ACE of WANDS (upright)

Concentrated energy. Vitality. New beginnings. Good health. Inspiration. Creativity. Magnetism. Charisma. Bravery. Passion. Leadership. Spiritual strength. Sum total of  energy and where energy is being directed. Seizing the day. Accomplishment. Mastery. Break with the past. Acting without hesitation.

Selfhood. Egocentricity. Forcefulness. Assertiveness. Total conviction. More care for personal welfare. Interference of others dealt with and stopped. An unwavering attitude.

Negative - Aggression. Hostility. Hyperactivity. Competition. Unnecessary involvement. Haste. Impetuousness. Bravado.
 

ACE of WANDS (reversed)

Wasted effort. Failure.
Poor leadership. Misdirection.
Opportunities missed.
Warning against involvement.
Useless enterprise. Irrational ideas.
No inspiration. No enthusiasm or confidence.
Fatigue. Depletion. Loss. Sabotage.
Death.

Weakness. Emptiness. Energy crisis.
Spiritual malaise. Atheism. Falseness.
Lack of mastery. Unethical behavior.
Irresponsibility. Avoidance.

Warning to avoid investing energy and resources. Return
 

Success in two areas.

Action. Movement. Ignition.
Conception. Initiation of energy.
Debut. New projects.
Extroversion.

Lifestyle changes. New roles.
Affirmative decisions.
Investment of energy in two or more areas.
A static period ends.
Moving beyond planning stages.
Deciding which of two areas requires attention.
Combining forces. Confederates assist.
Inspiring allies. Creative cooperation.
Testing the resolve and commitment of others.

Accepting challenge.
Determination to win.
Competition. Sports and games.

Negative - Haste. Impatience. Overlooked details. Conflict. Imbalance. Indecision. False allies. Incompetence. Battle of wills. Self-interest. Incompatibilities. Impulsive changes of allegiance. Dichotomy. Obstacles. Misdirected ambition. Return
 

Low energy. Partial commitment.  Loss of inspiration. Lack of enthusiasm. Incapacity. Incompetence. Inability to take on more than one project. Premature abandonment. Poorly conceived projects. Projects depleting resolve and resources. Warning not to begin new ventures. Collaboration terminates. Partnership problems. Warning not to combine forces. Sabotage. Losing sight of our needs and goals. Losing out to others. Others benefit from our efforts. Inability to properly bond with others. Ambivalence. Hesitation. Suspicion. Ego battles. Fixation on the past. Re-evaluation. Return
 

Favorable progress. Projects successfully underway. Giving form to creations. Meeting deadlines. Clear communication. Sharing. Making use of contacts. Positive recognition. Receiving assistance. Receiving resources. Deciding which of several areas requires attention. Avoiding complexity. Avoiding confusion. Applying skill and expertise. Creating order. Confidence. Enthusiasm. Receptivity. Diligence. Refinement. Planning the next step. Taking command. Delegating duties. Invitations. Involvement with the projects of others. Return
 

Loss of faith. Lack of commitment. Retreat after the initial stage. Fears. Retarded progress. Premature abandonment. Hesitation. Indecision. Few rewards for effort invested. Not enough energy given. Half-hearted participation. Distraction. Disorder. Failure to prioritize. Passivity. Concern with nonessentials. Trying to go it alone. Unprofessional behavior. Incompetence. Lack of consolidation. Improvements unmade. Lack of creativity. Lack of resources. Being denied needed assistance. Refusal to accept help or advice. Poor advice from an ally leading to losses or mistakes. Power given to the unworthy. Falling out. Failure of a promotional campaign. No recognition. Discouraging feedback. Abusing trust. Ruined opportunities. Misdirected ambition.

More determination needed,

A positive attitude needed despite unfavorable circumstances. Return
 

Accomplishment and completion. The culmination of one phase of work. Enjoyment in work done. Rewards. Period of satisfaction. Harmonious conclusion. Lazy time of relaxation. Taking time out to review and rest. Time to go "Yin" and let nature take its course. Not rocking the boat. Remaining steadfast. No new action. Projects working to a fixed, predictable plan. Pleasure. Health. Rejuvenation. Being with family. Good, artistic work which will bear fruit. Good, sound judgments needed. Discrimination. Time for organization, order, economy and routine. Delegation of roles. Need to be factual and rely only on personal practical experience. Obedience to the overall plan. Equanimity. Cooperation. Supports favorable meetings, camaraderie, fortune. Having our endeavors accepted and praised by others. Joining in and being included in the projects of others. Occurs when we work for the betterment of others and family. Represents the involvement in creative projects, the purchase of homes, properties and luxury items. Receiving gifts. Obeying the laws of life. Composed understanding. Order. Factuality.

A clear message to go forward only with the practical and realizable. Avoid risky operations at this time.

In regard the private life it asks us to cement their our identity and image. Return
 

Lack of firm commitment to a person, or a project. The inability to be composed and to take time out, to stand back and review. Inner systemic disorder. Identity issues. Professional incompetence. Taking risks at the wrong time. Not applying practical expertise. Becoming waylaid by impracticality. Lack of organization. Disorder. Skills which are not productively oriented. Inability to bring things to a successful conclusion. Leaving things to others. Partial successes, not as good as one had expected. Discovery of flaws. Energy or projects which go awry just before completion. Projects left hanging. Impatience. Also improper judgment. Lack of discrimination and discipline. Creating resistance and doubt when inappropriate to do so. Failure to invest efforts in self-development. Leaving things to others. Moving on before finalizations. Impatience. Forcing events. Completion delayed due to naiveté regarding the nature of things. No recognition of or obedience to the rules of reality. Stagnancy. Conclusions postponed. Prematurely quitting something to which one was not firmly committed.

Rejection. Being ignored. Incompatibility with associates. Harmony disturbed. Falling out as to the plan. Discord. In family matters it denotes disagreements and disharmony. Selfishness. Unhealthy attitudes. Poor health. Being denied closure. In certain cases, this reversal can mean that we need to relinquish the idea of the “perfect” happiness, the “perfect” family etc., and pursue something less imaginary.

Usually means that we need to organize and strengthen commitment, and go through a positive change in identity. Return
 

Considering alternative approaches. Willingness. Zeal. Challenges which, when handled right, can yield new ventures. Working in conjunction with others to reach the goal. Reorganizations. Fruitful associations. Adding support to a difficult problem. Overcoming difficult obstacles. Bravery. Competitions and sport.

Negatively - Involvement in projects which drain energy, lead nowhere and benefit no one. Working under compulsion. Failure of compromise and stability. Imposed resistance. Incompatibility. Inability to find alternative routes. Ineptitude. A shoddy product of poor quality. Denotes hard efforts in several directions often lacking direction. Doing or taking on too much, creating disorder. Fruitless efforts, waste. Choosing the most awkward and uneconomical way to proceed. Disagreements and disputes. Being blocked by others. Scattered energies. Struggle. Breakdown in harmony and future objectives and ambitions. Ego-battles, competition, tension. Testing. Friction. Hard labor. Everyone with a different way and idea. Lack of cooperation. Inability to find a leader, a way forward, or any consolidating influence. Being forced to work in a manner which stresses tolerance. Jealousies. Time to check the resolve of others. Problems caused by a single person. Occurs when one is about to create more work for themselves or when one seeks overly for external distractions. Denotes the need for economy in life. To delegate and select with care. Also systemic illness or malady. Energy crisis, health issues. Poor circulation, nervous tension, restlessness. Sexual quandaries. Denotes repressed anger, hostility or frustration which must be purged. Warfare.

Crisis of identity and persona which causes frustration and tension. Need for a re-orientation in the self, a change of the identity toward greater harmony and balance. This may be facilitated by adaptation, a change in the routine and of self-challenge. Return
 

FIVE OF WANDS (reversed)

Need to let go of certain unessential projects or desires to lighten the load. It asks one to become composed and inward and to avoid others who are concerned only with their own personal egos and aggrandizement. Avoid aggression and belligerence. We need to avoid issues and projects which do not concern us.

Occasionally, the reversal suggests that one cease putting energy into that which has only a physical or obviously practical goal. There may be a need to develop other areas of our lives, persona or character.

Can denote the cessation of a problematic period. Overcoming obstacles. Return
 

New directions found. Vitality. Abundant energies and focus. Assuming authority. Leadership. Sense of purpose. Strong identity. Taking the lead or going it alone, even against resistance. Past successes lead to further ventures. Not a time to pause but continue on the direction chosen. Denotes limelight and acclaim. Victory against opposition. Triumph. Getting attention. Being decisive while others procrastinate. Shows dynamism, prowess and self-esteem. Mastery. Good health. Also the concentration of public attention on one.

The media. Fame and exposure. Tremendous organizational abilities. 

The climax of our enterprises. Tomorrow may not be as good.

Negatively - It relates to extreme self-centeredness and vanity. Acting without regard for the well-being of others. Self-absorption. Taking rewards for oneself. Acting rashly without thought or deliberation. Being overly confident and bombastic. Seeking to lead the field. Concerned only with personal success. Misuse of power and reputation. Creating opposition due to stubbornness. Hyper-fixated on loyalty. Return
 

The loss of acclaim or recognition. Being sorely defeated. Indicates that certain plans may be ill-founded and go awry. Weakness at the crucial moment. Good opportunities missed. Certain very promising avenues get suddenly closed. Failing to move when the time was right, to seize the moment. Staying involved in imbroglios when one should have departed. No motivation. Keeping in the background. Loss of interest in what one is engaged in. Not seeing the road ahead. Hatred of competition. Systemic ill-health. Ego dysfunction. Reluctance to be in the center of attention. Not desiring personal acclaim. Lack of self-esteem, confidence or courage. Shyness. Occurs when one tends to follow others, waiting to be lead. Great disloyalty and dishonesty. No morality. Can occur to encourage us to be less vain and dominating in dealings with others, to listen to their point of view. The need to cool ego-drives.

Can occasionally ask us to strengthen self esteem and personal dignity. Return
 

Standing up against resistance with rightness and morality as our motivation and strength. Heroism. Bravery. Setting oneself apart. Attempts made to assume leadership. Getting difficult things done without hesitation and despite the cost. The ability to do what is necessary to complete a task or move forward.

Being unfulfilled and uninspired by the commonplace distractions and exploits of others. Not going along with the norm or maintaining the status-quo. Not fitting in. The approach of problems and difficulties. Bravely facing challenge but with little hope of winning. Overcoming adversity by sheer stamina and self-belief. Standing up for oneself. Being forced to defend an untenable position. Having to face the music. Pressure. Holding to personal uniqueness. A strong individual of exceptional resilience.

Signifies a task that requires the personal touch, were we may have to go it alone without support. A task or enterprise which challenges us personally.

Negatively - Unnecessary emotions cloud and distort clear and decisive action. Problems brought upon ourselves. Constant struggle to remain where we are and to overcome obstacles. Being singled out and made a scapegoat. Having to defend our idiosyncrasies. Confrontations and resistances. Imbroglios. Actions made too little too late. Being unprepared. An unproductive use of energy. Inexpert methodologies. We should pursue a different and more economical means to achieve the object, without so much energy investiture. Finding, or making, rivals who thwart our endeavours. Occurs when we find many avenues unfulfilling or work hard to do and master. The over-estimation of our capacity. Taking on too much. Energies taxed. Can represent undue defensiveness, the “one against the world” mentality. Refusal to yield or give up a position to others. Backing oneself into a corner. Not conceding to betters or accepting criticism and continuing with egocentric behavior. Fundamental incompatibilities. Taking things too personally. Insecurity of effort due to previous negligence or procrastination. We should postpone confrontations until sure of capacities and strength. Return
 

Positively - the cessation of antagonisms, obstacles and conflicts. One can now move ahead more easily.

Signals the need to develop a stronger sense of individuality, instead of suppressing uniqueness in order to be accepted. We are not to avoid difficult projects, goals or interactions. Psychologically, it indicates the passing of an old identity and the adoption of new roles. The removal of an image or persona which only causes opposition and hostility, and of cruder ways of doing things. Dropping an overly defensive or egocentric behavior pattern and accepting, and learning from, past mistakes.

Negatively - The reversal can also indicate that we seek goals, enterprises and interactions which are too low maintenance, which are free from conflicts, or which have obstacles very easy to overcome. Falls when we desire a resistance-less life. Not being able or willing to go the distance, to sacrifice security or abandon the conventional. Failure to innovate and persist. Avoidance of a challenge or necessary confrontation. Moral or physical cowardice. Losing out against opposition. Giving in to pressure. Defending unsustainable causes or attitudes. Losing what is desired by holding to what is inessential. Complete failure to stand up for ourselves even with a chance at success. Lack of preparation. Not facing the music. Weakness. Fear. Cowardice. Not accepting blame. Poor systemic health. Fear of criticism, of standing up and out. Going along with the status-quo. Ignoring the forces which enter to foster positive change. A remedial character. A false image or persona. An inherently weak and shallow person, perhaps expert at dissimulation. Signals a lack of morality and resistance against evil.

On occasion, depending upon question and position, this reversal can indicate that it is now appropriate to take the road of least resistance. Return
 

Denotes a busy, competitive time. Great energy needed. Increasing vitality. Hyper-activity. Many enterprises ongoing at the same time. Motivation. Extroversion. Action required without planning or delays. Moving suddenly against opposition. Starting things with haste. Work done to catch up. Prioritization. Barriers overcome by decisiveness and swiftness. Productivity. Things taking off sooner than expected. Rapid results. Speed up in tempo and pace. No time for procrastination. Being pulled in several directions at once. Successes coming in from several areas at once. Working against the clock. No hesitations. Enthusiasm. Brainstorming. Inspiration. Competition. Meeting demands adroitly. Over-achievement. Indicates travel, air-flights, dangerous or challenging sports and games. Warfare.

Negatively - Can mean danger from driving or reckless behavior. Warns against having too many rods in the fire, and having lots of unfocused energy. Over-burn. Danger. This can indicate that our life is defined entirely in external terms, of persona, ego, physical accomplishment and prowess. We must beware taking action for action's sake. Over-activity without planning. Can also signal violence and aggression. Instincts in control of reason. Return
 

A sudden slowing of pace or change of direction. A radical change of events which shifts our orientation from the ego to the humanistic. A sudden feeling of emptiness and productivity. Sudden revelations which upset the focus and cause a dramatic change of direction and attention. Missing the boat. Procrastination. Loss in a competition. Hesitations. Having expectations dashed. Resistance on all sides. Projects launched without planning or at the worst time possible. Lack or loss of self-esteem, competence or enthusiasm. Inability to diversify or delegate. No dexterity or speed. This card indicates fairly severe internal problems regarding energy, optimism, confidence and self-esteem. Loss of interest, inspiration and motivation. Hatred of competition. Frenetic, or self-destructive, forces beneath the surface. Inflation or self-hatred. Being divested of power. Being compelled by circumstances to cease an active and productive schedule. Having our light under a bushel. Forced rest. No participation. Monotony. Fatigue. Not enough diversity. 

Occasionally, it asks us to not always feel that we have to be engaged in some physical activity, or constantly seeking external stimuli. Return
 

Time for endurance, persistence and tenacity. Affairs are coming to completion, but one task may be forthcoming which requires energy and alertness. Prepare for a period of testing or evaluation. Stamina and resolve needed. Resolution and strength. Holding out. Taking blows from life but not giving up. A firm resolve to stay put, wait and prepare and not be cajoled. Consistency and concentration. Enduring pressures with spiritual will, often unseen by others. Profound inner and outer power, available to us in times of great adversity and pressure. Courage. Indomitable will. Waiting is suggested rather than impatient change. Temporary rest. Not being moved by fleeting promises. Going the distance. Using experience, maturity, and wisdom. Complete faith in oneself. Accepting personal responsibility for something. Power. Working hard to improve. Confronting difficult subjects.

Negatively - the card indicates that we may cleave overly to worldly or material achievements with need to develop other aptitudes, making room for intellect and emotion. The pointless accumulation of material substance. Hoarding. Attachment to personal achievements or private pain and struggles. Hostility toward others and their efforts and creations. Possessiveness. Egotism. Refusal to let go of the past. Hardness of character. Defensiveness. Intractability. Concerns people who hold on to false ways until the last moment. Return
 

Weakness. Enormous defeat. Losses after much work. Exhaustion. Losing control or authority to others. Years of work come to little. Inconstant force and application of energy. No vision of ends. No endurance. Losing faith in what one is doing, possibly due to the absence of rewards. Being demoted or stripped of responsibilities. Much work with little energy. Burn-out. Premature abandonment. Incompleteness. Bad judgments. Falling for illusions when knowing better. Not deserving responsible positions. 

Avoidance of any kind of challenge or adversity. Occurs when we cave-in, instead of standing up for important issues. Occurs when we do not believe in our own capacities or talents.

Loss of faith or conviction in our religion or belief system, or when we are failed by persons, ideas or virtues we had faith in. Having nothing to believe in. Pessimism. Dejection. Weakness and poor health. 

The reversal can also ask one to become less defensive, egoistic and suspicious. Return
 

Investing all we are or have. A strong commitment to something or someone. Designates persons with commitment and power, who complete the projects they initiate. Seeing things through to the end. The conclusion of a long set of circumstances. The military. Body-building, weight-lifting and arduous activities. 

Negatively - Insurmountable odds. Taking on too much work for little reward. Trying to impress others. No chance of winning or completing. More waste of energy than is recommended. Difficulty in the completion of certain undertakings. Projects or undertakings which consume a great deal of energy, Lack resources or commitment. Tremendous work load or burden. Many demands. Tests of strength. Oppression, no time for enjoyments. Time for application. Having to accept responsibility for others. Feeling obligated. Projects which need finalizing. Time for assessment and pulling back.  

Being overly fixated on problems and issues. Getting a kick from flaunting effort, achievement and displaying physical or material capacities. Holding on to personal vendettas and attitudes. Putting faith in that which does not merit it. Not letting go. Unfulfilling work. Making more work for ourselves. Lack of adaptation to new methods. Taking on tasks which are too much. Imminent collapse. Fatigue. Inability to relinquish responsibility or authority. Preoccupation with worldly acclaim. Excessive ambition. Over-achievement. Power-mania, obsession. Fears of working with others. Being convinced that our own methods are best. Greed and excess now bring their own problems. Isolationism and possessiveness.

In the life context, it shows that we have had a harsh upbringing, or time, with many oppressive responsibilities. Being forced to work against one's will. Return
 

Positively - The release of an oppressive weight. Sudden weakness or concession from an opponent. A sudden opening or way forward.

Negatively - The collapse of what we are engaged in. No sense of achievement. Disinterest. Usually occurs when we take to new elaborate projects with enthusiasm but do not carry them through to completion. Failure to accept responsibility. Lack of recognition for efforts and creations. Feelings of personal incompetence. No belief in personal capacities. Can indicate cowardice in serious matters. Weakness or fear. Occurs when we do not expend any energy on an area of our lives and may need to - when we put in just enough for the show. 

The reversal can often ask us to relinquish an overly acquisitive and extrovert lifestyle. Can warn us to immediately give up what we are doing or the manner in which we operate. A warning not to accept large responsibilities, or engage in complex and time-consuming projects. Return