(The above image is a copy of The King of Wands card in a standard Rider-Waite Tarot deck. The 6 symbols pointed out above are explained below.)
Card Description
The King of Wands marks the end of the Wand suit. Like The World card, it is the height of enlightenment. If this card appears in your spread, utilise the authority given to you and manifest your creative vision.
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 King of Wands card, check out A. E. Waite’s description here.
Point 1 – KING
The King sits upon his throne with power and authority. Like the Queen of Wands, The King is in a relaxed yet alert position, able to leap into action at a moment’s notice. With his head turned, it appears as if he is about to stand up and join the fight.
Point 2 – SALAMANDER
Every Minor Arcana has an animal associated with it. The salamander connects the Wand suit with the element of fire because, according to legend, the salamander can pass through fire without getting hurt. They reiterate the theme of resilience through conflict.
Point 3 – RED ROBE
Like the salamander lying at the King’s feet, the red robe represents the element fire. As the salamander passes through fire unharmed, the King wears fire and is embolden. The color red also symbolizes passion and strength, a reiteration for the Knight and Page’s plume
Point 4 – CROWN
Furthering the theme of fire, the King’s crown resembles flames. It symbolizes his zeal and passion for the authority granted to him. Like a great fire that roars across a plain, his vision will manifest itself into the world.
Point 5 – GREEN SHOES
While the Queen of Wands wears red shoes, the King wears green ones. They further the themes of fruitfulness and fertility in the Wands suit. When the King walks upon the desert sand, he steps on lush pastures.
Point 6 – THRONE
The King sits on a yellowish throne decorated with lions and salamanders, symbolizing fire and strength. The throne notably extends beyond the bounds of the card, showcasing the King’s reach in power. By extending beyond the top of the card, the throne also connects the King to the heavenly realms.
Tarot Reading
Upright
An Upright King of Wands suggests that you have been thrusted into a leadership role. Be confident in your ability to lead and enlist a group of trusted friends to help manifest your vision in the world. Leadership is not about accumulating power, but about communicating effectively to create the best possible outcome.
Reverse
A Reverse King of Wands suggest that you might not be ready yet to undertake a leadership position. While it affirms your creative spark, a Reverse King of Wands encourages you to seek council and work on your leadership skills. Don’t set unrealistic goals for yourself. Do the work and have your vision ready to be manifested after you’ve gained the training needed.
For more Tarot Card Meanings, check out our blog here.
Video
Jim Daley and his wife Natalie are the owners of Joker’s and Fools in Lake Wales, Florida, where they serve the Central Florida tarot community with a thoughtfully curated selection of Tarot and Oracle cards. Jim holds a B.A. in History from Tufts University and brings both academic insight and a deep appreciation for the symbolic tradition of the cards to his work.
