Knight of Wands: Modern RWS Tarot Card Meanings
‘Knight of Wands’, Rider Waite Smith tarot deck.
Upright Knight of Wands Meanings
Keywords
Action, Adventure, Energy, Passion, Impulsiveness, Travel
Generally
The Knight of Wands signifies a time of great energy, action, and a passionate pursuit of a goal. This card represents a person or an energy that is adventurous, impulsive, and eager to move forward. It is the archetype of the explorer, ready to charge into a new adventure. This can manifest as a sudden trip, moving to a new house, a burst of creative energy that demands action, or simply a period of feeling charismatic and full of life.
In a Love Context
In matters of love, this card often points to a passionate and exciting romance, but one that may be impulsive or short-lived. It can represent a charming, adventurous, and sexually confident suitor who sweeps you off your feet. In an existing partnership, it may signify a period of renewed passion and adventure, such as taking a spontaneous holiday together or embarking on a new shared project with great enthusiasm.
In a Money/Career Context
This card can represent a sudden and ambitious career move, a willingness to take risks, or a job that involves a lot of travel. It might be the energy needed to launch a new business, the passion to pursue a creative idea, or a person who is a charismatic and energetic leader. It can also be a warning against making impulsive financial decisions without thinking through the long-term consequences.
In a Spiritual Context
This can signify a passionate and energetic pursuit of a new spiritual path. It may represent a spiritual quest or pilgrimage, a fiery evangelist who inspires others to action, or a period where you are actively and enthusiastically exploring new beliefs. It is the energy of a soul that is on the move, searching for its next great adventure.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
Act now. Be bold and courageous. Embrace the adventure. Seize the day.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
A sudden departure. A passionate but hasty decision. A period of exciting action.
As Obstacles
Impulsiveness is causing problems. A lack of planning. A person who is too arrogant and reckless.
As Hidden Energy
An unacknowledged desire for adventure. A hidden passion that is waiting to be unleashed.
As Resources/Alliances
A charismatic and energetic person. An opportunity for travel. Your own passion and drive.
‘The Knight of Wands’ Reversed
Keywords
Recklessness, Delays, Frustration, Lack of Energy, Arrogance
Generally
Reversed, the Knight of Wands can point to a frustrating period of delays, a lack of energy, or reckless, impulsive action. It signifies a journey that is blocked, a project that has lost its momentum, or an arrogant and forceful attitude that is causing problems. This can manifest as a cancelled trip, a project that is going nowhere, a feeling of being creatively blocked, or a series of rash decisions that lead to negative consequences.
In a Love Context
This card often signifies a relationship that is suffering from a lack of passion or, conversely, one that is being damaged by recklessness. It can represent an arrogant and unreliable partner, a fear of commitment, or a romance that burns out as quickly as it began. It is the energy of a "player" who is all talk and no substance, or a relationship that is stuck in a frustrating state of limbo.
In a Money/Career Context
This can mean a project that is facing frustrating delays or a career that has lost all its momentum. It might represent a reckless business decision that backfires, a job loss due to impulsiveness, or a general feeling of being stuck and uninspired at work. It can also warn against an arrogant, "my way or the highway" attitude that is alienating colleagues.
In a Spiritual Context
This can mean a spiritual path that is pursued with a reckless, fanatical energy, or conversely, a complete lack of spiritual passion and drive. It may represent a spiritual burnout, a false start on a new path, or a dogmatic and arrogant attitude that prevents any genuine spiritual insight.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
A warning against acting too hastily. It is time to pause and create a plan. Slow down.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
A project will be delayed or cancelled. A reckless decision will lead to failure. A period of frustration.
As Obstacles
Your own recklessness is the primary hindrance. Frustrating delays are blocking progress. An arrogant and impulsive person.
As Hidden Energy
A secret fear of failure is causing you to act recklessly. A hidden frustration is about to boil over.
As Resources/Alliances
Help comes from a necessary delay. The wisdom to know when to pause a project.
Additional Notes on The RWS ‘Knight of Wands’
Waite’s Divinatory Meanings of The Knight of Wands
"Departure, absence, flight, emigration. A dark young man, friendly. Change of residence. Reversed: Rupture, division, interruption, discord." (The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, 1911)
RWS Knight of Wands Symbolism
A.E. Waite’s Knight of Wands depicts a young knight in armour, mounted on a charging horse. He holds a sprouting wand, indicating that he is actively carrying a new idea or inspiration into the world. His horse rears up, symbolising the immense energy and passion of the suit of Wands. The pyramids in the background suggest a journey to a foreign land or a quest for ancient wisdom. The entire scene is one of dynamic, forward-moving energy, adventure, and the passionate pursuit of a goal.
Meditations On The Knight of Wands
Is my current energy focused and directed, or is it scattered and reckless?
Am I embracing a new adventure, or am I running away from something?
Is this a time for bold action, or for careful planning?
