Five of Wands - Rider Waite Minor Arcana

The Five of Wands is not the most pleasant card to draw; you should take note when it appears in a reading.

The Five of Wands can represent conflict; differing views and a struggle to succeed among others.

The illustration of the Five of Wands shows five characters engaged in a struggle; with no clear victor. This represents an argument without end; the conflict will continue for some time.

At a glance

The Five of Wands is a tarot card that is often associated with conflict, competition, and the challenges that come with pursuing one’s goals. It is typically seen as a neutral card, symbolizing the need to overcome obstacles and to persevere in the face of adversity.

In traditional tarot decks, the Five of Wands is depicted as several people holding wands and engaging in some form of conflict or competition. This imagery is meant to represent the challenges and obstacles that are symbolized by the card. The wands themselves are symbols of power and strength, and the conflict or competition can be seen as representing the struggles and setbacks that one may face on the path to achieving their goals.

The Five of Wands is often seen as representing the challenges and struggles that come with pursuing one’s goals. It can indicate that the querent is facing competition or conflict and must work hard to overcome these obstacles. The card can also symbolize the need to persevere in the face of adversity and to stay true to one’s values and beliefs.

In a reading, the Five of Wands can indicate that the querent is facing challenges or obstacles on the path to achieving their goals. It can suggest that the querent must be prepared to work hard and to persevere in order to overcome these challenges. The card can also indicate that the querent may be feeling a sense of competition or conflict with others, and may need to find ways to navigate these challenges in a positive and productive way.

Overall, the Five of Wands is a neutral card that suggests the challenges and struggles that come with pursuing one’s goals. It is a reminder to stay true to one’s values and to persevere in the face of adversity.

Card meanings

Past

A past conflict with someone you respect is still weighing on your mind. Generally the Five of Wands in the past position is not so pleasant, and while we can’t avoid conflict in our lives, we can learn from it. A conflict may have arisen from different viewpoints. If this hasn’t been solved yet, then fixing everything should be a priority for you.

Present

The Five of Wands in the present position can represent an ongoing, uncomfortable period in your life. You may have recently had a fight or agreement, or there may be people with whom you just hate spending time with. The reason may not even matter; some people just do not get along with each other.

Competition may also be playing a part in your life; for some we flourish, others shy away. If it all seems too tough then it’s fine to retreat and recover.

Future

Consider the Five of Wands in the future position to be a warning for any upcoming conflict that can happen in your life. Are you keeping secrets? Are you harbouring a hidden opinion on something that can’t wait to be let out?

Solve issues before they turn into problems. This may mean owning up to something you did in error, but in the long run it will be worth it.

Work, careers and education

Your professional life, work or career, may not be going well when you see the Five of Wands. There are many aspects of the card to explore. If you’re unemployed and looking or a new role, expect to see a lot of competition for the type of roles you are pursuing.

You may need to work your hardest in the near future. Usually there can only be one winner. Coming second place in your professional life usually means the same as losing completely. The benefits only come to those on top.

Try to smooth over personal issues in the workplace or school. Forgive others and their small quirks.

Love and Relationships

The Five of Wands can mean a period of worry and conflict in any relationship. You’d likely be better off admitting a fault and dealing with the fallout, rather than covering it up now.

You may be thinking about your relationship as a whole. If all you do is fight and argue, then why are you dating each other? Time alone to think about it all may be best called for. Arguments however, can strengthen a relationship. If you only argue about small things, then this really is normal. Make sure you and your partner are happy in the long run.

If you’re single and looking, then now probably is a good time. The Five of Wands can represent some inner conflict which you would do best not to project onto others.

Wealth

The Five of Wands has a few meaning in regards to money. Stop comparing yourself, or competing with others. This doesn’t seek to help you progress in life. Others have things you do not, and they always will. This is how it works.

On a more physical note, if you do come into some money, it may be best to keep it a secret. You don’t want people asking you for help. Money brings out distant friends and relatives.

Health and well-being

Your health may be going through a rough patch when you see the Five of Wands. Mentally, it’s time to work on your inner struggles and work out why you think and act in ways which you don’t intend.

Physically, try to become a better version of yourself in everything that you do. You want to make a younger you proud.

Other associations

Element: Fire

As a Yes or No question: Yes

Keywords

Conflict, arguments, competition, struggle, challenges