6 of Wands

Keywords & phrases

• Success
• Recognition
• Balanced, compassionate leadership
• Confidence
• Courage & compassion
• Time to shine
• Enjoy the ride

First impressions

This card has such a powerful postive energy about it as our hero rides back into town, inviting us to dig deeper into the backstory.

What is happening in the card?

A conquering hero returns home on his beautiful white steed to a rapturous welcome from the people. The rider wears a red robe and laural wreathes adorn his staff and his head.

Where has this person been and what have they achieved to warrent such a reception? Where will they go next with such a following?

How can we relate to this card?

After all the chaos, the conflicts and the (self) judgement of the 5s, the 6 of Wands seems to offer some palpable relief. As do the 6s in general – success, recognition, overcoming adversity, comfort and safety. Also compassion and open-heartedness.

If the 5 of Wands held an element of struggle and competition, the 6 sees us emerging triumphant in a place where we feel more secure and confident in ourselves and our standing, more balanced and in harmony with our world.

Message & affirmations

Today, I step out with gratitude for my place in the world and what I have achieved. I do so with confidence in myself and my abilities. I lead by example, with courage and compassion, and I am a good role model for my daughter and an inspiration to my friends and family.

My personal experiences of this card

I’ve always found this card to be so overwhelmingly and unanimously positive that, now I come to really examine it, I realise that I tend jump over it in readings like – 

“Ah, the 6 of Wands – Victory & Triumph – brilliant. Next”.

Clearly, there is more to it than that. With success comes responsibility. And with power there is always the danger of corruption and tyranny.

There is also an element of something hidden in this card. We can not see what is under the garment worn by the horse. What’s going on below?

Events, situations & readings

In a work/career/business spread:
This my be your time to step up at work or in business and be recognised, to show how you can lead and inspire. Is it your moment in the spotlight?

In a relationship spread:
The 6 of Wands suggests that it is time for your to shine, be seen and heard and acknowledged for what you bring to the party. It may also indicate that you should take the lead in a relationship with confidence and also compassion. 

Reversed:
When the 6 of Wands appears in reversal, you might want to examine the foundations to your success. Are they solid? What did you have to do to get where you are? Are you being entirely transparent about it? Are you a good and fair leader?

People & interaction with other cards

The 6 of Wands shows huge potential for success with high growth cards like The Sun and Aces. And with the other 6s there is an element for moving towards a place of balance and harmony.

With Tens there is the suggestion that you can push things through to completion and are able take on the weight of responsibility that comes with success and leadership.

When The Devil appears with the the 6 of Wands (especially when the Wands are reversed) you might take it as prompt to examine your behaviour in relationships where you hold the power. 

Questions, prompts & insights

How confident are you feeling in your relationships at work and in your personal life? Do you inspire confidence in others?

Do people look to your for leadership? What sort of leader are you? How can you lead with your heart? 

Featured decks & credits:
Main image from The Rider Waite Tarot.

The animated image of the 6 of Wands is by Still Small Voice Tarot as part of an ongoing AI art Tarot project.