Eight of Wands: Modern RWS Tarot Card Meanings
‘Eight of Wands’, Rider Waite Smith tarot deck.
Upright Eight of Wands Meanings
Keywords
Speed, Action, Movement, Communication, Progress, Travel, Sudden Developments
Generally
The Eight of Wands signifies a period of rapid movement, progress, and the swift arrival of news or information. It represents a situation that is quickly coming to a conclusion or a project that is suddenly accelerating after a period of stillness. This is the energy of a project suddenly gaining momentum, receiving an important and long-awaited email, booking a last-minute flight, or a flurry of activity that brings a situation to a head. It suggests that events are now moving forward, unimpeded.
In a Love Context
In matters of love, this card often points to a relationship that is moving forward at a rapid pace. This can be a whirlwind romance where things become serious very quickly, a sudden declaration of love from a partner, or a period of intense and constant communication that deepens a bond. For those who are single, it can signify the swift arrival of a new romantic interest. The card speaks of being swept off your feet by the sheer speed of romantic developments.
In a Money/Career Context
This card is a strong indicator of rapid progress and communication in your professional life. It might signify a project that is suddenly fast-tracked to completion, a flurry of important emails and messages that require immediate action, or necessary business travel. It can also point to a quick promotion or a job offer that comes through much faster than expected. The energy is one of being busy, productive, and moving swiftly towards a professional goal.
In a Spiritual Context
This can signify a period of rapid spiritual development, where insights and epiphanies arrive with sudden clarity. It may represent a powerful and clear message from your higher self, a spiritual practice that is suddenly yielding profound results, or a journey or pilgrimage that accelerates your spiritual growth. It is the energy of a clear and unimpeded connection to the Divine, where guidance is received swiftly and without confusion.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
Act now. Move quickly. Communicate clearly and directly. Do not delay.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
A swift conclusion. Rapid progress. A successful journey. News arriving quickly.
As Obstacles
Events are moving too fast to control. Hasty decisions are causing problems. A situation is rushed.
As Hidden Energy
An imminent and sudden development. The potential for rapid progress is being missed. A message is on its way.
As Resources/Alliances
The ability to act quickly. Clear communication. A fast mode of transport.
‘The Eight of Wands’ Reversed
Keywords
Delays, Frustration, Stagnation, Miscommunication, Slow Progress, Cancelled Plans
Generally
Reversed, the Eight of Wands can point to frustrating delays, a lack of progress, and a feeling of stagnation. It signifies a situation that has lost all momentum and is now stuck. This can manifest as a cancelled trip, a project that has hit a wall, waiting for a message that never seems to arrive, or a general feeling of being in limbo. It is the energy of being thwarted by frustrating and seemingly endless delays.
In a Love Context
This card often signifies a relationship that is stagnating or suffering from miscommunication. It can represent a partnership that is going nowhere, a partner who has suddenly gone quiet or is not responding to messages, or romantic plans that are cancelled or postponed. It points to a frustrating lack of progress in a relationship, where the energy has become blocked and stagnant.
In a Money/Career Context
This can mean a project that has been put on hold indefinitely, a promotion that is delayed, or a frustrating period of miscommunication at work. It might represent missed deadlines, a business trip that is cancelled at the last minute, or a career that feels completely stuck in a rut. It is the energy of professional frustration, where your efforts are being blocked by constant delays.
In a Spiritual Context
This can mean feeling spiritually stuck or a practice that has lost all momentum. It may represent a feeling that your prayers or meditations are going unanswered, a spiritual journey that is postponed, or a frustrating lack of progress on your spiritual path. It is the energy of a blocked connection, where spiritual guidance is unclear or seems to be absent.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
Be patient. A period of delay is necessary. Stop pushing against a situation that will not move.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
Frustrating delays. A cancelled plan. A project will become stuck. A lack of progress.
As Obstacles
Constant delays are preventing success. Miscommunication is causing chaos. A situation is completely stagnant.
As Hidden Energy
A secret jealousy is causing delays. An unacknowledged fear of moving forward is creating stagnation.
As Resources/Alliances
Help comes from accepting a delay. The wisdom of patience. Re-evaluating a plan that is not working.
Additional Notes on The RWS ‘Eight of Wands’
Waite’s Divinatory Meanings of The Eight of Wands
"The card represents motion through the immovable-a flight of wands through an open country; but they draw to the term of their course. That which they signify is at hand; it may be even on the threshold. Reversed: Arrows of jealousy, internal dispute, stingings of conscience, quarrels; and domestic disputes for persons who are married." (The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, 1911)
RWS Eight of Wands Symbolism
A.E. Waite’s Eight of Wands depicts eight wands flying in parallel through a clear, open sky over a calm landscape. There are no people or obstacles in the scene. The image is one of pure, unimpeded motion. The wands are not landing; they are in mid-flight, signifying that events are currently in progress and moving swiftly towards their conclusion. The card is a powerful allegory for speed, progress, and the clear and direct transmission of energy or communication.
Meditations On The Eight of Wands
What area of my life is currently moving forward with great speed?
Is there a situation where I need to act quickly, or one where I am being too hasty?
What message am I waiting for, or what message do I need to send?
