The Six of Wands represents triumph, public recognition, and a well-earned sense of accomplishment. When this card appears in a tarot reading, it signifies that your hard work and perseverance are paying off, leading to praise, admiration, and success in your personal or professional life.
The Six of Wands is a card of victory, showing that your efforts are being acknowledged and rewarded. It encourages you to take pride in your achievements while staying humble and using your success to inspire others.
In this tarot guide, we’ll explore the imagery, meanings, and real-life applications of the Six of Wands, helping you understand how this card fits into your journey.
Six of Wands Keywords
Upright card (keywords)
Victory, Recognition, Success, Public acclaim, Confidence, Progress
Reversed card (keywords)
Self-doubt, Lack of recognition, Setbacks, Ego issues, Disappointment, Overconfidence
The Six of Wands Tarot Card Description
The Six of Wands in the Rider-Waite tarot deck depicts a figure riding a horse through a cheering crowd. The rider holds a wand adorned with a laurel wreath, symbolizing victory and achievement. The crowd’s presence signifies public recognition, respect, and admiration for the individual’s accomplishments.
The horse represents strength and controlled ambition, while the figure’s upright posture exudes confidence and pride. The laurel wreath is a classic symbol of success, further reinforcing the theme of triumph.
This card embodies the joy of overcoming obstacles and emerging victorious, reminding you to embrace moments of celebration while continuing to strive for greater heights.
The Six of Wands Upright Meaning
When the Six of Wands appears upright, it signifies recognition, confidence, and success. It is a sign that your efforts are being acknowledged and that you are on the right path toward achieving your goals.
- You are receiving praise or recognition for your hard work and perseverance.
- A sense of victory and accomplishment boosts your confidence.
- Leadership skills are being recognized, positioning you as a role model.
- You are achieving an important milestone and should take pride in it.
This card encourages you to enjoy your success but also to remain focused and humble, using your achievements as motivation for further progress.
Six of Wands—Love Meaning
If You’re Single:
- A period of confidence and self-assurance is making you more attractive to potential partners.
- Someone may admire or be drawn to your recent accomplishments.
- A relationship that brings a sense of pride and joy may be on the horizon.
If You’re in a Relationship:
- Your relationship is thriving, with mutual admiration and support.
- You and your partner may be celebrating a milestone, such as an anniversary or engagement.
- A sense of pride in your connection strengthens your bond.
This card encourages you to embrace love with confidence and appreciate the positive moments you share with others.
Six of Wands—Career Meaning
In a career reading, the Six of Wands represents success, recognition, and professional achievements.
- A promotion, award, or public acknowledgment of your work may be coming.
- Your leadership skills are being noticed, leading to greater opportunities.
- A project or business venture is gaining attention and respect.
- You are in a strong position to inspire others through your achievements.
This card signals that hard work is paying off, and you should continue striving for excellence while maintaining a strong sense of integrity.
Six of Wands—Finances Meaning
Financially, the Six of Wands is a positive sign of financial success and stability.
- You may be experiencing financial rewards from your hard work.
- A smart investment or career move is paying off.
- A sense of financial confidence allows you to make bold but wise decisions.
- You are overcoming previous financial struggles and seeing tangible progress.
This card encourages you to use your financial success responsibly while enjoying the benefits of your efforts.
Reversed Six of Wands Meaning
When the Six of Wands appears reversed, it suggests setbacks, lack of recognition, or a struggle with confidence. Instead of enjoying success and praise, you may be facing self-doubt, disappointment, or unfulfilled expectations. This card can indicate that while you’ve worked hard, you may not be receiving the validation or reward you anticipated.
- A lack of recognition or appreciation for your efforts may be causing frustration.
- Self-doubt or fear of failure could be preventing you from fully embracing your achievements.
- An unsuccessful outcome or setback may require you to reassess your approach.
- Overconfidence or ego issues could be leading to poor decision-making or conflict.
- Comparison to others may be negatively impacting your sense of self-worth.
The reversed Six of Wands encourages you to evaluate your definition of success. Even if external validation is lacking, personal growth and perseverance still have value. Focus on inner confidence rather than relying solely on outside approval.
Reversed Six of Wands—Love Meaning
If You’re Single:
- You may be struggling with confidence in dating or feeling unnoticed.
- Past disappointments or rejection may be affecting your self-esteem.
- A potential romantic connection may not be progressing as expected.
If You’re in a Relationship:
- One partner may feel unappreciated, leading to tension or insecurity.
- There may be a power imbalance in the relationship, with one person feeling overshadowed.
- Miscommunication or lack of acknowledgment could be causing frustration.
This card suggests that reassurance and open discussions are needed in relationships. Whether single or committed, self-worth plays a key role in how you experience love and connection.
Reversed Six of Wands—Career Meaning
A reversed Six of Wands in a career reading suggests professional setbacks, lack of recognition, or struggles with confidence in the workplace.
- Hard work may not be acknowledged, leading to feelings of frustration or demotivation.
- A promotion, leadership role, or opportunity may have been missed.
- Negative feedback or workplace politics may be affecting morale.
- Overconfidence or arrogance could be leading to professional conflicts.
This card advises you to focus on resilience. Even if recognition isn’t immediate, perseverance and self-improvement will help you achieve success in the long run.
Reversed Six of Wands—Finances Meaning
Financially, the reversed Six of Wands warns of setbacks, delayed rewards, or poor financial decision-making.
- A financial goal or investment may not be producing the expected results.
- Comparison to others’ financial success may be causing unnecessary stress.
- Overspending or risky financial choices could be leading to instability.
- A feeling of financial insecurity despite past efforts to improve stability.
This card encourages patience and careful financial planning. If a setback has occurred, reassess your approach and avoid making impulsive decisions. Success may take longer than expected, but perseverance will lead to eventual rewards.
The Six of Wands reversed reminds you that setbacks are part of the journey. Whether in career, love, or finances, true success comes from learning, adapting, and maintaining confidence even in challenging times.
Other Cards With the Six of Wands
The Six of Wands represents victory, public recognition, and success, but its meaning can shift depending on the cards it appears with in a tarot reading. Some combinations reinforce triumph, while others warn against arrogance, external challenges, or the fleeting nature of success. Here’s how the Six of Wands interacts with key tarot cards in a reading.
Six of Wands + The Fool: Embracing success with a fresh start
This pairing suggests stepping into the spotlight with excitement and optimism. The Fool brings a sense of adventure, while the Six of Wands indicates that recognition and rewards will follow. This could mean starting a new career path, embarking on a new journey, or receiving unexpected praise for your boldness. However, it also reminds you to stay grounded and avoid recklessness in your pursuit of success.
Six of Wands + The Magician: Mastering confidence and personal power
The Magician and the Six of Wands together signal a powerful manifestation of success. The Magician represents skill, resourcefulness, and determination, while the Six of Wands indicates public acclaim. This combination suggests that your abilities are being noticed, and your efforts are leading to tangible results. It is an excellent sign for business, leadership, or personal projects. However, use this influence wisely—confidence is key, but arrogance can be a downfall.
Six of Wands + The Tower: A sudden rise and fall
While the Six of Wands indicates victory, The Tower warns that success may be short-lived or come with unexpected challenges. This combination suggests a dramatic turn of events—perhaps a public achievement is followed by a setback, or newfound success brings hidden instability. Be prepared for sudden shifts and avoid becoming too attached to external validation.
Six of Wands + The Lovers: Recognition in relationships and partnerships
The Lovers represents choices and deep connections, and when paired with the Six of Wands, it suggests being admired and appreciated within a relationship or partnership. This could indicate a period where you or your partner feel proud of each other’s accomplishments. However, it also warns against letting ego get in the way of mutual respect—make sure recognition is shared rather than one-sided.
Six of Wands + The Ten of Pentacles: Long-term success and legacy
The Ten of Pentacles represents financial security, family wealth, and long-term achievements. When paired with the Six of Wands, it indicates lasting success rather than a fleeting victory. This combination suggests financial rewards, career accomplishments that provide generational stability, or recognition that secures your legacy. It is an excellent sign for those working toward business or family goals, signaling that perseverance will bring lasting rewards.
The Six of Wands, when combined with other tarot cards, emphasizes the highs and lows of success. While this card often signals victory and acknowledgment, its meaning can shift based on surrounding influences, reminding us that success requires humility, balance, and preparation for future challenges.
The Six of Wands and Its Astrological Sign
The Six of Wands is associated with Jupiter in Leo, combining the expansive and fortunate influence of Jupiter with the confident, ambitious energy of Leo. This planetary alignment highlights themes of success, recognition, and the rewards that come from perseverance and self-belief.
- Jupiter is the planet of growth, abundance, and opportunity. In the Six of Wands, its influence suggests that victory and recognition come from broadening one’s perspective, taking risks, and believing in one’s capabilities. It signals a time of expansion, where success leads to even greater opportunities.
- Leo is a sign of confidence, leadership, and self-expression. It thrives in the spotlight, making this card a strong indicator of public recognition and admiration. However, Leo’s energy also reminds us that true leadership comes from authenticity, not just external validation.
- The combination of Jupiter’s optimism and Leo’s boldness suggests that hard work and self-assurance are paying off. It signals a time of well-earned praise and acknowledgment, but also serves as a reminder to remain humble and continue striving for future success.
This astrological connection reinforces the Six of Wands’ message of triumph, recognition, and personal growth. It encourages embracing opportunities with confidence while maintaining integrity and generosity in leadership.
Conclusion
The Six of Wands represents a well-earned moment of victory, recognition, and success. Whether in career, relationships, or personal achievements, this card signals that your efforts have been noticed, and you are receiving the praise you deserve.
However, this card also reminds us that success is not the end of the journey. True leadership and long-term achievement require humility, gratitude, and continued dedication to personal growth.
If the Six of Wands appears in your reading, ask yourself: Are you fully embracing your success? Are you using this recognition to inspire others, or are you becoming overly focused on external validation? Recognizing your achievements while staying grounded will help you sustain long-term success.
If you’re at a turning point in your journey and seeking further guidance, a tarot reading can provide clarity on how to make the most of this victorious moment.