Queen of Wands: modern RWS Tarot Card Meanings
‘Queen of Wands’, Rider Waite Smith tarot deck.
Upright Queen of Wands
Keywords
Confidence, Charisma, Passion, Social Butterfly, Determination, Independence
Generally
The Queen of Wands embodies a vibrant and confident energy. She is charismatic, passionate, and determined, with a natural ability to command attention and inspire others. This card represents a person who is sure of themselves, socially adept, and fiercely independent. It signifies a time of embracing your own power, leading with courage, and pursuing your goals with unwavering enthusiasm. This can manifest as taking on a leadership role, feeling a surge of self-confidence, or effortlessly charming those around you.
In a Love Context
In love, the Queen of Wands points to a passionate, confident, and magnetic partner or potential partner. This is someone who is warm, energetic, and knows what they want in a relationship. In an existing partnership, this card can signify a period of intense passion and mutual admiration, where both individuals feel confident and empowered. It encourages you to be bold in expressing your desires and to maintain your independence within the connection.
In a Money/Career Context
This card represents a confident and capable leader, an inspiring manager, or a successful entrepreneur. It signifies a time of professional success, where your determination and charisma lead to new opportunities and achievements. You might be stepping into a position of authority, successfully pitching a passion project, or simply feeling on top of your game at work. The Queen of Wands is the energy of a natural networker who builds strong professional relationships.
In a Spiritual Context
The Queen of Wands encourages you to be the confident leader of your own spiritual journey. It signifies a deep connection to your inner fire and intuition, and the courage to live in alignment with your personal beliefs. This card can represent a spiritual teacher who is both inspiring and down-to-earth, or it can point to your own ability to manifest your desires through focused intention and passionate belief.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
Be confident. Lead with passion. Embrace your social side. Take charge of the situation.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
You will achieve your goals with confidence. A period of social success and popularity. Stepping into your personal power.
As Obstacles
Your own pride or ego is in the way. An intimidating or overly dominant person is causing problems. A need to control everything.
As Hidden Energy
An unacknowledged source of personal power. A deep-seated desire to lead and inspire. Your own charisma is a powerful, untapped tool.
As Resources/Alliances
A confident, charismatic, and supportive person (often female). Your own determination and self-belief. A strong social network.
The Queen of Wands Reversed
Keywords
Insecurity, Intimidation, Lack of Confidence, Jealousy, Manipulation
Generally
Reversed, the Queen of Wands can indicate a period of self-doubt and insecurity. The vibrant, confident energy becomes muted, leading to a fear of being seen or a lack of self-belief. This can also manifest externally as a person who is intimidating, jealous, or manipulative, using their power to control others rather than inspire them. It points to a disconnect from your inner passion and a tendency to be either a wallflower or a bully.
In a Love Context
This card reversed can signify jealousy, possessiveness, or a lack of confidence that is harming a relationship. It might represent a partner who is overly demanding or manipulative, or it could point to your own insecurities causing friction. A spark may have been lost, leading to a dynamic where passion is replaced by resentment or apathy.
In a Money/Career Context
In a career reading, the reversed Queen of Wands can mean you are feeling insecure or overlooked at work. It might represent a micromanager or an intimidating boss who stifles creativity. This card can also point to a lack of passion for your job, feeling out of your depth, or using manipulative tactics to get ahead instead of relying on genuine talent and hard work.
In a Spiritual Context
This can signify a disconnect from your spiritual path due to self-doubt or a fear of judgment. You might be comparing your journey to others' or feeling like you aren't "spiritual enough." It can also warn against following a charismatic but ultimately manipulative spiritual leader. It is a call to find your inner fire again without ego or insecurity.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
Address your insecurities. Stop comparing yourself to others. Be wary of a manipulative person.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
A situation will be undermined by jealousy or insecurity. A loss of confidence. A period of social isolation.
As Obstacles
Deep-seated insecurity is blocking progress. A jealous or controlling person is the main hindrance. A fear of the spotlight.
As Hidden Energy
A secret jealousy is motivating your actions. An unacknowledged lack of self-worth.
As Resources/Alliances
Recognizing and moving away from a manipulative person or situation will be beneficial. The clarity that comes from admitting your own insecurities.
Additional Notes on The RWS ‘Queen of Wands’
Waite’s Divinatory Meanings of The Queen of Wands
"A dark woman, countrywoman, friendly, chaste, loving, honourable. If the card beside her signifies a man, she is well disposed towards him; if a woman, she is interested in the querent. Also, love of money. Reversed: Good, economical, obliging, serviceable. Also signifies opposition, jealousy, even deceit and infidelity." (The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, 1911)
RWS Queen of Wands Symbolism
A.E. Waite’s Queen of Wands depicts a confident queen seated on a throne decorated with lions and sunflowers, symbols of courage, strength, and joy. She holds a sprouting wand in one hand and a sunflower in the other, signifying her connection to both passion and life. A black cat sits at her feet, representing independence, intuition, and a touch of wild, untamed energy. She looks forward with a steady, assured gaze, embodying the perfect balance of passionate power and dignified authority. The scene is an allegory for a person who is in complete command of their creative fire and personal magnetism.
Meditations On The Queen of Wands
In what area of my life am I being called to step up and lead with confidence?
Am I fully embracing my passions and expressing myself authentically?
How can I use my charisma and energy to inspire and uplift others, rather than to control or intimidate?
