So much focus is placed on determining the symbology of the Majora Arcana and "royal" Minor Arcana cards of tarot, that many tarot card readers fail to see the deep and poignant symbology of many of the lesser-known Minor Arcana. The two of wands, a powerful image seen in divinatory tarot cards, is full of meaning and symbolism.
In the Rider-Waite tarot deck, by far the most popular divinatory tarot deck in modern use, displays the two of wands as a wealthy merchant, holding the Earth in his right hand as he looks outward to sea. There is one wand on each side; the left is held in his hand like a raised walking stick.
The two of wands signifies courage and a willingness to set forward and accept hard work in exchange for material wealth. The nobleman is powerful and wealthy, and the tarot card implies that this is a result of his willingness to set his sights far on the horizon, taking chances and working hard.
In divinatory tarot, the two of wands often relates to money or material wealth gained through effort, wisdom, and strength of character. It might refer to a raise, a new career step, or a large financial bonus. The two of wands card is often said by a tarot reader to be represent a "Lord of Dominion", or a wealthy masculine figure. The figure has many material riches and seeks to expand his territory.
When reversed, the two of wands can represent dishonesty, or dominion gained through theft or cruelty. Tarot decks like the Rider-Waite, which have alternate meanings for reversed or ill-defined cards, emphasize that the two of wands card signifies a loss of faith or kindness and a willingness to exploit others.
In this context, the reverse two of wands can be seen as the symbolic nobleman attaining his riches through the abuse of those beneath him. He has set his eyes on obtaining an empire-- a useless and selfish goal. His land has been obtained through the abuse of power and privilege. The subject of the tarot reading should rethink motivations and consider his or her emotional impact on other people.
In tarot card reading, the two of wands packs a punch when it comes to symbolism and meaning, and its significance can be very grave depending on its placement in a tarot spread and the life circumstances of the tarot card reader.
