Reading the court cards can be tricky. Many a time I have dealt a spread full of court cards and I’ve just want to scream, “Who the heck ARE all these people?!”

Trying to work out whether these cards represent ourselves, others around us or are simply lending their energy to the situation is no mean feat. You really need to rely on your intuition to work out how these people fit into the rest of the spread. However, I’ve put together this post to give you a few tips that can help you to make sense of  it all.

One of the first things you should look at is the fire element and the kind of energy the wands represent; think bold, daring, creative, affectionate, loyal, bubbly and charismatic fun seekers!

Another thing to look at is the astrological references; Aries, Leo and Sagittarius:

• Aries; born leaders, thrill seekers, active and sporty.
• Leo; life and soul of the party, born to perform.
• Sagittarius, ambitious and freedom loving .

Here are the general associations I have with each court cards in the suit of wands:

Page of Wands

• Child or teenager – energetic, active, creative & talented
• Good news
• The very early stages of a creative project
• Brainstorming

Negative

• Hyper-active, boisterous

Knight of Wands

• A charismatic young man with a magnetic personality
• Popular with the ladies
• Thrill/adventure seeker
• Sporty and active, maybe an athlete
• A musician or artist
• Competitive and ambitious
• Loves his freedom and doesn’t like to be tied down
• Loves to travel
• Exciting lover

Negative

• Unreliable
• Bored easily
• Tactless
• Insensitive

Queen of Wands

• Ambitious and competitive in her career
• Loyal and affectionate, fiercely protective of her family and friends
• Fashionable/stylish/glamorous
• Likes the finer things in life
• Generous to her friends
• Singer/actress/dancer
• Social butterfly

Negative

• Self-indulgent
• Attention seeking
• Over-dramatic/drama queen

King of Wands

• A passionate lover
• A mesmerising presence
• Accomplished creativity
• An entrepreneur
• A musician, actor, artist or poet – a lover of the arts
• Creative director, film director or music producer

Negative

• Bossy
• Hot-headed
• Stubborn
• Tactless
• Sulky

If you place just one court card in any one position you can get an idea of the type of character it represents but end up stumped as to their purpose or relevance. For this reason I always recommend laying at least one other card beside it.

Note the interaction and dynamics of the court card with adjacent cards; are they facing each other, facing the same direction or opposing? This can tell you a lot; two court cards looking away from each other can indicate a dispute where two facing the same direction may indicate that they’re heading for the same goal. If a court card has his back to a another card which isn’t a court card, it may indicate that this person is not happy with whatever situation the other card represents.

You should also bear in mind that two different court cards could be representative of two sides to the one personality. And just one other thing to confuse things; woman can sometimes be represented by kings if they have a particularly dominant character, whilst more shy and timid males can be reflected in the queens. Likewise with determining age; A young man who has a mature head on his shoulders may come through as a king or an older, more immature man show as a knight – remember there are no rules. This is why it’s so important to work on ‘tuning in’ and reading intuitively.

The court cards where such a challenge for me in my early years that I eventually developed my own spread specifically for them. You can view this spread with an explanation to how it works here. Enjoy!

Click here to view the embedded video.

“Who’s gonna run this town tonight?”

“We are, yea I said it we are, you can call me Caesar…”

The wands are up in the air and the team is ready for battle. Losing isn’t an option! With a huge display of fighting spirit they are adamant that the town belongs them, this team are formidable opponents. Are you ready to fight for what you want or believe in? Now is the time!

Today I’ve seen a great example of the Six of Wands in action! A dear friend of mine had been looking for a job, unsuccessfully, for the best part of the last two years. She’s a talented individual who had fallen victim to these tough economic times. After many challenges, obstacles and let downs, today my friend finally landed a fantastic new job! Through sheer determination and perseverance, she has finally emerged victorious.

Victory is the essence of this card. It’s about overcoming obstacles, completing challenges and accomplishing your aspirations.This moment of great achievement can mark a turning point, a sharp turn in the the right direction

You could liken the Six of Wands to gaining a qualification and passing exams with flying colours, or receiving an honour for an act of bravery. This achievement isn’t just handed out on a plate, it has to be earned. Whether it’s studying for hours on end, courageously fighting for what we believe in or just a hard slog against the odds, the Six of Wands is the pay off. If we’re talking about a new job, then obviously the pay off can be literal. However, the sense of pride that’s felt isn’t really measured with numbers.

If you’re are a creative, artistic type then the Six of Wands could represent a final show or exhibition after a long time of preparation. A time when all your hard work culminates into one big display or performance, on show for all to see. The recognition that can be gained at such a time can stand you in good stead for the rest of your career, open doors and present amazing opportunities.

This is a welcomed card, beautiful and inspiring, savour the sweet taste of success that it offers and enjoy the moment as it’s truly wonderful.

• Leadership
• Impulsive
• Short Tempered

The King of Wands has a vibrant spirit, warm, generous and charismatic. He is enthusiastic and impulsive and throws himself into new projects and ideas. At worst he can be a little pushy and overbearing.

He’s no follower he’s a pioneer and often an inspiration to others. Like all fiery, creative types he is also possesses a hot head and wasn’t blessed with the virtue of patience.

• Loyalty
• Strength
• Creativity

The Queen of Wands embodies loyalty and warmth. She is imaginative, passionate, creative and fiercely independent. Her strong-willed nature can sometimes spill over and become somewhat bossy.

The Queen of Wands is upbeat and fun and radiates positive energy. Quietly self assured she accomplishes all she sets out to do.

• Change of Residence
• A Charming Young Man
• Adventure

The Knight of Wands is young, charming and elusive. He is hard to pin down because he is always off an adventure of some sort. This need to constantly seek new challenges and experiences means that he can be somewhat unreliable. However, his natural charm and optimism often mean he’ll be easily forgiven.

If the Knight of Wands represents a situation then the keyword is action. One should embrace their sense of adventure. Enthusiasm abounds with a desire embark on new challenges. This could even indicate a change of residence or maybe even setting up home in a new country.

• Good News
• Creative Ideas
• Beginnings

The appearance of the Page of Wands in a spread offers encouragement to the initial stirrings of creativity. One who is full of ideas may even begin to feel restless.

These initial glimpses of broader horizons must not be dismissed as mere fantasies. The energy which creates these stirrings should be harnessed and channelled.

A little motivation and planning is all that’s need to make these ‘dreams’ manifest into a reality.

• Overburdened
• Oppression
• Overcommitment

Although our ambitions may be within reach, to find the Ten of Wands in a spread indicates that we may be taking on too many responsibilities.

In the workplace, delegation may be required to restore balance. We may feel as though we’re juggling many tasks, or juggling our work and personal life.

In situations like this something has to give as the burden becomes too great. Careful and clever action must be taken to reduce the demands being made of us. We shouldn’t take on any more responsibilities, especially those that belong to other or we risk becoming oppressed.

• Strength
• Determination
• Stamina

When the Nine of Wands appears in a spread it usually warns of a time when a huge amount of inner strength will be required.

Even when we have been worn down with recent struggles and energy reserves are low still more determination is needed and our stamina is tested.

The strength is there if we looks deep enough; if there is a will then there will be a way.

• Travel
• Productivity
• New Activities
• Obstacles Overcome

The Eight of Wands has a positive and productive energy. There is much activity, the wheels are in motion and everything seems to be going well.

Previous obstacles and challenges have been overcome and a period of excitement and optimism ensue.

The Eight of Wands often indicates overseas travel.

There will be a clear stretch of productive, creative activity. Things will move swiftly in the direction they’re supposed to go.

• Competition / Rivalry
• Determination
• Courage

The Seven of Wands in a spread can highlight a time where courage and renewed determination are required. One has worked hard to gain is current position and may need to stand his ground.

One will need to ‘up their game’ if they is to fight off the competition.

Others may challenge one’s rights and a certain level of assertiveness will be required.

• Victory
• Public Acclaim / Recognition
• Award / Qualification

On a personal level the Six of Wands is one of the most favoured suit cards. It symbolises recognition for one’s hard efforts.

Challenges and obstacles have been overcome and your accomplishments have been recognised. One feels like they have been given the seal of approval.

• Struggle
• Petty Squabbles
• Constant Challenges

If you’re having one of those days, weeks or months when things just don’t seem to go the way you planned. Unexpected challenges and obstacles just keep popping up.

Small details hold back progress.

There could even be a person around you who is being competitive or difficult. One could be feeling highly irritated.

• Promotion / Advancement
• Moving Home or Work Environment
• Fresh Starts
• A Rest or Break
• Short Trip

The Four of Wands often reflects a time when one can pause his efforts briefly and celebrate early rewards after a time of hard work. This could literally mean a short trip away.

One should remember that this should only be a short pause as there is more hard work ahead before achieving your final goals and ambitions.

The Four of Wands can also represent changes for the better. Feeling settled in ones environment whether that be in the home or the workplace; achieving a certain level of stability.

• Achievement
• Letter of Acceptance
• Good Initial Results

The Three of Wands heralds a time when new projects have gotten off to a good start and a certain level of success has been achieved. One cannot rest on their laurels at this stage as there is still plenty of work to be done and many more plans to put in action.

There may be an opportunity for promotion or qualifications could be gained.

• Vision and Expansion
• Restlessness
• Decisions and Plans

The Two of Wands represents a time in life when initial stages of a project have taken shape but there is a desire for expansion and growth. Often this desire is accompanied by a feeling of restlessness and a need to broaden ones horizons.

The Two of Wands can also indicate partnerships. One could consult with a professional or expert regarding future plans.