Five of Wands Tarot Card Meanings

Five of Wands – The Clash of Wills

Keywords (Upright): conflict, competition, tension, disagreement, struggle for dominance Keywords (Reversed): avoidance, inner conflict, suppressed tension, resolution delayed

Description Five figures wield wands in chaotic motion—neither fully fighting nor cooperating. It's unclear whether they’re in conflict, practice, or disorganized play. The sky is clear, but the energy is unsettled. Each figure asserts their stance, leading to disorder and scattered momentum. This is a scene of tension, but not destruction—struggle without true harm.

The Five of Wands represents friction—where competing energies clash and the way forward feels blocked by misalignment or resistance.

Upright Meaning The Five of Wands suggests you are in the midst of disagreement, rivalry, or internal conflict. Whether in a group dynamic, creative collaboration, or personal endeavor, energies may be competing instead of aligning. This isn’t necessarily hostile, but it can be draining or unproductive. The card urges you to find clarity—whether through assertive action or by stepping back to see the bigger picture. Conflict can be a forge, but it needs direction.

Reversed Meaning When reversed, this card points to unresolved tension—either being ignored or brewing beneath the surface. You may be avoiding confrontation, suppressing your own needs, or stuck in passive competition. Alternatively, it may signal that resolution is near, but only if addressed directly. Reclaim your inner authority and don’t allow discord to linger in shadow. The only way through is through.

Summary The Five of Wands is the card of energetic friction—where power, desire, and perspective collide. Upright, it reflects visible struggle. Reversed, it warns of hidden dissonance. In both cases, the lesson is to navigate tension consciously, without letting it scatter your purpose or dim your fire.