Six of Wands Tarot Meaning: Upright and Reversed

Six of Wands Keywords 

• Upright: victory, recognition, leadership, support, confidence, inspiring others, progress
• Reversed: defeat, lack of recognition, self-doubt, unfulfilled goals, underachievement, stagnancy

Six of Wands: Description and Symbolism

As a card within the wands suit, the Six of Wands represents the fire element’s principles of ambition, willpower, and forward movement. The suit is represented by a wooden wand with leaves throughout the Minor Arcana, symbolizing the power of manifestation through taking inspired action. In the context of this card, five wands are held by members of a crowd, and a man on a horse carries the last one. A wreath hangs from his wand to signify the success and honor he has earned through resilient efforts.

Numerologically, the number ‘6’ presents themes of balance, service, and social responsibility. When combined with the fiery quality of wands, this card represents the positive impact you can make on your community. The crowd surrounding the man on the horse symbolizes support and recognition. The man’s efforts are mutually beneficial, as the crowd’s wands represent the inspiration he has given to his community through personal victories. 

The man depicted in the Six of Wands sits on a white horse, elevated by his strength of character and pure intentions. The red and yellow he wears represent the passion and courage to remain optimistic through new pursuits. He is a leader who is motivated to grow and cultivate abundance, symbolized by the green cape on his horse and the leafy crown on his head. Through his successes, the blue background of the card suggests he remains humble and trustworthy in the pursuit of his ambitions.

Six of Wands – Upright Meaning

The Six of Wands applauds you for believing in your abilities, pushing you to make a positive impact. Your passions are likely to inspire others to follow in your footsteps, so it would be a great time to pursue new creative projects. New leadership opportunities could open up for you, encouraging you to use your authentic voice. Ultimately, your efforts are likely to be rewarded in due time if you keep your momentum.

Another interpretation of the Six of Wands is that you are actively receiving praise or recognition for your dedicated efforts. Whether you feel seen by your partner or receive a promotion on the job, your increased visibility is likely to boost your confidence. 

Love Meaning – Upright Six of Wands 

The Six of Wands appears as a hopeful sign of forward movement in love and relationships. If you are single, you may meet a romantic interest who truly understands you at this time. Healing from previous heartbreaks is coming more naturally, restoring your faith in new connections.

Within a relationship dynamic, the Six of Wands applauds you for all of the trials and tribulations you have overcome. You feel recognized for your devoted efforts, and in turn, your partner is committed to growing alongside you. This card may appear as a sign that you will be rewarded for your mutual efforts with fun memories and ease. 

When reading for how someone feels, the Six of Wands represents someone confident in what they have to bring to the table. This love interest is optimistic about the connection, suggesting that it is worth taking the next step. 

Career Meaning – Upright Six of Wands 

When the Six of Wands appears in a career context, it suggests that you are gaining the recognition you deserve. The praise you receive is opening up opportunities for you, inspiring you to pursue new creative projects.  A promotion or raise could be just around the corner in response to your hard work, further supporting your upward trajectory. 

As advice, the Six of Wands encourages you to remain confident in your work and financial decisions. You are capable of carving your own path, which is likely to inspire others in the process. Invest in the projects and opportunities that most inspire you, and you will soon be rewarded for your efforts.

Health Meaning – Upright Six of Wands 

In a health context, the Six of Wands suggests that you are experiencing noticeable progress towards your goals. Perhaps you have been working out to lose weight, or the coping strategies you have learned in counseling are making stress more manageable. You are applauded for the progress you have made, and may even receive compliments for your dedicated efforts.

Spirituality Meaning – Upright Six of Wands 

The Six of Wands suggests that you are feeling more aligned with your spiritual purpose at this time. The lessons you have learned are giving you confidence in your decisions, allowing you to move forward with ease. As spiritual guidance, this card encourages you to lead by example in order to support others as they align with their purpose.

Six of Wands As Feelings Meaning – Upright

The Six of Wands signifies feelings of optimism and self-confidence. It is a wonderful time to have faith in your direction, as your positivity is likely to inspire others.

Six of Wands As Actions Meaning – Upright

As actions, the Six of Wands represents progress and achieved success. Your accomplishments have made a positive impact on your community, inspiring others to support your efforts with praise and recognition.

Six of Wands – Reversed Meaning

When the Six of Wands appears reversed in a reading, you may be struggling with feelings of defeat or inadequacy. Perhaps you have not seen the results of your hard work, or your efforts could be going unnoticed at this time. You are gently reminded to keep your head up as you reassess your approach. Setting goals with more realistic expectations could be a great way to start rebuilding your confidence.

Alternatively, the reversed Six of Wands could signify that you have lost support or recognition for your contributions. Whether you have grown overwhelmed by increasing demands or find yourself in an uninspiring environment, it may be time to rethink the intentions behind your goals. Once you embody your authenticity, you will naturally cultivate a supportive community. 

Love Meaning – Reversed Six of Wands 

When the Six of Wands appears reversed in a love reading, you may be feeling insecure or underappreciated within your relationships. Perhaps a recent separation has left you feeling disempowered, or your efforts could seem overlooked by your partner. Rather than giving in to discouragement, this card gently reminds you to advocate for your needs with confidence. It would be a good time to lean on friends and family for extra support to clarify your next steps.

If you are single, the reversed Six of Wands suggests you could be feeling hesitant to pursue new connections. Whether you need time to heal or recent dates haven’t gone according to plan, it would benefit you to prioritize self-care. Once you believe in the value you have to offer, new connections and romance will come seamlessly.

When reading for how someone feels, the reversed Six of Wands depicts someone who is feeling defeated or doubtful about their prospects in love. It is better to give this love interest time to solidify their desires before pursuing the connection.

Career Meaning – Reversed Six of Wands 

In a career reading, the reversed Six of Wands indicates a period of defeat or dissatisfaction with your progress. Perhaps you have been too busy with your day job to complete tasks for your small business, or you may have had a smaller return on your investments than expected. You are gently reminded not to focus on missed opportunities, as it will only stagnate you. Instead, a new passion project is likely to restore confidence in your overarching vision.

Another interpretation of the reversed Six of Wands is that you are receiving little support or recognition for your hard work. Whether you are losing passion for your work or you are feeling invisible within your environment, it would benefit you to shift your focus to projects and communities that energize you.

Health Meaning – Reversed Six of Wands 

When the Six of Wands is reversed in a health context, you may be going through a period where you feel stagnant or unsupported in your goals. Consider which mental or physical health goals call for simplification to make progress more attainable. You may find refuge in a community or group that connects you with people who walk a similar path.

Spirituality Meaning – Reversed Six of Wands 

When the Six of Wands appears reversed, you may be finding it difficult to keep promises to yourself. Before pushing forward with new tasks, it would benefit you to ground in your intentions. Picking up inspiring passion projects and journaling about your long-term goals are likely to realign you with your spiritual path.

Six of Wands As Feelings Meaning – Reversed

The reversed Six of Wands signifies feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. You may be struggling to maintain your confidence at this time due to a lack of support or forward movement, so remember to practice self-compassion.

Six of Wands As Actions Meaning – Reversed

As actions, the reversed Six of Wands suggests you may be grappling with unfulfilled goals or failures. To rejuvenate your energy in this time of stagnancy, it would benefit you to surround yourself with people who support your vision. Once you surround yourself with this support, you will be able to overcome previous feelings of defeat.

Past, Present, and Future Positions

Past Position

When the Six of Wands appears in the ‘past’ position, it refers to a previous victory that garnered praise and recognition. Your achievements taught you the importance of believing in your capabilities, which is now informing your current situation.

Present Position

In the ‘present’ position, the Six of Wands indicates you are receiving more support and recognition for your efforts. It is a wonderful time to keep your spirits high, as confidence in your decisions is likely to get you far.

Future Position

The Six of Wands in the ‘future’ position predicts that your current efforts will result in praise and recognition. Consistency and confidence are likely to bring you a future victory, so keep your head up at this time.

Yes or No Meaning of The Six of Wands 

• Six of Wands Upright: Yes
• Six of Wands Reversed: No

When the Six of Wands appears upright in a reading, it gives you a ‘yes’. You are likely to be successful and gain recognition for your efforts within your current situation.

When the Six of Wands appears reversed, it gives you a ‘no’. It may be time to rethink your approach in order to feel confident and supported in your efforts.

Advice and Message of The Six of Wands 

The Six of Wands appears as a reminder to remain confident in your efforts. You are capable of making a positive impact within your community if you believe in your creative vision. This card encourages you to maintain your hopes and dreams by cultivating deep connections with those who love and support you.

Summary of The Six of Wands Tarot Meaning

When the Six of Wands appears in a reading, it suggests you have come a long way in achieving your goals. You may notice more praise and recognition for your contributions at this time, so do not be afraid to accept incoming support. When reversed, this card indicates a period of stagnancy or decreased confidence in your decisions. To get back on your feet, it would be a wonderful time to surround yourself with like minds to rejuvenate your sense of purpose.