Court cards are some of the most difficult cards to read in the Tarot deck. While the Major Arcana cards are relatively easy to apply to any situation, it’s pretty hard to separate court cards from their personality. This issue with the Knight of Wands is no different.
Today, I’ll be going over every single aspect of the Knight of Wands. Hopefully, you will find a description in this post that accurately applies to your reading!
Knights in the Tarot deck are action-oriented people. They’re already in the middle of doing their action (unlike Pages, who are still planning or considering the action) and they are single-minded in their intensity.
Most Knights don’t have the wisdom of the Queens or Kings. Although they have a bit more experience than Pages, they’re young and volatile. Knights tend to be extreme or even a bit fanatic. They will stick to their path no matter what.
If you pull a Knight card, it generally denotes intensity of thought or someone who is single-minded in their quest.
Knight Of Wands:
There are so many different ways to read the Knight of Wands. To help you be more specific in your reading, I’ll go over the card and symbolism as well as the general meaning, then I’ll give interpretations of the Knight of Wands in specific situations.
If you want to read about the Knight of Wands in love, career, finances, as advice, as a person, as a yes/no answer, or reversed, feel free to scroll down to the appropriate section.
Visual Elements:
The visual elements listed here all describe the Rider-Waite Knight of Wands, so you may need to adapt these descriptions based on the deck you’re using. The visuals and symbolism will be different with every deck which makes your reading totally unique.
In the Rider-Waite deck, the Knight of Wands card shows a young man riding his horse in full armor. He is wearing a yellow robe decorated with salamanders as well as a helmet with red plumes.
The Knight holds a wand in his right hand; leaves are sprouting from the wand, just like in the Page of Wands card. However, unlike the Page of Wands, the Knight is depicted in action.
Just like the other Wands Court Cards, the background in the Knight of Wands card is desert-like. There are three mountains in the distance. The landscape is hot, barren, and extremely orange.
The Knight of Wands is associated with the element of fire. However, there is some debate as to his astrological association. Some Tarot readers feeling that he clearly represents Sagittarius (travel & quests), some believe that he is Leo in nature (his desire for greatness), and others think that he is clearly Aries (selfish, confident, and courageous).
Personally, I think that the Knight of Wands is a mix of the fire signs. To give him just a single association seems unfair. He is out for glory (Leo), will travel to get what he wants (Sagittarius), and is single-minded and fearless (Aries).
If I had to pick, I would give him the sign of Aries, mainly because he is young, brash, selfish, and quick-to-the-draw. However, you should go with the sign that feels right to you.
Knight Of Wands Keywords:
Here are some of the most common keywords for the Knight of Wands.
Upright:
- Energetic
- Courageous
- Charming
- Confident
- Daring
- Passionate
- Free
- Action-Oriented
- Hot Tempered
- Adventurous
- Impulsiveness
- Selfish
- Rebellious
- Free Spirit
Reversed:
- Hasty
- Arrogant
- Superficial
- Scattered Energy
- Cocky
- Passive
- Reckless
- Domineering
- Lacking Self Control
- Volatile
- Stuck
- Frustrated
- Restless
Knight Of Wands General Meaning:
The Knight of Wands is brash, brave, and actionable. He is all about movement.
When you pull the Knight of Wands in a reading, you can assume that the meaning has to do with action. Generally, the Knight of Wands meaning is: act first, think later. This card encourages you to get out there and take action. Don’t wait for things to fall into your lap; be the master of your own destiny.
The Knight of Wands indicates that it’s time to shake things up. While the Page of Wands has the idea, the Knight of Wands is the person who executes those plans.
This card indicates that you already have the vision, but you need to put it into action. There is no time like the present. Be bold and courageous and you can accomplish anything that you want.
That doesn’t mean that you won’t encounter difficulties. In fact, this card can indicate that there is “danger” ahead, but it’s nothing that you can’t handle if you’re willing to be brave.
The Knight of Wands can quite literally indicate travel, if that fits with your reading. The Knight is on an endless quest!
More symbolically, the Knight of Wands meaning is that your potential is limited only by your own mind. If you’re willing to put in the work and take action, you can do anything.
As a warning, the Knight of Wands reminds you to make sure you have a solid plan in place. The Knight tends to race in without thinking, but this also causes problems for him with money and even with other people. If this fits with your reading, then the Knight can indicate that you need to come up with a plan before executing it. Of course, the action part of the plan is just as important; you must actually follow through.
The Knight of Wands as an event can indicate something unexpected. You can expect at least one change, whether it’s your job, residence, relationship, financial status, spirituality, etc. This change is usually for the better, but it might take you by surprise and feel overwhelming at first. The Knight is very extreme and leaves no room for hesitation. Over time, you will come to see that this change was necessary and good, albeit a bit fast.
Knight Of Wands In Love:
If you’re single, the Knight of Wands indicates that you need to take matters into your own hands. You will have more success finding the right person for you if you are fearless in love.
The Knight can also indicate that you need to physically go to new places in order to meet the right partner. After all, the Knight of Wands loves to travel. This card is a great indicator when you’re looking for love. It says that you can easily find someone if you simply take action!
This can mean a variety of things, but it certainly indicates that you won’t find your ideal partner staying within your daily routine. Get out there and keep your eyes open for unexpected potential partners.
In a relationship, the Knight of Wands can mean a few different things. Firstly, this card can refer to a period in your love life that feels erratic or unstable. Your relationship could be very up and down and you can’t figure out how to stabilize things.
This is a difficult place to be in. The Knight isn’t the most mature, so there may be a lot of self-absorption in the relationship. If you wish to remain in the partnership, then you will need to work on your communication and your reactions in order to temper the relationship.
Alternatively, the Knight of Wands can indicate that your relationship needs more excitement and passion. Break out of your routine with actions. Travel to new places, meet new people together, and go on adventures.
This can be as simple as trying a new activity in your area or finding a different trail or park to explore. In this scenario, the Knight of Wands is telling you that your relationship needs change in order to re-inspire passion.
As an individual, the Knight of Wands can indicate someone who is rash, charming, and passionate. However, they probably aren’t acting as thought they truly desire a long-term relationship. In fact, you might feel that being around them is a bit erratic. Guard your feelings carefully, because the Knight can be gone in just a snap of your fingers. His interests are often self-serving.
Lastly, the Knight of Wands can indicate that you have a new love interest on the horizon but they aren’t blatantly expressing their feelings. The Knight encourages you to be fearless and make the first move. Your fate is in your own hands!
Knight Of Wands As Feelings:
The Knight of Wands as feelings means that the querent is feeling excited and motivated. This definitely indicates positive feelings.
You’re probably feeling enthusiastic, animated, and energetic. These emotions may have come on rather suddenly. They might also feel fun and playful. However, these emotions are somewhat surface level.
Romantically, the Knight of Wands as feelings can mean that the you find someone physically attractive on more than a platonic level. You’re feeling passionate, although there’s no guarantee that these feelings will last, as the Knight of Wands can indicate fleeting, erratic emotions.
However, the Knight of Wands can also indicate feelings that are self-centered. He is single-minded in his journey and doesn’t take the needs of the people or kingdom into consideration as the King does. The Knight sees only his task and sets off to achieve it without much forethought.
The Knight of Wands can more, more negatively, that someone (yourself or others) is feeling the need to rebel. The individual doesn’t like to feel controlled and might be ready to explode into action.
Knight Of Wands Career:
When it comes to career, the Knight of Wands is a great card in a spread. It indicates success in new ventures.
If you’re beginning something new at work or are even starting a new job or business, the Knight of Wands is telling you to go full steam ahead. You have the motivation and the tools to accomplish what you desire.
However, the Knight of Wands can also indicate that you’re feeling stuck. You may feel that there are no new opportunities open to you, even though you want something to change. This card indicates that you will have to actively seek out opportunities; they won’t just fall into your lap. Motivation and action must come from within, even if you need to expend extra effort.
Ultimately, the Knight of Wands in career is a really positive card. Whatever you’re considering, this card tells you to go for it! This is the time to take risks and break out of your shell.
Keep in mind that anything you do will take work. You need to be invested over the long haul in order to achieve what you desire. However, the sky is the limit if you’re willing to work hard.
Sometimes, the Knight of Wands can represent a swift career move or change. You may jump to a different company or change careers altogether. This can be a really beneficial change, but you should also remember to weigh your pros and cons before making any big decisions.
Knight Of Wands Money:
In a money reading, the Knight of Wands is a good omen. This card can indicate that you’ll be receiving a burst of unexpected money soon.
However, you should be extremely careful not to blow through any money you have now or might receive in the future. Although the Knight is exciting, he isn’t the most responsible. He spends all of his money on his next quest, only to change his destination at the last moment and start something different.
The Knight of Wands can be a warning that you’re going to “burn through” your money if you continue your current habits. This can indicate pursuits for the self like shopping, gambling, etc., but can even signify that you’re lending out too much money or are being too generous with friends and family.
In a money reading, the Knight of Wands encourages you to think long-term. It’s great that you’re excited about things in the present, but try to keep your enthusiasm in perspective and plan for the future, too.
The Knight of Wands usually means that money either is or will flow easily, but you should be careful how you spend it in order to keep this flow going.
Knight Of Wands Health:
If you pull the Knight of Wands in a health reading, it is a clear sign to take action. In fact, the Knight can indicate that your health won’t improve unless you personally change something. Don’t look to others for answers, because the solutions must come from you alone.
This can feel really frustrating if you’re relying on a doctor or medical professional. The Knight is basically indicating that you won’t get what you need from the people in charge.
However, the Knight wants you to take personal action. Do research online, seek out second opinions, look to natural resources, etc. The Universe will bring you what you need if you’re willing to put the effort in. Ultimately, the Knight is a positive health card, should you choose to take the necessary action.
If you’re facing a health decision, the Knight of Wands tells you to make it sooner rather than later for optimal results.
When it comes to mental health, the Knight of Wands also indicates that you need to make a change. Get outside, physically exercise, or actively fix things in your life that are causing issues. With this card, your mental health is in your own hands. When you make changes, you will reap the rewards.
If you’re drawing the Knight of Wands as an “omen” card concerning health, it means that an unexpected boost of energy is coming your way. In placements regarding health that are out of your hands, the Knight is a good sign and means that you can expect things to improve.
Knight Of Wands As Spirituality:
If you draw the Knight of Wands in a spirituality reading, you’ll know that something new is coming your way. Maybe you recently stumbled upon something different that spiritually intrigues you, or maybe you’re still waiting for a change.
Regardless, the Knight says that you should dive in and explore anything new that calls to you. In fact, this is the perfect time to change things up. It’s important that you follow what rings true for you.
Although I generally think the Knight is a selfish card, when it comes to spirituality, I see this as a positive attribute. The Knight of Wands is telling you to follow your own instincts, just like the Knight does. He literally does not care what others think; his actions are beneficial for him alone.
Spiritually, you may need to be a bit more selfish or introspective. What do you truly want? Follow what appeals to that little voice deep inside.
The Knight of Wands also indicates that you need to take action in your spiritual life. Do some research or ritual work, depending on your spiritual beliefs. It’s time to stop thinking and to start doing.
Knight Of Wands As A Person:
Although the Knight of Wands generally indicates a young male (in his 20s or 30s), take this description with a grain of salt. In my experience, the Knight of Wands can just as easily indicate someone with the qualities of the card rather than someone who fits the exact physical description.
This individual is charming and confident. They’re not afraid of anything; they believe in themselves entirely, although they also have the potential to be a bit self-centered or selfish.
The Knight of Wands as a person can also indicate someone who is rebellious or restless. They do what they want, when they want. However, they can be charming and can easily draw others in.
The Knight of Wands is daring and confident. This is definitely the person you’ll want to go on adventures with, but they aren’t the most steadfast or consistent. The Knight changes his mind on a dime, leaving a trail of confused people in his wake. He is always seeking growth and adventure, sometimes at the cost of others.
Lastly, this individual can be really sexy or appealing. The Knight has a lot of natural charisma. However, you shouldn’t count on him to be there for you long-term.
Knight Of Wands Yes Or No:
The Knight of Wands as a yes/no card indicates a definite yes. In fact, this is one of the most positive cards to pull when you’re looking for a definitive yes/no answer.
The Knight can also indicate a quick yes. This is a card of action. However, the action can either come from you (i.e. you must actually do something to achieve the result you desire) or it can come spontaneously from outside resources.
Reversed, the Knight of Wands isn’t necessarily a no, but it does indicate that something is wrong about the situation. There is a crucial piece of information that you’re missing because you’re pushing ahead without planning. Slow down and take stock of your situation. The way forward may be different than you originally pictured.
Knight Of Wands Advice:
When you pull the Knight of Wands as advice, this card shows one very clear message: it’s time to act! Go after what you have been dreaming about.
It’s time to embrace spontaneity and get out there and do it. Don’t let fear or doubt hold you back. The Knight believes in himself and knows that he will be successful at whatever he does. Embody those qualities.
Whether you’re looking for advice in a love, career, health, spiritual, or money reading, the message is that results come from inside of you. In fact, only you can find the motivation to just do it. The Universe has your back, but you need to put in the work to get what you want through actions.
The Knight of Wands as advice can also indicate that you need to see something through. The Knight has a bad track record of leaving projects when he is no longer interested. He bounces from place to place, doing whatever he feels in the moment. However, this isn’t truly the way to accomplish something. If you find that you’re stuck and want to run, the Knight of Wands may indicate that you should push through and finish what you started to really see the benefits.
Symbolism In The Knight Of Wands:
In every Tarot card, there is a whole myriad of symbols. In some readings, the symbolism will be extremely important, so I’m including the main symbols on the Knight of Wands card here.
Keep in mind that symbolism will vary based on the deck you’re using. I recommend looking closely at the pictures on your cards if you’re not using the Rider-Waite deck. The symbolism of the card you actually pulled is much more important than the general meaning! This is one of the reasons why I love using varied decks.
Salamander:
Salamanders are actually the elementals of fire. They’re really important, powerful creatures! In this context, I feel that the salamanders on the Knight’s armor represent transformation. Typically, transformation through fire is rather quick. They also represent endurance and passion.
These salamanders can alternatively represent elementals wanting to work with you, if that correlates with your reading.
Orange Landscape:
Orange is a generally positive color. It symbolizes non-romantic passion and determination. In this circumstance, I feel that this landscape is showing how the Knight can create something out of nothing. He is determined to accomplish his goals, even in the middle of a barren desert; he manages to harness his passion for action because it comes from inside.
The three mountains typically denote obstacles and goals. He will climb the mountain (the obstacle) but will also reach the peak (his goal). Three is the number of creativity, so he will use his mind as well as his physical strength.
The Horse:
In this card, the Knight of Wands is actively riding on his horse. He’s actually in the midst of moving as this image is captured. To me, the Knight on his horse represents immediate action and taking control. In fact, the Knight has full control of the reigns and therefore the situation. He is riding full-steam ahead with no fear.
However, the horse itself is brown and represents stamina and reliability. Even though the Knight is pushing forward with a burst of energy, he is also ready for a long journey. He won’t quit after a short time but will maintain his stamina over the long haul.
Knight Of Wands Reversed:
Reversed, the Knight of Wands can indicate that you have pent-up energy that you can’t release. You probably feel as though nothing is happening fast enough no matter what you do. There may be delays from outside sources or blockages that you just can’t get past.
In this scenario, the Knight of Wands is telling you that you must alter something about your path. Full-steam ahead is not the best option here. Instead, take stock of where you are and adjust the plan a bit. Something is off or missing.
It’s OK to feel frustrated about delays in your situation. You may not have the power to control the outcome and this is something that you want to push through, but the Universe is telling you to wait and listen to that small voice inside of you. This is the time for reflection, not for action. Don’t get depressed over your lack of success. Instead, use failure as a learning opportunity.
Alternatively, the Knight of Wands can indicate that you’re being far too impulsive. You aren’t spending enough time on any one task and are rushing from project to project. Slow down and focus on quality over quantity.
Impulsivity is typically the main issue for the Knight of Wands reversed. This can also pop up in friendships or romantic relationships. You may be saying things that you later regret or trying to make sure everything works out in your relationship immediately. However, good things take time. Trust is build over time.
You are probably afraid of waiting because you would need to confront the feelings inside of you. By acting, you avoid thinking about how you feel. However, the Knight of Wands reversed indicates that you must slow down and work through your feelings before you can change anything about your situation.
In love, the Knight of Wands reversed indicates that someone is acting unstable, reckless, impatient, or is anti-commitment. There can be a sort of back-and-forth quality to any relationship; things seem extremely unsteady.
Instead of pushing through and trying to “fix” the relationship immediately, step back and listen to your gut. It’s hard to take your foot off the petal when a relationship feels turbulent, but it’s necessary to preserve your sense of self.
The other person may be acting bored or restless in the relationship. Remember that you can’t control others; the only person you can protect is you. This may be a time to reevaluate your principles in a relationship and set clear boundaries.
Alternatively, the Knight of Wands reversed in love can mean that there are changes in the environment causing issues in the relationship. Again, the answer is to simply wait. Don’t do anything rash. Wait for the changes to settle.
If you’re single, the Knight of Wands reversed can be a warning that you will meet someone incredibly charming and exciting, but they will be less serious than they appear. Don’t get overly involved. Protect your feelings at all costs and move slowly so that they are forced to reveal their true colors.
In career, the Knight of Wands reversed can mean that you feel like you’re drifting. You may not feel truly fulfilled in any situation, or you may be stuck in an unpredictable career or field. You might dislike your job or field, but you don’t know what’s out there that you would enjoy. Right now, you’re feeling extremely drained.
The Knight reversed is telling you to slow down and listen to your gut. The answer is inside you; no one has control over your destiny but you. You may need to push through a period of discomfort in order to get where you want to go, but long-term career planning is essential here. What do you really want? Figure out a plan to get there.
The Knight of Wands reversed means virtually the same thing for finances as the upright Knight does. The message is simple: don’t overspend. Be wary of poor decisions. In fact, you need to be planning financially for the long-term instead of spending on frivolous items or activities right now. Slow down and reflect before spending.
This card can also mean that in the past, you were reckless with money. Now, this is coming back to bite you. There is no way through but forward, however you can plan for the future and decide how to spend money you earn from here.
