King of Wands: modern RWS Tarot Card Meanings
‘King of Wands’, Rider Waite Smith tarot deck.
Upright King of Wands Meanings
Keywords
Leadership, Vision, Entrepreneurship, Charisma, Action, Authority
Generally
The King of Wands signifies the mastery of passion and the successful implementation of a creative vision. This card represents a charismatic, natural leader who inspires others through their energy and determination. It is the archetype of the visionary entrepreneur who takes a bold idea and turns it into a successful reality. Taking on a leadership role, successfully launching a new business, or feeling a powerful sense of command over your own creative direction.
In a Love Context
This card often points to a partner who is a charismatic, protective, and natural leader. It can represent a relationship where one person takes the lead, providing a sense of stability and excitement. For a single person, it may signify a period of great confidence and charisma, attracting partners who are drawn to your strong, independent energy. It is the energy of a passionate and committed leader in a relationship.
In a Money/Career Context
This card is the ultimate signifier of a successful entrepreneur or a respected leader. It can represent a CEO, a team leader, or anyone who has successfully translated their creative vision into a profitable venture. A major project approval, the successful launch of a new company, or the recognition of your natural leadership abilities in the workplace.
In a Spiritual Context
This can signify a spiritual leader who inspires a community through their passion and vision. It may represent a charismatic guru, the head of a spiritual organisation, or your own mastery of a spiritual path that you are now ready to share with others. It is the energy of a soul that has taken command of its creative fire and uses it to illuminate the path for others.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
Take the lead. Act on your vision. Be a confident and charismatic leader. Inspire others.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
A successful leadership role. The realisation of a creative vision. A period of confident authority.
As Obstacles
An arrogant or overly dominant personality is causing problems. A "my way or the highway" attitude. A leader who is all talk and no action.
As Hidden Energy
An untapped potential for leadership. A powerful creative vision that has not yet been acted upon.
As Resources/Alliances
A charismatic and influential leader. A successful entrepreneur. Your own vision and self-confidence.
‘The King of Wands’ Reversed
Keywords
Arrogance, Impulsiveness, Tyranny, Lack of Vision, Ruthlessness
Generally
Reversed, the King of Wands can point to an abuse of power or a leader who has lost their way. It signifies arrogance, impulsiveness, and a tyrannical approach that alienates others. A leader who is a bully, a project that is driven by ego rather than a clear vision, or a series of reckless decisions that lead to failure. It is the energy of a leader who has become a despot.
In a Love Context
This card often signifies a partner who is controlling, arrogant, and domineering. It can represent a relationship where one person is a tyrant, a partner who makes promises they have no intention of keeping, or a fiery passion that has turned into destructive arguments and ego battles. It is the energy of a leader who has become a bully in the relationship.
In a Money/Career Context
This can mean a tyrannical boss, a ruthless business leader, or a project that is failing due to an arrogant and impulsive leadership style. It might represent a company culture of fear and intimidation, a business decision that is made recklessly and without foresight, or a leader who takes all the credit for the team's work.
In a Spiritual Context
This can mean a corrupt spiritual leader or a guru who abuses their power. It may represent a spiritual path that is based on ego and control, a dogmatic and intolerant belief system, or a leader who is more interested in their own glory than in the spiritual well-being of their followers.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
A warning against becoming too arrogant or impulsive. It is time to listen to others or to question a leader's motives.
As Situation
An arrogant leader. A project that is out of control due to impulsiveness. A hostile takeover.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
A project will fail due to tyrannical leadership. A reckless decision will lead to a downfall. A period of conflict caused by arrogance.
As Obstacles
A domineering and arrogant leader is the primary hindrance. A lack of a clear vision is causing chaos. Impulsive decisions.
As Hidden Energy
A secret abuse of power. A hidden arrogance is undermining a situation. A ruthless competitor.
As Resources/Alliances
Help comes from challenging a tyrant. The clarity that comes from seeing a leader's true colours. A necessary rebellion.
‘The King of Wands’ Tarot Card Combinations
Combinations with Major Arcana
The King of Wands & The Emperor
The King of Wands (↑) & The Emperor (↑): A visionary leader with the power to create lasting structures. A successful and stable company. A charismatic CEO.
The King of Wands (↓) & The Emperor (↑): A ruthless but effective leader. An organisation that is stable but built on fear. An arrogant leader in a position of power.
The King of Wands (↑) & The Emperor (↓): A visionary leader who is undermined by a chaotic or tyrannical system. A great idea that cannot be implemented due to a lack of structure.
The King of Wands (↓) & The Emperor (↓): A chaotic and tyrannical leader. A company that is both ruthless and disorganised. A failed business due to ego.
Combinations with the Suit of Pentacles
The King of Wands & The Ace of Pentacles
The King of Wands (↑) & The Ace of Pentacles (↑): A new business venture that is destined for success. A charismatic leader who secures major funding. A practical and profitable creative vision.
The King of Wands (↓) & The Ace of Pentacles (↑): A solid financial opportunity that is squandered by a reckless leader. An arrogant refusal of a good offer.
The King of Ws (↑) & The Ace of Pentacles (↓): A brilliant vision that lacks the necessary funding. A charismatic leader who cannot manage money.
The King of Wands (↓) & The Ace of Pentacles (↓): A business that fails due to both a lack of vision and a lack of capital. A reckless and financially ruinous project.
Additional Notes On ‘The King of Wands’ Card
Arthur Edward Waite’s original King of Wands card meanings
"A dark man, friendly, countryman, generally married, honest and conscientious. The card always signifies honesty, and may mean news concerning an unexpected inheritance to fall in before very long. Reversed: Good, but severe; austere, yet tolerant." (The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, 1911).
Question: Is the King of Wands a good card to get in a reading?
Yes, in its upright position, the King of Wands is an overwhelmingly positive card. It signifies success, leadership, and the powerful realisation of a creative vision. It suggests you have the charisma and determination to achieve your goals. Reversed, however, it serves as a strong warning against pride, arrogance and abuse of power.
Meditations On The King of Wands
Is there a King of Wands that I can turn to in my life?
How can I embody the the King of Wands in my life?
