Five of Wands

The Tarot Suit of Wands

The Tarot Suit of Wands is associated with the suit of Clubs in standard playing cards. The Tarot Suit of "Wands" is also known by other names, such as "Staffs" or as "Staves" in some decks.

There are meanings associated with each of the suits in a Tarot Deck, as well as the more specific interpretations associated with each individual card - and yet more precise meanings pertaining to particular cards in particular locations within spreads.
The suit of Wands is associated with the element of fire. It is also associated with the season of summer - i.e. of the sun, which is a "fire", and with the direction "South".
The suit of Wands may be thought of as concerning personal growth and the expression of our "inner fire", through our work, intellect, or creativity.

The "Fives" in the Tarot Deck typically depict images of loss, sorrow, and misfortune. They stand in stark contrast to the secure structure conveyed by the Fours. One way to think of this is to imagine the fours as the body complete with its four limbs, yer the Fives also include the head - together with awareness, concerns, hurt, and uncertainties. These take different forms for each of the four suits.

The theme of the Five of Wands is the struggle and challenge of progress and growth. It implies that there is some imbalance and possibly conflict of views surrounding our situation or issue.

This card is illustrated in various different ways in the many Tarot Decks available. For example, in the case of Elemental Tarot the image for this card includes a hand the ends of the digits of which alight (colourful yellow/amber flames).

Keywords summarising the possible meanings of this card include:

• Conflict
• Healthy Competition (at work or during study)
• Obstacles
• Strife - though this is not necessarily a negative card; it is an energetic and developmental one !
• Unfulfilled Struggle
• Vigorous Debate - especially in business or politics.