Wands
Wands (also called Rods or Staves) are one of the four suits of the minor arcana of the tarot, associated with the Fire element. They rule the realm of vital energy, projects, journeys, creativity, passion and new beginnings. In the English playing-card deck they correspond to the suit of clubs.
Origin and symbolism
Wands are heirs of the Mamluk cards, where they represented the polos or batons of command. In esoteric tradition, the staff is the symbol of vital power and ascending fire: the royal sceptre, the magical wand, the pilgrim's staff, the caduceus of Hermes. In shamanism, the staff is the world axis, the cosmic tree connecting heaven and earth.
As Fire element, Wands rule the creative, ardent, expansive. If Swords are the air that thinks, Wands are the fire that acts. It is the suit of projects in motion, new journeys, kindled passions. In astrology, Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) have natural affinity with this suit. It is the most energetic suit of the tarot.
The most relevant cards of the suit
Ace of Wands: creative spark, new opportunity with energy, enthusiastic beginning. Three of Wands: vision toward new horizons, expansion to the future. Six of Wands: public triumph, deserved recognition. Eight of Wands: the "flying cards", fast news, swift movement. Ten of Wands: excessive load, too many responsibilities.
In-process cards: Five of Wands (competition, small conflicts), Seven of Wands (defending oneself from adversities). Court cards: Knight of Wands (energetic and adventurous youth), Queen of Wands (charismatic and projective woman), King of Wands (leader man, entrepreneur, with vision). Wands are the most motivating cards of the tarot — they announce something is moving.
Also known as
- Rods
- Staves
- Bâtons (in French)
- Clubs (in poker)