The King of Wands sits at the edge of his throne, leaning forward, the wand resting on the ground and a cloak of flames at his back; a living salamander rests at his feet, and others biting their own tails decorate the throne. He is not at rest: he is about to stand. This is Fire that rules, vision turned into authority.
Symbolism
- The posture at the edge of the throne: active leadership; he commands, but stays ready to act.
- The salamander biting its tail: fire that renews itself; energy that does not run out.
- The crown of flames and the red cloak: passion turned into purpose; power that inspires.
- The lions on the throne: strength, nobility and responsibility for others.
- Correspondences: the element of Fire; the stage of the suit that directs and sets the course, not tied to any gender.
Upright meaning
Upright, the King of Wands speaks of visionary leadership: knowing what you want and having the strength and strategy to get there. As an energy, it asks you to take charge of your life or a project and move others by example. As a person, it is someone charismatic, honest, entrepreneurial and at times impatient, who turns ideas into enterprises and enthusiasm into results.
Reversed meaning
Reversed, the fire rules the king instead of being ruled. It can point to authoritarianism, an inflated ego, impulsiveness without strategy, impossible expectations, or big promises with no action behind them. It also appears as a leader who will not delegate, or who belittles others to stay on top. It is time to examine how you wield your power and whom you are burning with it.
In love
Upright, this is a protective, passionate partner with initiative, or an invitation for you to take the lead and propose a shared direction. There is generosity and a common vision of the future. If you are single, someone confident and decisive may come along. Reversed, it warns of domination, jealousy, pride that cannot apologize, or someone who promises a great deal and delivers little.
In work and money
This is a very favorable card for managing, founding a business, taking on positions of responsibility and launching ambitious projects. It speaks of expansion with strategy and the ability to inspire a team. With money, it means big decisions made with vision; good for long-term investments. Reversed, it points to tyrannical bosses, risks taken out of arrogance, or ambition that flattens everything else.
The card’s advice
Lead from vision, not from ego. Your fire exists to light the way for others; use it with the responsibility of someone who knows they are being watched.
If you want to know how to aim your fire at what truly matters, draw your cards with Goetia.
Related cards
- Previous card: Queen of Wands – Minor Arcana
- All tarot cards
