Eight of Wands

Attributions

Mercury in Sagittarius

The suit of Wands represents the element of fire. It is the intuitive function, the libido, the primitive life force.

Some associations are - career, creativity, energy, desire, action, intuition, sex, movement, victory, enthusiasm, confidence, competition, magic and excellence.

The eight represents a yin energy associated with personal power, advancement, reaping the harvest, material gain, regeneration, setting new priorities, new ways forward, re-organization, control. You will reap what you have sowed.

Eight indicates a positive change of mind or progress because of the beneficial qualities of the number eight (2 X 4 - the number of manifestation).

Energy is continual movement. It does not move, it flows. All things move and change and we need to change with them, anticipate them and live dynamically.

The Pictorial Key to the Tarot by Arthur Edward Waite (1911)

The card represents motion through the immovable-a flight of wands through an open country; but they draw to the term of their course. That which they signify is at hand; it may be even on the threshold.

Divinatory Meanings: Activity in undertakings, the path of such activity, swiftness, as that of an express messenger; great haste, great hope, speed towards an end which promises assured felicity; generally, that which is on the move; also the arrows of love.

Reversed: Arrows of jealousy, internal dispute, stingings of conscience, quarrels; and domestic disputes for persons who are married.

Upright

Success.

A time of moving forward and new ideas.

Urgency, haste, impatience, excitement, taking action.

Legal action.

Speed, forward motion.

Flight, a journey by air.

Communications such as emails and love letters.

New information rushes to you as a gift.

Your goals are within reach.

Collection, collectors, multiples.

Unpredictable event.

New career goals.

Love of open spaces.

Sometimes this card can represent direct Divine instructions - a bolt of Celestial power.

Prophetic dreams, acute senses.

Transformation of personality.

Don't allow yourself to be overwhelmed. Things are going to move quickly and synchronicity will come into play. Your hopes and dreams are now within reach.

Pull up your boots and get on with it.

Good natured companions, invitations from friends.

Reversed

Slow down!

Nervous energy, high-strung.

Too many deadlines all at once.

Travelling against your will.

An awaited message doesn't arrive.

The answer is not what was anticipated.

Your journey is postponed.

Hasty messages.

Reckless actions.

Timing problems.

Confusion.

Disputes.

Do the best you have with the information you have at the moment.

Go against your instincts - if you normally hold back, forge ahead - if you forge ahead full steam, be patient.

Jealousy.

Violence.

Stagnation.

Lovers' quarrel.

Overblown ambitions.

Irrationality.

Stand back and observe what is happening rather than jumping in to force something to happen.

Links

Tarot Teachings: What do grade school fire drills have in common with the eight of wands Tarot card meaning? Have a laugh, and check it out here.
The Artist's Inner Vision Tarot: Eight of Wands card from the Artist's Inner Vision Tarot Deck.
Associated Content: Reading Tarot Cards: Eight of Wands
Biddy Tarot: Detailed Tarot card meaning for the Eight of Wands including upright and reversed card meanings.
Crystal Reflections: Eight of Wands - There will be acceleration in your affairs now. News is coming in and there will be "orderly growth" with much cosmic help. You are coming to the completion of ...