Keywords & phrases

• Passionate
• Creative energy
• Sexual energy
• Motivation & taking action
• Travel
• Charismatic
• Impulsive
• Fearless or reckless
• Hasty, in a rush

First impressions

This card if full of movement and in it we see a passionate young man on a mission.

What is happening in the card?

In the Knight of Wands, we see a dashing young man riding a powerful looking stallion across a desert landscape.

The Knight, in full armour, is upright in the saddle as the horse rears up its hind legs. In one hand he holds the reins and in the other, he brandishes his staff or Wand. Red feathery plumes stream from his helmet and armour giving the effect that this boy is on fire. His golden tunic is decorated with salamanders, the motif of his suit.

This card, this character, is full of excitement, dynamism and not just a little sexual energy and magnetism.

How can we relate to this card?

The Knights of the Tarot Court are about taking action and they carry with them out into the world the energy of their suit. This is what dictates how they approach or ‘attack’ life, how they ‘travel’.

In the case of the Knight of Wands, he does indeed appear to ‘attack’ life with all his energy, passion and fire. He represents the fiery aspect of Fire and may have a tendency to burn to too hot and fast and run the risk of burn out.

As with the other court cards, he may represent an aspect of your personality, your passion and drive, or indeed someone in your life who brings the energy described here.

Either way, be careful not to get burnt!

Other associations

Tree of life:
*Knights may be associated with the realm of Atzilut – the world of emanation, Spirit and intuition.

Thoth:
Prince of Wands, The Sun in Leo

Golden Dawn title:
The Prince of the Chariot of Fire

Elemental association:
Fire of Fire

Astrological association:
Leo (fixed sign of the element of Fire)

Major Arcana:
Associated with The Chariot

*Tree of Life associations do differ depending on what system you go with.

Message & affirmations

Today, and every day, I step out into the world with passion and courage and I take inspired action towards achieving my goals and dreams.

My personal experiences of this card

If the Knights are ruled by any character from the Major Arcana it is The Chariot. They are the bold and the beautiful, the travellers and explorers.

Events, situations & readings

In a relationship spread:
The Knight of Wands in a love and relationships spread suggests a burning passion – within you yourself or perhaps a lover. Depending on the surrounding cards this could be a fast burn that’s over all too soon or just the early passionate stage of a love affair before it calms down from a raging fire to a smoulder. Pretty sexy whichever way you look at it. Just take care.

In a work/career spread:
The Knight of Wands is a go getter. He acts first and asks questions later. If this is you, remember to consider others and what they may bring to the party as you blaze your trail towards your goals.

Reversed:
When the Knight of Wands appears in reversal he can bring a warning for you (or someone in your life) to slow down, watch your temper, check your ego… be more considerate of others as you focus on your goal.

People & interaction with other cards

If the Ace of Wands is present then there could be a good deal of testosterone fuelling your situation (at work or at play). If you add The Emperor and other Kings or Knights to the mix, the masculine energy is amplified.

With other Knights in a spread, travel or a journey may be indicated.

This Knight with the 8 of Wands suggest that things are moving very quickly. Are you ok with the pace?

Questions, prompts & insights

What action can you take today that will fuel your passions and get you further along the path towards achieving your goals?

Are things moving too fast? Does it feel hasty or reckless even? Is it you or someone else who is rushing in this situation?

Do you need to slow things down or is this passionate, masculine energy just what you need right now to get things moving?

Featured decks:
Main image from The Rider Waite Tarot.