Six of Wands: Modern RWS Tarot Card Meanings
‘Six of Wands’, Rider Waite Smith tarot deck.
Upright Six of Wands Meanings
Keywords
Victory, Success, Public Recognition, Acclaim, Progress, Self-Confidence. Like The Sun.
Generally
The Six of Wands signifies a moment of public victory, success, and the recognition that comes from a significant achievement. It represents not just winning, but having that win acknowledged and celebrated by others. This is the energy of crossing the finish line of a marathon to the sound of applause, receiving an award for your work, a successful public performance, or simply the feeling of self-confidence that comes from a well-deserved success. It is about progress, acclaim, and being in the spotlight for your accomplishments.
In a Love Context
In matters of love, this card often points to a relationship that is a "success story," admired by friends and family. It can represent a public declaration of love, such as an engagement announcement or a wedding, where the couple's union is celebrated by their community. It signifies a partnership that is progressing well, where both individuals feel proud of what they have built together. This card can also indicate successfully winning the affection of someone you have been pursuing, and the confidence that comes from that romantic victory.
In a Money/Career Context
This card is a strong indicator of professional success and public recognition for your work. It might signify a major promotion, a successful project launch that receives industry acclaim, or a business that is finally getting the positive attention it deserves. It can represent a successful job interview where you confidently demonstrated your skills, or receiving a bonus or award for outstanding performance. It is the card of being recognised as a leader in your field and enjoying the fruits of your hard work.
In a Spiritual Context
This can signify a spiritual breakthrough that brings a new level of self-confidence and public recognition for your wisdom. It may represent successfully leading a spiritual group, sharing your spiritual insights in a way that inspires others, or the feeling of victory that comes from overcoming a major spiritual test. It is the moment when your inner spiritual work is validated and acknowledged in the outer world, reinforcing your faith in your chosen path.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
Announce your victory. Share your success. Be confident in your achievements. Step into the spotlight.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
Public recognition. A well-deserved victory. A successful conclusion. A triumphant return.
As Obstacles
Arrogance or an inflated ego is causing problems. A fear of the spotlight is holding you back. A victory is short-lived.
As Hidden Energy
An unacknowledged success. The potential for public recognition is present but not being pursued. A secret victory.
As Resources/Alliances
A supportive crowd. A public relations team. Your own self-confidence and past successes.
‘The Six of Wands’ Reversed
Keywords
Lack of Recognition, Failure, Disgrace, Egotism, Lack of Confidence
Generally
Reversed, the Six of Wands can point to a fall from grace, a lack of recognition, or a victory that feels hollow. It signifies a project that fails to get the acclaim you expected, a public disgrace, or the sting of being overlooked. It can also warn of an inflated ego and arrogance that leads to a downfall, or a deep-seated lack of confidence that prevents you from ever stepping into the spotlight.
In a Love Context
This card often signifies a relationship that is failing to get the approval of others, or a partnership where one person feels unappreciated. It could be a family that disapproves of your partner, a public engagement that is called off, or a feeling that your efforts in the relationship are going completely unrecognised. Negatively, it can point to an arrogant or egotistical partner who demands constant praise.
In a Money/Career Context
This can mean being passed over for a promotion, a project that is a public failure, or a business that receives bad press. It might represent a devastating lack of confidence that is sabotaging your career, or an arrogant attitude that is alienating your colleagues. It is the energy of a leader who has lost the support of their team or a victory that is revealed to be a fraud.
In a Spiritual Context
This can mean a spiritual "fall from grace" or a teaching that is met with public ridicule. It may represent a spiritual ego that has become inflated, a practice that is performed for public acclaim rather than genuine devotion, or a deep lack of faith in your own spiritual progress. It can also point to the disgrace of a spiritual leader who is revealed to be a hypocrite.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
Step out of the spotlight. Be humble. Re-evaluate a failing project. Let go of the need for public approval.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
A public failure. A fall from grace. A lack of recognition. A project will not succeed.
As Obstacles
An over-inflated ego. A crippling lack of self-confidence. A disloyal team or a lack of public support.
As Hidden Energy
A secret fear of failure. A hidden desire to be in the spotlight is driving your actions in a negative way. A rival is secretly working against you.
As Resources/Alliances
Help comes from a moment of humility. Learning from a public failure. The support of a small, private group of allies.
Additional Notes on The RWS ‘Six of Wands’
Waite’s Divinatory Meanings of The Six of Wands
"The card has been so designed that it can cover several significations; it is a victor triumphing, but it is also great news, such as might be carried in state by the King's courier; it is expectation crowned with its own desire, the crown of hope, and so forth. Reversed: Apprehension, fear, as of a victorious enemy at the gate; treachery, disloyalty, as of gates being opened to the enemy; also indefinite delay." (The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, 1911)
RWS Six of Wands Symbolism
A.E. Waite’s Six of Wands depicts a victorious figure on a white horse, wearing a laurel wreath of victory on his head. The staff he carries is also adorned with a wreath, signifying a double victory. He is surrounded by a crowd of footmen, who cheer him on, representing public acclaim and recognition. The horse symbolises the strength and purity of the hero's forward momentum. The entire scene is one of triumph, progress, and the successful return of a hero who has won the battle.
Meditations On The Six of Wands
Consider The Moon.
What recent accomplishment do I need to celebrate and be proud of?
Am I seeking external validation, or is my confidence coming from within?
How can I guard against pride?
