Six of Wands is one of the most talked-about cards in the deck — and no wonder.
Six of Wands upright
Victory, recognition, success, confidence, public acclaim.
Six of Wands reversed
Private victory, fall from grace, self-doubt, lack of recognition, ego inflation.
Keywords: victory, recognition, success, confidence, public acclaim
The classic reading (Waite, 1911)
- Upright: The card has been so designed that it can cover several significations; on the surface, it is a victor triumphing, but it is also great news, such as might be carried in state by the King's courier; it is expectation crowned with its own desire, the crown of hope, and so forth.
- Reversed: Apprehension, fear, as of a victorious enemy at the gate; treachery, disloyalty, as of gates being opened to the enemy; also indefinite delay.
The Pictorial Key to the Tarot is the oldest layer of the card — modern readers soften and expand these meanings.
Golden Dawn correspondences
- title The Lord of Victory
- Decan Jupiter in Leo
- planet Jupiter
- zodiac Leo
- decan 10–20
Fortune telling with Six of Wands
- Someone is planning a party for you, but not everyone feels so good about your recent success
- Watch out for envious friends
The light and the shadow
In its light, Six of Wands: Outperforming your peers Winning a competition Being recognized as a capable person Having your "moment in the spotlight" Being cheered on by the crowd Getting an award Earning the admiration of others Telling someone, "Good job!"
The reversed trap of Six of Wands: Being a bad winner Allowing your achievements to inflate your ego Looking down on people who seem less capable Craving to be the center of attention Giving or receiving insincere praise Envying the achievements of others
Questions to ask Six of Wands
- What kind of recognition do I crave? Why?
- How freely do I praise the achievements of others?
- What happens when the parade is over?
The extended portrait, upright
The Six of Wands card in the upright position suggests victory, achievement, and recognition. It represents a time of success and pride, where your hard work and dedication are paying off. This card can be a reminder to celebrate your accomplishments and take pride in your achievements. The Six of Wands may indicate recognition for your efforts and achievements, and may suggest that others are seeing your talents and abilities. This card can also be a reminder to stay humble and gracious in the face of success, and to remember to thank and acknowledge those who have helped you along the way.
The extended portrait, reversed
When the Six of Wands card appears in the reversed position, it may indicate a sense of failure or disappointment. It can suggest a lack of recognition or reward for your hard work and efforts, and may indicate feelings of humiliation or defeat. This card can be a reminder to stay humble and to remember that success is not always guaranteed. The reversed Six of Wands may also suggest that you are placing too much importance on external recognition and validation, and may need to focus on finding satisfaction and fulfillment within yourself. This card can be a reminder to keep working hard and to stay dedicated, even in the face of setbacks and challenges.
Card details
- Arcana: Minor Arcana — wands suit
- Yes or no: a soft yes
- Published: July 24, 2026
Read Six of Wands in context
- Six of Wands — love meaning
- Six of Wands — career meaning
- Six of Wands — money meaning
- Six of Wands — yes-or-no verdict
- Six of Wands reversed, in full
Six of Wands in combinations
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Six of Wands and Seven of Pentacles
How the symbol systems meet
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Zodiac: Leo — card of the Leo decan