Page of Wands: modern RWS Tarot Card Meanings
‘Page of Wands’, Rider Waite Smith tarot deck.
Upright Page of Wands Meanings
Keywords
Enthusiasm, Exploration, Creative Sparks, New Ideas, Free Spirit, Messenger
Generally
The Page of Wands signifies the initial spark of a new idea and the enthusiastic, exploratory energy that comes with it. This card represents a free spirit, eager to embark on a new adventure or creative project, though perhaps without a fully formed plan. It is the energy of boundless potential and the excitement of a new beginning. This can manifest as starting a new hobby, receiving an exciting piece of news, a sudden burst of inspiration, or simply feeling a renewed sense of passion and curiosity for life.
In a Love Context
In matters of love, this card often points to the beginning of a flirtatious and exciting new romance. It can represent a person who is passionate, adventurous, and fun, though perhaps not yet ready for a serious commitment. In an existing partnership, it can signify a period of renewed playfulness and enthusiasm, such as trying a new activity together or a sudden, shared spark of inspiration that brings a fresh energy to the connection.
In a Money/Career Context
This card can represent the enthusiastic start of a new job, a new creative project, or a business idea. It might be an internship or an entry-level position that you are excited about, the initial brainstorming phase of a new venture, or receiving good news about a potential opportunity. It is the energy of a passionate employee or entrepreneur who is full of new ideas, but may lack the experience to see them through just yet.
In a Spiritual Context
This can signify the beginning of a new spiritual exploration. It may represent a newfound passion for a spiritual path, an inspiring message that sets you on a new course of study, or the enthusiastic energy of a neophyte who is eager to learn and explore. It is the initial spark of spiritual curiosity that precedes a deeper, more disciplined practice.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
Embrace your new ideas. Be enthusiastic. Explore the possibilities. Start the creative project.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
A creative new beginning. An exciting message. A journey of exploration. A spark of passion.
As Obstacles
A lack of direction. Impulsive energy is causing chaos. A new idea is not grounded in reality.
As Hidden Energy
An unacknowledged creative talent. A secret desire for adventure. A new idea is about to emerge.
As Resources/Alliances
A passionate and enthusiastic young person. An inspiring piece of news. Your own creative energy.
‘The Page of Wands’ Reversed
Keywords
Lack of Direction, Haste, Creative Blocks, Bad News, Procrastination
Generally
Reversed, the Page of Wands can point to a creative spark that has been extinguished or a new beginning that has stalled. It signifies a lack of direction, procrastination, or a feeling of being uninspired and apathetic. This can manifest as a creative block, a project that never gets started, a fear of taking risks, or receiving bad news that dampens your enthusiasm.
In a Love Context
This card often signifies a flirtation that leads nowhere or a lack of passion in a relationship. It can represent a person who is all talk and no action, a fear of starting a new romance, or a relationship that has become boring and stagnant. It is the energy of a spark that fails to ignite into a real flame.
In a Money/Career Context
This can mean a project that has stalled due to a lack of ideas or enthusiasm. It might represent a job that you have lost all passion for, a creative block that is hindering your work, or the bad news of a rejected application or failed venture. It is the energy of procrastination and a lack of professional direction.
In a Spiritual Context
This can mean a spiritual path that is not being pursued with any real passion or a feeling of being spiritually blocked. It may represent a lack of inspiration in your practice, a promising spiritual idea that you fail to act upon, or a general sense of spiritual apathy and disconnection.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
Find a clear direction before you act. Reignite your passion. Stop procrastinating.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
A false start. A project will be abandoned. A period of creative stagnation. Bad news.
As Obstacles
A lack of focus is the primary hindrance. Procrastination is preventing progress. A creative block.
As Hidden Energy
A secret fear of failure is causing you to procrastinate. An unacknowledged lack of passion.
As Resources/Alliances
Help comes from abandoning a project that has no spark. The clarity that comes from admitting you are uninspired.
Additional Notes on The RWS ‘Page of Wands’
Waite’s Divinatory Meanings of The Page of Wands
"A dark young man, faithful, a lover, an envoy, a postman. Beside a man, he will bear favourable testimony concerning him. A dangerous rival, if followed by the Page of Cups. Has the chief qualities of his suit. Reversed: Anecdotes, announcements, evil news. Also indecision and the instability which accompanies it." (The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, 1911)
RWS Page of Wands Symbolism
A.E. Waite’s Page of Wands depicts a young person standing in a barren landscape, holding a large wand or staff. They are looking up at the top of the staff with an expression of wonder and enthusiasm, as if examining the new leaves that are sprouting from it. Their clothing is adorned with salamanders, a mythical creature associated with the element of Fire, signifying their connection to passion, transformation, and creativity. The pyramids in the background hint at a journey or a quest for knowledge. The scene is an allegory for the initial spark of a new idea and the boundless, exploratory energy of youth.
Meditations On The Page of Wands
What new idea or creative spark is currently trying to get my attention?
Am I embracing new possibilities with enthusiasm, or am I holding myself back through fear? Like The Ace of Wands.
Is it time for me to explore a new path, even if I do not have a complete plan yet? Like The Fool.
Continue Reading About The Minor Arcana
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Previous Card: The Knight of Wands
