air. White radiance surrounds the hand, signifying its supreme authority as it conveys divine will. The Ace represents a new beginning; the wand embodies energy, and the Ace of Wands stands for boundless potential—like a tiny spark that hints at a future wildfire waiting to ignite.

Upright

1. Brimming with creativity
2. The dawn of a momentous event
3. The birth of a new invention
4. Embarking on an adventurous journey
5. New opportunities emerging; an ideal time to fulfill one’s dreams

Reversed

1. High likelihood of failure for any new initiatives taken
2. A poor start to an undertaking
3. Suffering a defeat

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Two of Wands

Power · Courage · Planning · Decision

Card Interpretation

The Two of Wands celebrates individual bravery and greatness. Like the Magician card, it radiates energy—but while the Magician represents innate talent, the Two of Wands embodies personal creativity and capability. The figure in the card stands gazing far out at the sea, mountains, and the lands where humans dwell. In his left hand, he holds a wand, propped against a carved stone pedestal—a symbol of grounding oneself in wisdom and strength. In his right hand, he clutches an object that resembles both a miniature globe and a mystical crystal ball, signifying the power to command and harness energy. Energy descends from the heavens, flows through us, and is then returned to the world.

Upright

1. Possessing authority and influence
2. Using the power at one’s disposal wisely
3. Endowed with strong personal charm
4. Abandoning outdated conventions to embrace a new life
5. Blessed with exceptional courage and creativity

Reversed

1. An unexpected accident occurring
2. Encountering obstacles that hinder progress
3. Living in poverty or suffering from illness
4. Being restricted in taking action
5. Avoiding being intoxicated by the thrill of power to the point of losing one’s senses

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Three of Wands

Trade · Leadership · Foresight · Cooperation · Exploration

Card Interpretation

The figure standing atop a mountain, gazing out over the sea, cuts the figure of a successful merchant. He leans on a wand with his right hand, as if seeking its support. He assumes a posture of hopeful anticipation; if the wand represents divine will, then the unknown future seems to hinge partly on fate. The future requires exploration—there are times when human effort alone falls short. Yet the entire scene exudes hope. The golden backdrop symbolizes light; the vast, calm sea presents a perfect opportunity to set sail, portending success. Standing atop the mountain in a commanding stance signifies leadership; looking far from a height embodies foresight and a long-term vision.

Upright

1. Career achieving or on the verge of achieving success
2. Matters related to trade and commerce
3. Enjoying good cooperation and coordination that fosters progress
4. Receiving assistance and support
5. Holding a position of leadership or associating with a leader
6. Exploring new directions; starting a new relationship, or embarking on a journey or business trip abroad
7. A successful long-distance relationship

Reversed

1. Career regressing and financial fortune declining
2. Experiencing poor overall luck or having a project terminated
3. Suffering from poor cooperation
4. Lacking foresight and making inadequate plans
5. Lacking leadership skills, or being stubborn and overly ambitious
6. Delays to projects, journeys, or other plans

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Four of Wands

Stability · Celebration · Harmony · Prosperity

Card Interpretation

Four tall wands stand symmetrically and squarely on the earth, symbolizing stability and steadfastness. Lush vines heavy with fruit twist around the wands, representing prosperity and abundance. Below the wands, two women dressed in their finest wave bouquets as they dance; the crowd behind them cheers joyfully, seemingly celebrating a bountiful harvest and rejoicing in a stable, prosperous life. The tall castle rising behind the wands is a testament to impregnable security—within this safe haven, people live in perfect harmony.

Upright

1. A scene of peace and prosperity
2. A romantic relationship or a happy home life
3. Enjoying stable, deepening connections with others
4. Building a solid foundation for academic or career pursuits
5. Signifying joyous events such as victory banquets, weddings, or parties

Reversed

1. Falling into a state of imbalance
2. Being in a fruitless, unstable romantic relationship
3. Feeling uncertain and confused about the future
4. Having a weak and shaky foundation
5. Struggling with poor interpersonal relationships

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Five of Wands

Victory · Progress · Confidence · Good News

Card Interpretation

The Five of Wands depicts a mock battle. As the suit of Wands is associated with the element of Fire, the entire scene resembles a chaotic melee. Each person brandishes a wand as a weapon, engaging in combat with one another, their faces etched with confusion. Their similar attire and appearances symbolize a fair fight. Despite the conflict, there is no bloodshed or cruelty—instead, the Five of Wands alludes more to a state of competition, both external and internal, representing inner contradictions and conflicts.

Upright

1. A fierce battle or conflict about to take place
2. Facing a strong adversary, or one about to appear
3. Being filled with fighting spirit and determination
4. Confronting choices and challenges that stir inner indecision
5. An excellent opportunity to compete and prove oneself

Reversed

1. Engaging in unfair competition or resorting to deceit
2. Being mired in chaos and complexity
3. Becoming entangled in disputes and conflicts
4. Facing the possibility of litigation

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Six of Wands

Victory · Progress · Confidence · Good News

Card Interpretation

A heroic warrior wearing a laurel wreath returns triumphant on a white horse, hailed and celebrated by the crowd. The wand he holds is also adorned with a victory garland. The Six of Wands represents glorious, outward, visible victory. The white horse and the green cloak he wears symbolize strength; his crimson outer robe signifies his passion and fighting spirit. The warrior holds his head high, brimming with confidence—he has achieved his success through his own hard work.

Upright

1. Achieving victory: returning in triumph, passing an important exam with flying colors, or returning home in glory
2. Reaping rewards for one’s hard work and efforts
3. Receiving good luck and joyful news
4. Making smooth progress and attaining results
5. A romantic relationship on the verge of coming to fruition naturally
6. Demonstrating outstanding ability and unwavering confidence

Reversed

1. Suffering a defeat
2. Being involved in dishonest transactions
3. Having hidden enemies within one’s inner circle
4. Becoming complacent and arrogant, leading to negative consequences
5. Receiving bad news
6. Experiencing a long-delayed success

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Seven of Wands

Defense · Challenge · Courage · Opposition

Card Interpretation

The Seven of Wands is set amidst battle. A figure clad in green raises his wand to fend off the wands attacking him. He seems to be both advancing and defending—perhaps he is doing both. The Seven of Wands represents attack and defense, two sides of the same coin: when you attack, your opponent defends; when they counterattack, you must defend. The green of his clothing symbolizes strength. The warrior’s resolute expression in the heat of battle signifies unwavering resolve. His posture, teetering between attack and defense, reflects inner weighing and decision-making. Thus, the Seven of Wands also represents a belief—trust in one’s own judgment and abilities, and possess the insight to distinguish right from wrong.

Upright

1. Defeating opponents and achieving success
2. Holding an advantageous and just position
3. Being filled with fighting spirit and determination

Reversed

1. Doubting one’s own abilities and capabilities
2. Being defeated and overcome
3. Feeling troubled and unable to make decisions about matters

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Eight of Wands

Swift Arrival · Travel · Information

Card Interpretation

The Eight of Wands is one of the few Minor Arcana cards without human figures or narrative scenes. While it may seem enigmatic at first glance, its meaning is equally clear. A river cuts across a vast green grassland; above the river, eight wands are arranged in parallel, tilted downward as if poised to strike the water. This evokes the staff of Moses, a symbol of the beginning and end of all action. Before acting, we think, imagine, speculate, persuade, and dream; then we resolve to act, ground ourselves in reality, and put our ideas into practice. The Eight of Wands signifies now—it is time to make oneself seen and heard. Do not hesitate; all elements are in place. Strike while the iron is hot. Once action begins, it will progress at lightning speed, like a hurricane sweeping one forward. The dust will settle soon enough, revealing the progress made in one’s plans.

Upright

1. Taking swift, decisive action
2. Planning a trip without delay
3. Making a firm decision and starting to act immediately
4. Pressing forward with full momentum and courage
5. Seeing or hearing important information that requires careful discernment
6. Wrapping up current tasks to prepare for the next undertaking

Reversed

1. A dispute breaking out
2. Experiencing disharmony within the family
3. Failing to act quickly enough, resulting in delayed progress

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Nine of Wands

Vigilance · Stubbornness · Defense · Experience

Card Interpretation

The figure in the Nine of Wands has clearly endured a difficult ordeal: bandaged all over, he leans on a wand to support his body. This warrior has been battle-hardened. The card tells us that after a grueling journey, we feel exhausted and wounded—even if we bear no physical scars, our souls have been tormented. Our inherent innocence, open-heartedness, and trust in others are gone, replaced only by a sense of self-defense. It reminds us to handle matters with greater care and remain vigilant, for harm may strike at any moment. Though battered and bruised, the soldier in the card still stands tall, refusing to give up. This is the essence of the Nine of Wands. The card teaches us: no matter what we face, never give up! Even if everyone and everything seems to be against us, do not yield. Firmly believe that within us lies the power to claim victory.

Upright

1. Preparing oneself to face impending difficulties
2. Overwhelming the enemy with sheer momentum to claim victory
3. Concealing one’s strength, biding one’s time for the right moment to strike
4. Facing hidden enemies or threats

Reversed

1. Encountering adverse circumstances and setbacks
2. Experiencing low morale and waning fighting spirit
3. Suffering from poor physical health
4. Having a streak of bad luck

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Ten of Wands

Fatigue · Pressure · Effort · Responsibility

Card Interpretation

A man dressed in crimson struggles forward, carrying ten wands in his arms.Green trees and houses lie ahead—representing his destination, representing victory. Yet the man is utterly exhausted: his back is hunched, and every step is an ordeal, symbolizing the immense pressure he bears, a burden that exceeds his capacity. But why? Is it because of a strong sense of responsibility, or because he acted recklessly without careful thought? Perhaps he need not have toiled so hard. Nevertheless, he has carried this burden for a long time. And despite the immense difficulty, he refuses to give up. The crimson robe he wears symbolizes his inner passion and perseverance. His destination is within reach; hope lies just ahead.

Upright

1. Having strong determination and a strong sense of responsibility, and enduring great hardship and toil
2. Taking on an excessive burden because of an inability to say no
3. Feeling stressed and emotionally unsettled
4. Succumbing to extreme fatigue and exhaustion
5. Bearing the pressure that comes with achieving success

Reversed

1. Being crushed by unbearable pressure, on the verge of breakdown
2. Being unable to continue carrying the burden and choosing to let go
3. Suffering losses
4. Evading responsibilities and the opinions of others
5. Being dishonest and sowing discord among people