Queen of Wands
Magnetism
“I am deliberate and afraid of nothing.”
Audre Lorde
Queen of Wands at a glance
Finbarre’s interpretation: The Queen of Wands combines warmth, self-possession and the confidence to occupy visible space.
| Upright | charisma, independence, social confidence, creative leadership, generosity |
|---|---|
| Reversed | jealousy, intimidation, insecurity behind display, social manipulation, burnout |
| Linked card | Strength |
| Soundtrack | HOT TO GO! by Chappell Roan Open the full Tarot Interviews playlist on Spotify |
Upright meanings
- Charisma
- Independence
- Social confidence
- Creative leadership
- Generosity
- Sexual self-assurance
- Practical optimism
- Loyalty
- Persuasive presence
- Protecting others without diminishing them
Reversed meanings
- Jealousy
- Intimidation
- Insecurity behind display
- Social manipulation
- Burnout
- Possessiveness
- Rivalry
- Demanding attention
- Mistrust
- Confidence becoming domination
Queen of Wands in a reading
| Area | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Love | Relationship energy: Sexual self-assurance. Reversed: Possessiveness. |
| Career | Work: Practical optimism; loyalty. Warning: Rivalry. |
| Money | Financial theme: Persuasive presence. Warning: Mistrust. |
| Feelings | Upright: Social confidence. Reversed: Insecurity behind display. |
| Advice | Prioritise: Protecting others without diminishing them. Watch for: Confidence becoming domination. |
| Outcome | Potential: Generosity. Obstacle: Burnout. |
| Yes or no | Yes, especially where confidence and visibility matter. |
Symbols in Queen of Wands
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| The sunflower | Attention turns towards life, visibility and sustained warmth. |
| The black cat | Instinct and independence sit beside public confidence. |
| The lions | Courage is built into the throne and the Queen's authority. |
| The flowering wand | Her power remains productive rather than merely symbolic. |
A. E. Waite's original description
The Wands throughout this suit are always in leaf, as it is a suit of life and animation. Emotionally and otherwise, the Queen's personality corresponds to that of the King, but is more magnetic.
Waite's original divinatory meanings
Upright:
A dark woman, countrywoman, friendly, chaste, loving, honourable. If the card beside her signifies a man, she is well disposed towards him; if a woman, she is interested in the Querent. Also, love of money, or a certain success in business.
Reversed:
Good, economical, obliging, serviceable. Signifies also, but in certain positions and in the neighbourhood of other cards tending in such directions, opposition, jealousy, even deceit and infidelity.
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: Knight of Wands
- Next card: King 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.
