Page of Wands
Scout
“Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.”
Mae Jemison
Page of Wands at a glance
Finbarre’s interpretation: The Page of Wands brings experimental energy, surprising news and the confidence of a beginner.
| Upright | curiosity, a creative message, enthusiastic learning, discovery, an emerging identity |
|---|---|
| Reversed | inconsistent effort, attention seeking, disappointing news, false enthusiasm, immaturity |
| Linked card | Ace of Wands |
| Soundtrack | Bad Reputation by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts Open the full Tarot Interviews playlist on Spotify |
Upright meanings
- Curiosity
- A creative message
- Enthusiastic learning
- Discovery
- An emerging identity
- Playful courage
- A new interest
- Exploratory travel
- Fresh confidence
- News that opens a possibility
Reversed meanings
- Inconsistent effort
- Attention seeking
- Disappointing news
- False enthusiasm
- Immaturity
- Fear of being a beginner
- Scattered interests
- Unreliable communication
- A stalled experiment
- Excitement without follow-through
Page of Wands in a reading
| Area | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Love | Relationship energy: Playful courage. Reversed: Fear of being a beginner. |
| Career | Work: A new interest; exploratory travel. Warning: Scattered interests. |
| Money | Financial theme: Fresh confidence. Warning: A stalled experiment. |
| Feelings | Upright: Enthusiastic learning. Reversed: Disappointing news. |
| Advice | Prioritise: News that opens a possibility. Watch for: Excitement without follow-through. |
| Outcome | Potential: An emerging identity. Obstacle: Immaturity. |
| Yes or no | Yes, as an invitation to explore rather than a final commitment. |
Symbols in Page of Wands
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| The examined wand | The Page studies possibility rather than wielding mastery. |
| The salamander-patterned clothing | Transformation and fire are worn as an emerging identity. |
| The desert | The environment offers little support, so imagination must supply momentum. |
| The upright posture | Confidence appears before experience is complete. |
A. E. Waite's original description
In a scene similar to the former, a young man stands in the act of proclamation. He is unknown but faithful, and his tidings are strange.
Waite's original divinatory meanings
Upright:
Dark young man, faithful, a lover, an envoy, a postman. Beside a man, he will bear favourable testimony concerning him. A dangerous rival, if followed by the Page of Cups. Has the chief qualities of his suit. He may signify family intelligence.
Reversed:
Anecdotes, announcements, evil news. Also indecision and the instability which accompanies it.
Source: A. E. Waite, The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, first published in 1910, with illustrations by Pamela Colman Smith.
Continue through the deck
- Previous card: Ten of Wands
- Next card: Knight of Wands
Written and interpreted by Finbarre Snarey, tarot researcher, founder of the British Tarot Archive and coordinator of the UK living heritage submission for Rider-Waite-Smith tarot reading practice.
These interpretations reflect Finbarre Snarey’s understanding of contemporary Rider-Waite-Smith tarot practice. They are provided for education, reflection and entertainment only and should not be treated as medical, legal, financial, psychological or relationship advice.
