Key Meanings

Upright

Victory, public recognition, triumph after struggle, confidence, acclaim, leadership, pride, success, achievement, good news, admiration from others, forward momentum

Reversed

Failed ambitions, self-doubt, fall from grace, ego inflation, lack of recognition, private victory, delayed success, arrogance, crowd disapproval, fear of judgment, hollow wins, losing confidence

General Interpretation

Upright

In a general context, the Six of Wands is the victory card. Pure and simple. It appears when you have been working extremely hard and people around you are starting to notice your success. This is not luck. You have earned this success. You have battled through the obstacles and now people are recognising your success and giving you the credit you deserve. You should be feeling proud, confident and on top of the world. People around you are looking at you with respect and admiration. Whatever your goals are, this card indicates a moment of achievement and success.

Reversed

When reversed, the Six of Wands can indicate victory with no one to applaud you. Alternatively, it can indicate that the applause will be delayed, and won't be heard until much later. It can be an indication of seeking external validation from others rather than feeling personal internal satisfaction. The Six of Wands reversed can signify defeat, a failed project or not living up to expectations. It represents self-doubt and a lack of confidence following a major effort or undertaking. In some cases, it can signify unwarranted arrogance when someone expects praise they haven't earned and the disappointment of that backfire.

Love & Partnership

Upright

For those in a relationship, the Six of Wands is a very positive card to get as it indicates success. You and your partner may have come through a difficult period and overcome obstacles to reach a point of success in your relationship. You should have a lot of respect for each other and be very proud of what you have accomplished together. It can also signify people looking up to your relationship or it being the type of partnership that others envy.

For single people, the Six of Wands' confidence is magnetic. It similarly appears when you are feeling great about yourself and that confidence is turning heads. New romance may be heading your way from a person in a social setting where you are being honoured or applauded. They are attracted to your success.

Reversed

In a relationship context, the Six of Wands reversed can indicate that you and your partner may be competing against each other instead of working as a team. One of you may feel envious of the other's success and become resentful. Alternatively, you may feel like your relationship isn't receiving the recognition it deserves from the people around you. The little wins you achieve together may go unnoticed. That lack of support can be detrimental to your relationship if it continues.

For those who are single, in a reversed position, it can indicate that you are afraid to put yourself out there. Perhaps you were rejected in the past and it affected you. You lack the confidence to approach or engage with potential people you could meet. Alternatively, it can indicate that someone is relying too much on external validation in the dating process, focusing on the number of matches or compliments they receive rather than how they feel about themselves.

Social Relationships

Upright

In terms of existing friendships and social circles, the Six of Wands can indicate being celebrated within your existing social circles or friendships. People will rally around you and you will have their support at this high point. It can also signify taking on a leadership role in a group of friends. Your friends are proud of you, not jealous. It's a healthy and positive dynamic.

In terms of new social connections, this card can signify meeting new people through moments of becoming visible or accomplished. Perhaps a new group of friends becomes available to you after a career accomplishment or an event in your local area. First impressions count with this card and people tend to see you at your best when they first meet you. New friendships made at this time will be respectful of you from the outset.

Reversed

In existing social groups, the Six of Wands in a reversed position can indicate that someone in your group of friends is not happy with your success and may be jealous. You may become aware of gossip or backhanded compliments in relation to your achievements. Any support that is given will feel insincere or you may find that support is lacking altogether.

For new connections, this reversal can be a warning that your initial impression of someone may be inaccurate. They may be trying too hard to impress you and may not be presenting their authentic self. Alternatively, new people in your life may only contact you when everything is great and be nowhere to be found when things go wrong. The emphasis here is on relationships that only work at a surface level.

Work & Career

Upright

In a career reading, the Six of Wands upright is one of the best cards you can get. It could signify a promotion, a finished project that gets you noticed, or a pitch that goes down a treat. Whatever the task at hand, this card sees you finally getting the results you want and being noticed by the right people. Your leadership skills will be on display and you will find your colleagues/clients respond to you with trust and respect. If you have been working hard with little or no feedback, this card usually appears to let you know that the recognition is coming.

Reversed

In a career context, the Six of Wands reversed can indicate a setback or not getting the credit you deserve. Someone else may take the limelight for work you did. A project may not be as successful as you hoped despite you putting in huge effort. A promotion you thought you would get may go to someone else. It can also simply be a sign of imposter syndrome. You may have gotten something you wanted but still can't seem to accept it. It may not feel right. Sometimes it's just a sign that the timing is off. The success will come, just not at this moment.

Money & Finance

Upright

Financially, the Six of Wands indicates financial gain after making wise choices. Investments yield returns. A pay rise is awarded. You should be feeling like things are financially moving in the right direction when it appears. This is not the energy of a sudden unexpected influx of cash. It's the energy of good planning and perseverance paying off. You should be feeling confident about finances and that you can accomplish your financial goals.

Reversed

In a financial reversed Tarot reading, the Six of Wands reversed can indicate that you may have anticipated winnings that do not come through. You may have a deal that falls through at the last minute. You may have engaged in financial gambles that do not pay off. Alternatively, you may find yourself overspending in order to maintain appearances, purchasing items to make you look successful rather than actually being successful. The difference between what you present to the world and what your bank balance sees could be huge at this time.

Spirituality

Upright

Spiritually, the Six of Wands indicates that you are feeling in alignment with your higher self and on the right path. You are confident in your spiritual abilities as you know the work you are doing is meaningful and serving a purpose. It can also signify someone looking up to you as a spiritual leader or role model.

Reversed

In a spiritual context, the Six of Wands reversed can indicate that you are seeking external validation for what is really an internal experience. You are measuring your spiritual growth by how it appears to others rather than how it feels to you. You may be grasping for titles, trophies or recognition in spiritual circles rather than completing the inner work that you know needs to be done but isn't very glamorous. It can also signify that you are experiencing a crisis of faith as your old beliefs crumble and the certainty they gave you starts to falter.