MINOR ARCANA · WANDS
Five of Wands
Explore the imagery, upright and reversed readings, and its place in the Royal / Dragon Tarot universe.
THE 78 CARDS · RESEARCH NOTES
Meaning & symbolism
Traditional Rider–Waite–Smith symbolism and an editorial Royal / Dragon adaptation for this card.
Upright keywords
Friction · practice · debate · competition
Upright meaning
Five people raise five wands in different directions. The group has energy but no common rhythm. The card can indicate constructive disagreement, a test of skill, or competition that distracts from the task. Not every clash is malicious: the rules and shared purpose matter.
Reversed keywords
Unspoken tension · avoiding discussion · pointless infighting
Reversed meaning
An open argument may end while resentment remains, or competition may overwhelm the original aim. In some contexts, a group may be starting to reconcile by setting clearer rules for communication.
RWS image & symbols
Five figures each hold one wand, representing five competing wills; the wands cross without striking, suggesting conflict or rehearsal; contrasting clothes suggest differing agendas; the open ground has no visible mediator.
Reader's lens
Does the group need clearer roles or decision-making, or is it simply afraid of disagreement? Do not treat every debate as hostility.
Royal / Dragon adaptation
Show five royal heirs sparring or debating. Count five wands and check each figure's anatomy; avoid extra weapons.
Research edition based on the supplied 78-card manuscript. Symbolic interpretations are contextual, not guaranteed predictions or professional advice. Sonam Zangmo’s individual card interpretations will be added following editorial review.