Tarot - Six of Wands

^z 21st May 2023 at 9:06pm

Six of Wands

A laurelled horseman bears one staff adorned with a laurel crown; footmen with staves are at his side. Divinatory Meanings: The card has been so designed that it can cover several significations; on the surface, it is a victor triumphing, but it is also great news, such as might be carried in state by the King's courier; it is expectation crowned with its own desire, the crown of hope, and so forth. Reversed: Apprehension, fear, as of a victorious enemy at the gate; treachery, disloyalty, as of gates being opened to the enemy; also indefinite delay.

A. E. Waite, Pictorial Key to the Tarot (1911)

Victory, triumph - a clear break through - cause of combination of power, the balance of masculine and feminine qualities. The pleasure of receiving recognition for one's achievements or some piece of creative work. Also satisfaction and confidence in one's abilities and promotion after dedicated work. Action and consciousness has taken form and is a benediction to harmony and beauty. With this ecstasy we reach a sensation of eternity beyond the body. Gate of initiation.

6 of Fire: Success

This character is obviously "on top of the world" right now, and the whole world is celebrating his success with a ticker-tape parade! Because of your willingness to accept the recent challenges of life, you are now–or you soon will be–enjoying a wonderful ride on the tiger of success. Welcome it, enjoy it, and share your joy with others—and remember that all bright parades have a beginning and an end.

If you keep this in mind, and squeeze every drop of juice out of the happiness you are experiencing now, you will be able to take the future as it comes without regrets. But don't be tempted to try to hold on to this abundant moment, or coat it in plastic so that it lasts forever. The greatest wisdom to keep in mind with all the phenomena in the parade of your life, whether they be valleys or peaks, is that "this too will pass". Celebrate, yes, and keep on riding the tiger.

Six is a number of balance, so it makes sense that the Six of Wands shows a time when the strife and competition of the past have been overcome, and you can enjoy the spoils of victory. This is one of the most powerful of the Minor Arcana since its meaning is so one-sided yet so full of depth at the same time. Though it is a purely physical victory that has been gained, not a spiritual one as in the Sun, that does detract from the momentary pleasure and acclaim. Not every victory must be a spiritual one - victories in the material world as just as enjoyable.

Sometimes, when surrounded by more spiritual cards, it is true that the Six of Wands can refer to a spiritual breakthrough. But most often it refers to the surmounting of obstacles in your everyday life through confidence, quick action and dedication to your goals - the Wands ideal. When this card makes an appearance, it is a sign that your goals are about to be reached, and your hard efforts will be recognized by all. The recognition may be elaborate or subtle, but it will be there in some form. You can see all of life's battles through to their end, and what is more, you can win them too.

As with all Wands cards, however, there are inherent dangers in playing with the Six's fire. With victory will often come pride and arrogance, and the notion that you are the best, and no one can be greater than you are. To think such things is to invite disappointment later on. While it is true that for every winner there must be a loser, it is also true that, on the average, you will lose just as often as you win. Always keep in mind, when this card's energy empowers you, how you would feel if someone made you feel inferior. Rein in your ego and make your victory all the sweeter.

Sometimes the Six of Wands indicates the successful formation of a friendship or a romantic relationship, tending to favor the former because the Wands suit tends to focus on morality more than emotion. It is a sign to relax and enjoy the fruits of one's labors. But under no circumstances is it a shady tree under which to sit down and fall asleep. The most important work still lies ahead. This is a reminder that you are on the right track, but that there is still a long way to go. So travel in confidence and high spirits, knowing that when you do reach your destination the reception you receive will be one worthy of a king.