(The above image is a copy of The Ten of Wands card in a standard Rider-Waite Tarot deck. The 3 symbols pointed out above are explained below.)
Card Description
The Ten of Wands is the final card in the numerical sequence in the Wands suit. Therefore it is the final test. The card reveals the struggles of carrying a heavy burden. Juxtaposed with this struggle is the sanctuary of completion as the figure walks towards a far off house. The Ten of Wands encourages us to keep going until we've passed the finished line.
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For more information about The Ten of Wands card, check out A. E. Waite’s description here.
Point 1 – THE FIGURE’S POSE
The figure in the card is bent over in struggle. He tries with all of his might to corral the wands and, in so doing, submits to them. This is a card of work and determination. It is the final show of will power within the Wands suit before the court cards appear. In many ways, this is the last stand after the repose of the Nine of Wands.
Point 2 – THE BUNDLED WANDS
In this card, the wands are as close as they will ever be. Packed together in a bundle, they form a singularity of energy similar to the Ace of Wands. They also appear overwhelming to the figure, asking him if he can carry out the job or not.
Point 3 – THE HOUSE
The harness of the bundle of wands is juxtaposed with the comfort of the house on the right side of the card. The house can represent the end goal of security that comes from the completion of moving the wands. It is what the figure is striving for. It’s closeness encourages him to persist through the difficulty.
Tarot Reading
Upright
An Upright Ten of Wands is two-fold. On one hand, the card reveals the heaviest burdens you are carrying. On the other hand, the card reveals that this burden is almost over, and that rest is on the way. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the duties you have assumed, take heart in the near future of peace. Keep up the hard work for it will pay off wonderfully in a short while
Reverse
A reverse Ten of Wands suggest that you are carrying more than you can bear. There is nothing wrong with admitting you are overwhelmed. Take a break and readjust to what you can handle. You may be refusing help or bundling up your own emotions. Lean on your support system to share the load with people who care. Asking for help doesn’t devalue the peace that comes after a project; asking for help enriches it.
For more Tarot Card Meanings, check out our blog here.
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