The six of wands tarot card is one of the Minor Arcana of a traditional tarot deck. Its best known form is the interpretation shown in the Rider-Waite tarot deck, the most popular set in the English-speaking world, and it stands out among Minor Arcana cards because it is a continuation of the story told by the suit of wands. Its equivalent in playing card tarot reading is the six of clubs.
In the Rider-Waite deck, the six of wands depicts the nobleman from the two of wands and three of wands, riding triumphantly on the back of a horse with a laurel crown on his head. Given its context within the story told by the suit of wands, it would appear that he has now made a voyage, found a bountiful new land, and then claimed triumph after a conflict.
The six of wands can be viewed as a card representing victory and power achieved through hard work. Because of the common interpretations of the previous card, one might infer that the six of wands' meaning is specifically focused on victory through a willingness to make comprimises. The subject of the tarot reading has gained victory through hard work, sacrifice, and compassion for others.
The horse in the six of wands can be interpreted as a symbol of motion. Although the tarot subject has gained victory, he must continue to set goals and move forward. Stagnant pride and reliance of pre-existing power will cause him to fall from glory. The tarot card does not symbolize a triumph that should lead to contentedness and stagnation: instead, it should mark an achieved goal that will become the first of many.
This message becomes even more clear when the six of wands card is drawn in reverse. The reversed six of wands can signify snobbishness, pride, and arrogance. The tarot subject must be wary of his own sense of self-righteousness and not grow too content in a position of power. The reversed six of wands is a warning to avoid the exploitation of others. It is a red-flag for hypocrisy and malcontent.
The imagery in the Rider-Waite form of the six of wands is fascinating not only because of its symbolism, but because it offers an illustration of a major step in a person's life. The nobleman has conquered through comprimise, but most not grow too content or arrogant in his attainment of power. Should he fail to continue seeing forward or fail to consider the needs of others, the tarot subject will be deposed.
