
This post is intended to be a mini Five of Wands Tarot Guide. It is important to mention that the longer you work with the cards the more you will discover how they speak to you. For example, the Five of Wands does have a theme and traditional meaning but I recommend leaving “space” for the card to speak to you. Over time, you may discover that the card represents unique insights or themes for you personally.
Suit of Wands Summary

Numerology of the #5 – Themes
- Number 5 energy is dynamic and resonates with action, change, impulsivity, a lack of control and is responsive in the moment.
- Positive energies of the number 5 are stimulating, charismatic, optimistic, inspiring, daring, adventurous, energetic, sensual, tolerant, flexible, adaptable, curious, enthusiastic, easy going, and free spirited.
- Negative energies are irresponsibility, boredom, and excitability. 5’s can also be associated with indulgence.
Five of Wands Tarot – Upright Meaning
- Associated with the planet Mars and fixed / Leo energy
- There is an energy of competition in the situation or “in-fighting”. Collaboration and / or groups are changing. Plans are shifting, making adjustments or your passions are transferring to others. There may be some internal fighting over ambitions and materialistic things. The querent should be careful about who they trust.
- This card is about gathering the forces together and there may be a competitive vibe or challenges. There is strength in numbers. There is family around who are offering support. A group being called to battle.
- This card is also about conflict or a lively debate due to envy or jealousy. It could mean getting into a fight or argument with someone. The question is to ask – is this conflict with someone else or is this an internal conflict you have? Is the person on the other side actually guilty of anything to justify the conflict? Are you projecting something onto them. Get to the root of the problem vs. addressing the symptoms.
- This card can also represent an internal clash within the querent and there may be confusion about the best path forward.
Shadow Side of the Five of Wands
- Reconciliation is the theme of the reversed 5 of Wands. It can also represent new opportunities coming to light after a period of conflict.
- The querent is back on the right path and is making progress.
- It can also represent the querent winning over the competition and the fight is over.
- Questions to consider – Do you know what you are fighting for? Are you getting caught up in “group think”? Can you surrender to the situation or remain calm during the conflict?
Where to Find the Tarot Decks In Pinterest Pins Linked to this Post
- The Dark Wood Tarot by Sasha Graham
- Tarot Familiars by Lo Scarabeo
- Oraculum Leviathan: Draconian Tarot Deck & Grimoire by Asenath Mason and Bill Duvendack
- Tarot Apokalypsis Deck by Kim Huggins and Eric C. Dunne
- Tarot of Pagan Cats by Lo Scarabeo
- Light Seer’s Tarot Deck by Chris-Anne
- Tarot of the Ages by Mario Garizio
Artist Attribution
- Featured Photo by Mathew Schwartz on Unsplash
References
- My own experience
- The Dark Wood Tarot by Sasha Graham
- Holistic Tarot: An Integrative Approach to Using Tarot for Personal Growth by Benebell Wenn
Disclaimer
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