Eight of Wands

Element: Fire

Imagery: Eight wands fly swiftly through open sky.

General Themes: Rapid movement, communication, momentum.

Eight of Wands Upright

Wow! This card has a lot of juice to it. As the only card in the tarot without a human figure or part of a human figure, the Eight of Wands is pure energy. There’s no mistaking its meaning when it appears: seize the day!

Enjoy this influx of energy and don’t be afraid to make things happen. The universe is on your side right now. Don’t hold back and don’t be shy. Just go for it and trust that the momentum of these fiery wands will take you where you need to go.

Seriously, just get moving! The rest will follow.

Eight of Wands Reversed

Reversed, the message of this card is equally clear: slow down! You’re moving too fast. It’s important to get grounded before moving forward. In fact, rooting yourself in the present moment is the best way to move forward.

Like many of the Pentacles cards, the Eight of Wands reversed advises you to work steadily toward your goals. A strong foundation will lead to lasting results. There is still quite a bit of fire energy in this reversal. Only here, think of it as a hearth you tend rather than the wild energy of its upright form. Don’t burn too hot, or your energy will fade. Don’t burn too cold, or you’ll never achieve your goals. Just tend your proverbial hearth daily and appreciate how a steady presence can transform a situation.

This one reads great — energetic but grounded. The hearth metaphor is especially strong and ties nicely into your elemental framing. If you’d like, we can now polish Eight of Cups to complete the set.

The Bruja’s Guide to Tarot is the divination sister to the scholarly The Bruja Professor, a witchy take on literature, the occult & pop culture, and Enchantment Learning & Living, an inspirational blog celebrating life’s simple pleasures, everyday mysticism, and delectable recipes that are guaranteed to stir the kitchen witch in you.

If you enjoyed what you just read and believe that true magic is in the everyday…and good conversations with the tarot, subscribe to my newsletter below for regular doses of enchantment. Want even more inspiration? Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. Here’s to a magical life!

Seven of Wands

Element: Fire

Imagery: A figure defends their position against multiple attackers.

General Themes: Standing your ground, courage, maintaining conviction.

Seven of Wands Upright

This is a heavy card, in many respects, as it’s asking you to fight for what you believe in, even when you’re surrounded by opponents. Keep holding your ground. Sometimes this refers to a literal battle, but more often, it refers to a mindset shift. If the world has been making you feel small, this card asks you to get big and celebrate your unique way of viewing the world.

Notice that the figure wears two different shoes. You’re allowed to be complex and unconventional. Trust your magic and your courage. Often, this manifests as a quiet, internal knowing, not a grand gesture, like the card implies.

Seven of Wands Reversed

While the reversal of this card also emphasizes that you need to stand your ground, it’s more in the context of getting over the perpetual need to be liked. You can’t please everyone, so get comfortable with healthy tension. What matters is truth to self, not making everyone around you feel comfortable. This isn’t about causing deliberate harm, mind you, but acknowledging that not everything is yours to fix or manage.

What’s that witchy saying? Cause no harm, but take no shit. That’s this card in a nutshell. Don’t apologize for who you are and don’t water yourself down for anyone.

The Bruja’s Guide to Tarot is the divination sister to the scholarly The Bruja Professor, a witchy take on literature, the occult & pop culture, and Enchantment Learning & Living, an inspirational blog celebrating life’s simple pleasures, everyday mysticism, and delectable recipes that are guaranteed to stir the kitchen witch in you.

If you enjoyed what you just read and believe that true magic is in the everyday…and good conversations with the tarot, subscribe to my newsletter below for regular doses of enchantment. Want even more inspiration? Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. Here’s to a magical life!

Six of Wands

Element: Fire

Imagery: A rider crowned with a wreath is celebrated by a crowd.

General Themes: Recognition, confidence, visible success, leadership.

Six of Wands Upright

You’ve reached an important turning point in your life. Time to celebrate! Be loud in your joy. Don’t hold back—you’re worth the party! It’s important to celebrate your accomplishments, big or small, especially if you’re used to downplaying your achievements.

Don’t be shy about putting yourself out there. It’s easy to want to fade into the background, but this card asks you to shine brightly. Bask in this well-earned recognition and success. Fully feel your confidence. And remember: this confidence and abundance generate so much good energy, giving you even more to be thankful for.

Six of Wands Reversed

Reversed, this card welcomes quiet celebrations and small victories. You might be celebrating an emotional breakthrough or a shift in perspective—things that are hard to explain to others but feel big nonetheless. Honor these accomplishments just as much as you would a job promotion or other external milestone.

The card can also suggest that you’re on the road to success. You might not see victory just yet, but stay steady and it will come. It’s an auspicious card for those moments where self-doubt sets in. Don’t give up—what you want is just around the corner.

Lastly, the Six of Wands reversed can also prompt you to redefine what “winning” means to you. Sometimes winning is taking more time for self-care or enjoying life, guilt-free. Other times, winning is being able to assert yourself appropriately in a given situation. And yes, sometimes winning is the full parade of the upright version of this card. But never forget that winning looks different for everyone and is no less special when you pause to celebrate it.

The Bruja’s Guide to Tarot is the divination sister to the scholarly The Bruja Professor, a witchy take on literature, the occult & pop culture, and Enchantment Learning & Living, an inspirational blog celebrating life’s simple pleasures, everyday mysticism, and delectable recipes that are guaranteed to stir the kitchen witch in you.

If you enjoyed what you just read and believe that true magic is in the everyday…and good conversations with the tarot, subscribe to my newsletter below for regular doses of enchantment. Want even more inspiration? Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. Here’s to a magical life!

Five of Wands

Element: Fire

Imagery: Five figures clash with wands in a chaotic scene.

General Themes: Hollow victory, conflict.

Five of Wands Upright

The Five of Wands, like the Five of Swords, is about hollow victories and conflicts that seemingly have no end. It’s important to know when to walk away. This card wants you to redirect your energy to more life-affirming pursuits. It’s one thing to fight for what you need to, but the presence of this card indicates that the fight here is not worth your time or energy.

Walk away from conflict that doesn’t generate healthy change. Shake off the stagnation of constant strife. In this instance, it’s important not to fight change that can only come through flow, not force.

The Five of Wands can also show up when a lack of communication creates more conflict than is necessary. Slow down and cultivate healthy conversations about what needs to get done or fixed. Not everything gets resolved through battle.

Five of Wands Reversed

The reversal of this card indicates that you need to let down your guard. You don’t always have to be ready for a fight. In fact, that’s a good way for trouble to find you! Instead, shift your frequency. Sometimes the best way to avoid drama is to simply shift your focus to more generative things. If you don’t feed the conflict, it can’t grow.

It’s one thing to wrestle with something, but do so in a way that’s generative. Explore. Examine. Research. Feel. But don’t fixate on a specific outcome. See what makes the most sense when you look at the situation holistically. 

Instead of constantly pushing forward or striving to conquer the next big thing, focus on what you do have. Cultivate contentment, and you will find less desire to chase after pointless conflict.

The Bruja’s Guide to Tarot is the divination sister to the scholarly The Bruja Professor, a witchy take on literature, the occult & pop culture, and Enchantment Learning & Living, an inspirational blog celebrating life’s simple pleasures, everyday mysticism, and delectable recipes that are guaranteed to stir the kitchen witch in you.

If you enjoyed what you just read and believe that true magic is in the everyday…and good conversations with the tarot, subscribe to my newsletter below for regular doses of enchantment. Want even more inspiration? Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. Here’s to a magical life!

Four of Wands

Element: Fire

Imagery: A garlanded archway supported by four wands; figures celebrate beneath it.

General Themes: Stability, homecoming, communal harmony, a safe container for joy.

Four of Wands Upright

Like the Three of Cups, the Four of Wands is a celebration card. It’s time to appreciate the good things in life. Honor even the little things and take time out of your life to celebrate the really big stuff. Have some fun!

You have reached a state of stability and sustainable abundance. It’s safe to let down and relax now. Center yourself—think of your body as hearth and home, the root of your abundant spirit. The more you ground yourself in what matters, the more you will flourish.

Four of Wands Reversed

The Four of Wands reversed still carries the joyous energy of its upright form. Here, though, it’s more about inner harmony, something we don’t celebrate enough. It is no small thing to find your way back to yourself. Some people never do. So take this time to honor this pivotal moment.

Now is the time to release worry and negative self-talk. Just because things don’t seem to be moving forward in the outer world doesn’t mean you aren’t growing. The deepest work is quiet, almost imperceptible—and the longest lasting. So enjoy the process and release the need to control the outcome, a temptation which is often at the root of worry and negativity.

In its most alarming form, it can reflect a time of instability and upheaval, particularly in your personal life. Your life feels like it’s turned upside down! But, as with the Hanged Man, this card offers a new perspective. Look at things from a new vantage point and see what this topsy-turvy energy can teach you. Maybe you’ve needed to loosen up or let go of things you can’t control to restore harmony. Maybe this friction shows you what you need to remove from your life in order to thrive. Pause and take in the scene. The answers will come. And when they do—celebrate.

The Bruja’s Guide to Tarot is the divination sister to the scholarly The Bruja Professor, a witchy take on literature, the occult & pop culture, and Enchantment Learning & Living, an inspirational blog celebrating life’s simple pleasures, everyday mysticism, and delectable recipes that are guaranteed to stir the kitchen witch in you.

If you enjoyed what you just read and believe that true magic is in the everyday…and good conversations with the tarot, subscribe to my newsletter below for regular doses of enchantment. Want even more inspiration? Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. Here’s to a magical life!

Three of Wands

Element: Fire

Imagery: A figure stands on a cliff with three planted wands, watching ships move outward.

General Themes: Expansion, anticipation, the results of earlier choices.

Three of Wands Upright

The Three of Wands is an expansive card. Wands are all about raw energy and potential, so it’s important to take advantage of that energy when it appears; otherwise, it will disperse. This card specifically wants you to explore new horizons. Those could be a literal invitation to travel, get out of your comfort zone, or try something new.

More often, the Three of Wands invites you to cultivate an expansive mindset. Look at the world around you from a fresh perspective. Reimagine a situation and look for ways to encourage stagnant energy to flow.

This is a time to dream big and explore your potential. Think about the best possible outcome and go after it. Embody your hopes and dreams. Feel them deep in your bones, then work on bringing them into the world.

Three of Wands Reversed

When reversed, this card specifically wants you to focus on the present moment. Stay grounded and don’t get carried away longing for greener pastures someplace else. Sometimes the best way to move forward with your life is to stay rooted in the here and now.

Keep your gaze forward. The past is in the past. Focus on your present moment and trust that it will help you create a more positive future. This includes editing your self-talk and internal monologue. Does it welcome change and flow? Or do negative thought patterns stifle creative energy? Your energy flows where your thoughts go, so direct them toward forward movement and grounded healing.

The Bruja’s Guide to Tarot is the divination sister to the scholarly The Bruja Professor, a witchy take on literature, the occult & pop culture, and Enchantment Learning & Living, an inspirational blog celebrating life’s simple pleasures, everyday mysticism, and delectable recipes that are guaranteed to stir the kitchen witch in you.

If you enjoyed what you just read and believe that true magic is in the everyday…and good conversations with the tarot, subscribe to my newsletter below for regular doses of enchantment. Want even more inspiration? Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. Here’s to a magical life!

Two of Wands

Element: Fire

Imagery: A figure holds a globe while grasping one wand and facing another fixed to a wall. He gazes out into the distance. The sea and mountains are in the background. 

General themes: Expansion vs. security; vision and ambition.

Two of Wands Upright

This card ushers in a time of expansive curiosity. The whole world is before you, though you might not be quite ready to make the leap or dive into your next adventure. Explore your options so that when you are ready to move forward, you can be confident in the direction you’ve chosen. 

Be excited, but don’t get carried away. Notice that the figure looks out on the horizon, but their feet are firmly planted on the earth. This moment is for grounded self-discovery. Seek balance in your daily life, even as you nourish your vision of the future. Remember, a strong foundation will lead to new opportunities and more abundance in the long run. 

When you’re ready, take that calculated risk with the full belief that you can make magic happen. 

Two of Wands Reversed

When this card shows up reversed, it’s an invitation to slow down. Don’t rush ahead, and definitely don’t dive into any new projects until you’re sure they’re right for you. Take it slow and learn the ins and outs of your new endeavor. 

Likewise, it may be an invitation to explore your inner horizons. The expansiveness of the upright version of the Two of Wands is turned inward here. This is a time to focus on personal development. If you’re itching for a fresh start, consider shifting your perspective rather than fantasizing about bigger shakeups, like a location or career change. Sometimes the next adventure is right where you’re planted—if you stay open to the unexpected.

The Bruja’s Guide to Tarot is the divination sister to the scholarly The Bruja Professor, a witchy take on literature, the occult & pop culture, and Enchantment Learning & Living, an inspirational blog celebrating life’s simple pleasures, everyday mysticism, and delectable recipes that are guaranteed to stir the kitchen witch in you.

If you enjoyed what you just read and believe that true magic is in the everyday…and good conversations with the tarot, subscribe to my newsletter below for regular doses of enchantment. Want even more inspiration? Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. Here’s to a magical life!

Ace of Wands

Element: Fire

Imagery: A floating hand holds a living wand sprouting leaves. In the distance is a castle sitting amidst an open landscape. 

General themes: Creative spark, libido, vocation, inspiration

Ace of Wands Upright

The Ace of Wands, in its upright form, is an energetic card, as are all Wand cards. It speaks to a new influx of energy that feels exciting and a little wild. The best way to utilize this energy is to stay spontaneous and get moving. This card is all about building momentum and taking advantage of this vital force, encouraging you to make your dreams come true.

Nourish that spark of inspiration so the flame doesn’t go out. It matters less here where you go as long as you get moving. Don’t waste the potential of this Ace energy. Forward movement is more important than the destination. Pay special attention to the things that ignite your passions and excite your senses.

It’s time for a delicious transformation!

Ace of Wands Reversed

Reversed, The Ace of Wands is still energetic but signals a slower-moving transformation. New possibilities are emerging, but it is too soon to tell which direction you should move in. Protect this incubation period, as it will lead to a more fertile project when you are ready to bring it into the world. 

Work slowly and quietly on these new developments. Talking about them right now would take away from your ability to conjure. Then, when it is time to take action, be loud, be bold, and don’t hesitate!

The Bruja’s Guide to Tarot is the divination sister to the scholarly The Bruja Professor, a witchy take on literature, the occult & pop culture, and Enchantment Learning & Living, an inspirational blog celebrating life’s simple pleasures, everyday mysticism, and delectable recipes that are guaranteed to stir the kitchen witch in you.

If you enjoyed what you just read and believe that true magic is in the everyday…and good conversations with the tarot, subscribe to my newsletter below for regular doses of enchantment. Want even more inspiration? Follow me on Instagram and Facebook. Here’s to a magical life!