(The above image is a copy of The Eight of Wands card in a standard Rider-Waite Tarot deck. The 3 symbols pointed out above are explained below.)
Card Description
The Eight of Wands is a card of movement and energy. Devoid of a human figure, the wands are on full display. Like the Ace of Wands, these wands float in the air and illustrate pure potential. If this card shows up in your deck, it is a clear sign to go head with your plans for there are blue skies ahead.
If you are looking for a deck of Tarot cards, check out our standard Rider-Waite deck here or check out one of our recent arrivals here.
For more information about The Eight of Wands card, check out A. E. Waite’s description here.
Point 1 – EIGHT WANDS
The Eight of Wands is one of the few cards that doesn’t depict any human figures. This runs in stark contrast with the previous cards, which focused so much on community. The eight wands appear to paradoxically be either falling or rising in the air. Some scholars have argued that they are an illustration of Jacob’s Ladder. Most scholars however agree that the wands symbolize dynamic movement.
Point 2 – LANDSCAPE
Despite being devoid of human life, the Eight of Wands is abundant with greenery. The forested plains below the wands reveal that life and growth persist without the presence of humans. The Eight of Wands is thus a humble reminder of our place in the universe.
Point 3 – HOUSE IN THE BACKGROUND
The vast open field is juxtaposed with a tiny house in the bottom left corner. The smallness of the house reiterates the previous point; humans are in the background while nature is in center stage. The house also reveals how far we have come in the journey. It’s possible that it is the same castle that the figure stood upon in the Two of Wands and that this card is nostalgic, like the Four of Wands.
Tarot Reading
Upright
An Upright Eight of Wands is all about dynamism and energy. Like the Ace of Wands, an Upright Eight of Wands is full of potential for any project that you have in mind. The conflict illustrated in the Seven of Wands has been resolved and the road is clear for you to seize the day and to manifest your will.
Reverse
A Reverse Eight of Wands can be a blessing and a curse. On one hand, you have the passion and drive needed to follow through with your goals. On the other hand, you might be going too fast in your desire to manifest your vision. A Reverse Eight of Wands suggests that you slow down and reflect on where you are going. Make sure you are not cutting corners or skipping on details. Use this high energy to your advantage and get things done right.
For more Tarot Card Meanings, check out our blog here.
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About the author: John Taylor is a content writer and freelancer through the company Upwork.com. You may view his freelancing profile here. He has a B. A. in English, with a specialty in technical writing, from Texas A&M University and a M. A. in English from the University of Glasgow. You may view his previous articles about Tarot here and his LinkedIn profile here.
