Five of Wands

Words describing Five of Wands: Competition, conflict, challenges, struggle, discord, disagreement, tension, disagreement, disagreement, rivalry.

How to interpret Five of Wands in tarot

Past

Seven of Wands (upright)

Present

Five of Wands (reversed)

Future

Page of Swords (reversed)

The Basic Meaning of the Card (Rider-Waite)

Five of Wands is the fifth card in the Tarot’s Minor Arcana within the Wands suit and symbolizes conflict, competition, and disagreement. The card’s image shows five people fighting with their wands, indicating a fight or competition. It represents that we sometimes face conflict and disagreement in our lives, but that these situations can also lead to personal growth and change.

Five of Wands – Upright Meaning

The Five of Wands represents conflict, competition, and struggle. This card often signifies a situation where individuals are working at cross purposes or engaged in disagreements, leading to tension or challenges. The Five of Wands is associated with personal growth through overcoming obstacles, healthy competition, and learning to collaborate effectively. Key aspects of the upright Five of Wands include:

Conflict: Experiencing disagreements, tension, or confrontations, often as a result of differing opinions, goals, or communication styles.
Competition: Engaging in competitive situations, which can spur personal growth and motivation, but may also create stress or rivalry.
Struggle: Facing challenges or obstacles that test your determination, resilience, and ability to adapt.
Personal Growth: Learning valuable lessons, developing new skills, or gaining a greater understanding of yourself and others through conflict or competition.
Collaboration: Recognizing the need for effective communication, compromise, and teamwork in order to resolve conflicts or achieve shared goals.

Five of Wands – Reversed Meaning

When the Five of Wands appears reversed, it can signify the resolution of conflicts, the avoidance of competition, or the need for cooperation. This card often represents a situation where tensions are easing, individuals are finding common ground, or efforts are being made to promote harmony and collaboration. The reversed Five of Wands can also indicate a fear of confrontation or an unwillingness to engage in healthy competition. Key aspects of the reversed Five of Wands include:

Conflict Resolution: Resolving disagreements or tensions, often through communication, compromise, or finding common ground.
Avoiding Competition: Choosing not to engage in competitive situations, either due to fear of confrontation or a desire for harmony and cooperation.
Cooperation: Working together with others to achieve shared goals, promote harmony, or resolve conflicts.
Inner Conflict: Struggling with internal battles, such as self-doubt, indecision, or conflicting desires, which can hinder personal growth or decision-making.
Fear of Confrontation: Avoiding potential conflicts or challenges, possibly due to a lack of confidence or a desire to maintain the status quo.

The Five of Wands, whether upright or reversed, emphasizes the importance of facing challenges, learning from conflict, and embracing healthy competition as opportunities for growth and personal development. It serves as a reminder to balance assertiveness with cooperation, communication, and compromise in order to navigate through conflicts and achieve success.

Example Interpretation

If Five of Wands appears in a reading alongside Three of Pentacles and Strength, it could be interpreted as by confronting conflicts and disagreements (Five of Wands) you will develop your ability to collaborate and work together with others (Three of Pentacles). This will strengthen your inner strength and resilience (Strength), which will help you face future challenges and difficulties with courage and determination.

Psychological Interpretation

Archetypal Meanings

The Five of Wands is a card that represents conflict, competition, and struggle. It is associated with the archetype of the warrior, who is constantly fighting to assert their dominance and prove their worth. This archetype can be seen in various forms in our lives, such as in our drive for success, our need to prove ourselves to others, or our desire to win at all costs.

Behavioral Patterns

When this card appears in a reading, it may indicate that the individual is currently experiencing or will soon encounter a period of conflict or competition. They may be feeling the need to defend their position, assert their dominance, or prove themselves in some way. This can manifest in behaviors such as being overly defensive, aggressive, or ruthless in order to come out on top. It can also indicate a tendency to get caught up in petty arguments or power struggles.

Integration and Shadow Work

To work with the energies of the Five of Wands, one must first acknowledge and accept their own competitive and aggressive tendencies. It is important to recognize that these qualities are not inherently negative, but instead can be channeled in a healthy and productive way. This card can serve as a reminder to find healthy outlets for our competitive drive and to approach conflicts with a sense of fairness and sportsmanship. It also highlights the importance of finding a balance between asserting our own dominance and respecting the boundaries of others.