Skip to content

Tarot Card Meanings:
Five of Wands

What is "Five of Wands" in Tarot?

The Five of Wands represents conflict, competition, and differing opinions. This card signifies tension, rivalry, and the struggle to find harmony amid diverse perspectives.

What are the key symbols in the "Five of Wands" tarot card?

  • Figures holding wands: Symbolize conflict, competition, and competing energies.
  • Wands raised in different directions: Indicate lack of alignment, differing opinions, and struggle.
  • Energetic postures: Reflect the chaotic, intense nature of the situation and the push for dominance.
  • Outdoor setting: Suggests openness to resolve differences, as conflicts are part of the growth process.

These symbols are based on the Rider-Waite Smith tarot. Symbols may differ in other decks! 

five of wands from the rider waite smith tarot
Five of Wands as depicted in the Rider-Waite Smith Tarot by A.E. White, illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith

Five of Wands Tarot Card Meaning

Five of Wands Keywords: Conflict, competition, differing opinions, struggle, rivalry, tension, lack of harmony, challenges.

The Five of Wands in the tarot signifies a period of conflict or competition, where differing opinions or clashing interests create tension and struggle. This card represents the challenges that arise when individuals are vying for attention, dominance, or success, often leading to misunderstandings or rivalry. It highlights the need to navigate these challenges carefully, understanding that this friction, while uncomfortable, can drive personal growth and new perspectives. The Five of Wands encourages you to engage in healthy competition, to seek resolution where possible, and to find ways to turn conflict into an opportunity for collaboration or self-improvement.

Five of Wands Reversed Tarot Card Meaning

Five of Wands Reversed Keywords: Resolution, avoiding conflict, compromise, inner conflict, end of rivalry, suppressed tensions.

When the Five of Wands appears reversed in a tarot reading, it signifies a desire to avoid or resolve conflict, seeking compromise to bring an end to rivalry or tension. This card suggests that differences are beginning to subside, or there’s an effort to move beyond clashing opinions in favor of peace. It reflects a period of inner conflict or suppressed tensions that need to be addressed constructively to prevent further discord. The reversed Five of Wands urges you to focus on peaceful solutions, open communication, and finding harmony within or with others, letting go of unnecessary competition or rivalry.

El Tarocchi Insight

Five of Wands is a reminder that not all conflict is destructive.

Five of Wands tends to make tarot clients uncomfortable, but in my experience with tarot reading for over 20 years, I’ve found it often appears in situations where the friction is actually productive. For example: a team with varying perspectives and ideas brainstorming together, all open to discussion even if their views end up on opposite ends of the spectrum. I usually remind clients that sometimes a little productive conflict is necessary for good things to happen.

Gallery: Five of Wands in Various Tarot Decks

Coming soon!