TarotCraft 202.05: The 5 of Wands

The 5 of Wands Tarot Card from the Universal Waite Tarot deck.

In the 5 of Wands, there is no real substance yet, or anything real upon which to depend concerning love. The other cards in the spread will indicate if this state of undirected energy will change for the positive, or simply dissolve.

Image Description

Five figures hold five long, slim tree branches. The branches have green leaves sprouting from their tips and upper halves. At first glance, it might seem that the five characters are fighting with the wands. Closer inspection reveals relaxed body language and facial expressions that are focused but not angry. They may be play fighting, trying to work out how to put something together, or simply at the mercy of undirected energy. The figures stand on the grass. Two pairs of them seem to look at each other, with the fifth looking up.

Yes/No upright: No
Yes/No reversed: Yes
 
Amplified by: Strength
Amplifier for: Strength
 
Zodiac/Element: Saturn in Leo
Dates: 22 July to 01 August
 
Traditional name: Strife
Traditional meaning: U: Imitation, the strenuous competition and struggle of searching after riches and fortune; R: Litigation, disputes, trickery, contradiction.
 
TarotCraft meaning
Something to note about all the 5's is that they are "crossroads" cards. There is an opportunity to make a change and start afresh if you choose to. There may even be magickal energy available to you now that can get a "stuck" situation moving. Things could go either way, so look for other cards in the spread to indicate in which direction the situation will resolve.

When the 5 of Wands card appears in a reading it shows erratic energy with lots of activity, and that all is not as it seems on the surface. There is not much happening and no clear outcomes. It may feel that people are working against each other or engaging with no apparent strategy or plan. Still, there is no actual malice here, just confusion. To get where you want to go, you will need patience and perseverance. You can stop and change direction for a fresh start, or keep going. The choice is yours, and neither is wrong. It will take time for things to clarify.

Love: There is no real substance yet, or anything real upon which to depend concerning love. The other cards in the spread will indicate if this state of undirected energy will change for the positive, or simply dissolve.
 
TarotCraft Reversed meaning

When reversed, the energy of the situation is beginning to untangle. A way forward can be found.
 
Love: Things are becoming clearer.
 
 
TarotCraft Gift, Invitation, and Challenge
 
Gift

The Gift of this card is that others are ready and willing to help you and put their resources at your disposal.
 
Invitation
 
The Invitation of this card is to implement a strategy when working with others to achieve your desired outcome. Things can't be left to chance.
 
Challenge

The Challenge of this card is to be careful of wasted energy. You need to control and direct where energy is going and how it is being used to achieve a beneficial outcome.
 
Go forward to Lesson 202.06 The 6 of Wands

Go back to Lesson 202.04 The 4 of Wands