The Knight of Wands is one of the Minor Arcana of a traditional tarot deck. In general, it is seen by tarot readers as a symbol of movement, self-actualization and haste. The Knight of Wands may be known as the Knight of Rods or Batons in some tarot decks, and generally indicates enthusiasm, an outgoing nature, and personal development through initiative and willpower. In playing card tarot, the Knight of Wands' equivalent is the Jack of Clubs.
In the Rider-Waite tarot deck, the Knight of Wands displays a young man on the back of a rearing brown horse. Like the previous card, the Page of Wands, the Knight shows elements of fire. In the background is a golden Egyptian desert, with pyramids, symbols of the element of fire. The feathers in his helmet mimic the appearance of flame, and salamanders--fire spirits-- adorn his tunic. He holds a wand in his left hand and appears pensive and determined.
In a divinatory tarot reading, the Knight of Wands generally represents a time or person embodying passionate self-growth and determination. It may be symbol of strong sexual energy met with haste and impatience; a relationship that began suddenly or a goal pursued quickly and with vigor. The Knight of Wands tarot card represents ambition, eagerness, and fiery determination.
Depending on the context of the tarot reading and the Knight of Wands' position in a tarot spread, he may indicate a need for immediate action, or he may be a warning the action was taken too soon. Although blessed with many positive traits, the Knight of Wands can also indicate hasty and prejudiced decisions, or challenges met with fury rather than calculation.
Like all court cards, the Knight of Wands may indicate a specific person or individual, not just a state of mind. A person represented by the Knight of Wands card is harsh, enthusiastic, passionate, cunning, and quick-witted. Although charming and passionately affectionate, he or she may also be full of anger and fury. When the Knight of Wands represents an individual, he or she is likely to be an Aries.
When reversed during a tarot reading, the Knight of Wands may indicate selfishness and materialism; a spoiled and manipulative person who lacks self-esteem. The reversed Knight of Wands symbolizes someone who feels resentful and slighted for not getting what he or she desires, and whose self-image has been distored by a failure to see dreams come to fruition.
