Ten of Wands - Rider Waite Minor Arcana

Tens usually represent completion, as they are the last numbered cards in their respective suits.

The Ten of Wands differs slightly; representing burden, pressure and upcoming challenges.

Your current, comfy phase of life may be coming to an end, to be replaced by a period of stress, responsibility and over-commitment.

At a glance

The Ten of Wands is a Tarot card that represents a heavy burden or responsibility, often related to work or relationships. It suggests that the querent (the person for whom the reading is being done) may be feeling overwhelmed or overburdened by the demands placed upon them, and may be struggling to find a sense of balance or stability in their life.

In a Tarot reading, the Ten of Wands can indicate that the querent is feeling weighed down by their responsibilities, and may be struggling to keep up with the demands placed upon them. It can also suggest that the querent is taking on too much, and may benefit from delegating some of their tasks or responsibilities to others. This card can also indicate that the querent may be feeling a sense of isolation or disconnection from others, and may be carrying their burden alone.

The Ten of Wands is often depicted as a figure carrying a heavy load, usually in the form of ten wands or sticks. These wands are often interpreted as representing the various responsibilities and obligations that the querent is struggling to juggle, and can symbolize the feeling of being overwhelmed or overburdened.

In a more general sense, the Ten of Wands can be seen as a symbol of the difficulties and challenges that can arise when we try to take on too much. It suggests that it is important to find a sense of balance and harmony in our lives, and to be mindful of the demands that we place upon ourselves and others.

In terms of its associations with the Seeker’s journey, the Ten of Wands can indicate that the querent is currently at a point of transition or change, and may be feeling the weight of the decisions and choices they must make. It can also suggest that the querent may be feeling stuck or trapped in a situation that is no longer serving them, and may need to make some tough choices in order to move forward.

Overall, the Ten of Wands is a powerful and thought-provoking Tarot card that encourages us to be mindful of the demands we place upon ourselves and others, and to find a sense of balance and harmony in our lives. It reminds us that sometimes, in order to move forward and grow, we must be willing to let go of the things that are no longer serving us, and to embrace new opportunities and experiences.

Card meanings

Past

You may have had a restrictive past when you see the Ten of Wands show up in the past position. Overbearing parents, strict schedules, or a life of poverty can be reflected here.

You may have taken on bigger responsibilities sooner than your peer; perhaps you needed to care for another. As this is in the past, for better or worse you should be free of it now.

Present

The Ten of Wands is not a comfortable card to see in the present position. Life may be tough right now but take solace in the fact that things will eventually become calm again.

The Ten of Wands in the present position is not so much a warning as a reminder. In some aspects of your life, you may be at your limit. don’t push yourself too hard.

Future

The Ten of Wands in the future position can be seen as a warning;’ your current path may lead you to stress, burden and worry. Assess your life and where you are headed.

You don’t want a stressful life, none of us do. We may have to work through unavoidable periods of unpleasantness but there is no need to make this a prolonged thing. Working towards a passion is admirable, but look after yourself too.

The character in the illustration in the Ten of Wands is holding so many wands that he can’t see ahead. Be mindful of that.

Work, careers and education

The Ten of Wands when drawn for to work, education or career can represent than things may be tough, and you may be reaching your limit.

Taking a break might be the best thing you can do., if it is possible. If not, then you may just have to work hard and fight through the pain.

Love and Relationships

Take a break, calm down, and have some time alone when you see the Ten of Wands placed for relationships and love. Love is tricky as it is, and you don’t want to over complicate matters even more without some time alone to think.

The Ten of Wands shows that we are becoming overwhelmed with our current stage of life; whether we are single or in a committed, otherwise healthy relationship.

If you are single, then consider the Ten of Wands telling you that you have too much on your plate to focus on a relationship right now.

Wealth

The Ten of Wands is not the best sign when drawn for money. Try to take a step back and get the bigger picture about your finances. What may be a very well paying job may have lots of related expenses.

Consider changing how you see certain aspects of your life. Are you becoming imprisoned by your possessions? You own them, they o not own you.

Health and well-being

Take care of your body and mind when you see the Ten of Wands placed for a health related reason. As the theme of the card goes, take a step back and examine things; are you overexerting yourself?

Are things getting a little too much? Prioritise. Work on important things now. Make lists. Get things in order. You need to take control of your life, health, body and mind.

Other associations

Element: Fire

As a Yes or No question: No

Keywords

Burden, stress, responsibility, commitment