Five of Wands
Five of Wands Tarot Card Meanings
UPRIGHT: Conflict, disagreements, competition, tension, diversity
Upright Five Of Wands
In the Tarot, the Fives typically represent conflict and change, and the Five of Wands is no exception. This card indicates that you are in the midst of battle, tension, and competition with others and it is impacting your ability to move forward with your goals. Rather than being able to work towards a common goal, you are running up against constant opposition.
With the Five of Wands, everyone is fighting to be heard. But guess what? No one is listening. When everybody has a different opinion, but no-one is stopping to hear each other out, conflict and misunderstandings will run rampant. If you find yourself in this situation, see it as an opportunity to rise above the chaos and disorder. Take a moment to listen to what others have to say – even if you agree to disagree. The key is to tune in to one another and allow each person to make their case. And perhaps, in the process, their opinions may become softer and quieter. They may also give you the respect you’re seeking and listen to your viewpoint.
Sometimes, this type of conflict and discussion can be very productive, such as with group brainstorming and problem-solving. You need a constructive environment where you can test your ideas and have them challenged (and improved) by others. You may benefit from establishing a working group, committee or mastermind group with other individuals who bring varying perspectives and experiences. Be open to this debate as a positive contribution to improving the quality of your ideas and actions.
The Five of Wands also encourages diversity and differences of opinion. You may deal with people from different cultures and backgrounds and struggle to accept their way of living. Know that each person has something unique to bring to the table and that you will benefit by learning more about them and what they have to offer.
The Five of Wands encourages an enthusiastic approach to change. Transition (or even transformation) is coming whether or not you like it; your challenge will be in ensuring that everyone is on the same page and dealing with this shift constructively and positively. Currently, your group’s energy is scattered by misdirected enthusiasm. Everybody has ideas, but no one is there to bring them into a logical path forward. Your role may be in identifying a clear strategy and purpose that can be implemented by all involved..
Upright Love Meaning:
Competition between suitors, conflict between lovers, playful banter
Action is required of you now when it comes to your love life. If you’re single, you may find that the one you desire can have many suitors, and you may have to compete for their affection. Make sure not to be carried away by this, and become too forceful; this can discourage your potential partner instead of drawing them closer. Should you already be in a relationship, there may be some small conflicts. Beware that what initially starts off as playful banter can turn into explosive arguments when either of you are stressed. It’s likely the arguments here are not too serious. Nonetheless, they will require some lightheartedness to remember how inconsequential they actually are to your happiness. Keep things playful.
Upright Career Meaning:
Competition between colleagues, competitive work environment, conflict
If you find the five of wands in this position, the conflicting and competitive nature of this card applies to your career. This might be a permanent condition as a result of your line of work. This card is common among people working in industries such as sales, banking, and athletes. If that is not the case and your job does not have a competitive element, it is likely a temporary state as a result of conflict over specific issues. You might be fighting against one individual for a raise or position. Regardless of the specific conflicts you face at the moment, you will have to contend with the egos of others. Thanks to the five appearing in the upright position here, it is clear that you are capable of defeating the challenges in front of you and banishing what is attempting to block your path. Remember, you are able to succeed, but you must fight for that victory.
Upright Finances Meaning:
Financial instability, conflicts about money
You might be in a time of financial instability if you see the five here. It is temporary, but you must battle your way out of it. This battle can be in the form of needing to work particularly hard or otherwise exerting significant effort to control your financial state. If your current state is not imbalanced, it might be that you are going to argue about money soon. This argument could be either with someone you love or with a stranger such as a clerk or a shop assistant. You might find that simple tasks such as making a return or getting reimbursed is stressful and rife with disputes.
Reversed Five of Wands Tarot Card Meanings
REVERSED: Inner conflict, conflict avoidance, tension release
Reversed Five Of Wands
The Five of Wands reversed suggests that you are facing internal conflict and are unclear on where you stand on important issues. You may try to work through your point of view on contentious topics such as abortion, immigration, globalisation or the environment, or you may navigate personal issues such as whether to stay or leave a particular relationship or job. You have others around you who have strong views about what you should do and this is creating an enormous amount of tension and disagreement. Just when you think you have a clear perspective, someone challenges you on it, or you discover new information, and you change your standpoint again. This process is beneficial and will help you come to a well-researched and well-thought-out viewpoint. Know, too, that there is no right answer, and someone will disagree with the path you choose, so find the option that sits best with you. Align your head and your heart to discover a sense of peace within yourself.
The Five of Wands reversed can suggest that you have the tendency to avoid conflict wherever feasible. You may find that any tension makes you feel uneasy, and you wish it would just go away. So, you deflect a lot of that energy and ignore the problem, if there is one. The trouble, however, is that in doing this you may just be pushing some of your concerns to the side without dealing with them or asserting your point of view. Some conflict can be useful, particularly if it is constructive and draws out the underlying issues in a way that then generates a better solution. Consider whether always avoiding such discomfort is the best way to go or if you are finding yourself compromising on what is important to you.
The Five of Wands reversed is like a sigh of relief after a struggle. You are no longer up against so much competition and can just ‘be.’ On a more personal level, you have worked through your anger and hostility and feel more secure in your relationships. You do not have to prove yourself anymore.
Reversed Love Meaning:
Avoiding conflict, trying to keep peace in relationship, resolution
Issues of how you deal with conflict can affect your relationships now. If you’re in a relationship, ensure that you haven’t been bottling up your resentments to avoid conflicts that the two of you need to have a smooth partnership. Eventually avoiding difficult conversations lead to an erosion of trust. Remember that every person has the right to their needs, and having needs does not make you any less lovable. If you’ve been doing the hard work of expressing yourself honestly with your partner however, you may find that misunderstandings are clearing up. What were once arguments may disappear once honesty and clarity have been achieved.
Reversed Career Meaning:
Competition or conflict at workplace is resolved, avoiding work conflict
A reversed five of wands here means that the conflict and competition which has been in your work-life recently is ending. It might be that you are moving to a less competitive industry or the environment around you is gradually becoming more friendly and relaxed. Regardless, this is a welcome change. It is a reprieve from your recent work conflicts that will allow you to invest your energy in other aspects of your life.
Reversed Finances Meaning:
Peace after financial stress, escalation in conflicts about money
The reversed five of wands here has two potential meanings. The context in which the card appears is crucial as it indicates which of these two meanings applies to you. Surrounded by supportive cards, it can mean a turn away from financial stress. You have completed a battle against your own finances and are about to enter a more stable time. Without the support of other cards, it can mean an escalation in conflict over money with loved ones. In that circumstance, any debates you might be having with those around you about money are likely to increase and persist.