Knight of Wands: Tarot Card Meaning
The Knight of Wands is a bold, adventurous figure who charges toward what he wants. In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck a knight in a yellow tunic rides a rearing horse across a desert, holding a wand and wearing a plumed helmet. He is full of energy and confidence, and he rarely stops to think about where the road ends.
Upright meaning
Upright, the Knight of Wands brings passion, action and a spirit of adventure. You feel driven to pursue a goal, to travel or to make a change. Use the energy, but keep a sense of direction. Passion works best when it is matched with a plan, and enthusiasm is not the same as follow-through.
Reversed meaning
Reversed, the Knight is impatient, reckless or scattered. You may be rushing without thinking, losing interest quickly or letting your temper run away with you. It can also show a stalled journey. Pause, aim and then move, and be honest about whether you can sustain what you start.
In love
In love, the Knight of Wands suggests a passionate, exciting pursuit or a charismatic partner, and it can also point to fleeting intensity. Reversed, it warns of lack of commitment, impulsiveness or mixed signals.
In career
At work, it points to ambition, fast progress and a bold career move. Check the plan before you leap. Reversed, it warns of rushing, burnout, impatience or starting more than you can finish.
As a yes or no answer
As a yes or no answer, the Knight of Wands is a maybe when upright: the energy is there, but it needs direction. Reversed, it leans no, because impatience or haste is likely to cause problems.
Advice from this card
Channel the energy into one clear goal and set a realistic plan before you charge ahead. Passion is better when it has a map.
At a glance
- Arcana: Minor Arcana, court card in the suit of Wands
- Element: fire, linked with passion, ambition and action
- Number theme: action, pursuit and momentum
- Yes or no reading: Maybe when upright, No when reversed
Explore more cards
Continue with Page of Wands or Queen of Wands. You can also compare it with the Knight of Cups, Knight of Swords and Knight of Pentacles. Or draw your own cards for a reading.