King of Wands

King of Wands is one of the 56 minor arcana of the tarot, in the suit of Wands; in the Golden Dawn tradition it corresponds to air of fire.

The King of Wands holds a single wand on a throne carved with salamanders. He turns vision into direction and inspires others to follow it.

Symbols on the card

The salamanders

Fire that survives and renews itself.

The single wand

A clear vision held steadily.

The amber firelight

Experience warming the room, not burning it.

Number and suit

Kings are outer mastery: the suit's energy directed with experience and responsibility. Wands are fire: will, drive, creativity and the courage to begin.

Upright meaning

Take the lead with a clear vision and let others contribute to it.

Love　Bold, loyal and protective love.

Work　Entrepreneurship, strategy, leading change.

Inner life　Trust the vision you have earned through experience.

Reversed meaning

Vision without patience, or leadership that does not listen.

Love　Domineering or impatient with the other's pace.

Work　Unrealistic goals, pushing a team too hard.

Inner life　Great leaders also follow sometimes.

In a three-card spread

Situation

A vision is ready to be led.

Challenge

Impatience or arrogance.

Advice

Lead boldly and listen well.

Tarot and astrology

In the Golden Dawn system the court cards are elements within elements; this one is air of fire.

Questions to sit with

• What vision am I ready to lead?
• Who should I listen to more?

Through the suit

Tarot here is a mirror for reflection, not a prediction. The meanings follow the Waite-Smith tradition and the Golden Dawn attributions, in our own words.