Six of Wands: Tarot Card Meaning
The Six of Wands is the card of victory, recognition and public success. In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck a rider wearing a laurel wreath sits on a white horse, holding a wand with a wreath on top, while a crowd with their own wands walks beside him. He has won, and the people around him are there to see it.
Upright meaning
Upright, the Six of Wands brings a win. Your effort is recognised, whether through a promotion, a good result, praise or simply knowing you did well. Accept the applause with grace, and remember the people who helped you get here. The card also asks you to stay grounded, since the next challenge is already on its way.
Reversed meaning
Reversed, recognition is delayed or does not feel satisfying. You may be doubting your own achievement, comparing yourself to others or struggling with pride. It can also mean a fall from grace or a win that feels hollow. Value your own progress, and do not depend on applause to measure your success.
In love
In love, the Six of Wands suggests pride in your relationship, a happy public milestone or a boost in confidence from being appreciated. Reversed, it points to feeling unappreciated or insecure, or seeking too much approval from a partner.
In career
At work, it points to a promotion, a successful launch, recognition from colleagues or a major goal achieved. Reversed, it warns of credit going to someone else, delayed rewards or a loss of confidence.
As a yes or no answer
As a yes or no answer, the Six of Wands leans yes when upright, because success and recognition are likely. Reversed, it becomes a maybe, so expect the win to come later than hoped.
Advice from this card
Accept praise graciously, and thank someone who helped you get here. Then set your next goal while the confidence is high.
At a glance
- Arcana: Minor Arcana, suit card in the suit of Wands
- Element: fire, linked with passion, ambition and action
- Number theme: harmony, generosity and moving forward
- Yes or no reading: Yes when upright, Maybe when reversed
Explore more cards
Continue with Five of Wands or Seven of Wands. You can also compare it with the Six of Cups, Six of Swords and Six of Pentacles. Or draw your own cards for a reading.