Wands Encyclopedia

Return To Table Of Content Five Wands Five Wands Rx (Free of Charge Download)
Return To Table Of Content 5 5rx 2017 Vivien N Dhuinn

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Unfortunately, due to the fact I am selling this content, copyright rules and regulations
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proves otherwise. I do believe there are different rules for different parts of the world,
but the ins and outs are such a minefield I have decided to leave well alone. I could
apply for permission from US Games, but until I find out the demand for this work, it is
not something I could afford up front. The full copyright on Rider-Waite-Smith content
eventually expires in 2021 which will remove this dilemma. At present, I am only free
to sell my own written content, without the accompanying images.
As a result, I have created some very basic images which I hope will help with focus.
Please note, I am not an artist, so these are very basic.
***Note Where this Book is Provided Free of Charge to Download, Rider-Waite
Images will be inserted.
Images do make a difference and help break up large volumes of content, but as far
as Rider-Waite images are concerned, my hands are tied in this matter. However, I
must assume that any person who purchases the Books, or instalments of Books, has
their own deck of Rider-Waite-Smith cards to refer to when studying content. For those
who dont, images are available online to download for personal use.
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Visit the authors websites: teachmetarot.com / thetarotteacher.wordpress.com
Edition: First Print 2017
Cover Design: Vivien N Dhuinn
Disclaimer - Important Information

The content of this book is an exploration of potential theories, possibilities and
probabilities which may, or may not, be relevant or associated when interpreting Tarot
Cards for relationship, romance, love, and sex, Tarot Reading purposes. My approach
to Tarot is predominantly academic. The collection of interpretations provided are
theoretical, hypothetical, speculative, intuitive, and both academic and abstract. They
are not based on mediumship, psychic involvement, or spirit-guide contribution. In
writing this book I have used an eclectic process to formulate all interpretations. This
process includes: the traditional approach, analysis of imagery, symbolism,
numerology, and elemental influences, along with psychological profiling, deduction,

and a huge input of creative imaginings and personal musings. Interpretations come
from many perspectives and are far from conclusive. It is not intended to be a definitive
study of Tarot interpretation, but purely an exploration of potential ones. I do not claim
to be an expert or figure of authority on the subject of Tarot. Tarot is subject to
interpretation by the individual reader. The interpretations provided in this book are
mine. There is no onus on the reader of this content to take on, or adopt, my approach
to Tarot.
The content provided within this book is meant for entertainment purposes only. It
should add to your knowledge of Tarot, not define it. The reader is encouraged to use
the content to expand on their existing knowledge, while questioning its relevancy in
their own approach to Tarot Reading. With an abundance of potential interpretations
provided, it is expected the reader will relate to some, and not others. A wide choice
is given, so there should be something for everyone.
The interpretations provided for each card are numerous and varied. Unless being
used for a One Card Reading, it is intended interpretation takes into account, all cards
within the Spread, and not just one. Surrounding cards offer supporting evidence for
appropriate interpretation of an individual card, or negate it. Surrounding cards can
also neutralise. The reader should be sensible and sensitive when using the
interpretations provided in this book. There are both positive and negative associations
in all cards regardless of outward appearance. One assumed good or bad card means
little unless surrounding cards back it up. Do not be tempted to automatically veer to
the more negative interpretations provided in this book, unless there is just cause to
do so. The Tarot Cards hold no magical power. They are just cards, cards that tell
stories. It is true some people have terrible stories to tell, which should rightly be
expressed through interpretation. Stories extracted from cards drawn by a querant
should work into the fabric of their life and pertaining situation. The should not force
onto a querant a story fabricated to the desires, fears, or beliefs of the reader.
Whereas many of the interpretations in this book seem dramatic and intense, it is
typically the more mundane ones that are relevant.
**Important Information of Sex Interpretations**

The Sex Interpretations provided below are not based on any specific traditional ones.
I have not sourced them from other teaching systems. They are compiled from intuitive
study, analysis of imagery, intellectual deduction, elemental archetypal association,
numerical attributes and upright/reversal orientation. They should be used as
prompters, musings, theories, contemplations, issues for debate, but not as direct
interpretation unless you feel very confident and assured of their accuracy.
Interpretations pertaining to sex should not be used in readings where you seek
information on a third party, such as your partner, or someone else. You are unlikely
to glean much accurate information and may upset yourself in the process. The sex
interpretations offered are for self-analysis and self-exploration.
Whereas romance, love and relationships are covered when learning tarot, and found
in every book about subject, the area of sex is often over-looked, or avoided. Sexually
themed tarot decks are now readily available, with suggestive or explicit imagery.
These would not be decks used on a general basis, but might be useful when wishing
to explore your sexuality as an individual or couple through the medium of tarot. The
cards can throw up repressed sexual issues, sexual insecurities and sexual
reassurance along with advice and suggestions for improving your sex life. You may
learn a lot about how your attitude to sex and sexuality formed since childhood through

parental influence, education, community and culture, religious influence, peer

influence and natural inclinations. Your approach to sex will also be directly and
indirectly influenced by your experiences in relationships, your first sexual encounter
and the personalities you attract. The tarot can help discover your true sexual nature.
Interpretations pertaining to sex are very subjective. The presence of The Five of
Wands alone in any reading, even about sex, does not imply any one of these
meanings. Cards are read in conjunction with other cards based on the question
asked, the intention set and the nature of the querant. Checking up on the status of
your partner and drawing a Five of Wands does not suggest he or she is off having
sex with multiple partners or into kinky or fetish behaviour. They are provided as
alternative interpretations which might be useful when conducting a reading based on
the sexual side of your own life. This would be a very specific and extremely personal
reading, with very definite intentions very far removed from a general relationship
reading.
The purchase or download of this book does not form a contract. I am not responsible
for your response or reaction upon reading it. It should go without saying that the
content provided in this book, as with all Tarot, does not replace Professional
Medical/Legal/Business Opinion and Advice. It will not force you to follow a particular
course of action, or attempt to exert any form of control over your free-will and common
sense. Any decisions made, or actions taken by you as a result of reading this content,
are your sole responsibility and have not been forced upon you, by me, the author. I
assume no legal liability for any damages, losses, or other consequences of any
decisions, subsequent to, or based on, my Tarot interpretations provided herein.

Contents
(Click to follow Links)
**Important Information of Sex Interpreta tions** ....................................................................... 3

FIV E OF W ANDS W HEN T HE G OING G ETS T OUGH, T HE TOUGH G ET G OING? .................................. 1
Kabbalistic Tree of Life .............................................................................................................. 9
Corresponding Major Arcana ...................................................................................................... 9
The Number Five .................................................................................................................... 11
The Five of Wands I ts Role ................................................................................................... 14

The Four Fives In Tarot ........................................................................................................... 18
Multiple Fives ......................................................................................................................... 19
**Important Information On Sex Interpreta tions** ................................................................... 20

Unsettling Change ................................................................................................................... 21
Trying A Fresh Approach Implementing Change ...................................................................... 21
Bracing Yourself For Change .................................................................................................... 22

Goal Posts Keep Shifting .......................................................................................................... 23
Challenging Relationship .......................................................................................................... 23
A Fier y Rel ationship Love is a Battlefiel d ...................................................................................... 24

Honeymoon is Over - Teething Problems ................................................................................... 25
Trouble In Paradise ................................................................................................................. 25
Stress Causes Lack of Intimacy ................................................................................................ 26

Living On One Salary............................................................................................................... 26
Incompatibility ....................................................................................................................... 26
Difference in Culture ............................................................................................................... 27

Lack of Compromise or Cooperation Opposition To Plan ........................................................... 27
Breakdown in Communication/No One Listening ........................................................................ 28
Separation ............................................................................................................................. 29
The Killing Fields A Partner Going Throug h Separation ............................................................ 29
Terribly Conflicted ..................................................................................................................... 30
Confused About Love............................................................................................................... 30

Tackling Personality Issues When Seeking Love ......................................................................... 31
Fire Fighting ........................................................................................................................... 32
External Demands ................................................................................................................... 33

Family Interference Personality Clash .................................................................................... 33
Third Party Interference .......................................................................................................... 35
Interference from an Ex-Partner............................................................................................... 36

Trouble/ Bringing Troub le On Yourself ...................................................................................... 36
Making A Mess of Your Relationship .......................................................................................... 37
Cant See The Wood For The Trees ........................................................................................... 37

Blaming Others ....................................................................................................................... 38
Not Tying Up Loose Ends ......................................................................................................... 38
The Wicked Webs We Weave.................................................................................................... 38

Gossip Spreading Like Wild-Fire ............................................................................................... 39

Nit-Picking and Nagging .......................................................................................................... 39

Getting Maximum Leverage Out Of Partners Shortcomings ......................................................... 39
Taking a Risk Potential To Blow Up In Your Face ..................................................................... 39

Breaking Marriage Vows/Disrespecting Vows ............................................................................. 40
Drama/Over-Exaggerating - Ambulance Chaser ......................................................................... 40
Panic/Rush/Reckless Action ..................................................................................................... 41

Not Finding A Workable Solution .............................................................................................. 41
Fighting Your Corner ............................................................................................................... 41
Petty Arguments ..................................................................................................................... 42

Sticks And Stones Etc ., Etc., .................................................................................................... 42
Power Strugg les...................................................................................................................... 42
Dynamic Competitive Couple.................................................................................................... 43

Trying To Have It All ............................................................................................................... 43
Unconventional /Par tner/Relations hip/Family ............................................................................ 44
The School Of Life A Novel Approach To Educa tion .................................................................. 45

A Fiery Partner ....................................................................................................................... 45
A Funny Partner ...................................................................................................................... 45
Coming Off The Side lines Being Proactive In Love .................................................................. 46

The Circus Of Dating ............................................................................................................... 46
Party Animal........................................................................................................................... 46
A Raging Flir t ......................................................................................................................... 48

Marking Your Territory ............................................................................................................ 48
Up Against Stiff Competition .................................................................................................... 48
Jousting ................................................................................................................................. 49
Playing The Field ..................................................................................................................... 49
Friends Fighting ...................................................................................................................... 49
Hunting In A Pack Mob Mentality ........................................................................................... 49

Fighting Over The Same Person................................................................................................ 50
Not Listening To Advice Of Friends ........................................................................................... 50
Partners Friends A Bit Wild, But Great Craic! ......................................................................... 50

Social Climber ........................................................................................................................ 51
Having To Watch Your Back ..................................................................................................... 51
Reality Stars .......................................................................................................................... 51

Work Demands ....................................................................................................................... 52
Taking On Too Much ................................................................................................................ 52
No Time For Relationships ....................................................................................................... 53

Get Moving and Have Some Fun! .............................................................................................. 53
Trolls ..................................................................................................................................... 54
House Building /Renovation Issues ............................................................................................ 54

Ants In Your Pants .................................................................................................................. 55
Room for Kids......................................................................................................................... 56
Issues With Ne ighbours ........................................................................................................... 56

Neighbours From Hell! ............................................................................................................. 56

Not Fitting In .......................................................................................................................... 57

Over Familiar With Neighbours Moving Too Fast...................................................................... 57
Getting Stuck In With The Neig hbours ...................................................................................... 58

Barn Raising With A Little Help From My Friends! .................................................................... 58
Fertility Issues ........................................................................................................................ 58
IVF Frustra tion ....................................................................................................................... 59

Adoption Complications/Red Tape............................................................................................. 59
Fostering ................................................................................................................................ 59
Challenging Pregnancy ............................................................................................................ 60

Little Suppor t In Pregnancy ..................................................................................................... 60
Feeling Conflicted About A Pregnancy ....................................................................................... 60
More Pregnancy Dilemmas ....................................................................................................... 61

Nesting Issues /Lack of Domestic Stability ................................................................................ 61
Temporary Housing/Transient Accommodation .......................................................................... 62
Concerns About Bringing Children Into An Uns table World .......................................................... 63

Exercising Dur ing Pregnancy .................................................................................................... 63
Sing le Parent Strugg les ........................................................................................................... 63
Diff icult Babies ....................................................................................................................... 64

Problematic Children ............................................................................................................... 65
Poor Child Supervisio n ............................................................................................................ 66
A Large Family........................................................................................................................ 66
Children Finding T heir Way In The Big World ............................................................................. 66
Being Over-Protective ............................................................................................................. 67
Falling In With The Wrong Crowd ............................................................................................. 67

Troublesome Step-Children ...................................................................................................... 68
Driving Force Behind Difficult Step-Children .............................................................................. 69
Babies & Children Ruining Your Sex Life .................................................................................... 69

Messy Sex Life ........................................................................................................................ 69
Heavy On Protection ............................................................................................................... 70
Ongoing Rows Ruin Intimacy.................................................................................................... 70

Sexual Revolution /Sexually Wild/Liberated/Groupie .................................................................. 70
The Question of Paternity ........................................................................................................ 71
Multiple Advances/Fighting Them Off ........................................................................................ 71

Entitled To Sex ....................................................................................................................... 72
Sexual Harassment ................................................................................................................. 72
Bragging About Sex/Bawdy Talk ............................................................................................... 73

Sex Texts/Talking Dirty ........................................................................................................... 73
Internal Sexual Conflic t/Unwanted Sexual Urges........................................................................ 73
Battling Bigotry ...................................................................................................................... 74

Athletic /Energetic Rough Sex .................................................................................................. 74
Experimenting With New Positio ns ............................................................................................ 75
Porn/Multiple Partners/Group Sex............................................................................................. 76

FIV E OF W ANDS R EV ERSED W HAT D OESN T B REAK US , W ILL ST RENGT HEN U S ............................78

The Challenge With Five .......................................................................................................... 78

Feeling More Certain ............................................................................................................... 80
Change Is As Good As A Rest................................................................................................... 80

Rebuilding A Damaged Relationship .......................................................................................... 80
The Return to Stability Battle is Over..................................................................................... 80
Resisting settling .................................................................................................................... 81

End of Chaos Coming out the other end - Surviving ................................................................ 81
Order Returning On The Domestic Front .................................................................................... 82
Final Snag List ........................................................................................................................ 82

Reclaiming Your Own Space ..................................................................................................... 82
Neighbours Fitting In/Belonging ............................................................................................ 82
Neighbours - Keeping Your Dis tance/Pulling Back ...................................................................... 83

Financial Control Res tored ....................................................................................................... 84
Settling Arguments Truce ........................................................................................................ 84
Focusing on Rela tionship/Career .............................................................................................. 84

Giving 100% To Both Career & Relationship .............................................................................. 85
Wanting To Quit The Ra t Race/Reconstruction ........................................................................... 85
End of Season For Spor ts Personalities .................................................................................... 86

Having to Prove Your Worth ..................................................................................................... 86
Losing to T he Competition ....................................................................................................... 87
Wasting Your Energy ............................................................................................................... 87

Settling for Second Best .......................................................................................................... 87
Lowered Expectations. ............................................................................................................. 88
Cant Take No For An Answer/Fighting On ................................................................................. 88

Becoming A Pest ..................................................................................................................... 89
Learning From The Mistakes Of Others T heir Loss, Your Gain ................................................... 89
Fighting Imaginary Competitors/Territor ial ................................................................................ 90

Not Declaring/Concealing Interest ............................................................................................ 90
Overly-Competitive Relationship ............................................................................................... 91
Quashing A Competitive Partner ............................................................................................... 91

Avoiding Confrontation Internalising Issues ............................................................................ 92
Conforming ............................................................................................................................ 93
Beating Yourself Up Self Blame ............................................................................................. 93

Family & Friend Predictions Come True You Were Warned! ...................................................... 94
Not Wanting to Get Involved .................................................................................................... 94
Pretending No t To Know Or Like Each O ther .............................................................................. 94

External Interference Diminishes or Accelerates ........................................................................ 95
Third Party Interference Kicked Into Touch ............................................................................... 95
Indiscretion Discovered/Eye of The Storm ................................................................................. 96

Silenc ing a Threat ................................................................................................................... 96
Tidying Up Loose Ends /Deliberately Burning A Bridge ................................................................. 97
Conceding Defeat to The Third Par ty ......................................................................................... 97

Introducing A Referee ............................................................................................................. 98

Burning Your Bridges Behind You / Mending Fences ................................................................... 98

Calling Full T ime on Your Relations hip ...................................................................................... 98
The Swan Effec t...................................................................................................................... 99

Preparing For The Real Battle Irreconcilable Differences .......................................................... 99
Ambulance Chasers The Drama of Divorce.............................................................................100
Separation/Divorce A Se ttlement/Battle Becomes Entrenched .................................................100

Custody/Access/Maintenance Battles .......................................................................................100
Dirty Tac tics/Play In Cour t Battles Stooping Low ....................................................................101
Only In It For What You Can Get .............................................................................................101

Only With You When You Are Winning! .....................................................................................102
Control Play by My Rules .....................................................................................................102
Growing Tolerance/Intolerance of Others .................................................................................103

An Aggressive Partner ............................................................................................................104
Anger Management ................................................................................................................104
A Passive Partner ...................................................................................................................105

A Reformed Character ............................................................................................................105
The Sad Clown .......................................................................................................................106
Partner Not Getting On With Your Friends ................................................................................106

Bad-Ass Friends Alert! ............................................................................................................107
A Wolf In Sheeps Clo thing .....................................................................................................108
Keeping It In The Group/Hierophant ........................................................................................108

Walking In Your Partners Exs Shadow No t Being Accepted ....................................................109
Dousing Wild-Fire Gossip ........................................................................................................109
Trolling Increases/Eases Up ....................................................................................................110

Pretending To Be With The Crowd/Soc ial Climb ing ....................................................................110
Celebrity Couples and Paparazzi Issues/Waning Interest ...........................................................111
Not Able For It Anymore Party Days Are Over........................................................................111

Wasted From Partying ............................................................................................................112
Human Rights Activis t ...........................................................................................................113
Fertility Strategy....................................................................................................................113
IVF .......................................................................................................................................114
Adoption & Fostering ..............................................................................................................114
Fostering ...............................................................................................................................115
Delaying Pregnancy Until A More Stab le Time ...........................................................................116
Beginning To Enjoy Your Pregnancy .........................................................................................116
Hormones Settling Post-Childbir th Or Not! ............................................................................116

Pregnancy Exercise/Strenuous Job ..........................................................................................117
Coming Around To Unplanned Pregnancy/Making Your decis ion ..................................................117
Babies Begin to Se ttle/Get Worse ............................................................................................118

Hyperactive Conditions ...........................................................................................................119
Tackling Bullying ....................................................................................................................120
Detention, Suspension and Expulsion .......................................................................................121

Aggressive Children/Bullies/Gangs ..........................................................................................121

Not Little Kids Anymore ..........................................................................................................122

Tied To Apron Str ings .............................................................................................................122
Keeping It Manageable ...........................................................................................................123

Sing le Parent Exhaustion ........................................................................................................123
Step-Children ........................................................................................................................123
The Issue of Paternity ............................................................................................................124

Not Skilled In The Art Of Flir tation Or Seduc tion .......................................................................124
Sex Life Restored After Es trangement ......................................................................................125
Sleeping With Your Ex ............................................................................................................125

After They Get What They Want, Theyre Gone .........................................................................126
Sex Ruins The Dynamics of A Group or Friendship ....................................................................126
Erratic Sex Life ......................................................................................................................126

Allowing Your Sex Life To Slip Away ........................................................................................127
Taking Back Your Sex Life.......................................................................................................127
A Return To Monogamy ..........................................................................................................127

A Feast Or Famine Sex Life .....................................................................................................128
Sexually Passive or Incompatible ............................................................................................128
Dropping Your Guard With Contraception .................................................................................128

Sexual Insecurities.................................................................................................................129
Missing Out Sexually/No Action ...............................................................................................129
Attitude To Sex......................................................................................................................130
Feeling Less Confused About Your Sexual Identity ....................................................................131
Maturing Sex .........................................................................................................................131
Tight-Lipped About Your Sex Life or Kiss And Tell All ................................................................131
Faking Orgasm ......................................................................................................................133
Rough Sex Not Your Thing ......................................................................................................133
The Perils Of Unprotec ted Sex .................................................................................................133

The Downside Of Being A Groupie ...........................................................................................133
Sexual Harassment Stops/Increases ........................................................................................134
Sexual Force/Abuse ...............................................................................................................134

Five of Wands When the Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get
Going?
The Pictorial Key To The Tarot (1911) Arthur Edward Waite

Divinatory Meanings: Imitation, as, for example, sham fight, but also the strenuous competition and
struggle of the search after riches and fortune. In this sense, it connects with the battle of life. Hence
some attributions say that it is a card of gold, gain, opulence. Reversed: Litigation, disputes, trick ery,
contradiction.
(Card Description Based on Rider-Waite Imagery)
A group of five young figures brandish Wands or sticks in their hands. It is unclear
as to whether they use them as weapons for battle or sport. The scene presented to
us is one of chaos, either organised or disorganised depending on the aim of the
individuals involved. The figures appear to be fully engaged in this rowdy activity.
At first glance, it looks a bit dangerous, as if a situation has got ten out of control.
However, when we examine the individual faces, we find neither anger nor malice,
but rather passion and determination. Indeed, they appear to be heartily enjoying
themselves. There is an impression of noise and boisterousness as the Wands make
contact and clash off each other. No one is directly hit with the sticks even though it
might first appear that way. Unlike the Five of Swords, we see no injuries, no blood,
no bodies scattered on the ground. These skirmishes symbolize the battles of daily
life our inherited human condition. Life is constantly throwing curve balls, or sticks
(Wands) at us. We either run for cover, or come out fighting. The five figures have
decided to stand and fight.
1
So, we have determined they are not engaged in mortal combat, but what else
might they be up to? If we closely observe their faces, they do not appear to make
eye contact with each other. Perhaps their Wands clash because they are not looking
where they are going, or are too caught up with their own agendas to notice or care
about others. They move around like busy bees. There is also a sense of urgency
and haste in their mad running around. Could this be a challenge that must be
completed in a set time? Do the five figures work independently or are they part of a
team? With the Wands flying in all directions, we wonder if there is a common cause
at all. There is also a distinct absence of leadership. This could be a competition or
race of some sort, with every man for himself, out for what he can get or achieve.
They may all be seeking the same outcome, but it might be in limited supply. The
first man over the finish line will secure it, so theres no time to dawdle. No one is
project managing the frenzied activity, so anything might happen with such fiery
energy flying in all directions.
Perhaps we are looking at an organised team who have been given a last -minute
task or project to complete. With no time to prepare or delegate, it might be all
hands-on deck, with everyone intent on getting on with their own job. This could be
organised chaos we are observing. The Wands may have a collective purpose rather
than how they are individually represented in the imagery. We are given a snapshot
of this scene and it is unclear whether it is depicting a before or after scenario of the
goal or aim of this group or individual. The scene is captured in high activity, the five
Wands either coming together, or being pulled apart. Could they be a g roup of
builders set with the task of constructing or demolishing something ? Perhaps they
are engaging in a tug of war over it, fighting over ownership. The Wands even in
their current state of disarray do convey an uncanny resemblance to a five-pointed
pentagram, at least at some stage of its existence. The form is there and we must
look at what impact a Pentagram might have on the individuals in this scene. If they
are constructing it, they seem to be in a bit of panic. Are they running out of time or
just eager to reach completion? The pentagram is connected to the Element of Earth
in occult usage, offering ultimate protection and defence. If they are attempting to
erect one, it appears they all have differing ideas as to how this might be
approached. Their definition of a Pentagram and what it means may wildly vary.
Their scattered energy is getting them nowhere. If someone took charge it wouldnt
look as chaotic, but will these Fire personalities be happy with handing control to
another, especially if large egos are involved?
The figures wear outfits of varying colour and style. This is very significant as it
symbolises their different mindsets and personalities. There is no uniform or team
colour here, and perhaps no common ground either. Whatever the situation,
argument or challenge, all appear to have different approaches to how it should be
sorted. Everyone is shouting at the same time making it impossible to hear what
they individually say. If over-inflated egos are active, each will attempt to force
their view, opinion, or idea on the others to gain supremacy. Each figure thinks they
know best, and will want their own way. In their eyes, there can be only one winner,
one champion.
A victor must emerge from the group to assert full authority and command
leadership. However, what started off as great sport, could result in tears if the
figures become forceful or pushy with their own agenda. Petty conflicts and
disagreements may escalate into open hostility or serious warfare unless someone
can step in to calm the situation or assume control. The imagery depicts the
archetypal situation of too many Chiefs and not enough Indians. Everyone is too full
of their own importance to think of the greater good of all. It could all get too
personal with opponents perceiving slight or insult at every opportunity. There may
2
be no physical injuries, but egos could take a bashing. If so, we will not see much
reason or rationale among this group as they seek to retaliate and lash out at each
other. Here we see the Fire Element overheating a situation or issue. It will gleefully
run amok in this uncontrolled environment. With poor communication and
cooperation among the group, mistakes are likely. They could waste valuable time
and energy firefighting each ensuing disaster.
There must be one among them who has the foresight to see they are get ting
nowhere behaving as such. Surely, they can find something to agree on. If they
could negotiate some common ground to work from, it would at least be a start. A
leader must be appointed or self-appointed. Whoever it is will need to be made of
strong stuff, and assertive but not forceful. He will not be dealing with a group of
easily led or swayed people, for most will have large egos and may not be
compliant. He must also be popular with the group, not someone who raises their
hackles or tries to lord it over them. The leader must be ingenious, and come up
with something the others have not thought of, an acceptable solution to all their
problems, something that will appeal to the mass. He knows the group is full of
bright sparks who have great ideas and plans. He can only imagine the great things
they could do if they were to put their heads together and work as a team instead of
whingeing and back-biting. Individually they have wonderful qualities and talents to
bring to the table. The creative possibilities of this group are endless, but the
competition between them fierce, the pettiness of their quarrels and
complaints often tedious and irritating. Compromise is the solution to any issues or
disagreements between these figures, but that might be easier said than done. They
need to listen to the needs, ideas, and opinions of each other without jumping in
with their own, or engaging in heated disagreement and opposition. Grievances need
to be aired and heard. If that is allowed, they may be surprised to discover they
have many commonalities, something to work with for the greater good. With all the
noise and uproar, they dont take the time to listen, preferring to jump to
conclusions instead. They must also understand that compromise does not equal
failure, weakness, or selling out. Rather it is a sign of maturity and an openminded,
balanced approach. If they can manage this, they will grow in stature and others will
respect their integrity.
A peaceful end can be brought to the battle. Whoever manages to achieve this will
undoubtedly emerge as the leader of the pack, the strong favourite. If he has been
fair to all, he will gain the respect, support and loyalty of the others who will happily
work under his guidance.
The Green Earth beneath the battling figures could be a sports pitch, but there
doesnt seem to be any Captain in charge of the team. At this point, no one knows
which side they should be on. They all run after the ball at the same time with no
one left covering the rest of the field. However, this may be a practice or warm up
before the real game or battle, as we see the figures limber up. Let the Games Begin
and may The Best Team Win. Its too late for nerves now as the men go out to fight
to the bitter end. They will need plenty of stamina to stay the course.
The expanse of earth symbolises the territory each fight to protect, defend or
maintain. There is plenty of land around, with more than enough space for all, but
they fight over the same patch (opportunity) regardless. They may see this plot as
the best land (opportunity), so all are determined to secure it. Second best will not
do. Once a champion has emerged and secured it, he will then go after the
unconquered territory in the background. There will always be more battles t o fight.
At present, the group battle in a sports-like manner. They are all worthy opponents
and good sports, happy to give as good as they get, and willing to take it on the chin
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if necessary. This type of challenge releases pent up energy and keeps them fresh
and invigorated. All stand on equal footing. No one has seriously pushed to the front
of the pack yet, but it wont be long until someone makes a break for it. The five
figures may appear to be caught up in their individual aims, but it is likely they are
keeping an eye on each other, ready to move rapidly should one seek to gain
advantage. We will then see the game, challenge, or battle accelerate rapidly as
remaining competitors take chase.
If we were to stumble upon the scene in the Five of Wands, we might think someone
is bound to get hurt, but adrenaline is running so high it would be some time before
any would notice or feel the injuries sustained. For those involved, it might fire their
blood to sustain such high level of challenge but it will prove wearing and stressful if
allowed to continue indefinitely. It will also cause stress for others in their immediate
environment who may have to live, work, or co-exist with them. There is little
chance for peace and harmony with this group in action.
The balance and teamwork of the Four has vanished and it is everyman for himself
now. Something may have happened to disturb the four strong Wands that were
planted firmly in the ground. Someone wanted to change the set -up or arrangement
of these four Wands by introducing a fifth, or perhaps they fell apart due to neglect.
Craving change, they may have intentionally picked away at the foundations until
they became lose and shaky. The fifth Wand might have been introduced to prop
them up, a stop gap until they could determine what was to be done. The fifth
Wand may stand out as different from the previous four. It may appear forcefully,
an unwelcome visitor or uninvited guest arriving to disturb the status quo. It may
invade the space of the four, causing change, shock and disruption. This fifth Wand
has broken the perfect symmetry of the structure. It remains to be seen what it will
be replaced with. The fifth Wand might be demanding, dictate how any changes will
come about, and what form the new structure will take. It may want to be at the
centre of it, usurping the original order. If the figures dismantled the previous four
Wands without a plan for what happens next, they will have introduced great
uncertainty, instability and insecurity. If the four Wands had provided shelter,
sanctuary, or a home for its occupants, it looks like they may be left exposed to the
elements until these five figures can get their act together.
With Five being a number of change, it could explain the chaotic scene in this card.
Perhaps change is badly needed, and we see action taken to initiate that change.
Regardless of how wonderful we view things at times of our life, we typically grow
tired of them when they remain static or become outdated. Think of that lovely to
die for kitchen you had fitted 15 years ago. Yes, it was once right on trend, a la
mode, but now it is all wrong and you feel jaded looking at it. You cant wait to be
rid of it, your attention shifting to something more stylish, novel, and aesthetically
stimulating. So, we now see the figures enthusiastically throwing themselves into
overturning the old order in favour of the new.
There is a need to alter, re-work, or re-imagine the Four Wands for one reason or
another. Perhaps the figures are bored with the look, feel, or energy it yields. Has it
become old-fashioned, a thing of the past? Then again, there may be no reason
other than wanting change for change sake. There may have been nothing wrong
with the old fitted kitchen that a lick of fresh paint could not have sorted, but the
need to be rid of it becomes urgent. Now we might see a garden/boot sale or skip,
as items (parts of life) that once held value or worth are sold off or discarded.
However, we do see great interest shown by others , probably nostalgic Cups keen to
restore, or conscientious Pentacles determined to recycle. What one figure views as
rubbish or useless, another sees in it worth and potential. This card shows the
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Wands restless spirit and urge to shake things up for good or bad. The demolition
team cannot wait to start. A change is as good as a rest. They have had their rest in
the Four. In the Five it is time to get moving again.
Should this card symbolise deconstruction, the figures could live to regret tearing it
apart or disturbing the foundations. Should they change their mind, it may not be
possible to restore it to its original glory. Some things undone can never be redone
in the same manner. It is hoped the figures took this into consideration before
acting. Although the five strive in earnest, nerves will be on edge and patience
tested during this period of upheaval. If any of the Wands hold great value, some
may get damaged in the foray through carelessness or negligence.
We might also be looking at blatant sabotage in the imagery of this card. The
collective aim is to sort out all these Wands, to construct or deconstruct as
necessary, but there may be one, or several among the group who seek to throw a
spanner in the works. If this group have been getting nowhere with their project or
task, they need to ask why? If they are beset with ongoing problems and setbacks,
perhaps there is more to it than meets the eye. Could someone be working behind
the scenes to ensure the groups endeavour fails , to undo any good work that comes
about. Might they not want it to progress to completion, or succeed? While all
appear to strive in earnest, there may be one who works equally hard to scupper
their progress or sabotage the outcome. The individuals may be too busy and
distracted with the task at hand to notice treachery amongst them. Petty rivalry or
jealousy could be the driving factor behind the scene. However, it could also be a
cunning well-planned strategy. Orders of sabotage may come from an external
source, someone higher up the ranks or flying below radar. Their involvement may
not be immediately obvious, or perhaps above suspicion. This person may not wish
to come out in the open, preferring to let others do their dirty work in their stead.
This third-party could be known to the group; a close friend, family member, work
colleague, associate, partner, or ex-partner.
We must also look at the imagery to determine if the group of combatant figures are
being unreasonably pushed or forced in a negative sense. Has someone a whip to
their back, driving them to extreme levels? Here we might see bully-type behaviour.
Instead of working towards compromise and tolerance, the figures may be beaten
into compliance or submission. They may have no say in the matter and must toe
the line or suffer the consequences. They may not want to engage on such an
aggressive level with each other, but it might be a case kill or be killed. Depending
on the environment they work in, they might also be under pressure to compete or
battle against their self, constantly pushing for more, peddling hard, afraid to get
left behind.
Although The Five of Wands can simply represent a head of steam releasing, it also
flags the potential for trouble if it blows at the one time or is encouraged to
continue. Could there be one among the group intent on igniting trouble, using
coercion or manipulation to fire tempers or attitudes. Could there already be a
leader of the pack who hides among the group inciting rebellious behaviour? He may
be the ring leader who leads his mob into such forays . This group might hunt in
packs, appearing fierce and formidable when together, but when singled out or
separated, are weak and insipid. They might be all mouth and show, with little
substance underneath.
Arthur Edward Waite alludes to the scene being one of mimic warfare, again
suggesting that it may look worse than it is , or that those who engage in this sham
style of fighting mean no intentional harm. It is simply the way of the world as one
climbs to the top. Everyone does it. The individual figures expect it to be so, and
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their opponents would deem it an unworthy fight if they did not have others to
challenge them enroute. Without a healthy battle, it could feel a hollow victory for
these combatants. The message rings out loud and clear. If you cant beat them,
join them. If you are not in, you cant win.
Each Wand-bearing participant fears missing out on the action. It is best to be part
of the game of life, rather than stand on the side lines. For them, it is the way of
the world. They have actively signed up to be part of the rat race of life, the daily
commute, the cut throat competition for jobs, promotion, opportunity, gain, success,
and of course, love. No one wants to get left behind and are prepared to fight their
way through. They hungrily seize upon every opportunity to partake in the games, a
chance to make their mark or hit the spotlight. The five figures hold their individual
Ace of Wands aloft, ready to put them to maximum use. The Wands ignite the fire in
each one.
The sham warfare depicted is not for the faint-hearted. Much courage and conviction
is required to stay in the game and last the pace. Each combatant must believe
strongly in his chance of victory. Ask any top athlete or sportsperson and they will
tell you there is no point entering the competition unless you intend to win. This
self-belief must be present, regardless of any odds that are stacked against them.
History has shown it is often the underdog, unseeded, or novice competitor that
upsets the predictable order of play and medals. He can also upend the betting odds
by outrunning or outdoing the favourites. Therefore, only by entering the race, can
one hold any realistic expectation of succeeding, or coming out on top. Competing
also improves their game. If they work hard and doggedly keep at it, they have
every bit a chance as the next to get the upper hand and gain superiority. This is
how it is done. If they keep throwing enough Wands at it, some are bound to hit
their target. This is typical Wands behaviour, taking a chance, going for it, giving it
their all. We dont see any quitters in this imagery. No one stands on the side-lines,
looking dejected or conceding defeat. The combatants may be eventually beaten
into the ground by other competitors, but they will have tried their best. If they
must go down, it will be fighting. Who knows what the outcome of their endeavours
will be. All look equally matched at this point. It is still anyones game.
In the imagery of the Five of Wands we get a sense of fair play. Each combatan t
gives as good as they get without causing any serious injury or harm. Although they
individually seek supremacy and are at odds with each other, they do have a
collective understanding of what is acceptable behaviour and what is not. There are
certain rules, both spoken and unspoken which all are expected to abide by if they
are to retain the respect of each other and those who may be overseeing or
observing the battle. We see all the Wands brandished high in the air. There are no
below the waist, underhand, or sneaky manoeuvres attempted. They each want to
win fair and square, with no dispute over the outcome. They totally disassociate
from dirty tactics or play, and would be horrified to discover any of their opponents
stooping so low. They would be quickly called out should they do so. The group play
under the motto of may the best man win. However, we would be terribly naive to
assume they will not push the boundaries of this by seeking every opportunity to get
ahead by disabling or disadvantaging their opponents. After all, that is the nature of
competition. Of course, they do know where to draw the line with such behaviour,
being careful not to break any golden rules that might result in a yellow or red card.
All is fair in love and war, but only within acceptable and agreed levels of contact.
They do not set out with the intention of seeing any of their fellow competitors
stretchered off the pitch. Accidents will happen regardless of good intentions, but
they will be just that accidents, with no malice or spite intended.
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We must also look at less sportsmans like behaviour in the imagery of the Five of
Wands as it does hold the potential to tip over into the dark side. In this instance,
we find malice and skulduggery aplenty as blows delivered by the Wands
intentionally strike below the belt. They aim to inflict injury, or at the very least stop
someone in their tracks. Fair play goes out the window as the game becomes
dangerous and mean-spirited. Rivalry and jealousy dominate, with cut-throat
competitors prepared to do anything to win. A win is a win at the end of the day, the
end justifies the means. They may be doubtful of their ability to win by just tactics,
so are prepared to stoop low to gain unfair advantage. Ruthless with ambition, they
use their Wands to beat others off their path. They do not seek healthy competition,
preferring a guarantee of success without honourably earning it. They are prepared
to walk over every and anyone to get it, leaving footprints on the backs of those
who play by the rules. They are not interested in teaming up with others, or offering
a helping hand to those who might be struggling to stay in the game. In this
manner, we see the closed approach of the Five as its world narrows down into a
pinpoint, with a conceited, self-important, narcissist Wand at its epicentre.
Looking at the imagery of this card from another perspective we might see the five
figures as conflicting aspects within the self. The raging battle comes from within
this time, and highlights internal struggle, conflicting feelings, attitudes and ideas,
that lead to agitation and confusion. The varying personality aspects battle each
other to find order, or change the order of things, but opposing forces cause
problematic challenges. The person depicted on this level may feel all over the
place, totally at odds with their feelings, environment and circumstances. They
may seek change, but it might come at a cost. The change sought may not be
compatible in all areas of their life. They may change the arrangement of these
wands over and over to see how and where they might fit together. Change may be
opposed by others who would rather maintain the status quo.
Looking at the Wand bearing figures we might also contemplate them as individual
irritations, petty nuisances and trials that stand in the way of us going about our
business. It would be nice to walk across the clear field for once, unhindered and
unburdened by the demands of daily living and those we are under obligation to.
The figures may be seen as interruptions to our day, work, leisure, and quality time
spent with partner or loved ones. They might represent the annoying customers,
guests, and clients that get in the way of us doing our job. If only they would go
away and leave us alone. Everyone is demanding to be seen and dealt with first,
each one assuming a sense of great importance and entitlement. One is expected to
be here, there, and everywhere - all things to everyone all at the same time. It is
wearing to say the least, and leaves us disgruntled and ill-tempered with everyone.
The participants could also be boisterous children, needy family members or
demanding partners. Everyone wants a piece of you, now, this second. No one is
prepared to wait or give you space. Sometimes things just need to be done, busy
times as such when its all hands-on deck with much input required of you. From
dawn to dusk youre up against it, chained to the treadmill. Widespread demands
could cause a dissipation of vital energy. When will it end? This level o f exertion
cannot be indefinitely sustained. However, we might find varying levels of
contentment in this group. Some may enjoy such a frenetic lifestyle, unable to sit
still, unwilling to miss out, while others feel they have no choice, all a constant
challenge that drains their energy and resources. What stimulates one, will wear
another out. Variation is key here with Five brining fluctuation, unpredictable and
often incompatible arrangements. It might be hard to understand where each figure
in the imagery stands in this manner.
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The scene in the Five of Wands highlights petty squabbles , disagreements and in-
house fighting which tend to cause disruption and tension within a certain group or
environment. An unsettled atmosphere is created, which like fire, is regularly stoked
and refuelled as the situation demands. This quarrelsome bunch could represent
family, friends, neighbours, college mates, work colleagues or troubled relationships.
There is a need to be constantly at each others throats over certain hot topics. This
scene could depict the normal everyday dynamics of the group, or a particular
situation. Family members may be at loggerheads with each other, airing ancient
grievances or dislikes. The group could divide and take sides, creating a situat ion of
us against them. Disputes fail to get resolved as no one is prepared to back down on
contentious issues. Some people just cant get on with each other, or perhaps wont
try. Black is white and white becomes black as those involved refuse to agree on
anything or deliberately contradict to stir things up. Life becomes harder than
necessary. Peace is neither sought nor desired. Like unruly children, these trying
Wands could need constant supervision and overseeing to ensure they dont get out
of hand. Someone may need to referee them.
The clear blue sky symbolises the need for peace through communication. There
are no clouds in the sky so the situation is not as bad as it is made out to be. The
battle looks worse than it is and those involved in the commotion may be confused
at this stage as to what its all about, who started it and why it has gone on this
long. They somehow got caught up in the drama of it and kept going. There may
be nothing to fight about when all is said and done, except battle for battle sake.
Perhaps it is a form of habitual behaviour for those represented by the figures in the
imagery. Maybe this is their approach to life in general. Must everything be a battle,
must they always react in such a manner when things do not go their way? Why the
need to be so confrontational? Must there always be a scene wherever they go?
Must drama constantly follow in their wake? The imagery could suggest a personality
that struggles to stay under control. It doesnt take much to set them off or ignite
strong emotional responses. The disarray of Wands in the imagery could suggest
tempers firing in all directions, lashing out indiscriminately. It resembles
unsupervised children in the school yard. Games that started out innocently turn
into shambles of undisciplined rough-play, as they pick on each other with tit for tat
reactions. If such rowdy scenes become regular occurrences, the group will quickly
gain a reputation for it. They might be given a wide berth as no one is prepared to
put up with their behaviour.
When we look at the scene of intense activity in the Five of Wands we have already
noted how eager they are to engage. We might be looking at a group of friends who
enthusiastically take on an ambitious project together, with or without the necessary
experience required. They are willing to give it a go regardless. Whatever they lack
in skills is made up for in their collective self-belief. They showcase a can do
attitude. It may look like mayhem at the moment as they struggle to find their feet
with whatever project they have taken on. There might be a lot of learning on the
job, but if they can stick with it, incredible results can be achieved.
The scene in the Five of Wands reminds us of an archetypal barn raising where
family, friends, and community come together to build or rebuild a barn for
someone. Here we find a gathering of individually skilled tradespersons who take
time out from their own work, business, or life to lend their experience to another.
Hence, we do not have a formal team as depicted by their varying attire.
*************
5 Disruptive change. Embracing/Resisting Change. Initiating/Forcing Change.

Uncertainty and frustration. Chaos. Disturbance and unease in a relationship.
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Construction/Deconstruction. Unexpected events and issues. Distraction.

Competition/Opposition. Assertiveness, confidence, tenacity. Territorial. Interference.
Kabbalistic Tree of Life
5th Sephira, Geburah (Severity/Strength/Judgement/Power). This Sephira brings
with it restrictions, chaos and upheaval. Restrictive and eliminating, it can force energy
to die if deemed obsolete or unworthy. It holds great authority and judgement over
what can stay and what must go. Old outworn or outdated habits and patterns are
ripped away to be replaced by new energy. Great power is unleashed in Geburah
which can be destructive if handled irresponsibly or deliberately misused. Its power
and force must be unleashed for the greater good or it can have devastating
consequences. Astrologically this Sephira corresponds with the planet Mars God of
War and Conflict. Energy takes another step closer to creation and manifestation. The
birthing or bringing of life into existence is not always easy. Sometimes one must fight
to overthrow opposition and obstruction that seeks to block progress and evolution.
Geburah helps forming energy battle through, fighting the just cause for survival and
overwhelming opponents that work on the lower planes. Geburah clears the path of
excess and overabundance.
Corresponding Major Arcana
The Hierophant (V). This Major is quite complicated, carrying both a light and dark
side in his energy. Numerically he is linked to the number 5 which is chaotic,
unpredictable, ever-changing and destabilising - the very opposite of what the
Hierophant stands for and therein may lie the karmic lesson of this major. He is a man
of great education, entrenched in long standing tradition and conventional governing
very un-five like. His presence can be associated with restriction, narrowed-beliefs
and conventional expectation, but he is the bedrock of stability and constancy. When
life is turned upside down and full of uncertainty, it is the Hierophant who will offer a
steadying hand and reassure us of the divine order of things. In times of the great
trauma and loss Five can bring, we often turn to prayer and religion to guide us
through. We seek support that comes with group identity and understanding. The
Hierophant is there for us when we need him regardless of how indifferent we are to
his presence at other times.
Bound within institutionalised laws and rules, The Hierophant has remained constant
in his approach throughout time. He is not one to challenge or overthrow longstanding
hierarchies, being at the top of that order himself. Whether he declares it or not, the
Hierophant holds great power over our actions, feelings and thoughts. He can make it
difficult to remain true to our inner-self, own beliefs and personal direction when they
break from the conventional path. His doctrine is deep-rooted within us which can be
either a blessing or curse. We can stymie our own progress and growth by fearing
what others may think or say about us. We may seek to belong, drawn to the group,
eager to fit in, or we can actively remain apart and aloof, revelling in our individuality
and uniqueness. Discouraging of individual thought or freedom of expression in favour
of group belief systems, The Hierophant stands for conformity and compliancy, which
at times can appear repressive depending on how tight his control and how great our
desire to do as we please.
The Hierophant is the appointed, or self-appointed spiritual/religious ruler who teaches
and guides his congregation in either a group or mob fashion. He instructs them in the
ways of the world, religious beliefs, and moral values. It will take great strength of
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conviction to stand up to the conservative energy of The Hierophant if you do not agree
with him. You may also find it hard to get others to rally to your support as his reach
and influence is far and wide.
In his Upright Aspect, he represents those who live by conformity, convention and the
often-rigid expectations of society. He is the spiritual teacher of duty, morality and
group values. He symbolises the conscientious and righteous. When tempted to stray
from his path and doctrine, he steps in and saves us from ourselves. Without his
guidance and constraint, his flock would fall into disarray, becoming indolent, slothful
and immoral, or rebellious and mutinous. He reminds his followers to be mindful of the
consequences of their actions should they wander from his tutelage. He observes
closely those who seek to question his authority or teachings as they threaten the
stability of all he stands for. In his most noble sense, The Hierophant will move with
the times, embracing the beliefs of all, making himself available to those in need of his
counselling and support, regardless of creed they follow. He is benevolent and
compassionate and teaches his followers to do likewise. However, he can be equally
intolerant of those who do not share his belief system, dismissing them as unworthy
or unjust. He can encourage his flock to think the same.
The Hierophant when Upright resists the energy of Five. He refuses to adapt or be
flexible to changing tides of belief or administration. When Reversed, he represents
those who challenge conformity, seek change and think outside the box. When Upright
he can encourage rigidity and stagnation. His dogma and narrative may not allow for
individuality or autonomy. When Reversed, he fosters release, escape and free
thinking. We need a healthy balance of The Hierophant, for the extreme of both
Upright and Reversed are equally concerning. Somewhere in the middle lies an
acceptance and tolerance of both states of mind and manner of existence. His flock,
do not need him to access god, or be morally responsible. They are only led to believe
this. If The Emperor and Empress have done their work well, their produce will reflect
such balance. The Hierophant should not misuse his power for forceful control. He
must rise above such tendencies and work only on a spiritually just level. He is but a
channel for divine and spiritual knowledge, not the source of it.
Temperance XIV, another Five when its digits are reduced, attempts to find balance
and offers healing between the influence of Death (unsettling change) and The Devil
(domination and bondage) during times of trauma and change. Death seeks change
and release, while The Devil deals in servitude and captivity. It can come down to a
decision of staying with the old or moving with the new. Change can be actively
avoided or eagerly embraced depending on which energy holds power. Death will seek
change and release, while the Devil will hold on by his claws, resisting new ways of
being or thinking. Temperance must find a way to strike a deal with both through
personal empowerment and integrity. There is a time to change or rebel, and a time
to conform and accept. Temperance understands the timing of both. Death and The
Devil battle for supremacy. Under the ceremonial robes of The Hierophant, The Devil
can lurk. He preaches of only one God, his God, he who must be obeyed. Those who
lack the power to question and blindly follow may be unaware of whose true presence
they stand in. Temperance will offer the voice of reason through moderation.
Temperance does not jump fully into the lake, preferring to keep a balanced
perspective on what is going on. There is no all or nothing approach with
Temperance. Temperance helps those who are heavily under the influence of The
Hierophant understand there is more than one way, more than one fix for the situation,
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it may not be to the liking of others, or what is socially acceptable, but it may work for
the individual. Somewhere in between lies the truth, not necessarily on one side or the
other. It is not their way or the highway, but must be negotiated. It is Temperance who
restrains both Death and The Devil from violently ripping through on their agenda. It
will seek a softer approach by calming tempers and soothing the frayed nerves ignited
by disruptive change and loss.
The Number Five
Fives in The Minor Arcana represent change and the need for change. Breaking from
the normal approach of the Upright aspect being generally more positive, Five
changes the order of things. When Upright, it can be rigid and narrow as it resists
change or struggles with it. When Reversed it becomes all-embracing and accepting.
Because of its overriding erratic nature, both Upright and Reverse Five can bring great
extremes. The orientation of Five dictates the manner in which it deals with, or
approaches, change. The change brought about by Five is often unexpected or
chaotic.
Five rebels and rails against the predictability of Four. It finds the symmetry of Four
boring and uninspiring and sets out to disrupt it. It challenges Four to a battle for
supremacy. Five wants to show there is more to life than what Four has to offer and
asks is this it? Look how you are boxed in, how limited your scope and coverage. How
boring to tread the same four corners, day in and day out. Look at the variety of options
when a fifth point is added. How interesting and diverse it will be. I can show you, but
first I must take apart what you have so carefully put together. Are you up for that?
Five wants to prove to Four that the world wont necessarily end should it decide to
rearrange itself, or look for new ways of being. However, Four will not be open to such
dissention and will stubbornly refuse to budge, holding fast to the structures it has laid
in place. Instead of Five accepting this and moving on, it will seek to rattle Fours cage
and foundations. Five does not like to be told no. It may deliberately knock or kick
down the walls of Four, undermining and weakening its strength. This is all high energy
and great fun for Five, who as if in a challenge or game, will be keen to see how quickly
it can destabilise Four. Four may attempt to barricade the doors and windows against
Five that has turned up unannounced in its garden, but Five will find a weak point and
gain entry.
Five is not content to go with the flow of what others expect of it. It has an independent
streak and fiery spirit and opposes what the Hierophant stands for, sometimes
blatantly so. Five changes its mind regularly and rapidly, shifting direction constantly
on a whim, or for the sheer thrill of it. It may be hard to keep up with Five as its pattern
is random and erratic, its energy shooting out in all directions. It is in constant need of
change and will regroup and reform in several stimulating arrangements as it builds
momentum, each new formation inspiring and motivating further action. Five brings
disturbing impulsive influences that can feel threatening and destabilising. It has no
time for the status quo of things. Where order has been allowed settle and form, its
natural instinct will be to upend it, to shake it up out of apathy and lethargy and see
how far it can push the boundaries.
Five does not recognise or respect margins or parameters, preferring to step over the
line, barging its way through and trespassing on private property. It has a free for all
attitude and approaches change in a cleansing and cathartic manner. It positively
thrives in a sea of uncertainty, chaos, disruption and disorder. However, Five is
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refreshing, its energy invigorating and revitalising. It is a challenging and testing

number, demanding engagement and retaliation. Blatantly competitive and provoking
in its manner, it seeks confrontation, not compliancy.
Unlike Four that is opposed to change or resists disturbance, Five embraces it
ecstatically. If life becomes too boring or stagnant, it acts as a catalyst, instigating
change - often forcing it when resistance is encountered. Five blows the cobwebs
away and throws open the curtains on sedate Four, exposing the layers of dust that
have gathered when life has become too settled. Five blows out the windows, inviting
a hurricane to enter and do as it will. It seeks novelty and change to such an extent it
can be irresponsible or thoughtless about the consequences of its actions. Not
everyone will feel as exuberantly about change and disruption as Five does, but it may
not take that into consideration, deeming its presence a breath of fresh air and long
overdue. In its negative sense Five can force change in a selfish manner, without a
thought for those who are happy as they are. It is quite ready to throw a grenade in
the door, causing great destruction and upset.
Five is flexible and adaptable, able to pack its bags in minutes and head off into
uncertainty without a plan of action. Five finds it tough, even impossible, to put down
roots or stay in one place for too long. It likes to try out several ways of being. Just
when it appears to settle, it is up and off once more. It is a huge risk taker, and will
push the boundaries of convention and society, possibly causing upheaval along the
way and intense irritation to others. Five goes its own way and no amount of emotional
appeals will get it to conform. Five will be admired by those who respect its spirit and
dynamic nature, but will be held in contempt by those who disapprove of its wayward
behaviour.
As much as Five is a strongly competitive number, its not a team player. It does not
like to be bound to group thought or conformity so will avoid being drawn into clubs or
organisations that seek to force upon it their dogma, rules and regulations. It likes to
play by its own rules, make up its own mind, do its own thing and go its own way. Five
will aggressively resist and rebel against stifling attitudes and will be quick to offer its
opinion in a confrontational manner. It does not hold back, does not stand on ceremony
and does not take prisoners. It lives by its own ideals and beliefs. As a result, Five will
be opposed to religion in most forms, viewing it controlling and restricting. Five must
follow its own path.
Fives has an agenda that seeks freedom. This desire for freedom makes it hard to
control. Five can quickly get out of hand if no self-discipline is applied. It has very
strong opinions and will not be afraid to voice them, irrespective of how controversial
they may be. Five can get into overheated debates about certain topics. In this
negative aspect, it lacks self-discipline and may not think before it acts. It may become
uncaring about the impact of its behaviour on others. Five can also fall into bad
company with its daredevil attitude and scant regard for appropriate behaviour. It s
craving of novelty and distraction may lead it into trouble with no sense of the
consequences involved.
Fives sense of fun and games can end in tears if behaviour goes unchecked. It can
get a bit rough. Not everyone sees the humour of Five who declares it all fun and sport
with no harm intended. Good intentions or not, Five can bring chaos and massive
disruption in its wake. It chases drama and can be wild and wilful. Its need for constant
stimulation can see it stir up trouble just to get a response. It is both active and reactive.
12
It likes to get embroiled in whatever drama it has created, enjoying the fallout and
explosive reactions of others. Five is mercurial in nature so will be hard to pin down.
What it wants today, it may not want tomorrow, or even in the next hour. It likes to
remain foot loose and fancy-free which can cause problems where relationships are
concerned. The energy of Five will cause restlessness and agitation between partners.
It does not like to be tied down, or feel stifled and smothered. Five will get bored with
any situation that becomes monotonous and tedious. It will happily flit from job to job
or jump from one career to another as it ventures through life. It moves in all directions;
forwards, backwards, from side to side and up and down. It may be difficult to
determine if it is in a state of progression or regression, or whether its star is in ascent
or descent, if it is building or destroying. Anyone wishing to know what tomorrow and
the next week is likely to bring, will find Five an uncomfortable bed fellow.
Five is a transient number, it lives by the code of impermanence, disinterested in
becoming overly attached to anything or anyone. Life is constantly changing for Five
so it can grow rapidly jaded in love as its attention span is limited. It may prefer variety
and turnover in love, not commitment and steadiness. Five is a natural flirt and prone
to indulging its physical cravings. It does little to restrain such urges and cannot be
relied upon to behave appropriately when not overseen or supervised. Five can have
a string of broken relationships.
Five has a curiosity that is quite charming. It likes to experience everything at least
once, and in a very direct manner. It is not afraid to make mistakes or learn hard
lessons. It will enthusiastically throw itself into the foray of life and likes to be kept busy
and active. It cannot grow or flourish without new experiences. Five does not follow
the crowd and can often stand out from it. It is the party animal, the exhibitionist, the
eccentric who raises hell and causes riots. Expect the unexpected when Five is
around.
Part of the challenge for Five is knowing when enough is enough where change is
concerned. Change and novelty can become addictive. Fives energy dilutes and
dissipates when too much change occurs around it. It becomes scattered and
unproductive. It may think it is progressing but can become even more locked in than
Four if all the mad peddling is getting nowhere. It craves too much at one time. If Five
does not attempt to apply self-discipline, it can fail to master any area of life. It will
know a little bit about everything but not enough about anything to be useful. With Five
firing off in so many directions, it might find it difficult to finish things it starts. Indeed,
Five may have many false starts due to its hasty and impulsive nature. It arrives too
rapidly at decisions, or doesnt wait to make one. Ready or not, it jumps in and
discovers only too soon it should have waited or taken another approach. Its interest
drops instantly as another impulsive urge takes over.
Life is never dull, and never far from a drama with Five around. With Five being a
reactive number and its energy combustible and explosive, it can have a volatile
nature. Its strong opinions can become overly-forceful. Arguments can turn into heated
debates or massive rows as tempers ignite and rub each other the wrong way. Five
can be demanding and irritating, getting in peoples faces and on their nerves. This
eruptive nature can easily lead it into trouble. The positive Five that is the standard
bearer for freedom, individuality and independent thinking may not apply that to
anyone but itself. It might attempt to force its way and stifle the freedom of others. It
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can seek supremacy through brute force. It will resist and oppose change and block
the path for others who seek it. Five can become rigid and unbending. Extreme
negative Five can become dark and disturbing, its desire to try new things can lead it
into unethical and immoral practices. It can also lose control of its physical appetite
and indulge in excess of the senses leading it into ever darkening territory.
In negative mode, Five can also fear change, lacks energy and excitement. It becomes
sedate and stagnant. Afraid of the great big world beyond its horizon, it stays tied to
the apron strings of Four. Instead of learning from direct experience, it accepts what
is told or instructed by others without question or curiosity. Its view of life and the
world, the hand-me-down of another. In this manner, Five will stick close to the
Hierophant and choose group identity over autonomy.
The Five of Wands Its Role
Each Element has its own destiny to fulfil. Therefore, The Five of Wands Elemental
duty is to Fire to initiate change and activity for the purpose of continued progress
and growth. After a period of passivity and controlled order in the Four of Wands, the
Five struggles with the ongoing rules and regulations of The Emperor. For a time, it
was content with the settled mature existence that was expected of it. It spent time
consolidating its achievements and effort, turning them into something of worth and
substance. It felt very grown up as it committed to a more conventional lifestyle. Roots
were put down, foundations laid, walls erected and a roof sealed the lid on their new
environment. Boundary lines were established with fences and gates to separate them
from the outside world, threat, and those who did not belong. There was contentment
and appreciation aplenty as the Wands counted their many blessings and basked in
the glowing warmth of their family and friends. They knew where they had come from,
where they now rested, and could count on what tomorrow would bring. They had
strived to achieve this goal, the first major milestone on their journey.
For many Wands, there was a sense of having arrived home, of having achieved the
ultimate success, but we were reminded of how limiting that might be. With not even
half the journey complete, could they realistically assume that that was that, that they
had achieved it all at such an early stage? Some Wands believed so, replacing their
backpack for sensible family suitcases instead. They had all they needed and were
prepared to work with what they had, developing it to the best of their ability. They did
not sacrifice their Wands spirit but compromised on it instead. They were happy.
For other Wands, there was an understanding of having arrived at only their first major
goal. They would work within the confines of that goal until they were free to pursue
their next. Where they found themselves in the Four of Wands was only ever going to
be a stop-gap, a stepping stone on their way to even greater achievements. These
were the Wand couples or families who lived in meagre or moderate accommodation
while they built their dream homes or established business enterprises. Although it
looked like they had settled, were here to stay, in truth they were only passing through.
Their roots never sank so deep that they couldnt be pulled up if and when necessary.
They had an ambitious vision that didnt stop at The Four.
And then there were The Wands who didnt think too much at all about what the Four
might mean for them long-term. They went with the flow, just thinking of today, in
search of instant gratification and novelty. The Four of Wands carried a holiday vibe
for them, something out of the norm where they could think, aint this the life? But the
novelty of it would soon wear off, the sun would not shine so brightly, the habit and
14
routine of their environment becoming claustrophobic and smothering. The Four would
inevitably lose its appeal and they would wander to the boundaries of their domain to
peer out at the world that was going on without them. They would become restless
with longing to step over the line and wander into new territory or someone elses.
They had explored all they could in their own and were already bored with it. They
became distracted by the comings and goings of the free people on the outside,
imagining their lives to be more exciting and diverse. They yearned for the days of
their backpack and nomadic existence. Life was what was happening in the outside
world, not what they had come to accept in their own. At every corner of their domain
stood The Emperor, or signs of him. His law and rule governed their life and for a while,
the Wands agreed to obey his direction.
Things have now changed. The Hierophant has arrived bringing even further
conformity and curtailment. Not only must the Wands adhere to the law set out by
man, they must also follow a certain code of moral and spiritual conduct. The
Hierophant also introduces the residents committee into their lives, complete with the
dos and donts of being accepted into the community. They had happily bought into
this arrangement, presuming to be able to come and go, dip in and out, do as they
please, but this is not the case. Much is expected of them. They cannot be permitted
to operate outside the ethos of those they live and work among. They must agree to
toe the line and not just pay lip service to it. They are instructed in the way of their new
world and learn it has a hierarchy and system of protocol that must be followed. They
are told how to act, where they can go, what they should say and what is not tolerated.
The Wands grow increasingly frustrated in their world, feeling the four walls close in
on them, deeply irked by the confined channels they move in. It has all become too
much and something needs to be done. However, the Wands may be quite alone in
their reactions. Those they established roots with in the Four, might be very content
with the way things are under the blessing of The Hierophant. This is perfectly normal,
how the world works and what everyone else does. They now have the backing of so
many who have gone before them, who signed up for this same life and will defend it
against the Wand types who cast aspersions on it.
For Wands who made the formal commitment of marriage, The Hierophant reminds
them of the contract they have entered. What God has joined, let no man take apart.
In uniting under the eyes of God, their church, family and friends, it brings a sense of
permanence with it. Whether the Wands took it seriously or not at the time, they are
now bound by the duty, commitment and moral obligation that comes with marital
contract. They are no longer foot loose and fancy free. They must live their lives by
both the law of the land, through The Emperor, and the Law of God, through The
Hierophant. Both will be enforced. It will not be so easy to walk away or to change
mind, for many eyes are watching and ready to intercede.
Drowning in a sea of rule books and set expectations, rebellious and mutinous Wands
rise up against The Emperor and Hierophant. Life cannot stay as is, something must
give and if it wont come about by natural means, the Wands must force it. Change is
coming down the tracks, actively encouraged and accelerated by those who have
grown jaded with their current status. There is more life to be experienced, new ways
of being and further lessons to learn. Much of this can be found where they rest in the
Four, but the restless Wands do not fully appreciate this. Instead of looking to enliven
or enrich what they have, it is deemed obsolete and outdated. They are only interested
15
in what they have not got. The help of Temperance is needed to assist the Wands
negotiate a deal that will moderate their environment and life, making it more palatable
for them. A bit of give and take is needed. However, the Wands may not wish to strike
a deal right not, preferring a less balanced approach to their issues.
The Wands need to shed their skin and slip the chains of their present existence be it
physically, mentally or emotionally. They must move on, upend what is there, cast out
the safe and familiar in a search of a new look and way of being. They are seeking a
makeover and reshuffle. There is a panicked realisation of being only half-way through
their journey. Have they wasted too much time already? What have they missed out
on by hanging around the Four indefinitely? In the Five of Wands we find them hastily
packing bags, selling up, tearing down, re-building, leaving town and disturbing the
status quo that has afforded them security and stability. In the Five of Wands we see
them blatantly stir up trouble and disruption as their Fifth Wand, fully ablaze, is
catapulted into the midst of their environment, without or without warning to those who
reside within. The Five of Wands seeks change and wont stop until it finds it. It may
leave a trail of disaster in its wake. Neither The Emperor, nor Hierophant can exert
control over it. It will do its own thing irrespective of how many laws and rules it breaks,
or who it hurts in the process.
The Five of Wands tears up the rule books of The Emperor and Hierophant and begins
to write its own. Its energy explodes, the Wands splitting in several directions all at
once. It is unclear what is happening and where it all will end. Drama, mayhem and
chaos will rule the day. Expect the unexpected for that is the only thing that can be
relied on.
We have now reached the mid-point of the Wands journey through Love with Fire.
Except for a mild bit of uncertainty, or hesitation in the Two, the Wands have had a
clear run of it when Upright. Fire likes to travel and expand. It does not like to be held
back or restricted. It is a positive forward flowing energy that thrives on momentum
and enthusiasm. From the Ace to Four, it has pretty much run unrestricted and bathed
in the glow of everything working out. It has had its way most of the time. The sun has
shone down on the Upright Wands, making them feel blessed and joyful. There was
much to celebrate, with no issues to bother about.
The Five changes matters, and for the first time, Fires path is blocked or challenged.
Fire will aim to go over, under and around any obstacles, if going through them seems
tedious or unsettling. The jubilant and triumphant Fire is disturbed, and it is unsure
how it will react. Fire in a healthy state will choose to work through the challenge or
obstacle, before continuing on its path as it is not a quitter. It may take time to work it
out, but it is the best way. Avoiding the challenge or obstacle may seem like a quick
fix, but this challenge will be encountered again and again until it is acted on.
Transitioning through Five for Wands is extremely significant. How they handle the
issues thrown up by Five could determine how successful their relationship is in the
long run. It is a very defining time for them. This is the first real dilemma they have
come up against in their relationship.
We must hold on to the knowledge, that the Five of Wands is but a Minor Arcana, and
therefore quite transient in nature. Although its energy may be causing a bit of drama,
it might not be dreadfully serious, perhaps a phase they are going through. If they
cannot successfully work through issues at a Minor Arcana level, how will they cope
with even greater ones in the future that carry the weight of Majors? Surrounding cards
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in a reading should throw light onto how concerned one should be with the disruptive
impact of Five. On its own, it might be viewed as a flash-fire that flares up menacingly,
only to fizzle out rapidly. It has but a limited supply of fuel to sustain it. The fire can be
extinguished without much fuss or inconvenience, and may be easily forgotten about.
No need to call the Fire Brigade or jump from the bedroom windows just yet. However,
the merest glimpse of fire might be enough to spur flight. Fire after all is not to be taken
lightly. We all know how even the smallest spark can lead to disastrous consequences.
Therefore, it may be viewed as far more serious than it is. Then there are those who
accept there is no smoke without Fire. Although it is just smouldering, not yet caught
light, its very presence suggests damage occurring behind the scenes. This damage
may not be noticeable on the surface as the smoke has not filtered through just yet,
or is perhaps being ignored. It lies in wait for a sudden draft or trigger to ignite it to full
fury. When it does, it will take more than a bucket of water or fire blanket to extinguish
it. Restless Fire should never go unchecked.
Wands, driven by Fire are positive and optimistic when Upright. They should be well
equipped to tackle Five and determinedly see it through. Relationships experience
their first bump in the road and may feel rattled. Their foundations will be tested for
signs of any weakness or fault lines. If a relationship has been built out of the Reversed
Ace, Reversed, Two, Reversed, Three and Reversed Four, The Five has the potential
to take it down. Incompatibility, superficial feelings, and loose commitment will be
exposed by Five. This could mark the end of the journey for some relationships as
they hit a defining rough patch. The Five will separate the wheat from the chaff in
relationships. Only strong, positive, committed ones will be permitted to journey on in
the Upright Aspect. Weak, negative or unhealthy relationships can continue, but they
may fall from one Reversed Aspect to another. The challenge for relationships is to
battle through the Five and emerge triumphantly the other side, or concede defeat and
withdraw.
The Five of Wands can be a tricky card to read as it carries shifting energy. It really
depends on the theme of surrounding cards and the querants issue. On one level, it
is an assertive positive card, full of life and activity, but on another level, it is
overpowering, aggressive and challenging, even when upright. Your reaction to this
card may bring relief or panic as a situation blows wide open. One may not be sure if
it would be best in Reverse as it does suggest a more balanced energy.
However, Reversed cards can bring in extremes of the Upright energy. In this case,
the Five of Wands is chaotic and challenging enough when Upright. Why might we
look for even more in the Reverse? It is probably best to read both Upright and
Reverse interpretations when looking for extremes. In the Five of Wands a battle has
already broken out, so we are in the midst of chaos. When it Reverses, sides have
been taken, the attack scaled up, or have backed down. Whatever way you look at it,
there is change and upheaval that cannot be escaped. Brushing issues under the
carpet or attempting to look the other way will not work as the issue is already upon
you. You cannot escape into the Upright and make it all go away, as something is up
regardless of which direction the card is pointing. You might have to think on your feet
as you try to work your way out. This is not a peaceful time. It will however be
interesting, and it would be wise to sit up and take note of what is actually going on.
Knowledge gained now will stand to you in the future. Chaos does have a habit of
taking us by surprise, but when the going gets tough the tough get going.
******************
17
The Four Fives In Tarot

In the Tarot represent change and each Suit shows how it approaches change. The
change implied in the Tarot is not always well received or welcome. The Change is
often associated with conflict, stress, upset and loss. The Wands approach this
change as if it were a challenge. Rising to the occasion and enjoying the conflict it
brings, the challenge of their Five releases their fiercely competitive spirit, burning
ambition and fearlessness. The Cups, being sentimental and emotional resist the
change their Five forces upon them and mourn the loss it brings. The Swords need
for inner change forces them into external clashes and arguments which can
sometimes brim over into aggression and violence. The Pentacles experience a
terrible change in circumstances when they lack financially or become physically ill.
The Fives cause chaos and disorder and we can become vulnerable to the influence
of others negativity during this time. Our behaviour can strongly alter when exposed
to stress and upset. We can also think just of ourselves, blinkered to the needs or
feelings of others during times of personal upheaval. The change or transition
the Fives bring to the Four Suits can be difficult and sometimes traumatic. In their
Reverse aspect, they become more open-minded and willing to accept change and
the losses associated with it. This unusual association of a Reversed card being more
positive than when Upright, is influenced by the number Five, which in numerology
brings change, conflict, stress and the unexpected when Upright, but less so when
Reversed. In times of great change and disorder, we might seek the Reversed Five,
to lessen the blow, or as a sign that difficulty is coming to an end. However, as with all
Reversals, it would be unwise to assume that trouble is lessening unless surrounding
cards suggest it. Reversals bring extremes and the upheaval of the Upright Five may
bring even more trouble to bear when Reversed if surrounding cards point in that
direction, and if thats what is being experienced. Disagreements turn into major rows,
demands become overbearing, battle lines are drawn, aggression builds, calamity
abounds and change is overwhelmingly destructive.
The Fives in Tarot when Upright tend to resist change, become narrow-minded,
negative, rigid and unyielding. The influence of Five loses its powerful grip when
Reversed as it falls between the influence of the Four and Six, both balancing and
harmonising numbers. Then change and transition are accepted and dealt with,
allowing life to settle and healing occur.
After their period of stability, building resources, consolidation and preparation,
the Universe shifts gear and jolts the Four Suits back into mainstream life once
more. Change is needed to shift them out of individual ruts, mind-sets, lifestyles and
behaviour. Up until now, they may have felt somewhat in control of life and had a
certain idea of how things would run for the rest of their journey. The arrival of the
energy of Five throws curve balls at them from out of the blue, some traumatic and
destabilising. Some may have felt the energy of Five building over a period of time
and are not totally surprised by the turn of events, while others remained blissfully
ignorant of the rapidly approaching upheaval in their lives. Like a runaway train, Five
comes hurtling down the tracks, eager to cause as much disturbance as possible.
However, every cloud has a silver lining, even the Five Cloud. What is one persons
misfortune can turn out to be someone elses gain. Also, without Five, the Suits would
never fully appreciate the oasis that Four and Six offer, or the sense of achievement
gained in the Ten. Without challenge, the Suits will not progress and evolve, the full
human existence not truly experienced.
18
The effect of the energy of Five on the Four Suits is interesting to observe but also
gives us excellent insight into how these archetypal characters respond to challenges
and difficulties. They have all experienced a few bumps along the way but apart from
the Suit of Swords in Card 2, 3 and 4, it is really their first taste of disruption or loss. If
they had hoped for a clear run and smooth travel throughout their Suits they are sadly
delusional. This is life in the full human sense. No one can march through it untouched.
Ideally, one does not want to encounter too many Fives in a reading for obvious
reasons. However, there is very little gain without pain and it is all part of the learning
process of life. Sometimes the lessons we need to learn come fast and furious, all at
the one time, unrelenting and devastating. Other times, they are drip fed to us at a
more tolerable pace, giving us time and space to deal with them individually. If we fail
to attend to our lessons, allowing them to build unchecked in the background, a time
will come when they burst the dam and flood in on top of us.
Multiple Fives
***One Five in a reading normally represents problems or upheavals in the area of life
dictated by the Suit. One Five does not point to major issues. The situation with a bit
of effort can be sorted. The cards that surround the Five would determine what the
issue may be, how serious it is and who is involved. One Five suggests a possible
flare up or flash-fire, with the potential for drama. It is likely to be transient, any
disruption or upheaval, short-lived. A single Five could point to disquiet within, or an
irritating external presence.
Two or more Fives in a reading suggest a period of difficult changes and
upheavals. Life may feel upended and the individual totally lost as to how to fix things
or find peace and stability. Irritation and frustration will be evident. It is as if life is
thwarting you at every available opportunity. Two Fives can highlight conflict between
the need for personal change and those who oppose it.
If all Four Fives appear and are grouped close to each other it can suggest problems
which are ongoing; arguments that have reached a stalemate no one is backing
down or prepared to change. There is much drama, stress and upset. Several Fives
in a Reading can suggest a loss of control. Life as you know it has fragmented before
your eyes. You may not know how to respond. The presence of numerous Fives could
point to a general discontent with life and the need for radical change. Disruption and
chaos are welcomed as forced change clears the boards. Three or more Fives can
imply you are surrounded by strong competition, work in a very competitive
environment, or are involved in a competitive relationship. It could reflect an obsession
with outdoing everyone else, needing to be the best, always having to win. There may
be a combative personality streak where everyone is perceived as an opponent
wishing to claim your territory. Several Upright Fives could suggest the odds or on
your side where a battle is concerned as you. They can also suggest the need to win
at all costs.
Several Fives could imply difficulty in committing or following through. There may be
too many false starts and not enough completion. It highlights superficial knowledge
as opposed to mastery. A personality easily distracted by novelty. If the Fives are
spaced out the Querant is probably experiencing change and difficulty in several areas
of life at the one time. This may be the result of a knock-on effect from an earlier
originating issue. Look to the other cards for clues, especially Past and Surrounding
Energy Positions.
19
When Fives appear reversed the querant is open to, or has managed to accept any
changes that have come their way. If several reversed Fives appear, the individual
has freed them self, or come out of a period of dreadful discord and upset in their
lives. They may now view their experience as life-changing and cleansing. Great
personal power and inner-strength was needed to escape the strong influence of so
many Fives. They will not forget this time too easily and are bound to have learned
much from their experiences. Their card reading and personal story should be very
interesting and inspiring.
Reversed Fives can suggest a fear of change or new experiences. There may be
rigidity and stagnation in the areas of life suggested by the Suit. Numerous Fives can
point to litigation or disputes that have escalated. They can also highlight forceful
behaviour or groups that bully or harass. Their presence can suggest intimidation and
unpleasant situations. Competition may be healthy or cut-throat when Fives appear
Reversed.
A lack of Fives in a reading may possibly suggest a trouble-free time for the querant
when life is running smooth and easy.
Five Blowing things out of proportion, Change, Fighting for/against Change,

Disruption, Conflict, Feeling Conflicted, Competition for the one you love. Competitive
Relationship, External Interference, Relationship going through a rough time.
Incompatibility, Lack of Compromise, Fire-Fighting, External/Internal Demands, No
Time for love/romance/your partner. Bickering, fighting, arguments and clashes of
personality. Egos. Difficult babies/children. Large families.
Yes or No Card? - Yes, to good healthy competition. Yes to sticking with it. Yes, to
rising to challenge. No to petty arguments and rivalry. No to aggression. No, find order
first. Too chaotic.
**Important Information On Sex Interpretations**
The Sex Interpretations provided below are not based on any specific traditional ones.
I have not sourced them from other teaching systems. They are compiled from intuitive
study, analysis of imagery, intellectual deduction, elemental archetypal association,
numerical attributes and upright/reversal orientation. They should be used as
prompters, musings, theories, contemplations, issues for debate, but not as direct
interpretation unless you feel very confident and assured of their accuracy.
Interpretations pertaining to sex should not be used in readings where you seek
information on a third party, such as your partner, or someone else. You are unlikely
to glean much accurate information and may upset yourself in the process. The sex
interpretations offered are for self-analysis and self-exploration.
Whereas romance, love and relationships are covered when learning tarot, and found
in every book about subject, the area of sex is often over-looked, or avoided. Sexually
themed tarot decks are now readily available, with suggestive or explicit imagery.
These would not be decks used on a general basis, but might be useful when wishing
to explore your sexuality as an individual or couple through the medium of tarot. The
cards can throw up repressed sexual issues, sexual insecurities and sexual
reassurance along with advice and suggestions for improving your sex life. You may
learn a lot about how your attitude to sex and sexuality formed since childhood through
parental influence, education, community and culture, religious influence, peer
20
influence and natural inclinations. Your approach to sex will also be directly and
indirectly influenced by your experiences in relationships, your first sexual encounter
and the personalities you attract. The tarot can help discover your true sexual nature.
Interpretations pertaining to sex are very subjective. The presence of The Five of
Wands alone in any reading, even about sex, does not imply any one of these
meanings. Cards are read in conjunction with other cards based on the question
asked, the intention set and the nature of the querant. Checking up on the status of
your partner and drawing a Five of Wands does not suggest he or she is off having
sex with multiple partners or into kinky or fetish behaviour. They are provided as
alternative interpretations which might be useful when conducting a reading based on
the sexual side of your own life. This would be a very specific and extremely personal
reading, with very definite intentions very far removed from a general relationship
reading.
Unsettling Change
The Five of Wands generally brings change in its wake. In its Upright Aspect, change
is either embraced and viewed as an interesting challenge, or is fought against and
resisted. Your relationship may be changing and there is a lot of uncertainty about it.
There has been a shift in energy which will bring couples closer together or drive them
apart. Your relationship may have plateaued for some time, fallen into a way of being,
just drifting along. Something has, or will happen, that could cause upheaval with the
need for a fresh approach. One partner may have grown bored with the current trend
and is taking steps to address it. This will leave the other partner on shaky ground as
suddenly the relationship as they know it cannot be relied on. There could be a mad
scramble to fix things, to bring it back to the way it was. This may not be the answer.
It might be the very last thing required. Your relationship needs a reshuffle or shake-
up. Time to pull all those wands out and check for signs of dry rot or lack of growth.
Some of them may be quite lifeless and in need of attention, sunshine, heat, and
hydration. Some may not work anymore or are obsolete. Certain Wands might need
to be replaced. Reconstruct them in a manner which will facilitate revival and
encourage new growth. Add something new and interesting to the mix. Go for a new
look. Change is upon you. Try and be open to healthy change. Work with the situation
as it evolves. Your relationship is in transition and may not be recognisable in the
process. Hang on to see how it emerges on the other side. You might be pleasantly
surprised. Dont think negatively about how altered the situation has become.
Sometimes a change is as good as a rest.
Trying A Fresh Approach Implementing Change
The Five of Wands in a relationship reading could highlight a couple trying a fresh
approach. This could be down to a mutual agreement to reshuffle a way of living that
has become too predictable or boring. As a couple, you may have discussed what you
could do to enliven or enrich your relationship. It could come down to cutting down on
eating dinner in front of the TV in favour of getting out and about, or deciding to
overhaul and redecorate the house that has become drab and lifeless. You may decide
to take up a sport or go walking or running. You might tackle your eating habits by
exploring new recipes and making everything from scratch.
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It has been decided that change is needed as the old way no longer works, does not
serve your purpose or is having a negative impact on the relationship. A reshuffle is
needed which may affect work arrangements, careers, lifestyle expectations, your
social scene, child rearing and even the attitude you have towards each other. The
changes sought might bring you into unconventional territory if you are thinking along
radical lines. You may be keen to tear up the rules that have dictated how you live and
conduct your life up to now. Hopefully your partner or spouse will be on board with you
and want this change just as much as you do. If not, then prepare for some major
opposition. They may not see things as you do. The change suggested might be too
extreme or scary.
Bracing Yourself For Change
The Five of Wands brings change. The change associated with this card is often
viewed in a negative light. Sometimes it is negative, but other times its not. If you have
been given notice of the change or have sensed its imminent arrival, you may have
time to put together some form of working strategy to cope with it. One way or another,
life as you know it is about to change and it could be quite disturbing or unsettling until
it is accepted. Many of us tend to fight against change as it disrupts our life and
routines. Even positive change can be unsettling. Life is in constant flux, good times
come and go, difficult times seem to last forever. We keep moving on with the energy
and must work with what we have at any given time. Couples facing change
approaching their relationship can either go about their business and try to ignore it,
or sit down and discuss what these changes might mean for them and how they will
handle them. Then again, it might be left to one partner dealing with the change and
taking on the responsibility for it. The other partner may not believe they can cope with
such change.
We also have the possibility of both partners reacting to change in differing ways. We
all have our own coping strategies. For one partner the change may be viewed as
colossal, while the other partner does not see it as such a big deal. If partners
approach to change clash, then prepare for trouble. It is unlikely you will see eye to
eye and could get annoyed or angry with each other. As a couple, you are going
through a life adjustment, that although not earth shattering, does have the potential
to take its toll on your relationship if you let it. If you do have pre-warning, dont wait
until the change is upon you to get your act together. Pull together now and decide
what can be done.
Change can descend upon a couple overnight or within seconds. You might be in the
middle of change before you realise it. There is no time to adjust or plan. You must
think on your feet and work it out as you go. Tempers might flare as you enter a
flustered state of chaos. If you recognise your relationship in this, it is likely you are
taking it out on each other. You may not be listening to what your partner says and
vice versa. Fiery energy will be strong as egos ignite. There is no plan, just excessive
activity. For the moment, you are not coping well with such change.
If you have allowed your relationship to slide into a rut, or have become laid back about
your partner, The Five of Wands appearing will force you to wake up and take stock.
Change may be vital to the survival of your relationship right now, even though you
may not see it that way. Instead of fighting change, see how it might benefit you. It
could re-energise your connection. At the very least it has stirred things up and made
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you act. Couples often emerge stronger after their relationship has been tested or
challenged. They will fight to survive.
Goal Posts Keep Shifting
In this interpretation, we find a relationship that cannot settle. It might suggest a
romance that blows hot and cold, is on one day, and off the next. Couples cannot
decide what to do with it. There may be several attempts to establish order, with
partners defining what needs to change but their vision might be too narrow. They may
not be agreed on where the problem lies or have conflicting views on resolving them.
They muddle on nonetheless, haphazardly scrambling through each day. Their issues
require a multi-discipline approach, not blinkered focus.
Problems exist in several areas of their relationship all at the same time. They could
hop from one to the other attempting to patch and glue as they go, but the repair is
only ever temporary. Frustration and despair leads to impulsive decisions that in
themselves are not constant either. There could be temporary break-ups where
partners are free to date others. Invariably they think the better of it and get back
together again. This behaviour can become habitual. Friends and family find it hard to
keep up with the relationship status as it swings between current and ancient history,
on and off, a disaster one moment, then a success the next. Partners are the worst in
the world one day, moaned about to all and sundry, only to be aggressively defended
the next. This couple probably need to swear off each other for a period of time as
they lack discipline and stamina in settling on the direction they want to head. They
continue to yank up any roots that are beginning to take hold, leaving the relationship
a barren, pock-marked wasteland. They make it too easy to get back with each other.
Someone needs to break this cycle and change the course once and for all.
Challenging Relationship
The appearance of the Five of Wands can suggest a challenging relationship. Most
relationships go through their ups and downs and can be a bit stop and start at the
beginning, but the relationship suggested by the Five points to it bringing more
problems than benefits. This card could be highlighting a pattern you have when
seeking partners and forming relationships. Is it possible you feel drawn to drama and
trouble whenever you start dating someone? Are you constantly in the wars with your
partner? Is there never a quiet time between you? The Five of Wands implies getting
into fracas where love is concerned. You might like being the centre of attention with
your friends as you scandalise them with your ongoing soap opera. Do you find the
need to contact friends in the middle of the night or at awkward times, to fill them in on
the latest tear-filled drama in your love life? Do your friends feed off your stories, being
enraged with you and encouraging further spats. Do you encourage an attitude of
complete blame on your partners side with you being squeaky clean of any wrong
doing? Are you being constantly told to dump him/her, that they are no good for you,
never going to change and that you are wasting your time, and are not happy? Do you
agree but continue to push forward with the relationship regardless? Why is it all your
relationships to date are riddled with issues and strife? Perhaps you would find a
regular down to earth relationship quite boring if you crave constant toxic interactions.
The problem may lie with you and your habitual choice of partner. Love shouldnt be
so challenging.
Challenging relationships sometimes just happen. You meet someone really nice and
start dating, but in no time at all, stress that wasnt there before enters your life. There
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is always a calamity or problem you could do without. You might receive phone calls
to your work from a partner who is in trouble and needs help. You seem to be sorting
issues constantly and wonder what will be next. You get used to answering the phone
to your partner asking is everything okay, is there a problem? instead of hi, great to
hear from you. A relationship can lose its warmth and light if it becomes too serious
and bogged down in ongoing crisis at an early stage. No one can second guess issues
that will arise as a relationship evolves, but if it starts out in this manner, you must ask
why? You could inherit someone elses problems in a new partner as you take over
from where their ex left off. You could be dealing with a partner who manages to get
into trouble, parties too much, causes rows wherever they go, drinks too much and
flirts too much. They could be quite a handful to deal with. You might think you will
tame them, but if their last partner failed, you probably will too.
Challenging relationships can occur where there are certain external obstacles to
overcome. If there is opposition to the match from families on either side, it might feel
like an uphill battle to get accepted. When you should be concentrating on getting to
know each other better and enjoying time together, you must deal with ongoing
upsetting interference.
Challenge could come in several forms. Your careers, work schedules, location,
external demands and obligations could prove tricky to work around. They seem to
clash and make seeing each other a logistic feat of strategic planning and mastery. It
certainly is proving hard work. However, The Five of Wands suggests that where there
is a will there is a way, so hang in there. With a positive spirit and great determination,
you will get there. It will settle.
A Fiery Relationship Love is a Battlefield
The Five of Wands often suggests a fiery relationship. The couple in question
generally follow a certain behavioural pattern in their relationship and enjoy a bit of
regular drama. In general, they are in good form and really know how to enjoy
themselves and are very sociable. They are likely to put up with quite a bit of bad
behaviour from each other. However, on occasions all hell breaks loose between
them, and boy do they know how to row when it does. They are quite shameless and
very loud. A minor situation can blow up into a tornado at lightning speed. The triggers
can vary. You may not have responded to your partner in the manner they expected.
A look you gave could be misinterpreted as an insult. Someone dredges up the
remnants of the last quarrel and reignites it, a partner makes smart remarks, especially
in front of others. Really anything can start it, but at times one partner will deliberately
go looking for it, playing up until he or she gets the right response. The other partner
knows they are being provoked and instead of letting it go over their head, come out
fighting instead.
This fieriness can happen anywhere and the couple do not try to hide or conceal the
row. Instead, they often perform best in front of an audience. Dirty laundry is aired for
all to hear with no holding back. They are likely to cause scenes and draw attention to
themselves, especially if they have been drinking. Friends on both sides can join in,
or rush to intercede. Accusations and insinuations are taken to extremes. If these are
your neighbours it is likely you have heard them at it before, as they have quite a name
for it. Scenes can be taken out to the front garden, with neighbours trying desperately
to look the other way. They might throw objects at each other, or smash things on the
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floor. Phone calls will be made to friends filling them in on all the gory details, keeping
the drama going.
Eventually the fire burns out and tempers calm. There may be a period of frostiness
between them, but usually they are back to normal in a few days. This relationship can
be very strong, and has the potential to last once both partners do not take their
outbursts too seriously. Different strokes for different folks. For many couples, a fiery
relationship keeps them on their toes. The make-ups can be just as intense as the
bust-ups.
Honeymoon is Over - Teething Problems

After the Four of Wands glory days; engagements, weddings, celebration have
passed, couples can have a hard time coming back down to earth. The honeymoon is
over and it is back to reality. This can indicate a time of unrest, when you feel there is
something wrong with having nothing to do, other than going to work and home again.
You may be at odds about what to do next. It is at this stage recently married couples,
or those who have moved in together, may experience some teething problems as
they struggle with their new living arrangements, status and close proximity. Partners
may get things wrong and make mistakes that could upset the other partner. You might
feel you are walking on eggshells, wary of doing or saying the wrong thing. Your
partner could be unreasonably irritable with you, snapping at your heels, leaving you
confused and uncertain. In The Five of Wands, we find a couple who are working their
way through some challenges, nothing major, but frustrating nonetheless. There might
be silly rows during this time as you find your way with each other, but unless there
are further stressful cards in the reading, life should settle down. It is best not to take
life, or each other too seriously, as this is a time of testing transition.
Trouble In Paradise
In The Four of Wands, we visited a happy couple who seemed to be living the dream
and had it all. This was a popular match and much effort had gone into having the
perfect day. Everyone was invited to the celebrations and guests admired the happy
couple, some feeling slightly envious of their luck and good fortune in finding each
other. They were the golden couple; strong, committed, successful and ambitious. This
couple were going to go far, and felt blessed by what life had delivered them. They
may have had the perfect wedding, the perfect house, perfect children to put in the
house, perfect jobs, perfect friends and a perfect to die for lifestyle. In the Five of
Wands their magic bubble bursts. Trouble has arrived in paradise and wiped the smile
off faces. We could deliberate forever about what has happened, but surrounding
cards should give an indication.
Perhaps the trouble in question is not newly arrived. The couple may be quite familiar
with it, but believed marriage would fix it or lay the ghost to rest. Now that its back to
real time, it has resurrected and hangs like a threatening dark cloud over their new life.
It hasnt gone away, continuing to gnaw on the foundations while the couple were
toasted and feted. The couple attempted to build walls and barriers against it in the
Four, hoping to contain it, or be shielded from it. Alas, it has infiltrated their defence
system and climbed into bed with them. It will have to be faced head on this time with
strength of conviction and courage if there is any hope of overcoming it. A new
approach is needed but where do they start?
Trouble could be a direct result of any scandal that broke at the wedding, or a disaster
that occurred. You may have discovered something post-wedding that shows your
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partner in a new light. How did you not know before? As a couple, you may be working
hard to put on a brave face and show a united front to the world. You are desperate to
hold onto the success you had claimed and are distressed to find it all turned upside
down and ruined.
The happy couple may not be speaking to each other. Rows or family arguments that
broke out at the wedding or celebration, may still be ongoing. The bringing together of
your respective families may have soured the whole day for you. It is now clear they
are never going to get on. The post-wedding fallout might need to be dealt with. This
is not a happy camp, and for the moment no one knows exactly what to do, or what
will happen in the long run. Best to play it down as much as possible and keep private
for the moment. It might all blow over allowing life to settle down as it should. This
could be yesterdays news in no time.
Stress Causes Lack of Intimacy
After the Loved up romantic feeling, and wedded bliss of The Three and Four of
Wands, we now find a very different picture. Stress has introduced itself into the
relationship. Stress may be coming from anywhere. It could be work-related, financially
induced, down to children, family, large debt, health, external interference etc.
Wherever it comes from, its impact has affected the relationship. This does not mean
a couple has fallen apart, or wish to leave each other. Stress has a habit of wearing
out individuals with its constant presence. Ongoing stress robs peace of mind, restful
sleep, casual conversation, humour, intimacy and sex. Partners are worn down by
stress, can think and talk of nothing but their stressful situation. It may seem hopeless
as you sink lower and lower, feeling devoid of all energy. Partners need to reassure
each other of their commitment and love during such tough times.
Living On One Salary
With the Wands strong connection to work and careers, the Five of Wands could
suggest the horrendous struggle of living on one salary if there has been a job loss or
redundancy. As a couple you may be battling to make ends meet, robbing Peter to
pay Paul, keeping debtors at bay and drowning under a sea of final notices. If you also
have family, as what might be suggested in the imagery of this card, your limited
resources will be stretched beyond their capabilities. You need to hang in there and
get through this time. It may seem like it will last forever, but keep positive. Things
changed for the worse, but they will also change for the better soon. Keep the faith.
Incompatibility
The Five of Wands can begin to highlight obvious incompatibility in a couple. This is
usually a carryover from a relationship built on the Reversed Two, Reversed Three
and Reversed Four of Wands. It can suggest early incompatibilities that were
overlooked or ignored. The couple are unable to get on with each other, they lack
common ground. A relationship may have continued in the belief it would somehow
work out and any issues between a couple would naturally resolve over time,
especially once married, or upon starting a family. At this stage, The Five of Wands,
incompatibility is obvious, not just to the couple, but to everyone around them. This is
a couple who are rarely on the same page. Instead of their personalities
complementing each other, they clash and can be like chalk and cheese. Some
couples thrive under such circumstances, their differences making them more
interesting to each other. They may have a fiery relationship which suits them both.
However, in this instance we are looking at a couple who have little in common, other
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than incompatibility. Any issues from the early stages of the relationship have become
more entrenched as they continue to rub each other up the wrong way. Habit typically
keeps them together, with neither quite ready or willing to make the break. It is clear
they would be happier apart, but they continue in this mode. It is not exactly a battle
field, just a bad match. They may have been too hasty in progressing the relationship
beyond its capability. This relationship should have taken its natural course with
partners eventually heading their own direction. Somewhere they got stuck and didnt
aspire to anything better. Their foundations are weak. The couple may lack an
understanding of how rewarding a true relationship can be.
The above scenario can come about if the couple come from similar backgrounds.
They may have had no role models to follow. Their parents may have drifted into their
own relationships, and, or marriage. They may not have taken compatibility into
consideration. Relationships were not something you pondered over, they just
happened. It was what people did and you got on with it. There may be an
understanding that partners are meant to irritate each other, not get on, or be at
constant war. They might see nothing wrong with their situation and believe they are
no different than any other couple. Marrying because of pregnancy, the traditional
shotgun style wedding, can produce a couple who would never otherwise be together.
We can also find incompatibility that naturally evolves. A couple may have united at a
time when they shared common interests and goals. People change and this cannot
always be guarded against or prepared for. It just happens. A couples age at the time
the relationship began could be where the problem stems from. If they were both very
young at the time, it is likely their individual personalities had not fully formed or
matured. What we think, feel, like, and dislike can change as we age. Interests we had
in our teens may seem ridiculous or silly when we are in our thirties. Rebellious
attitudes, and spontaneous behaviour of our younger years may have no place in our
mature adult one. A couple can mature in opposing directions. Couples can fall out of
love, becoming strangers to each other. The foundations of their relationship begin to
shift and it is unclear whether they will be able to continue together.
Difference in Culture
If you are in a relationship with someone from another culture, race, or religion you
might be rebelling against their beliefs or traditions. This could lead to clashes and
lengthy heated debates between partners, as both refuse to see each others point of
view. If external family are involved, you might be under further attack. You have tried
to fall into line, but it goes against the grain and you question everything. You seem to
get it wrong all the time and they have a constant problem with what you do, say and
think. You might not feel it will work in such an environment.
Lack of Compromise or Cooperation Opposition To Plan
In the Reversed Two, Reversed Three and Reversed Four of Wands we explored the
challenges a couple face when partners are unwilling to make compromises. In the
Five of Wands it becomes more blatant as partners fail to pull together. A lack of
teamwork is evident in how a situation is being handled. Here we can see partners
who are prepared to stand their ground, demanding things their way, and refusing to
see each others point of view. Your partner may make his or her feelings very clear
on a matter, leaving it closed to discussion or negotiation. He or she is not willing to
make any sacrifice. Someone is not happy with what is being asked of them and refuse
to cooperate in finding a workable solution. In the Five of Wands we are dealing with
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strong egos that will go into battle against each other. However, this card could
represent a partner who is used to getting their own way all the time. Their needs and
wishes have always been accommodated by their partner, but when its their turn to
return the favour, they might not be so obliging.
In The Five of Wands you might discover your partner has been sabotaging your
success if they agreed to something under duress. He or she may have reluctantly
gone along with your plan. You may have agreed on some form of compromise, but it
is not working out. Instead of supporting you in your endeavours, your partner is hoping
you fail. They could make life deliberately difficult or put obstacles in your way. You
will need to confront this head on. Thrash this out between the two of you as there is
a lack of teamwork towards the agreed goal. This could arise out of a situation where
emigration or re-location is concerned. Instead of trying to settle down and make things
work, a partner could keep the atmosphere unsettled and stressful in the hope you will
give up and go home. If you have coerced your partner into going along with your
plans because you assume authority or control in the relationship, he or she will find
their own way of striking back. Instead of pulling together, you are pulling apart and
any success you hoped for may not manifest under such negative energy. Open the
door to honest communication. Allow your partner to express their concerns and
unhappiness. You might need to adjust or re-negotiate the deal.
Breakdown in Communication/No One Listening
The Five of Wands in a relationship or marriage can suggest a breakdown in
communication. This can happen on any or all levels; physical, emotional,
psychological and spiritual. A couple are tied up in communicating on all these levels.
When communication is harmonious and balanced, all is well and any ups and downs
are easily navigated. When resentment sets in, many of us retreat inwards, preferring
to allow our imagination fill the gaps and communicate with us instead. We indulge in
internal chatter where our partner does not have the space to explain or apologise.
For some reason, we choose a negative narrative instead of a potentially positive one.
We are quick to think ill instead of kindly. The victim instinct is quite strong in us. We
like to think we have been hard done by our partner and build an even stronger case
against them as we sit fuming internally. There is always a good chance we have got
it wrong, very wrong, but we dont seem to go there. Instead we insist we are fine
when we are not, that nothing is wrong with us when it is. We facilitate the breakdown
in communication by not expressing how we feel, yet want our partners to work it out,
break the code of our stony gaze and decrypt our misguided thoughts and beliefs. We
resent them even further when they dont get it, yet we will not give any clues or hi nts
as to what our issues might be. We want them to work it out, to beat themselves up,
to hire a team of investigators just to reveal why we are in such bad form. We want
them to get it wrong, again and again and again to justify our negative feelings towards
them, to say, I told you so, I knew it', to be the righteous one.
In The Five of Wands you may be fighting an imaginary battle, a storm that is raging
within you. In your head, you are going over and over all the things you want to say,
get off your chest, hurl at your partner, accuse them of. The more you dwell on it, the
more real it becomes. The Five of Wands could be telling you it is time to express how
you are feeling. You need to talk and be honest with your partner. If you are angry,
disappointed, or feel let down by them, they need to know this if they are ever to be
given a chance to make it right. Take your fight to the real world and lay it out so that
your opponent has a fair chance too. You cannot condemn your partner unless you
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have heard their side of the situation. Regardless of how strongly you feel, they may
be completely in the dark about what is going on, oblivious to the role you have
assigned them in the matter. Lack of communication is destructive, the harbouring of
grudges and resentments is erosive. Fight your battles in the open.
Separation
In the Five of Wands we can find the commencement of battle during a separation or
divorce. Here the legal team on both sides argue their clients case which are bound
to be in total opposition to each other. At this stage of proceedings, there is little or no
common ground, and proposals could be demanding or outrageous. It is certainly
heating up as solicitors letters fly back and forth, each determined to get as much for
the client as possible. Couples may be in mediation but use their appointments to
launch attacks and vicious accusations at each other. No one can agree on anything.
Each side will be seeking victory for their client but the real winners will be the lawyers
or barristers who must get their hefty share before any monies or assets are divided.
Often couples intend to part ways as amicably as possible. They start off determined
to be dignified and ethical about the whole thing. If there are children involved, their
aim is to shield them from as much upset as possible. Both have their best interests
at heart. However, the game tends to change quite rapidly once solicitors are brought
in on both sides. In the imagery, we can see the couple being directly influenced by
their legal representatives who declare they are either asking for too little, or offering
too much. Their fiery energy can be infectious, igniting aggression between partners
who now become aware of their entitlements. This can be a very traumatic time for
couples whose lives will be dominated by ongoing proceedings. At this early stage,
everything is thrown out on the table and up for grabs. No one knows for sure what
will happen as the battle could go either way. This Five suggests the initial foray. In
time, the pace of proceedings will calm down as both sides begin to see reason and
sense. This is just the starting point to get the game underway. You must go in with
your teeth bared and not give the impression you will be an easy walk over.
The Five of Wands could appear as a sort of warning card if you are embarking on the
path of separation or divorce. Its presence could be advising you to seek mediation if
at all possible before getting solicitors involved. Mediation works to find a calm and
organised manner in which couples can agree on certain key issues regarding their
separation. Couples are given a safe space in which they can air their feelings, needs
and wants, while a trained mediator (referee) oversees the discussions. Instead, The
Five of Wands approach may be to throw a grenade in to see what happens, and
whos left standing once the dust settles. The gauntlet is thrown down and war is
declared. If you have the stomach for it, go for it. The fight is often dirty. You may think
you know your opponent, your partner, but you may be in for a nasty surprise.
Mediation is bound to be less painful and more dignified. If you can reach an
agreement in this manner before approaching the courts, it will also be less expensive.
The Killing Fields A Partner Going Through Separation
Following on from the above, we now look at the challenge of dating someone who is
in the throes of a separation or divorce. Now, you might be an innocent bystander,
someone who entered the scene after the breakup, did not cause it, but that will not
be much of a defence going forward when the battle heats up. You will be treated as
the the significant other, the third party who must be held accountable for simply
being in the wrong place at the wrong time, guilt by association. There are always
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casualties in war and you might feel like one. You certainly didnt envisage this when
you accepted that date all those months ago. You only wanted to meet someone and
this person was single at the time. However, now you are being treated like a home
wrecker and are the subject of much incoming fire from all directions. Your life is under
siege. Your very presence galls your partners ex, who could see you as a threat to
whatever is up for grabs in settlements and maintenance. Are you going to be a further
drain on resources that should go to them? How much is your partner spending, or in
the eyes of their ex, wasting on you? The separation or divorce eats up the time you
spend together and takes over much of the conversation. You might be on the
receiving end of nasty phone calls, texts or social media comments you dont deserve.
You need to let it all go, turn the other cheek and rise above it. Sticks and stones may
break your bones but words will never hurt you. There is a lot of hurt, anger, jealousy
and wounded pride driving this.
Terribly Conflicted
The Five of Wands in a spread, or on its own, could suggest you are internally
conflicted about your relationship. You might not be sure of what you really want. Part
of you might want to break up, while another part wants to stay and make a go of it.
There is a suggestion of confusion and erratic swings of mind and emotions. Following
on from the engagement or wedding energy of the Four of Wands, you might be in
turmoil if you have got engaged or married. For the moment, your feelings may not be
constant. They could change from day to day. There is a lot to consider and no matter
what approach you take, the issue will not settle in your mind. Should you, shouldnt
you? The answer in this case is not clear cut. If only you felt more relaxed about the
situation. Perhaps you dont want to get engaged? There is so much to consider, when
really you should be happy. If only things had been left as they were. This has brought
unwanted disturbance to your life.
Your partner may have asked something of you, to make a sacrifice perhaps. You just
dont know if you can comply. What does it mean for your relationship if you do, and
what will the implications be if you dont? How do you decide? This issue is likely to
preoccupy your thoughts and make you feel uneasy and irritable. Energy has been
stirred up and it appears to bring a sense of urgency with it. There is resistance to
conforming to the wishes of your partner or the change it might bring about.
Confused About Love
If you are still looking for love, you may find it difficult to define what you are looking
for in a relationship or partner. Your needs may conflict or contradict each other. You
might want a committed relationship, yet wish to keep your freedom and independence
at the same time. You might hold great career ambition, but also want to settle down.
How do you make it work? Can you have it all?
If you have given yourself over to the dating game with a view to meeting the right
partner, you might feel even more confused. You believed dating a variety of
personalities would clarify your needs, likes and dislikes but you are more puzzled
than ever. You may worry about not having what it takes to settle or commit. You like
certain aspects in all your dates, but none that would completely turn your head. You
wonder if you are being too picky and choosy? You may be disillusioned by what is on
offer. You have remained optimistic about each date up until now, eager to see what
they had to offer, what made them different to the rest, but alas, they ended up being
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the same as each other, cut from the same mould irrespective of looks, background,
class, or status.
In the Five of Wands you might be finding it difficult to make up your mind about a
particular relationship. It is possible you are adding to your confusion by allowing
others influence your thought processes. The opinions of others may not be
consistent. Some may say go ahead, say yes, while others might advise you to get
out, or say no. Friends and family may be swaying you off course and making it
impossible to decide. In the din of all the voices you must reflect inwards and think for
yourself.
Tackling Personality Issues When Seeking Love
In the Five of Wands we come across the dilemma in meeting the right person for you.
You have put yourself out there, socialised, joined clubs and taken up new activities,
yet you still havent met anyone worth a second glance. You might have gone on dates
when asked, giving him/her the benefit of your doubt even when you knew it was a
waste of time. No one can deny the effort you have put in. You may be in despair and
extremely frustrated. It is possible you have become negative about the whole
process. You may have lost faith and think it all a complete waste of energy. Instead
of being open and friendly, your energy may have become aggressive and
unapproachable. You write off potential suitors without giving them a fair chance,
because whats the point? He or she is bound to be like all the rest.
It might be you who is blocking your chance for love and romance. Now this is a tricky
area to deal with when reading for another, but if the querant is having difficulty in
meeting someone, they may need to question whether something they are doing is
yielding poor results. The Element of Fire is responsible for developing and driving
egos. The Wands Suit Upright demonstrate strong, healthy and assertive egos in
general. It is typically in the associated number of the card where we find hints as to
just how assertive the ego might be. The number Five brings challenge, change and
disruption. When we take into account the imagery of the card, along with its Element
and Number, we could find an ego that is borderline between assertive and
aggressive. An assertive ego can cross the line into aggressiveness when
circumstances are ripe or when there is a perception of threat. Therefore, your ego
may be presenting an overly assertive/aggressive stance when a potential suitor
approaches. You may not feel comfortable with being warm, polite and friendly, even
if you naturally are. It might be a defence mode you adopt to make you look tough and
independent. Instead of responding warmly to the attention of another, your reaction
could be rude or brusque. You could go on the attack as a method of playing hard to
get. This unfriendly behaviour could be confusing to others. It might make them back
off as they consider you too hot to handle. Look to surrounding cards to determine if
an overly-strong personality is causing issues. Reversed Wands Court Cards could
be implying you are overdoing it with displaying your assertiveness and independence.
Your potential suitors may feel you would not be interested in them, or are not looking
to meet anyone.
Then again, in the Five of Wands, we do have the potential for coming on too strong
when attempting to attract the attention of a certain someone. This is the opposite of
above, but could result in the same outcome. Here we see an individual become larger
than life as their personality is pushed to its limit. Acting out, being loud, rowdy or
showing off when a certain person is around may make you look immature and too
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much personality for one person. It could scare them off. This is typically found in
younger adults, and teenagers. Where young Wands are concerned, Fire might find
them showing off by driving fast, getting into fights, or doing something risky to show
how cool they are. Fooling around or acting the tough guy/gal is aimed to impress, and
catch your attention. This behaviour can be found in not so young adults too if their
personality has not matured as it should. One way or another, if you find this potential
interpretation relevant, it indicates a lack of balance and control. Its energy is
disruptive. You need to closely observe behaviour to determine if any of it needs
adjusting. There is no harm meant by this as Fire is simply being Fire. It is when the
Five of Wands reverses that we discover how destructive it can be.
Following on from the above, we find a relationship where one side is putting in a lot
of effort and the other very little. If you have tried every trick in the book to attract the
attention of a certain person, it may be time to acknowledge you have done your best.
You did expect to have to fight for attention, or love, but how much is too much? You
have put up a good fight but cannot stay in this mode for much longer. You need a
show of reciprocation now, a sign that you are still in with a chance. Are you sure this
person is worth fighting for? If so, hang on in, but dont let it drag on forever. This might
be entertainment, or great sport for them, but it could become humiliating for you.
Fire Fighting
The Five of Wands may suggest your relationship or marriage is going through some
rough times and its all hands-on deck. For one reason or another you seem to have
been hit with one crisis or drama after another leaving you in a permanent state of Fire
Fighting. After the trouble-free time enjoyed in the Four, life seems to have turned
upside down and refuses to cooperate with you. Its just one of those times when
nothing goes right. You must be all things to everyone and just suck it up. You barely
have time to catch your breath before the next problem hits. In fact, they all seem to
come together. What is going on? Anything could have happened and be happening.
There may have been a sudden job loss. There might be a crisis on the building site
of your new home. Workmen, may have caused damage through negligence. There
may be unforeseen expenses, opposition to your planning permission, angry
neighbours. A renovation job has gone totally overbudget. House appliances seem to
break down for no reason one after another, childrens school books and uniform bills
run into the thousands. Your car dies in the middle of rush hour traffic. The part you
need for the car turns out to be more expensive than the car itself. The vet says your
dog needs expensive surgery. The boiler is on the blink and its the middle of winter.
It is hard to stay positive under such circumstances and youre bound to be on edge
and snappy. The slightest thing may start a row as you take your stress out on each
other, possibly insinuating its your partners fault in the process. Someone must take
the blame! There is nothing to do about it. Most of this will be out of your control.
Everyone goes through the Five of Wands. Some, more times than others. Life seems
to be hurling a lot at you and wish your period of bad luck would end. Take a deep
breath and hold tight. You must battle on until you come out the other side. The Five
of Wands often tests the strength of a couple. What doesnt break a couple will
strengthen them. The problems suggested by this card are not very serious, but can
be blown out of proportion if partners allow them. You need to step back from all the
mayhem. Are you making too much of a fuss? It could be worse.
Fire Fighting may also apply to ongoing arguments and rows that are linked to a certain
hot topic or contentious issue around a relationship. There is a bone of contention
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between partners. There may be a brewing problem with one partner continually losing
the plot over it. It might be up to you to keep the calm and avoid further aggravation.
The issue may be coming from within the relationship, or connected to it on some level.
Family might be involved, even your children. The mere mention of this issue could
ignite passionate feelings. It needs to be carefully contained and managed. With the
right intervention, the issue can be diffused before it has a chance to explode. This
isnt going to be easy as you are likely dealing with an unreasonable partner. If the
issue is linked to external family, it is best not to take sides. Instead try to mediate.
External Demands
The Five of Wands often appears when a couples relationship is being impacted by
external demands. A relationship itself can be demanding, but when the strain is
coming from an external source it must be brought under control.
The external demands in question vary depending on the circumstances. For one
couple, it could be related to family obligations. Something may have happened within
the family leaving you obliged to deal with it. This could consume a lot of your time
and resources. Your own relationship may be neglected while you tend to the needs
of others. Sometimes this is a temporary situation, the result of an unexpected crisis,
or it may be an ongoing scenario. If this involves family on either side, a lot may be
expected of you. Demands could eat into your free time or weekends. Your own house
might be in chaos as you have precious little time to attend to it. It appears the needs
of others are more important than your own right now. However, be careful to set limits
on how much you can do, as others may take it for granted. They may see it as their
due and your duty.
Family Interference Personality Clash
In the Four of Wands Reversed we were exposed to the often-delicate issue of family
interference in a relationship. Now this interference may not have been intentional, as
in the belief they were acting with good intentions. They did not see it as interfering,
but simply as trying to help. However, we also ventured into areas of more deliberate
interference, with certain family members going out of their way to stir up trouble or
upset people. Jealousy or rivalry may have been involved. In the Five of Wands the
gloves are off with family blatantly and unashamedly interfering in a couples
relationship. Interference can happen on many levels. It may be considered minor or
major, occasional or constant. This can be a difficult situation to manage, as generally
you cannot exclude these people from your life or alienate them with rudeness. It is
best to keep some form of acceptable relationship to keep the peace at family
gatherings and special events. As mentioned in the Four of Wands Reversed, you can
choose your partner, but you cannot choose their family. Not getting along with them
could cause long-term issues for the relationship. You may find your in-laws annoying
and couldnt care less whether you see them from one end of the week to the next,
but your partner grew up in this family and may not see things as you do. He or she
may think it a personal attack when you find cause to criticise. Your partner may rant
and rave about them occasionally. He or she will expect you to side with them or agree,
but there is a very fine line between what is support and what is insult. The moment
you step from sympathising with your partner, to offering your own critical input you
are in trouble. Let your partner run down his/her family if they so wish, but dont join
in.
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In the Five of Wands it appears everyone has access to your relationship and a say in
what happens. This can be the result of a couple not laying down boundaries around
their relationship from day one. If you have not asserted your privacy, family members
could view that as an open invitation to get involved as they choose. They can take
their family connections to the extreme and deem it their right to know what is going
on. They may try to force their opinions on you and tell you what and how you should
be doing things. They can interfere in the relationship itself, your lifestyle, the rearing
of your children and the home you live in. They could expect you to run everything by
them before making decisions. Family members could develop a habit of popping in
unannounced and upsetting the order of your day or leisure time and expect to be
accommodated and entertained. This might be a daily occurrence. Clearing you out of
food, and downing the last of your wine, they can rapidly outstay their welcome, but
will be slow to pick up on subtle hints.
If you are subject to regular family interference, it is possible you have developed a
system of ducking and diving rather than standing up to them. Instead of asserting
your right to privacy, you begin to work around it by lying, fabricating stories or
excuses, hiding things, omitting crucial details and exhausting yourself trying to avoid
them. If this is your family, you must be the one to deal with it. If the interference is
coming from your partners side, then he or she must tackle it. If it is coming from both
sides, it can get quite competitive as each family rush to claim the territory of your
relationship. You must show a united front and lay down ground rules. As a last resort,
you might have to move further away if close proximity is making it worse.
Of course, we must look at the area of interference when a relationship has not been
endorsed by one side of the family. Your relationship or marriage may not be popular
with everyone. Your in-laws could be quite frosty and unwelcoming if they dont accept
you. They could go out of their way to make life difficult for you. You might be on the
receiving end of nasty comments or malicious gossip. They could find fault with
everything you do, and even attempt to set you up for failure. They may attempt to
poison your partner against you, or get them to question their relationship with you.
This continuous battering can wear you down and cause tension between partners.
Your self-esteem can take a hammering if you allow this behaviour to get to you. They
are not going to make it easy. You have been playing by their rules up to now, trying
to impress and pander to their whims. You might have to accept this will go on
indefinitely unless you do something about it. Getting your partner to intervene on your
behalf is unlikely to succeed, and could even make things worse. This is your battle.
You must show them you are a worthy contender and are prepared to fight. Time to
bare your teeth and stand up for yourself.
Family may also interfere in your life if you get embroiled in all their individual dramas.
Some families thrive on such drama, every minor incident blown out of proportion,
phone calls day and night, with regular updates and newsflashes. Like living in a Soap
Opera, family members can be at each others throats, or take pride in running each
other down. Fractious elements in families can upset the peace in a relationship and
take quality time away from couples. If you have constant phone calls, texts, or visits
from family members about family issues or dramas, it can take over your life. Family
can invade a relationship and be very demanding. All conversation between partners
may centre around the drama.
Following on from the above, we have the impact a relationship experiences due to
family arguments, disputes and rows. A couple may be asked to take sides or get
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involved in the argument. Partners may not take the same side, bringing external
family tension into the heart of their relationship. Family feuds can get out of control
and last an unhealthy period of time. It is essential to bring some order to the chaos
while you still can.
Let us finally look at a situation that is quite common, and also very sad. In this
instance, a certain family member may, or may not, realise how much they are
interfering in the normal day to day life of a relationship. We might be looking at an
elderly mother or father who needs, or demands, constant attention. They may have
genuine health issues you need to support them with. Even though it takes up your
spare time, you are more than happy to give it. However, there may be nothing wrong
with their health, but they encourage dependency on you. You might feel under
obligation to have them over for Sunday lunch each week, take them shopping, include
them in all vacation plans or outings etc. A considerate and well-meaning individual or
couple can slip into this habit very quickly.
An elderly parent can be difficult or indifferent to considering a couples need for
privacy or quality time. They expect to be catered for and can get stroppy if they feel
any resistance, using emotional blackmail, or pulling the old-age card to get their way.
Having the constant presence of your mother or father-in-law wears thin regardless of
how lovely or old they might be. His or her needs and wants exceed the needs of the
individual partners, couple, or family who are expected to make endless sacrifices on
their behalf. The sacred space of the relationship is breached and hijacked. Neither
partner can find a solution to the situation and so continue in this manner, emotions
running between resentment and guilt. With regards to the above interpretation, I refer
to elderly parents who abuse the hospitality and generous nature of their son or
daughter, not parents who are obliged by necessity, ill-health, mobility issues or
senility. For the latter, the Six of Cups would be more relevant.
Third Party Interference
Now we move on to a whole new level of interference. This time we are looking at
outside interference which threatens the foundations of a relationship or marriage.
Here we find a third party attempting to breach the inner intimate sanctum. This is not
an annoying sister, mother or friend, but an enemy. Depending on surrounding cards
and the nature of the reading, The Five of Wands could suggest a snake in the grass,
an intruder in your relationship. In the imagery, we see a group waving wands in the
air. Are they attempting to construct something, or pull it apart? With the Five we have
disruption and must see this as a threat in a relationship. Someone may be working to
actively deconstruct your relationship. At this stage, it might still be just a threat, but it
does suggest trouble if you go looking for it.
You or your partner may be exposed to the attention of another. You may have got
too close to someone at work or on a social level. You could be playing with fire as
you skirt around the danger zone of flirtation and temptation. You might see it as
harmless fun at this stage, but it does have the potential to blow up in your face. Your
involvement in this situation is filtering through to your relationship making you feel at
odds with it and your partner. Your partner is bound to sense a disturbance in the
force, a shift in the dynamics of the relationship. You may be too eager to go to work,
work late, or at the weekend. You might be spending too much time at the club or gym.
You might be paying extra attention to your appearance before you leave the house,
checking your phone too regularly, or mentioning someones name too often. Tread
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carefully as you could draw a lot of trouble and upset your way. If you are unsure of
your ability to resist temptation, you must go back to the Four to re-confirm why you
chose your partner. Check your foundations.
On the other hand, we might be looking at a situation where you are unhappy in your
relationship, or just bored with it. You could deliberately pull at your relationship,
tearing strips off it, wearing it down, diluting its strength. You want to test how far you
can push your partner, how much he or she will take before they react. The Five of
Wands could suggest you are going looking for trouble. If you are looking for an out
from your relationship, you might prefer to force it by courting sexual or romantic
attention from others. You might take huge risks, as you wait to see how long before
you get found out. You are playing with fire, and you know it. Alternatively, we find
someone who has a fling in the hope it will shock their partner into sense or action if
they feel neglected or taken for granted. This is a desperate, attention-seeking tactic.
On rare occasions, it brings a partner to their senses. Typically, it backfires drastically.
Interference from an Ex-Partner
Depending on surrounding cards and the issue at hand, The Five of Wands could
suggest interference coming from an ex-partner or ex-spouse. He or she may not have
let go and moved on. Your ex may hold a grudge against you or your new partner. He
or she may not want to you be happy with someone else and refuse to accept you
have moved on in your life. Your ex could pester you with unwanted phone calls and
texts. They could turn up at your door or workplace and make a scene. You could be
tracked on social media sites by your ex, or partners ex. He or she may post nasty
comments about you on your page. There may be an attempt to reclaim their partner.
This will cause tension and strain in your relationship. You must rise above it. If you
let it get to you, their mission has been successful. If interference turns to stalking, you
must notify the proper authorities and have it stopped.
Trouble/ Bringing Trouble On Yourself
The Five of Wands in a Near Future or Outcome Position could be alerting you to
trouble ahead or the potential for it if action is not taken to avoid it. The trouble
suggested would not be of the same ilk as The Tower for example, but even The Tower
must start somewhere. The energy that attaches itself to Trouble may not draw
attention to itself in its early days. We may see it as insignificant, of no consequence,
nothing to get worried about. Trouble can often disguise itself as fun, having a lark,
part of the game or risk, harmless - but its potential is often underestimated. In the
Five of Wands, trouble is in the air but it might not be recognised as so.
Just as we explored change earlier on, and how it can approach slowly or rapidly,
sometimes with warning, and often times not, trouble behaves in the same way. Being
aware or conscious of change taking place in your relationship, your feelings, your
outlook and needs prepares you for upheaval or upset as the change takes over. You
can aim for damage limitation where possible, or let it do as it will. You are not just
sitting back letting it do as it will. Being aware of approaching change and choosing to
ignore it, is akin to smelling smoke yet not rushing to find the source of it. While Rome
burns, you go about your merry way but later stand ranting and raving in the
smouldering ruins declaring you knew nothing of what was going on, of how unfair it
all is. Trouble works in the same manner. Generally, trouble will have an odour to it,
even if it is camouflaged in fragrance and faerie glamour. It floats through the air in
wafts and waves, causing us to feel a sense of unidentified unease which we work
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hard to dismiss or shake off. We do not want to think of trouble as it may not suit our
purpose. We laugh it off and make elaborate excuses for it, even when others upon
catching its odour, give concerned looks and issuing warnings or advice.
In The Five of Wands, there is an air of trouble brewing and it would be wise to sit up
and pay attention. Observe it closely to determine if there may be cause for worry.
Check if it is under control. Is it something that is waxing or waning, building or
receding? Should any action be taken at this stage? Is there something you should be
doing about it or are you content to leave well alone? What does your gut feeling tell
you? Does the energy surrounding this trouble have the potential to advance all the
away to The Tower? Is it the harbinger of worse things to come? Could this Five of
Wands be something you look back on one day in huge regret, angry with yourself for
not doing something about it when you had the chance? Depending on your
involvement in it, trouble may be delivered to your doorstep by another. It could be
your partner, spouse or external third party. It could however be you who invites trouble
in the door. Question your actions when you see the Five of Wands. Is your behaviour
or attitude causing trouble around you, or will it? What is your aim with the Five of
Wands? Do you seek to deliberately stir up trouble? Do you believe you have it all
under control, can turn trouble on and off as it suits you, or that you can always undo
it, should it manage to run away from you?
If this Five of Wands is appearing regularly in your love or relationship reading, it could
be warning you of trouble on the horizon that could develop into something more if
allowed go unchecked. If you have been trying hard to sort out trouble in your
relationship or love life, the Five of Wands consistently appearing could indicate your
efforts are not succeeding. The trouble is still present and you must ask why?
Someone may be keen to perpetuate trouble or is not taking it seriously. They may go
overboard with claims of their innocence and lack of culpability but methinks the lady
doth protest too much.
Making A Mess of Your Relationship
The Five of Wands can highlight a slip-shod approach to your relationship. You had
everything going for you in the Four of Wands but failed to realise it. You have been
treading in dangerous territory for some time, doing things you shouldnt, behaving
irresponsibly and taking it all for granted. You may already be in trouble but have
managed to wrangle out of it with apologies and renewal of good intentions. However,
you have really pushed your luck this time and messed up badly. You dont know how
to make it right. Instead of been humble, contrite and ready to take your punishment,
you act confrontationally and aggressively, blaming your partner for your own
shortcomings. You just cant stick to the straight and narrow and have invited trouble
to your own front door. It is likely you have dragged others into the mess with you and
caused widespread disruption.
Cant See The Wood For The Trees
In this interpretation, we find you totally lost in your relationship, and with no compass
to safely navigate by. There is so much wrong, you just dont know where to start
putting it right. The issues may be caused by you which leaves you feeling totally
responsible for the mess. You want to sort it out, but how? You think of this and that,
try out approaches which fail or get thrown back in your face. You dont know what to
do next and feel overwhelmed with the stress of it all.
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The issues may not be related to your actual relationship, but impact it nonetheless.
There might be job concerns, financial crisis, health issues or trouble coming your way.
At times, you feel you cant breathe and hold your head in your hands. Panic fills you
with a sense of coming dread which roots you to the spot. Which way do you turn?
How do you find your way out? At present, there is so much going on in your life, it is
impossible to see the wood for the trees. You need to calm down and stop struggling
so hard. In your panic you might be blindly travelling further into the trees, and not
making your way out into the light as hoped for. You are getting nowhere in this
frenzied energy. Sit down and get your bearings.
Blaming Others
The Five of Wands depicts five figures beating each other with Wands. They are taking
out their aggression or fiery energy on each other. This could suggest lashing out,
wanting to blame someone else for all your woes. It is an act of attack first and ask
questions later. The question may not get asked later if the figures believe they already
know all the answers. They fail to look inwards and acknowledge that some of their
anger could aimed at them. They want to punish those who have irked or upset them.
They do not stop for a moment to evaluate their culpability in the situation. No, it is
always someone elses fault for they are perfect in every way. They might have a
superior attitude, feel above reproach. The adopt a virtuous stance as they cast
judgement on those they vent their temper on. In relationships, this could point to one
partner on the receiving end of blame with the other happy to dish it out. It takes two
to tango.
Not Tying Up Loose Ends
If you have been involved in an inappropriate relationship, affair, strayed from home
or indulged in sexual flirtations, the Five of Wands can point to not covering your
tracks. You have left a trail behind that could easily be discovered. You have not been
discreet in your comings and goings. Too many people know what has been going on.
If you have tried to distance yourself from a certain third-party, this card could suggest
you havent tied up the loose ends or cut them as you should have. This could be an
oversight on your part, or deliberate. The door has been left open for a return. You
might still be in possession of their phone number, email, have not unfriended them
on your Social Media Pages. The fire has not been extinguished and could flare up
again at the slightest opportunity. You might be keeping your options open, wanting
your cake and eat it.
The Wicked Webs We Weave
Continuing From above, we now see the five Wands demonstrate their mercurial
nature. Constantly reforming and regrouping, they are hard to pin down, difficult to
establish or define. Just when you think you know what they are about, they change
direction or form. It is hard to get ahead of them or even catch up with what they are
up to. We are unsure of what to make of them. Are they up to good or bad? Are they
helping or hurting? The Five of Wands could find you tangled in a web of lies and
flimsy excuses as you cause deliberate distractions to take the heat off you. The web
is of your own making and it is possible you have lost track of how you created it. Lies
build upon lies and can become quite far-fetched and outlandish. Slippery and ever-
resourceful, there is always a plausible excuse on hand to explain away
inconsistencies and slip-ups. You are living in a House of Cards that is liable to come
crashing down. Your web of deceit will eventually trap you.
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Gossip Spreading Like Wild-Fire

The Five of Wands can appear as a gossip alert. You might be unaware you are the
subject of gossip which is spreading rapidly. You need to act rapidly to stop this in its
tracks and locate the source of it. However, once gossip starts, it grows in the
spreading and telling. The original source of the gossip may have passed an innocent
enough comment in confidence, that has now grown wings and taken flight. This wild-
fire needs dousing. Be careful who you confide in in future.
Nit-Picking and Nagging

The Five of Wands can highlight the plight of living with a partner who nit-picks about
everything. You may be on the receiving end of constant nagging. There is always
something to complain about. No matter what you do, it is not enough. Your timing is
continuously off as you either do something that is not needed or fail to do it when you
should. You just cant get it right. Your partner could insult or make fun of your efforts
or speak derogatorily about you to family and friends. You are treated as a joke,
someone who is useless, silly or incapable. Your partner is quite happy to hurl abuse
at you, as if you would be nothing if they werent around to sort you out. There could
be a condescending or patronising attitude towards you. However, it is unlikely this
behaviour stops with you. This person is liable to indulge and fuel nasty gossip about
others, quick to run someone down or add to their misery. The Five of Wands can
point to chips on shoulders and a sneering cynical attitude in general.
Getting Maximum Leverage Out Of Partners Shortcomings
Following on from the above The Five of Wands can showcase a scenario where one
partner gets maximum leverage out of an issue they hold their partner responsible for.
On one level, the offended partner is livid about the issue, but on another they are
secretly rubbing their hands together in glee thinking of how much they can milk the
situation to their advantage. Yes, their partner screwed up, behaved badly or was
inconsiderate, but does it really necessitate pushing the boat out so far with making
them feel so bad? You might make it out to be worse than it is, if you plan on building
a case for compensation around it. In this case, we are not looking at legal
compensation, but you intend to be amply recompensed for the perceived offense.
This might involve a substantial cash gift to blow on anything you so please, dinner in
a fancy restaurant, an extravagant gesture, an affirmative response to any request you
might make, a trip away, the house eventually painted/kitchen replaced etc. Once your
partner has made good on his/her recompense, you will gleefully invite them back in
from the cold, graciously allowing the issue to pass, their punishment complete. That
is of course until the next time and there always will be a next time!
Taking a Risk Potential To Blow Up In Your Face

The Five of Wands in a love or relationship reading could suggest embarking on a
course of action that has the potential to go very wrong. You are taking a big risk in
the hope that it will pay off in dividends but if it doesnt you stand to lose everything.
You may be making a serious bid for the one you are interested in. You could be
sticking your neck on the proverbial chopping block, setting yourself up for rejection
disgrace and humiliation, but are prepared to take a gambled risk on it working out.
You may have to take some heat over your actions, come under fire, opposition or
ridicule, but all in a days work, hey? You are up for it and need to push ahead. Dont
vacillate or give in to doubt. You are either in this to win or not. No time for second
thoughts.
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If already in a relationship or married, you could be proposing radical change or

introducing wild suggestions in the hope they will be believed and well received. You
could aim to win over support by offering outrageous guarantees and making
outlandish claims. You are so enamoured by what you chase, you could say anything,
and make all kinds of promises just to get it. You could make out that something is a
sure thing when it is anything but. You are taking a great risk and it better not backfire.
What you are proposing involves serious disruption to others and if it doesnt pay off,
the finger of blame will point heavily in your direction. You are dragging others into this
and heads will certainly roll if you mess up. It would be wise to have a Plan B up your
sleeve if Plan A falls apart. The thing is, you probably have no contingency plan in
place, and havent worked any the details out to completion. You are flying by the seat
of your pants and hoping for the best.
Breaking Marriage Vows/Disrespecting Vows
Where marriage is concerned, the Five of Wands can see your trampling all over your
vows and being disrespectful to your spouse. You are not fulfilling your side of the
contract and may be quite deliberate about it. The worse thing anyone can do is point
out to you what you cant or shouldnt do because you are married. Ultimatums or
orders are like a red rag to a bull. You will do the exact opposite of what is expected
of you. You may feel restricted or stifled by the rules and regulations people have set
out, and will rebel quite strongly. You will fight your partner on the slightest detail and
seek to score points as if it was a game with winners and losers instead of a two-way
relationship. This card could highlight transient restrictions that will pass. You may
have expected to freely do something or go somewhere but have come up against
objection or resistance from your partner which has enraged you. You might go ahead
and do it anyway.
Drama/Over-Exaggerating - Ambulance Chaser
The Five of Wands could suggest you are making an unnecessary fuss about
something in your relationship or an issue with your partner. You are being overly-
dramatic, your emotional response excessive under the circumstances. You might be
blowing a minor incident out of proportion, especially if you are seeking attention from
others or enjoy being the innocent victim in the situation. You might be secretly content
with the effect of the saga as family and friends rush to be part of the uproar. Feeling
affronted and incensed, you are making it out to be worse than it is.
The Five of Wands can highlight the ambulance chaser mentality. Drama and scandal
is courted and encouraged. You might relish jumping into the thick of it, being on the
spot when all the action happens, eager with opinions and biased versions of events.
This card could warn about getting involved in other peoples business, rows or
relationships that are none of your concern. You do not have all the facts and are
probably ill-informed with the ones you do have. There is a tendency to believe the
worst and you are not averse to embellishing facts for greater impact. If this does not
reflect your actions but you identify it in others around you, it is best to take what is
said with a pinch of salt as there may be little truth in it. Rumours grow in the telling
and spreading. Dont give power to busy bodies in your life right now. If there is
something going on with you, be careful who you confide in. Your doorbell and phone
may be ringing constantly with people who say they want to be there for you, but they
might have a hidden agenda. They might just be looking for the latest news.
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Panic/Rush/Reckless Action
The Five of Wands can act as a warning regarding action you are about to take or are
already involved in. You may see it as not a big deal, or something you have under
control, but it could run away from you. There is rush and panic associated with this
card and doing something potentially reckless and impulsive. You may not be thinking
clearly, thinking you are making a situation better, solving everyones problems, but it
is likely you are making things worse, digging a deeper hole for yourself that will be
hard to climb out of.
Not Finding A Workable Solution
The Five of Wands can suggest you are finding it increasingly harder and harder to
find a workable solution to problems you have encountered in your relationship. You
have been trying your best but its not good enough. This card can find you feeling
under pressure to sort things quickly. That might be where the problem lies. Instead
of taking the time to decide which area of your relationship needs most attention, and
then coming up with a plan or strategy, you are trying to do too many things at the one
time, racing down blind alleyways and dead ends. You are attempting to fix several
areas in one swoop. There is a sense of desperation about you as you furiously tread
water in the hope of making shore. Your relationship could be in its death throes and
you are fighting tooth and nail to save it, throwing everything but the kitchen sink at it.
The Five of Wands could suggest you have tried all the angles and approaches at this
stage. You may have to accept its over. Stand back onto the side-lines where you
can view it more objectively. At present, you cannot see the wood for the trees.
Fighting Your Corner
Where relationships are concerned, The Five of Wands might find you having to fight
your corner or disappear into a hole. If there is a dominant partner, you may have to
battle to assert your rights or needs as they usually decide these things for you. No
matter how trivial your request or suggestion, it is met with opposition and resistance.
Even announcing you want to paint the hallway takes great effort as your partner
decides it is fine as it is. You may be told outright and very firmly that there will be no
painting of the hallway. You are used to waiting patiently for the right moment to
approach, perhaps when they are in a good mood, or when you have earned some
brownie points. You rarely get to finish a sentence before they have interjected with a
negative response. If you were only allowed explain your reasons, finish what you are
trying to say, it might be something, but you end up with the bulk of it stuck in your
throat or churning in your stomach. Everything seems to be a combative struggle, with
their word - final.
This issue often comes to light when children get involved. You could be living in a
home where the kids do not get on with one parent, usually the parent who is dogmatic
and domineering. They just cant get past this parent and it upsets you to see them so
downcast when this parent bluntly refuses their requests without explanation or
attempt at compromise. No is no and that is it. Children will naturally turn to the other
parent for help. Perhaps they would stand a better chance of getting a yes if they could
put a word in for them. In this manner, we find a divided camp with one parent siding
with their children against the other parent who is unreasonable and mean-spirited.
This can cause bitterness and resentment for the parent whose heart breaks to see
their children treated in such an unfair and unsporting manner. In The Five of Wands
we can see a line drawn with a parent and children on one side and the other parent
isolated on the other.
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Petty Arguments
The Five of Wands often appears when you have got embroiled in petty arguments
with your partner. This situation often occurs once a relationship has moved past its
early stage. In the beginning, neither partner uttered a word that could possibly lead
to an argument, or suggest there was something wrong with the other. It was all best
behaviour and out to impress. As a relationship progresses and matures, couples drop
their guard. They note aspects in each other. Some of these aspects might be cute or
charming, while others may be annoying or irritating. If the couple has moved in with
each other, or are married and over the honeymoon period, the less than attractive
aspects of their partner can really get on their nerves. Things like leaving the toilet seat
up, toothpaste squeezed from the middle of the tube, shoes thrown on the floor, empty
milk cartons put back in fridge, or dark clothes mixed in with a white wash will not
trigger World War III, but it might feel like it. They seem to be constantly under your
nose and feet. Ongoing mild annoyances can give rise to excess irritation. Once the
argument breaks, stubborn attitudes go into overdrive. The accused partner may make
a point of exacerbating their behaviour just to annoy the other as their argument seems
so ridiculous. Partners become huffy with each other and refuse to talk or eat at the
same table. It becomes a matter of principle with them. Adults can start behaving as
children. Petty arguments can be drawn out for an unreasonably long time. It is time
for one of you to make peace and put an end to it. This is not a case of you having to
step down, but the issue needs to be looked at in perspective. How bad is it in the
grand scheme of things, does it warrant such reaction, can it be resolved, has anyone
died as a result of it? The Five of Wands can appear to suggest you are squabbling
over nothing of any great importance. Time to get over it.
The above scenario can come about due to partners spending too much time
together. Familiarity can breed contempt. There is also a lack of anticipation of when
you will see each other again if you are hanging around like shadows. You have no
news to bring each other which can get boring. Partners need to have their own lives
outside the relationship. It is not healthy to be cooped up with each other all the time.
Sticks And Stones Etc., Etc.,
Following a break-up or separation, you may find yourself at the receiving end of much
wrath and horrid comments. This is especially so if you were the one to end it. You
might also be the third party in a break up which generally will draw negative attention
to you. During this time, those who support your ex-partner/spouse, or the ex of your
partner will attempt to make you as miserable as possible. You may be subjected to
vicious phone calls, threatening texts, emails and derogatory comments on your social
media pages. There could be angry scenes or the street or at your workplace. Under
this continuous onslaught of incoming fire, you might be tempted to retaliate, to fight
back, to give as good as you get, but if possible try to rise above it. They are only
words at this stage and to a certain extent, some of it must be accepted and sucked
up. This will pass as it does for most people in your situation. Yes, it is intense and
insufferable right now, but you are bigger than this. Seek higher ground and hold your
counsel.
Power Struggles
Relationships represented by Wands often suggest the potential for competition
between partners. Fire types are drawn to similar fiery types who are not opposed to
being challenged by each other, or asked to prove themselves in some way. Fire
personalities like to show the world how great they are. This sense of bravado can
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extend into their relationships with one partner betting they cant do something, while
the other says, just you wait and see, and they will go the distance and beyond to
prove it. This type of one-upmanship behaviour is in their nature, and couples who live
by this code are often lively, extrovert, and extremely optimistic. They spur each other
on. However, this invigorating set up can step over the line when partners lose the fun
side of things and become ruthless in their pursuit of being top dog, king pin, or queen
bee. From a spirit of healthy competition springs a nasty struggle to be the dominant
power in the relationship. We no longer see partners spur the other on, but rather pit
themselves against each other in a bid for supremacy. The achievements or
successes of one partner is not celebrated or supported by the other. There is a sense
of disgruntlement, and a need to address the balance in favour of themselves again.
When power struggles enter a relationship we lose unity, teamwork, partnership and
cooperation. Partners retreat into their egotistic selves and revert to number 1 once
more, self-concerned, self-obsessed and self-centred. Power struggles can run from
trivial, insignificant situations, to major big deals. Even the choice of paint for the
kitchen wall can come down to a battle of wills. Some people just like to get their own
way all the time. Power struggles are often decided by who has the most stamina and
energy to hold out until they get their way. Big issues could be related to the
management or upbringing of children, with one partner insisting on forcing their way
of operation on others who are not in agreement. They believe they have the god given
right to hold the reins power. There is a struggle to be the dominant partner, the one
who must be deferred to in all matters and on all occasions, the one who has the
ultimate final say on everything. If one partner bows to the demands of the other, or
wears down under pressure, the power struggle ceases to exist as a victor has been
declared or self-appointed. Power struggles can only be called power struggles, if
neither side are prepared to concede defeat to the other. We enter an attitude of Ill
show him/her, Ill sort him/her out, how dare he/she go against what I say. Power
struggles can be out in the open, blatant and transparent for all to see, or they can be
covert, battled out behind closed doors, or feigned cooperation. Often in power
struggles the most powerful one just nods and agrees, only to go and do whatever it
is anyway behind their partners back anyway. The one who thinks they hold the power
doesnt, and is often kept out of the loop of what is going on because everyone knows
how awkward and difficult they will be.
Dynamic Competitive Couple
In the Five of Wands, we find a couple who are in the chaos together and are quite
competitive. They may enjoy outdoing or scoring points on each other, but in a positive
sporting manner. Being constantly on the go and signing up for things might be their
vibe. Here we have a very active couple who enjoy being out and about. They could
be very sporty with weekly commitments to training, coaching, rehearsing etc. There
may be matches, marathons to run, mountains to climb, competition, or performances
at weekends. They thrive on their demanding life, enjoy high energy and good health.
They need to be doing something all the time as it makes them happy. Game for
anything, they will deliberately seek out challenge, and are rarely at home. This couple
have a strong relationship that is kept fresh and stimulating.
Trying To Have It All
The Five of Wands highlights the tension and stresses for those who are ambitious,
aiming high and want a piece of everything life has to offer. This is a case of having
your finger in multiple pies, wanting to taste them all, afraid to miss out on any of it.
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This can suggest serious multi-tasking in life. You may have a demanding
career/business, busy lifestyle, expensive tastes, expanding family, strenuous
exercise regimes and hectic social life. You are up very early in the morning and home
quite late in the evening. Your weekends are tightly scheduled and you have a to-do
list that is exhausting. On the outside, you seem to be managing it all, but an
exhaustion is building that could overwhelm you if it found an outlet. You manage to
keep it at bay by keeping the adrenaline pumping, but do worry about what would
happen if it failed you. Your sleep is not the best but you cant afford to take any time
off. Should you stop unannounced or all of a sudden, the world you live in just might
stop too. Everything and everyone depends on your ability to keep going. You have
created a lifestyle that costs a lot in time, energy, and money to maintain. There are
certain goals you havent yet achieved and must find a way to go after them too. This
compulsion to have it all may come from you alone, or perhaps it is a couple who
perpetuates it. You may have worked hard to create the lifestyle of your dreams and
are now tightly tied into it. You might not be able to walk away from it even if you
wanted to.
On top of the above, you might also be adding to your load by drawing unnecessary
extra stress or baggage into your life. You are so used to having and getting it all, it
may not cross your mind that there are certain pies you should keep your fingers out
of. They may not be yours to eat but that is unlikely to stop you. Havent you enough
to be getting on with? You may take whatever meaning out of this you like.
Unconventional /Partner/Relationship/Family
Sometimes the Five of Wands appearing in a love or relationship reading can suggest
a partner or potential partner who would be considered unconventional in the normal
sense, especially to those who veer towards the conservative and conventional side,
and think anything different is obviously weird, or wrong. Here we might find your
attraction or involvement causes many raised eyebrows all round. This person could
be deemed unconventional, eccentric or outrageous, causing heads to turn out of
surprise or shock. Your interest in this person may also be considered inappropriate.
In this interpretation, we are not referring to unconventional, as in non-heterosexual
relationships. Instead, we might be looking at a massive age difference, bizarre dress
sense, strange behaviour, wacky occupation or larger than life personality. This is
someone who stands out from the crowd as being different or unusual. They could be
the centre of much controversy.
The Five of Wands can also suggest the relationship itself is unconventional. You may
be considered an odd or unusual couple based on your looks, style, behaviour,
manner of living and habits. The presence of The Fool could support this theory and
suggests a hippy or bohemian type of lifestyle. You may be seen as nonconformists,
mavericks, eco warriors, new age types or even dissidents if you live outside the
standard model of normalcy. As a couple, you might make a career out of being
different and doing anything other than conforming to what society expects of you. You
will always choose the unusual path over the obvious; vacationing in destinations no
one has ever heard of, planning bizarre wedding rituals and receptions, making a
home in the most unlikely of places, taking on projects that others view as insanity,
doing what others say cannot be done, tearing up rule books that hold you back. You
might take your family off to live with the Eskimos for a year, or decide to live without
electricity or running water as an experiment in survival. You could choose to raise
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your family in tents made out of innovative materials and live off the land in search of
new enriching experiences.
The School Of Life A Novel Approach To Education
Where children are concerned, the Five of Wands might find you pulling them out of
mainstream education in favour of home schooling. You are probably strong
advocates of learning from direct experience. In your opinion, there is no substitute for
the school of life - throwing them in at the deep end and letting them sink or swim. You
are not a big fan of traditional or conventional teaching methods as you see them
limiting and restricting. You could seek permission from the educational authorities to
take your children on a two- year school break to explore the world and gain exposure
to other cultures and ways of living. There are certain things that just cannot be learned
in the classroom.
On another level, the Five of Wands could indicate a haphazard approach to rearing
and educating your children. In this instance, it may be the result of you moving home
a lot which necessitates changing school regularly, or it could be that your child or
children are finding it difficult to settle anywhere. Your childs schooling could be all
over the place, with effort coming in fits and starts. Your child might be the sensitive
type who is particularly vulnerable to intimidation or bullying by other students. There
may be learning difficulties that cause issues when seeking enrolment. The resources
your child needs may be in short supply, or perhaps you do not qualify for them. We
must also look at the possibility the schools are the ones who wish to move them on.
Your child or children could be disruptive or rebellious which will bring them into
confrontation with teachers and school principals alike. They may be the source of
stress to other children.
A Fiery Partner
In this instance, the Five of Wands can point to a partner who has an aggressive streak
in their personality. It doesnt take much to set them off and there may have been
some scenes in the past. They may not mean any harm, and if they come from a family
where loud quarrelling was the norm, they might see nothing wrong with their
behaviour. It is likely you have experienced some of their outbursts during the course
of your relationship, but generally these are focused on others, not you. He or she is
quick to get into an argument when out with others and you may have fallen into a
habit of steering conversation away from potentially inflammatory issues. They walk a
fine line between assertiveness and aggression. You may be used to their volatil e
personality but it does need to be watched.
A Funny Partner
The Five of Wands could suggest a funny or comic personality. Check for correlating
cards, such as Wands Page or Knight, and the Fool. Here we have a naturally good
humoured person who is up for anything and game for a laugh. The glass is always
half full with this person. He or she is positive and upbeat, and always looks on the
bright side of things. You are drawn to their wit and possible madness. He or she
creates dramatic mayhem wherever they go, and always have a wonderful story to
tell. This person will rise to any challenge and do the silliest of things. With a big heart
and wonderful spirit your partner could be doing something wild and whacky for
charity, or just for the sheer thrill of it. You never know what to expect from them next
as they are constantly putting your heart crossways, either with fright or surprise.
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A party animal, he or she will be first on the dancefloor and last to leave it. Mad stunts
on the dancefloor could draw a large crowd who cheer and applaud the antics.
Everyone says you must have the patience of a saint. He or she is a crowd pleaser
but also great fun when its just the two of you.
In the Five of Wands we can also find parents who turn up at childrens sports days
to take part in games and matches. They enjoy getting involved and being part of the
fun.
Coming Off The Side lines Being Proactive In Love
If you have been standing on the side lines for too long where love is concerned, The
Five of Wands appearing in your reading could be telling you it is time to get back into
the stream of life once more. You need to put yourself out there and openly declare
you have entered the game. Otherwise you might not be seen. Standing on the side
lines is a way of staying in a comfort zone. You can watch from a distance, comment
and critique on others without getting your own hands dirty or involved. If you stood on
the side lines for too long, you might have lost belief in being fit enough to join in, not
up to it anymore. From a distance, it looks scary and you wonder why anyone would
expose themselves to such potential hurt or injury. You watch the players
enthusiastically confront each other from between gaps in your fingers. You may have
been in the game in the past but now believe you have lost your touch and capability.
Time to get off the bench and limber up. The game of life and love is much more
enjoyable and less daunting when you are in the midst of it, messy and all as it might
be. A few knocks and bruises wont kill you. Adrenaline will keep you going until you
get back into the swing of it again.
The Circus Of Dating
If you are single and still looking to meet that certain someone, you may be fed up with
the circus surrounding the dating game. The more you put yourself out there, the more
you realise how cut throat it is. You are not the only one looking for love and perhaps
there is a shallow pool of potential suitors to choose from. At times, it resembles
heading out to the January Sales with people trampling over each other to get the best
bargain. It can get vicious and extremely competitive as hungry eyes scavenge for the
pick of the crop. There may be certain rules of engagement, unspoken protocol that
must be adhered to. When does hands-off, I saw him/her first apply, or does securing
a date mean others will acknowledge it and back off the hunt? When can you relax
and not have to feel you are in a constant race with competitors who smile to your
face, but secretly hope you would spontaneously combust in front of them. However,
what choice do you have? If you are not meeting someone in a more relaxed manner,
you have to throw your lot in with this crowd and see what comes out of it. It is not
something you could do indefinitely, but it is worth a shot. The best thing is to embrace
this culture. Work with it. Claim your space and watch your back, but dont take it too
seriously. It obviously works or it wouldnt be so popular. Be a worthy opponent and
give it your best.
Party Animal
The Five of Wands throws the spotlight on the Party Animal. It may be you, your
partner, or one of your group. It is likely you have a reputation for burning the midnight
oil and being the last one to leave the dance floor or party. You seem to have endless
energy which is just as well because your social life is certainly hectic. You do like to
be out and about and probably have a phobia about being stuck in at the weekend.
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Horror of horrors! You like to be in the thick of it, a part of whatever is going on. There
is a fear of missing out on something great if you take a night off. This type of
socialising can be very expensive to maintain, as all of us know you cannot put your
nose out the door without needing to spend money on it. Your social life could involve
the need to purchase new clothes regularly, hair maintenance, tickets, travel,
accommodation, food, alcohol and gifts. You may be coasting by on credit cards, or
be one of the lucky ones who is flush with cash. Your behaviour when out might be
outrageous, with loud singing on the street, wild dancing on table-tops, exhibitionism,
screeching into Karaoke microphones, explicit flirtation, and spontaneous sexual
activity. You cant be easily found at the end of the night, and when you are, need to
be carried out to a waiting taxi or dragged onto the bus. In your heightened state of
emotion and adrenaline, you could easily get into confrontational scenes with others
who are not impressed with your antics. Everyone thinks youre mad, wicked and crazy
the life and soul of any party and great for a laugh. You are up for anything and are
amazing at whipping up enthusiasm and motivation around you when things begin to
dull.
However, and there always is a however, being the party animal is perfectly
acceptable some of the time, but not always. It can be a sign of hyperactivity or mania.
You may be too bright in the eyes and too wired. Those around may worry about you
losing control and how they will manage you. You might be drinking and smoking too
much if it has all become a habit. This Five could highlight a social circuit you frequent
where you encounter others like yourself. This card reminds me of the high flying social
scene of super models, young stars/starlettes and reality celebs. Champagne flows
and paparazzi capture shots of scandalous behaviour and drunken dishevelment.
Party animals need to move on after a period of time, to grow up, mature, or settle
down into a life that is more manageable and healthier for their system. They need to
hand over the mantle to the younger crowd coming up behind, and take a well-earned
rest. Most party animals follow this trend and have great stories to tell of their whacky
days of yore, but for some, it destroys their lives and they end up a mess.
Underlying mental health issues might be the driving factor behind the most shocking
behaviour. The party animal who is entertaining the crowd at a party by doing a
striptease on the table-top may actually be suffering from bi-polar or manic depression.
Their highs may lead them to behave in a scandalous manner, that might seem funny
to onlookers but in truth is a tragedy unfolding before their eyes. Deep insecurity and
hang-ups can lead people into party animal behaviour on the basis of needing
attention from people. If the party animal cannot hold a normal conversation with you
at some stage of the day or night, then there could be a problem.
On a purely light level, this card could be telling you to either rev up your social life,
accept every invitation that comes your way, or slow down and withdraw. You might
need to let your hair down and trip the light fandango and stay out late. It is easy to let
our party side slip as the demands of life take over. Instead of hitting the floor to dance
the night away at a party or event, we are found sipping on a drink gripping the side of
our seat for fear someone will drag us out into the frenzied mob. Instead of being called
mad and crazy people moan that we are no fun anymore, and a fuddy-duddy.
Remember, the Five of Wands would be a high energy card, and when related to
partying and socialising, it gives you the nod of approval, and with it - a warning. If you
want to hit the dancefloor and party all night, you must ensure you have the energy for
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it. You also need to replenish your energy after it too. Get some rest in between and
dont let your partying interfere negatively with the rest of your life.
If you are concerned about someone who seems to be able to party, party all night
and every night, they may be taking some substance to keep going. Generally, this
would be linked to the Reversed Five with supporting cards in the surrounding spread.
A Raging Flirt
Fire is magnetic and will be drawn to those who give it the right attention or flattery.
Your personality may be predisposed to flirtation. You may find it hard to resist its
allure and the illusions it creates. You enjoy the high it gives and the break from the
everyday aspect of your own relationship. Flirtation offers the buzz of first love, the
tantalising sexual attraction which may seem lost to you when in a long-term
relationship. These involvements ideally keep you from accepting the responsibility of
a relationship. You get to enjoy all the highs without having to deal with the lows, yet
also have the background comfort zone of your partner or family to go home to.
Marking Your Territory
The Five of Wands depicts a group of figures battling over the same piece of turf or
ground. There is a need to launch an attack even before there is perceived aggression
shown towards them. They need to make their opponents fearful and put them off
getting any closer. When we tie this into relationships we can find a partner who is
extremely territorial about their partner. They are paranoid about any attention they
get and are quick to move in and dismantle it. This could lead to angry or embarrassing
scenes. Your partner may be very good looking or handsome with a great physique.
Heads naturally turn as they enter a room, and even though you get immense pleasure
out of this, you being the one they are with, you cannot help but feel someone else will
swoop in and steal them from you if you drop your guard for a moment. It makes your
blood boil when you see all the eyes ogling them. You know the moment your walk
away, someone will move in and chat to them, wanting to get close and personal. Your
partner cannot help the reaction they are causing, and if they are not deliberately
seeking this attention, you really need to get a grip as paranoia an jealousy will destroy
your relationship. However, your partner may like to provoke this jealous streak in you
by playing up to the attention and advances they get. They may want to keep you on
your toes and encourage such insecurity. Surrounding cards will determine if it is all in
innocence or part of a game to keep you keen.
Up Against Stiff Competition
Should you have your heart set on a certain someone, The Five of Wands might
suggest you are not the only one. Whoever you are after is extremely popular and can
have their pick of several potential suitors. You might be up against stiff competition
and wondering what the odds are in beating the rest. It is likely you are comparing
yourself to the competition to see how you measure up. You either feel you are in with
a good chance, or should quit while you still have your pride intact. The competition in
the Five of Wands is usually quite fierce, but evenly matched. Regardless, each suitor
will have his/her strong selling point. It could be looks, personality, charm, humour,
physique, style, job, or money for example. Everyone is in with a good sporting chance,
but there can only be one victor. It will be the person with the x-factor who will win the
heart. It is time to focus on your strengths, not your weakness. Showcase yourself in
the best possible light. You are every bit as good as your competitors. Be bold, daring
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and courageous. If you think this person is worth fighting for, then go for it. Dont stand
around in the background waiting to be noticed, get out into the action.
Jousting
The Five of Wands is akin to the medieval jousting tournaments where Knights vied
for the heart of a fair lady. They went into battle, sometimes mortal battle to acquire it.
Jousting tournaments were the occasion for great sport and entertainment. People
wore their best and jostled each other for the limelight. Knights, often friends of each
other, rode against each other in competition. All was considered fair in love and war.
Injuries and death did happen but life was meaningless without love. This card could
suggest you are going all out to impress a certain person and are determined to win.
Playing The Field
Depending on surrounding cards, the Five of Wands could suggest playing the field.
Like bees to honey, you might have several suitors in hot pursuit, but have not singled
out one for special attention. In this case, there is no victor. Here we find lots of dating
with various personality types. You are not yet ready to choose one over the other as
you are having a good time and enjoy watching them fight for your attention. This card
could also suggest you must choose between several potential partners. They all hold
their own appeal, but you are at odds over which one will be most compatible. Speed
dating might also be suggested. You might only have a limited time to impress, so
need to make the most of it. A cheeky or brazen approach might single you out from
the more conservative competitors.
When in pursuit of love, The Five of Wands could point to a Tomboy or Ladette type
of attraction. Here we see an archetypal situation where females prefer to hang out
with the guys. This could send out confusing signals. It may not seem appropriate to
approach this person if you are interested. How can you tell if they see you as just one
of the guys or a potential suitor? You are fearful of upsetting the balance should you
suggest a relationship and get it wrong.
Friends Fighting
The Five of Wands can highlight a group of friends having issues with each other.
Something has occurred; an incident or simmering discontent has come to the boil
causing disharmony and annoyance. A spoken or unspoken code of honour among
friends may have been broken causing individuals to rise up in anger and dismay.
Friends could get quite vicious with each other, becoming very personal and stinging
with their comments. After all, its friends who know exactly where the chinks in your
armour are should they decide to launch an attack. Their blows can be particularly
brutal and shocking. This is probably a situation that has gotten of control. It is being
made out to be worse than it is with all involved getting carried away in drama or
hysterics. Over consumption of alcohol can play havoc with perception and emotions.
Dreadful name calling and unsightly behaviour could leave you feeling wretched,
stupid, regretful and ashamed when the heat has cooled down. Friends could fall out
for some time, but it should not be allowed drag on. It is best to calm down and take a
good look in the mirror. Try to see the hilarious side in it. They need to apologise and
put it behind them. Can anyone actually remember who started it?
Hunting In A Pack Mob Mentality
The Five of Wands could also throw the spotlight on a group or circle you move in that
has a reputation for being tough and quick to react aggressively or negatively. You
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may be barred from certain venues and social events if you and your mates have a
reputation for causing or making trouble. People may give you a wide berth or
deliberately look the other way when they see you approaching. The trouble is the
group you are in think themselves cool. They may pride themselves on their reputation
for trouble and work hard to maintain it. A scene of some sort must always be made.
It might start with picking on someone they claim is looking at them in a disparaging
way, a bar tender who is slow to serve, a waiter who gets their order mixed up or a
door man at a night club refusing entry. They can be difficult, loud and rowdy, causing
mayhem when on vacation and disturbing the peace of others. They could take an
instant dislike to an individual who fails to be impressed by their antics or who is
obviously superior to them. They can make this persons life miserable. If you can
identify with this group, you should make an effort to distance yourself as they are
doing nothing but bringing you down. They are neither cool nor funny and you would
be better off without them. Your chance of meeting anyone decent or respectable while
associated with this bunch is very limited. You will only attract similar personalities to
this group, and could jump from the frying pan to the fire in a dysfunctional relationship.
However, breaking away may not be that easy as they could react negatively to your
growing distance. They may not want to see you succeed.
Fighting Over The Same Person
The Five of Wands in a love reading could suggest competition for the one you are
interested in. Competition this time comes from within your tight circle of friends
causing tension, suspicion and uncharitable feelings towards each other. There may
be rows over who saw the person first, who is most suitable and who has the best
chance of scoring. Friends may trip each other up in an effort to stymie anyones
progress in this area. Secretive behaviour and failing to share information and gossip
with each other occurs, as those in competition seek to make advances unknownst to
the others. They could begin to socialise outside the circle while in pursuit of the certain
person. Friends could throw themselves unashamedly at this person, desperate to
make an impression and scoop the prize. Competitors will look for backing and
support, so friends will be asked to take sides or promote one in favour of the other. It
can all become nasty, bitchy and underhand with gossip and telling tales on each
other.
Not Listening To Advice Of Friends
The Five of Wands when Upright highlights individuals who are very much out for their
own gain. Even though we see them in a group, we get the impression they all do their
own thing and have little time for the needs, rights, or wishes of each other. In this
light, we must look at deliberate resistance to heeding the advice or warnings of
concerned friends. Regardless of what they say, you will be doing your own thing for
right or wrong. You are not prepared to listen to their opinions, the facts of the matter,
or information they may have pertaining to your situation. You are being very bull -
headed and cannot be swayed from a course of action you are intent on pursuing. If
this relates to a relationship, your friends may not support your choice of partner,
causing clashes and falling out. You are prepared to take the risk on it and will have
to live with the consequences if any. You might take this approach with most things,
always having to learn the hard way, never going with the flow or treading carefully.
Partners Friends A Bit Wild, But Great Craic!
The Five of Wands could suggest the friendship you have with your partners friends.
Here we find quite a wild bunch with strong personalities and big egos. Going out for
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the night, or on vacation with them is not for the faint hearted as they can be quite
rowdy and boisterous. You have seen them do mad things, pull crazy stunts and
literally get away with murder. They may see you as a bit tame and reserved, but they
work around you. They probably try to bring you out of your shell and involve you in
the fun but you can never fully let yourself go to that extent. Even though they act
tough and crazy they are a good bunch with their hearts in the right place. They would
be quick to run to your aid and defend your honour if necessary. You cant help but
laugh at their carry on but are not terribly relaxed when your partner heads out for the
night with them. You just never know what will happen, where they will end up, when
they will come home, what state they will be in and what mess you will have to clean
up after them. You are hoping they will eventually grow up and settle but you might be
waiting some time for that to happen. This is their natural spirit which becomes greatly
enhanced when they are all together. They are at their best when hunting in a pack or
travelling as a mob. They are quite tight so even one missing member will upset the
dynamics. Therefore, they are pretty insistent on a full turn out for each gathering.
Your partner might be quite different when on his/her own.
Social Climber
In The Five of Wands we find you pulling out all the stops in your determination to
climb the social ladder. You are not one for taking no for an answer when those in
charge seek to turn you away from gaining entry. If you cannot get in the front door,
there is always the back, or even a window to climb through or gate to scale. You are
prepared to do or say anything to be part of the crowd. The imagery in the Five sees
you attempt to construct a faade or pretence around you, styled on those you have
observed and admired. This could involve adopting a look, dress sense, accent and
attitude that will help you fit in. You have a sensitive nose for competition and move
fast to scupper their chances if they seek to advance or overtake your position. You
are all after the one thing and this does not encourage warmth or friendship. Everyone
is a threat. It is a tough career you have chosen, but you are determined to succeed.
Having To Watch Your Back

In the Five of Wands we see five figures battling or challenging each other. Most of
the opponents face each other head on. The figure in red is intent on challenging the
a combatant in the blue and white print jerkin positioned to the right of the imagery. It
is unclear if he is aware of the opponent closing in from behind but he has left himself
at risk of an attack from behind. The figure behind him is focussed on confronting
another combatant, but could if he so chooses, change direction and whack the figure
in red from behind. Depending on your situation, this card may be advising you to
watch your back as you are exposed and vulnerable to injury and hurt where love is
concerned. Also, an attack may blind side you. You may not see it coming or believe
you had any reason for concern.
Reality Stars
The Five of Wands throws up the possibility you are not averse to drawing attention,
gaining publicity and being the cause of gossip, rumour and speculation. This card
could suggest you are not the most private of persons and are quite open to airing
your laundry, both clean and dirty, in public. You share most of your life on social
media, with a constant flow of photos, selfies and video footage. If you havent your
own YouTube channel set up, it is something that would interest you considerably.
This card could imply you are hosting your own reality show via vlogging or would like
to. The various figures in the imagery of this card can represent the outside world, the
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viewing public, accessing all areas of your life. You might be seeking to attract
followers and could go out of your way to create outrageous or controversial videos
that will cause a strong reaction. The Five of Wands in its Upright aspect can highlight
the pros and cons of allowing the world into your home, life and relationship. Here we
see both followers and trolls. However, under this energy it is unlikely to affect you.
Any attention or reaction to your videos is better than none. Traffic is important to your
success, so the more the merrier. If you do not already have a YouTube Channel, the
videos you post on social media are growing in popularity so it might be worth a shot
if you are that way inclined.
Gaining public attention or fame may not necessarily come through hosting your own
video channel, but as an individual or couple, you will be interested in participating on
Reality TV shows or programs that require public participation. You dont mind getting
up and sharing your story with the world or making a show of yourself on camera to
achieve a goal or grand prize. In fact, you are up for anything and should go for it. The
experience will be great and who knows where it will lead to?
Work Demands
The Five of Wands can suggest work-related external demands interfering in a
relationship. You, your partner, or both of you, may spend significant time at work.
There may be a business to run or ongoing work-related travel. Work may be brought
home each day. There may be no cut off time from work. You might be studying for
career advancement as well as working. There will be little time for your relationship
and it is likely you sense this, but feel there is little you can do about it at present. If
the couple is strong and have foreseen the issues facing them, they will survive. It i s
only a temporary situation, and for the moment they must get on with things, safe in
the knowledge they have each others backs and are supportive.
Problems arise when work is allowed take over a couples relationship by becoming
the norm. One partner may be spending too much time at work and is rarely home or
around when needed. Partners may pass each other fleetingly as they come and go
to work, getting home late at night after everyone is in bed. Outings, breaks or other
social activities may be cancelled regularly due to the growing work demands of a
partner. This will be tolerated for some time as there is an understanding of mutual
benefit from any additional work. It is when one can no longer rely on their partner to
fulfil any promises, or keep their word because of work, the rot begins to set in. A
partner gets used to regularly letting down his/her partner. In the beginning, this may
cause dreadful rows and upset, but as time goes on, resignation or indifference sets
in. A relationship can drift apart as partners no longer include each other in their plans
or life. They might reside under one roof, but will eventually begin to live separate lives.
If there are children involved, the parent with such extreme work commitments may
lose connection with them. Where indifference creeps in, there may be a false sense
of security as any arguments about work no longer occur. It is likely the affected
partner has given up. This is a bad sign and can lead to an eventual break-up.
Taking On Too Much
External demands may also be of your own making. Wands love to get involved in
clubs, organisations, committees and interesting projects. They tend to say yes to
anything that catches their attention or interest. As a result, you may have taken on
too many extremal commitments which are now out of control. If you volunteered your
time, energy or skills to others, you might have underestimated what was involved. It
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is likely your time is not your own anymore as you dash out of the house each evening
or at the weekend. You are needed here there and everywhere, your phone constantly
pinging with requests for your time or input. You are trying to keep everyone happy,
but your relationship might be suffering. Friends and acquaintances may think you
wonderful as you help dig out their back garden or lay bricks for their extension, but
your own home might need serious attention. Time to get your priorities in order. You
need to politely back out of certain non-essential commitments as your relationship
needs to be focussed on. You might find this very hard to do as you will hate to let
people down. It may however seem to your partner that you have no difficulty in letting
them down. You might think your partner understands and is accepting. If you are in
a relationship with such a person, it is likely you are quite tolerant if he or she has
always been like this. It could be part of the reason you were drawn to them. However,
if this behaviour is recent, it might suggest your partner would rather be out, than at
home. You must ask why this might be?
No Time For Relationships
The Five of Wands can suggest you are too busy with your career to give time to
relationships. You are socially active, but avoid getting involved with anyone. Your
focus is not on romance, but getting ahead. You are extremely ambitious and have
your priorities in order. Relationships must wait, for you are not prepared to threaten
your career for one. In the Upright Five of Wands you make very deliberate choices.
You understand that just like your job or career needs focus and attention, so does a
relationship. You accept you cannot have both right now as one will suffer for the other.
You are not in a position to offer commitment to anyone. You are totally in love with
your job, studies, or career and need no more. Work could take you anywhere, at any
minute. You must be free to go, without complication or recrimination.
Another aspect of the above situation is a temporary withdrawal from your current
relationship, or the seeking of one. You may be involved in a very important work
project that demands you to be on call 24/7. You are part of a team and your role is
vital. You cannot allow external distractions to get in the way. You may need to be
absent or unavailable to your partner during this time, or if single, avoid dating
altogether as the two wont mix. Here we see sports professionals who withdraw from
the pressure and expectations of relationships during periods of intense training and
competition.
The Five of Wands could suggest you are dating a professional sportsperson.
Get Moving and Have Some Fun!
If you are beginning to feel restless, or your relationship has become staid and stale,
The Five of Wands appearing in your reading may be the antidote. Time to get active
and fit. Join a club, group, take up a sport together, or get involved in a community
project. Something challenging and demanding is needed to light your fire.
The Five of Wands can be seen as irritating and annoying, but it also brings fun and
harmless fooling around. With the constant demands of life; work, family and home,
couples can lose their sense of adventure and humour. The appearance of this card
in your relationship reading could suggest you have become too serious. It is high time
you had a good laugh and get in touch with your inner child. Team activity, or just
mucking in together is suggested in this card, so maybe think about a camping trip
with the kids, or a day trip to an adventure/theme park. Challenge each other in games
and unleash your competitive side. Dont be afraid to get dirty or bruised. Outdoor
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pursuits are favoured. Do something crazy together that will make you laugh and feel
young.
If you are planning a vacation together, why not consider a challenging trip. It might
involve getting fit or going into training before you go.
Trolls
Now we look at the downside of having an online presence and encouraging public
reaction. The Five of Wands could suggest you are under attack from trolls, or a certain
troll, via social media outlets. You may be receiving nasty comments that are designed
to hurt or illicit a reaction. Troll behaviour on personal social media pages is often
linked to someone being jealous of who you are and what you do, but it could also be
coming from someone who in their own mind feels justified in taking you down. You
may be dating someone with an ex-partner or spouse who is wild with jealousy over
your very existence. The comments may be even more vitriolic if you were a third-
party in their relationship or are assumed to be the cause of their breakup. The troll
might have encouraged their friends to troll you too, so there may be incoming fire
from several angles. If you find yourself in this situation, it would be wise to change
your page to private status and carefully go through those you have friended. You may
have to unfriend several to bring the number down to only close friends you can trust.
Even then, do not share too much information about your relationship online. If the
trolls can still find you, this may be seen as provocation by them. They want to get to
you and the worst thing you can do is react or respond in any way. There is a guideline
used for when you encounter trolls online. Dont feed the trolls is the advice given.
This means do not give them a way in, a line of response, or add further fuel to their
fire. Reacting to them is what feeds and keeps them going, so cut off that supply at
source. Blacklist their IP address or block them by whatever tools are available to you.
In the Five of Wands Upright, Troll behaviour is generally transient. It can be very
active, irritating and upsetting, but is likely to blow over. It is probably an initial reaction
from someone who has lost the run of themselves. This person may be the least likely
suspect under normal circumstances. The hope is they will come to their senses, read
back what they have typed and feel ashamed. In the Reversed Five of Wands, we see
troll behaviour either settle, or step up in intensity. If it seems to be getting out of hand
and causing you undue stress and upset, it would be wise to report the trolling to the
necessary authorities.
House Building/Renovation Issues
In the Four of Wands we found a couple investing in their home and enjoying domestic
bliss. Much attention focused on finding the perfect house and making a beautiful
home out of it. Some couples were prepared to renovate or build, and under the
positive energy of the Four, were sailing through without any problems. In the Five of
Wands smiles are replaced by grimaces as the first problems surface. Now the Five
of Wands doesnt typically deal with serious issues. The challenges may not be as big
as people are making them out to be. On first glance, or discovery, you might freak
out, but a solution can be found by staying calm. Running around like headless
chickens will get you nowhere. Problems or setbacks on the home-front brings work
to a halt and momentum is lost as you work to sort them out. You might discover dry
rot, leaking pipes, structural weakness or planning issues. You could run out of money
or didnt budget accordingly. Your house could be turning into a money-pit. You
probably did not see this coming and have no contingency plan in place.
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If you are hiring a team of builders, check their credentials to make sure they know
what they are doing. The Five of Wands can showcase what will happen if a building
job is not overseen by a Project Manager. Hiring several independent tradespeople
with great qualifications will come to nothing unless you have someone to pull it all
together. It looks like no one is in charge and everyone doing as they please or see
fit. A bit like hospital departments, their medical teams will only deal with their own
speciality, and show little interest in whats going on in the rest of your body. In the
Five of Wands we also find disgruntled builders who are not happy with your bossy
attitude towards them. They could rebel by slowing down or not showing up at all. It is
best to develop a good working relationship with your builders, but also let them know
you are in charge. If you are not paying close attention to your lovely home build or
renovation, builders may make certain decisions on your behalf. You may not be
happy with them. It is important to keep control and your eye on things. Builders could
also damage existing structures, underground piping or overhead wiring.
The Five of Wands could suggest you are living in a building site if you have been
overly enthusiastic about your DIY abilities. It all seemed so achievable. Walls came
down easily with the sledgehammer and you just got carried away. The momentum is
lost with the first sign of problems. You might not be able to sort them yourself, but will
not admit defeat. As a result, you get used to the mess you live in with missing doors,
half-plastered walls and exposed wiring. Jobs go on the long finger and remain
unfinished. You might not have the time to complete the projects, the skills, enough
money, or have lost interest. This situation can cause stress between partners and
ultimately leads to nagging.
Following on from the Barn Raising of The Upright Five, we now find a scenario where
instead of getting in the professionals to carry out work on your house or garden, you
call on the help of a few neighbours who may or may not know what they are doi ng,
but will give it a go anyway. This may turn out to be an expensive lesson if they end
up making a botched job of it. It could be a false sense of economy in the long run if
professionals need to be called in to undo the mess.
Ants In Your Pants

If you have just settled into a new home or completed a build, you might already be
thinking of moving again or wish to get your hands dirty once more on a new project.
You like when things are happening, the doing bit of things, and feel restless when
there is nothing going on. Yes, it was all chaotic at the time but now you realise how
much you thrive on stress. The exciting bit for you is in the creation of something new,
holding the raw materials in your hands before they are combined and take form. There
is nothing like holding a vision of the perfect outcome in your head and tweaking it this
way and that until it comes into manifestation. Nothing is set in stone, you can make
changes and alterations as they occur to you. It is a time when potential is infi nite,
when anything can and most likely will happen. You are not quite ready to settle into
your comfy slippers and chill out in front of the fire. Already you are inspired by creative
urges and ideas which you are keen to try out. As a couple, this is best approached
as a joint venture because the mayhem it will cause has the power to destroy your
relationship. If you are both game for it, the challenge will not seem as daunting. The
fun part is in creating, in putting it altogether. Once that is done, it is time to move on
once more. If only one of you is up for the challenge, there will not be sufficient energy
to carry it off irrespective of how enthusiastic and idealistic you might be.
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The Five of Wands can suggest a nomadic type of lifestyle. You never quite settle
anywhere, quickly exhausting fascination or interest in your current environment.
Regardless of where you move to, or set up shop, it is doubtful you ever fully unpack.
What is the point when you know in your heart and soul you will need to repack soon
after. This card can see you moving constantly from location to location but the
environment will likely be unusual and out of the ordinary. You might trek off to remote
parts of the world to see what life is like there before moving on elsewhere. There may
be a thrill seeker element to your choice of destination which could see you living in
extreme environments that offer challenge and risk. The Five suggests this might be
a family adventure as you drag the whole family into all kinds of new scenarios. There
is a wild spirit sense about this card which might attract a new-age, hippy or eccentric
lifestyle energy. Check for the presence of The Fool, Empress, Star or World.
As an individual or couple, you might also be trying out several enterprising business
ventures, but again these are of a transitory nature. We might be looking at pop-up
shops that can be moved from venue to venue in chase of consumer impact and rapid
turnover. There is an ethos of having a go at a variety of on-trend or unusual ventures
that have not yet been tried and tested by the mass. You are convinced that at least
one will strike gold for you. You might desire to escape the humdrum world of your
everyday jobs in favour of a more enriching experience. You could sell up and cash in
all your savings, risking all for a more stimulating life.
Room for Kids
The Five of Wands could be confirming your desire for a lively, bustling
neighbourhood. You might be happier in a town or city environment. Peace and quiet
may not be your thing. Residential areas or estates with gardens and plenty of room
for kids to play and roam are favoured. Rural areas or detached houses might seem
desirable in theory, but are not practical for your needs. You dont want to end up as
a taxi driver. Give much consideration to everyones needs before committing. The
Five of Wands could also suggest you are beginning to throw out some ideas about
upsizing if your family is starting to expand. Your current accommodation might be
getting too cramped. There isnt room to swing a cat, kids toys are everywhere,
laundry is meeting you on the staircase and stuff is piling up in each corner. Its like
living in a box. Everyone is either excited about a proposed move, or dead set against
it. You wont be able to please everyone. Be prepared for kids fighting over who gets
the biggest bedroom.
Issues With Neighbours
Another aspect to consider in this card is the possibility of neighbours opposing the
plans you have for building or renovation. If you have not got off to a good start with
them, they could throw many spanners in the works when the Five of Wands appears.
There could be arguments about land barriers, access rights, or view obstructions for
example. Neighbours might see you as blows-ins intent on destroying their area. Time
to foster good relationships with your immediate neighbours. Invite them over to
inspect your work so far. Inform them of any early morning construction work and noisy
machinery. Pre-empt any potential objections, and diffuse them before they become
an issue.
Neighbours From Hell!
The Five of Wands can also highlight the dilemma of discovering you have moved in
beside rowdy or disruptive neighbours. This is everyones nightmare when deciding
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on a house to buy or rent. Neighbours can be disrespectful. Ongoing noise, comings

and goings at all hours of the day and night, rows, loud music, high volume TV, kids
screaming at each other, parents screaming at the kids and each other, cars revved
in the driveway, and constant slamming of doors may have your nerves on edge. Your
lovely new home may lose its appeal. The Five of Wands can appear as a red flag
when you are considering purchasing or renting a certain property. If peace and calm
is what you are seeking, you wont find it in this house. It would be wise to visit or drive
by at various times of the day, night and week to determine what goes on and how
busy it gets.
Not Fitting In
The Five of Wands could also suggest you feel out of sorts with the area you have
moved to. You might not be fitting in as you had hoped, or perhaps it is the community
thats not welcoming. You may discover little in common with your neighbours and are
finding it difficult to make friends. You have tried hard to become part of the community
but are seen as an outsider. Any offer of friendship you make is regarded suspiciously.
You may stand out as very different from the crowd and could be deemed a threat to
their everyday existence. There is a lack of support and basic friendliness. You have
no one to call on in an emergency or when a helping hand is needed.
On the other hand, you may be trying too hard to fit in. You could be acting overly
friendly or familiar in an effort to please the neighbourhood. You might be coming on
too strong which will make people wary of you or suspicious of your intentions. This is
a period of transition and you cant expect to be part of the fixtures and fittings of your
community overnight. Allow people time and space to get to know you. Then again,
you might be asserting yourself in a negative manner, being controversial or forceful
in your interactions. You may trample over the local traditions and pay scant regard to
the hierarchy that exists in such places. Blatant disrespect will win you no friends even
if you think it all a lot of nonsense and old-fashioned. You must co-exist with these
people so it would be wise to develop tolerance, give and take, and look for common
ground to work from.
Over Familiar With Neighbours Moving Too Fast
The Five of Wands may warn of the drawback of getting to know your neighbours too
fast or rushing to fit in before it happens naturally. Now that you have moved into your
new home, there is a chance you will draw the curiosity of neighbours who may call to
your home with invites and offers of friendship. You might feel delighted with this
welcome and be eager to accept any invitation that comes your way. It is wonderful to
have nice people around and you desire is to get to know everyone. However, caution
is required. Before throwing yourself into friendships with everyone and anyone who
comes your way, step back and ask yourself if they are the type of friends you want in
the first place? You may be letting into your house and life, someone who might not
be that easy to get rid of should you change your mind. Some who offer friendship
may simply be nosy, wanting to have a look around your home and find out who the
new people are before everyone else. They may be out to stake a claim on you, to
mark you as one of their circle. If you allow them in too soon, and then attempt to
withdraw, you might make an enemy out of them if they feel insulted. You dont want
to go down that road as life will become quite stressful, especially if they hold some
clout in the area.
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Take your time with making friends and observe your neighbours before getting too
close. You need to separate the trouble makers or gossipers from the genuine people
who want to live and let live. Cliques are common in neighbourhoods. Should you get
into the wrong one from off, it might prove difficult to extricate yourself. Your
association with the wrong crowd might go against you with other groups you seek
entry into. It is all street/village/town politics at the end of the day.
Getting Stuck In With The Neighbours
In this interpretation, we find you jumping in at the deep end with new neighbours who
are eager to introduce you to their social scene. It certainly seems to be rocking where
you live, with street parties, drinks evenings, dinner parties and get-togethers.
Everyone wants to see if you are as mad and crazy as they are. This scenario often
develops when young couples move into a fledgling residential area. In general
couples are living on their uppers, struggling to get to grips with mortgages and utility
bills. There is an atmosphere of all being in it together. With little money for outside
entertainment, they party at home and in each others houses. During this stage, many
things can happen. Firm, life-long relationships, or life-long dislikes or grudges can be
birthed. Generally, all start out happy-clappy with each other, but time and exposure
to incidents and issues can take their toll. Enjoy the good times which will get even
better when kids arrive.
Barn Raising With A Little Help From My Friends!
During the formative years of bonding with neighbours, we can find great support and
a willingness to help each other out with just about anything. With an agreed
understanding that everyone is just starting out, neighbours will be keen to share skills,
trades, time, and energy. Therefore, you might be getting help from your neighbours
with building projects, plumbing/electrical repairs, patio laying, landscaping and other
such areas where combined knowledge and ability can pull off great feats over a
weekend. Like barn raising, it can be great fun and there is always the food and drink
to look forward to afterwards. This card could also be suggesting you offer your
assistance to those in your neighbourhood. Help out where you can, be neighbourly.
Fertility Issues
In the Four of Wands we celebrated the joyous news of pregnancy and child birth as
happy parents and families welcomed their new arrivals. Not every hopeful parent was
as lucky. Some experienced difficulty in conceiving and carrying a baby to full term.
We also had pregnancies that brought many challenges, such as horrendous nausea
and complications that caused upset and concern. Getting pregnant and happily
sailing through that pregnancy may be the domain of the Upright Three and Four, but
in the Five it becomes somewhat of a battle. What we assume comes naturally may
need some active encouragement or possible force. The Five of Wands suggests you
are not having an easy time of getting pregnant and feel your body is at odds with you.
Where is the teamwork you ask as your body conspires against you? You never
thought it would be as difficult as this.
The Five of Wands can also suggest you are open to trying new approaches that claim
to increase your chances of getting pregnant. You might be trying out a new pregnancy
diet, taking certain power supplements or checking out alternative therapies. You
might even consider certain controversial methods that perhaps have very little
empirical evidence to back them up. The Five of Wands can also imply a narrowed
view of things and this could be coming from your medical professional team who
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might be quite negative about your chances of conceiving. In this card, you disagree
with them or oppose their findings. You know where there is a will there is a way and
are not prepared to give up on your quest without putting up a good fight first.
IVF Frustration
Following on from the previous Reversed Wand cards, the Five of Wands could imply
frustration with IVF. Prior attempts may have proved unsuccessful but you are
prepared to push ahead with more. The treatment and process itself could be taking
its toll on you. You might feel ill from hormone treatment, emotionally unstable and
weight could be fluctuating causing bloating and fullness. Your body feels like it is
under siege and you just dont recognise yourself anymore. You know it is a process
but it is not making it any easier for you. If you have had a couple of failed cycles
behind you, it could result in growing irritation and upset. You are tired of being
prodded and poked by everyone and feel you have lost your dignity.
Adoption Complications/Red Tape
Ongoing uphill battles for those going through the process of applying for adoption can
feature in the Five of Wands. Just when you think you have answered all the questions,
been interviewed and investigated in and out, you are hit with yet another form to fill
and clearance to achieve. All you want to do is give a really good home to a deserving
child but the path to adoption is riddled with red tape and complex protocol. It is a bit
of a mine field and at times you believe it is made as challenging as possible just to
scare you off, to separate the genuine from the idealistic. If you have been trying to
adopt a baby from another country this could prove even more difficult as you come
up against opposition instead of cooperation. Every country has its own adoption laws
and procedures so you must be flexible, even when they seem unreasonable. You
may be up against language or legal differences which make it hard to understand and
be understood. There might also be a shortage of babies or children for adoption.
Other couples want what you want for the same reasons. You are trying hard not to
feel competitive about it all. Scrutiny and vetting will be intense for obvious reasons.
Notwithstanding all this, you are not prepared to give up and will do what needs to be
done to achieve your dream. Perhaps there are other options you have not
contemplated yet? You might have to explore other avenues. Make sure you are
talking to the right people. Patience is required of you now.
Fostering
The Five of Wands could suggest an interest in Fostering a child, but especially several
of them. You might want to do this as an individual or couple. You have a desire to
change the world and want to make a difference to the lives of children or adolescents
who may have issues getting placed in regular foster homes. You are not daunted by
the prospect of taking on such responsibility. The Five of Wands could imply you are
particularly drawn to children from troubled backgrounds who may be a handful to deal
with or display aggressive tendencies. You see these children as having suffered at
the hands of force and an often unsympathetic approach by the authorities. You
understand they will need certain handling and want to show them how good life can
be. In the Five of Wands we see children coming into your care who have probably
been beaten or abused. They may behave in this manner themselves as a result of
learned behaviour. It will take some time and patience to reprogram them. You will
need great courage and fortitude.
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In both Upright and Reverse, The Five of Wands could highlight the need for children
to be placed in foster care if there are aggressive situations at home or in their
environment.
Challenging Pregnancy
If you have a plethora of health conditions that must be carefully managed due to
pregnancy, the Five of Wands can highlight how challenged you feel. For example,
your blood sugars may be all over the place if you have diabetes. Your hormones have
you feeling rotten with nausea, your skin is in breakout mode and your emotions have
you breaking down in tears constantly. If you are on medication for mental health
issues or conditions, pregnancy could affect your dosage requirements. However, the
good news is, you are up for the challenge and accept the current inconvenience and
upheaval in the knowledge the fight will be worth it. You want a baby and are prepared
to go through anything to get it.
Depending on your circumstances, background and where you live, you may be
encountering some stiff opposition or closed attitudes to certain plans you have around
the management of your pregnancy and the birth. It is possible you are seeking an
unusual approach that breaks from the norm and what your medical team are trained
in. You might have to stand firm on the rejections to your plans, and work hard to
convince them of its viability. They could see you as difficult and question why you just
cant have a baby like everyone else does. If you manage to pull this off, you could be
setting a precedence for other parents-to-be in the future.
The Five of Wands could also see you invite a film crew to record your pregnancy and
the birth. You may have decided to give birth on Facebook Live for instance or be part
of a fly on the wall documentary.
Labour itself could prove to be a doddle or endurance test. Your baby could make a
dramatic entrance, in the back of a car, on the floor of a restaurant, mid-flight or half-
way up a mountain. In the imagery, we see everyone caught off guard by the surprise
arrival. It may involve members of the public, strangers or passers-by being part of the
birth of your child. What a wonderful story to tell your child when he/she is older. The
event could even make the news or go viral on social media.
Little Support In Pregnancy
The Five of Wands can highlight external disapproval of a pregrancy. We could be
looking at a pregnancy that is deemed inappropriate, scandalous, underage or even
unlawful depending on culture and circumstances involved. There is little help or
support for you during this time. Indeed, you may be treated like an outcast with nasty
comments made about you and doors slammed in your face. People might be angry
with you and the circumstances that surround the pregnancy.
Feeling Conflicted About A Pregnancy
Depending on your situation, The Five of Wands could imply you are not exactly over
the moon about being pregnant. It may be the last thing you need right now. You are
not happy with the news and might feel distressed. This is a change you didnt need.
It might be that you have a family and thought you were finished with pregnancies and
childbirth. This is not the sole domain of the mother, but the father or partner might be
equally discouraged. Things are tight enough without having another mouth to feed.
You might be at a stage where you can eventually concentrate on your career or go
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back to work after rearing your children to a certain age. This changes everything and
you will be at pains to know what to do.
You might also have reached an age where you believed you had your life back and
could come and go as you please. You thought your fertility should be on the wane ,
not still active. The Hermit with The Empress or High Priestess, Ace of Cups, Four of
Cups and especially Nine of Pentacles (any pregnancy card) could indicate a
pregnancy at a time of life when you would be considered too old or past it as far as
having a baby is concerned. The Reversed Empress, Reversed High Priestess,
Reversed Emperor/Magician and Fool accompanying The Hermit in this manner but
highlighting other Pregnancy cards might suggest a shock pregnancy that happens
after one believes they are in menopause or post vasectomy. It is the last thing anyone
expects and because of this, partners could be lax about contraception.
The Five of Wands could raise the dilemma of deciding to keep it or terminate. You
might not be able to see where a baby fits in your life right not. You could be resentful
and angry about getting trapped.
More Pregnancy Dilemmas
From another aspect, this card could highlight a situation where your pregnancy has
caused an uproar to everyone around you. You might have health issues, or are
considered too old. You could receive conflicting advice about your chances of
carrying full-term, producing a healthy child and coming safely out of it yourself. You
might be presented with options to terminate. You are certainly in a dilemma and do
not know what to think or do. Your mind changes from one day to the next. One day
you are all set to take whatever is coming your way, positive about your chances, only
to wake the next morning petrified and wanting a way out as soon as possible. Instead
of thinking positively you fret over all the things that can go wrong for both you and the
baby. What if your baby is born with some congenital defects or health issues because
of your own health problems or age? Will it be your fault, will everyone blame you?
Then if you go ahead with termination, will you wonder for ever and a day what might
have been, would the baby have been normal, you safe, and everyone live happily
ever after? This is a very personal decision and not one that can be made with tarot
cards irrespective of wanting someone else to decide for you. This interpretation onl y
highlights the issues, but does not offer a solution, a yes or no. That is your
responsibility. The only advice would be what anyone would give. Get a second or
even third opinion, do your own research and seek professional counselling. Several
Twos in a reading would suggest second opinions, while the Hermit, Temperance,
Four of Swords, King of Cups/Swords would suggest counselling or professional
advice. The Hierophant would point to support from your congregation or church if you
that is where you normally turn to.
Nesting Issues /Lack of Domestic Stability
In the Reversed Four of Wands we explored the possibility of disruptions on the home
front having the potential to interfere with conception. You might be trying hard to get
pregnant in the midst of instability and transience. The domestic side of your life may
lack stability and balance for many reasons. Your career might involve a lot of travel,
having to pack, unpack and then pack again with little time to settle or relax in between.
Rental contracts could necessitate having to move regularly. You could be living in an
arrangement that involves putting up with routines and things you must abide by as
can happen when circumstances find us having to stay with, or put up by, others,
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including family or in-laws. You might be tense and stressed, with very little privacy to
pursue conception in peace. If the nest is not right, inharmonious, disruptive, unhappy
or unstable, successfully conceiving a child might prove challenging. Often people do
not realise the importance of a stable environment when attempting to get pregnant.
It can be a subconscious thing. We try our best, say we desperately want a baby, but
deep down we feel unsettled, even nervous about bringing a child into our current
environment. The Five of Wands could point to Mother Nature putting invisible brakes
on until your situation has calmed down. It is worth considering this possibility when
the Five of Wands appears in a reading about your hopes for pregnancy. If you find
you are quietly questioning the sanity of having a baby at a particular chaotic time of
life, you might be right.
Temporary Housing/Transient Accommodation
As a family, you may be in temporary accommodation or find yourself in a situation
that requires you to move house regularly. There is a transient feel to this card which
could be very destabilising for all involved, especially children who will experience the
upheaval and insecurity of leaving friends behind and possibly schools too. You might
be struggling financially and cannot afford to pay rent or mortgage which results in
notice to quit or evictions. You might need to move on regularly if you are experiencing
aggression at home with a partner. This could be habitual. If the Five of Pentacles
appears close by, you could even be homeless as we find the five figures arrive to
repossess your home or turf you out onto the street. You might resist and attempt to
stand your ground but no one really cares, and at the end of the day they tell you they
are just doing their job. There may be scenes and drama. You could be living in a
shelter or housed in a series of hotel rooms by the social services where there is little
privacy and possible threat. Your children could be exposed to aggressive
personalities and undesirable types on the streets if you are forced into homelessness.
The Five of Pentacles with the Five of Wands and Five of Swords would highlight a
very worrying scenario if you identify with this interpretation.
You could be locked into this lifestyle, unable to get a break. Nothing seems to work
out for you and life is constantly against you. You may think that nothing will ever
change, but it can and you must remain hopeful and positive. The most important thing
is to stay together and work hard to get a roof over your head that cannot be lost or
taken from you with the stroke of a pen. You are part of the solution so be proactive
and determined. If the problem is your own doing, as in causing trouble, deliberately
not paying rent or thrashing your accommodation, nothing will change until you do.
Children need a secure and stable home environment if they are to thrive and flourish
as balanced members of society.
Moving home regularly could be associated with work where you are under contract
or post assignment. This is a very different type of transient accommodation. It can be
an enriching experience but could also be extremely destabilising. Most of us need to
feel we have roots somewhere. A sign that children are reacting negatively to constant
moving is if they begin to create a corner of their room into a staged my place that is
sacrosanct. They will set up this space in a particular manner and no one is allowed
touch or disturb it. Every time they move, they will recreate this space. In a world they
have no control over, this is the only thing that remains constant for them. No matter
what happens, where they go, or end up, this sacred space, laid out in a specific
personal manner becomes their comfort blanket. They say a change is as good as
good as a rest, but constant change is wearing for anyone.
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Concerns About Bringing Children Into An Unstable World

Anxiety about the state of the world can also be a worrying factor when thinking about,
or trying to get pregnant. Every day the media feeds us terrifying breaking news of yet
more aggressive acts, escalating hostilities and the persecution of millions of innocent
men, women and children. Terrorist attacks have become a common day occurrence,
and where we once feared flying because of possible engine failure, we now must
worry about individuals whose sole aim is to bring the plane down and kill everyone
on it, including themselves. Horrific nuclear weapons are being successfully launched
as threats to neighbouring nations or perceived enemies. Our stomachs turn when we
hear of yet another child gone missing, abducted or murdered. We also worry about
all the things that can go wrong during a pregnancy, the health of the baby, childhood
illnesses, cot deaths, choking. The list goes on and on. Why wouldnt we worry about
the future and what type of world our children might inherit?
The Five of Wands suggests normal worries in relation to these matters. Whe n
children enter the scene, we find ourselves worrying about anything and everything,
both little and large. This is part of the reality of being a parent and most of us find a
way to reassure ourselves and avoid being overly dramatic or catastrophic in our
outlook. The protective instinct gets particularly strong when we become parents. The
Five of Swords on the other hand, might suggest something very real to worry about
in your environment such as being pregnant or giving birth in a war zone or disaster.
Threats may be close by and not imagined. The Five of Swords could also imply
depression during or after pregnancy related to fear of the future and world safety.
Thankfully, the Five of Wands carries less concern but can make us feel ill at ease
and unsure about everything.
Exercising During Pregnancy
The Five of Wands could suggest a very active pregnancy. You may be heavily
involved in sport and do not see why pregnancy should get in the way of continuing
your level of intensity. You might be determined to keep fit and exercise regularly right
up to the end. You could be determined to run a marathon heavily pregnant, continue
to climb mountains or canoe down rapids. The Five of Wands shows your grit and
stamina. After all you are pregnant, not ill. Your body is tough and will support you.
However, if surrounding cards show physical weakness or fatigue, this card could be
implying you are overdoing it, trying to keep up a business as normal approach even
when your body is breaking under the strain. You could worry about getting back to
form if you let it go for too long. You might be out to prove to others that pregnancy
isnt going to stop you, but you do need to listen to your body and the advice of your
doctor or obstetrician. Reduce unnecessary heavy or high intensity exercise with
something gentler. The muscular-skeletal system is more prone to injury during
pregnancy. Overdoing it in the gym could bring on back problems which will become
increasingly more painful as pregnancy proceeds.
Single Parent Struggles
Depending on your circumstances, the Five of Wands can highlight the daily struggle
of single parents. In this interpretation, we cover the demands of raising a child or
children single-handedly. You might be holding down a full-time job, developing a
demanding career, running a business, or in full-time study. You could be juggling both
work and study while rearing your child. You might also be holding down more than
one job to cover your financial overheads. You must be both mother and father to your
child as well as good cop and bad cop as the needs arise. You are solely responsible
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for keeping the show on the road each day, getting baby/children up in the morning,
feeding, packing lunches and baby bags, making bottles, drop offs at childminders,
creche, school etc. It is multi-tasking in the extreme. You also need to keep on top of
the housework, grocery shopping and attend to their individual emotional, physical and
psychological needs. And, this is all before your own day job, studies, or doing
anything for yourself. Each day seems like a battle to get through, with growing
demands and less and less time to deal with them all.
This card could suggest an ongoing scenario of fire-fighting; sorting one issue after
another as it rises, dealing with childrens complaints, the endless battle over school
homework, fretting over finickity eaters, defusing rows and skirmishes, applying band
aids to cuts and ointment to bruises. Then there is the financial scavenging to afford
birthday gifts, vacations, outings and treats, not to mention the digital demands of
modern children with mobile phones, tablets and lap-top requirements. Somehow you
manage to muddle through, but never manage to get fully on top of the ongoing chaos
and mayhem that is your life.
As we see the figures either construct or destruct a pentagram, it highlights the
concerns you have over whether you are providing the stability and security they need
to grow and flourish. You arrive exhausted at the end of every day and wonder if you
could have done it better, handled situations more efficiently. You live in an ongoing
state of stress, riddled with guilt over not doing this or that. You may look at families
with two parents and feel a failure in comparison to them, but having two parents does
not guarantee happy children or successful child-rearing. You are doing your very best
under difficult circumstances. In the Upright Five, it is all very challenging and you wish
you could do more. However, you are managing. A time will come when life will settle
down. Children as they grow will get less demanding. There is no permanent damage
being done other than premature greying hair and those tell-tale lines on your face.
On a cautionary note, The Five of Wands might suggest you are trying too hard, doing
too much, expecting too much. It is impossible for you to cover all areas and are
spreading yourself too thin. You may be feel under pressure to be Superman or
Wonder Woman as so many portray themselves to be on blogs and social media. You
cannot hope to be all things to everyone all the time. Something has to give. You might
feel you are getting nowhere, the struggle endless. Will you ever successfully construct
your pentagram and feel everything is in place and in order? You must make time for
yourself in the middle of bedlam. If you go down due to stress, who will sail the ship?
Because you cannot see the wood for the trees right now, you are likely expending
energy in an inefficient manner. There may be practical solutions that could ease your
burden, but you continue to run around like a headless chicken. You need to stop for
a moment and review your schedule as it may benefit from some tweaking here and
there. There may be little peace at home.
Difficult Babies
Following on from the heart-warming energy of The Four of Wands, with
engagements, weddings and announcement of pregnancy and birth, we now move on
to the next stage. Reality hits hard for couples who have brought their precious little
bundles home expecting to settle into domestic bliss as doting parents. All the
celebrating and congratulations of the Four seem like distant memories as sleep
deprived parents pace the floor boards each night. Their precious bundle of joy has
turned into a cantankerous, impossible to please, mini-monster. The Five of Wands
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can appear for new parents who are having a rough time of it with a young baby or
child. Their nicely organised life has had a shocking makeover. If first-time parents,
the couple will have gone to considerable effort with preparations for their babys
arrival. Baby paraphernalia and furniture showcase the perfect nursery setting, with
soft lighting, baby monitors, cuddly toys, and machines that play soothing music. What
more could a baby want? The answer is everything and nothing, but what they really
want is you, all of you, every bit of you!
It is likely you have a baby that just wont sleep. It demands your presence 24/7. You
cant get anything done, the house is a mess, and you too. You are exhausted and at
your wits end. The only thing you seem to get any use out of is the baby monitor that
rips you from your dreams 4, 6, 10 times a night with its heart-stopping shrill noise.
And then there is the endless puking and nappy changing at all hours of the morning.
You and your partner are bewildered and probably strained with each other. You
believe the baby should be taken up each time it cries as you cannot bear to hear it
so upset, but your partner may believe the baby should be left cry for longer in the
hope it will drift back to sleep. You think it cruel while your partner thinks it sensible as
it might be the only way for everyone to get some sleep.
In the Five of Wands we see parents trying to cope with such challenging changes.
We also see issues between parents about the approach to dealing with the difficult
baby. You might be accused of spoiling the baby and giving it bad habits. You might
want to take it into the bed. Your partner may insist it stays in its cot. There may be
petty disagreements made worse by exhaustion and sleep deprivation. Certainly, it is
a tough time for new parents, but the good news is it will eventually pass and hopefully
life will settle for everyone. No couple is ever truly prepared for the changes a baby
can enforce in their relationship and life. You must go through it to fully appreciate it.
Up until now, a couple has been able to make choices about their life. Do stuff or not,
take an interest or look the other way, sit and talk or watch a movie, go out or stay in,
go to bed early or stay up, have a late night and sleep on the next morning. All that
goes out the window when a baby arrives. The baby cant be sent back, so you must
get on with it. You never realised it would be so difficult. Somehow or other you must
struggle through like everyone else does.
Problematic Children
The Five of Wands can also suggest older toddlers, children, or teenagers that are
proving hard to manage (check for Reversed Pages). With the Five of Wands we find
a lot of pent up energy, restlessness and constant movement. This could be
suggesting boisterous children - especially boys, children who are constantly getting
into scrapes or taking dangerous risks. You could be worn out racing back and forth
to the Accident and Emergency Department, breaking up fights in the playground or
being summoned to the school for your childs unruly behaviour. On the other hand,
we might be looking at a child with a possible hyperactive disorder such as ADD or
ADHD. Hard to manage children can put immense strain on the strongest relationship.
You may clash at the most stressful times and disagree about the correct
management. Your child could cause issues with neighbours if he or she is acting out
in the neighbourhood. Teamwork is vital but everyone may be at odds with each other
in the family.
The Five of Wands could suggest you are battling to get a proper diagnosis for your
child. You know something is not right, that deep down they cannot help what they are
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doing, that they are unhappy. However, getting someone to take your concerns
seriously may not be that simple. You may have to fight for your child in several ways
which will involve determination and ferocity. You will need to knock on many doors,
make numerous phone calls and send endless emails demanding your child gets the
help they need. You might go public with your campaign, posting on social media or
speaking out on radio or TV. You cannot and will not give up.
Poor Child Supervision
Insufficient parenting skills may be causing issues in the Five of Wands but
surrounding cards would need to support this theory. Reversed Pages, Reversed
Courts and Reversed Emperor/Empress could suggest children not being properly
looked after. In this instance, the Five of Wands portrays a group of children who are
on the brink of causing trouble or getting into trouble because there is no responsible
adult supervising them. Here we find children free to come and go without anyone
checking up on where they are going, who they are with and what they are doing.
There are no rules or boundaries set so children do as they please. Parents may be
under stress with work and cannot govern at home, or it might be a case of total
disinterest or lack of ability. There may also be an attitude of liberal parenting where
children are allowed to experience life on their own terms and learn by their mistakes.
If parents live separately, children may not have consistent parenting. One parent may
be quite in charge while the other parent is lax and allows them away with anything.
Kids can also play one parent against the other, claiming they are allowed stay up or
out to late hours, when in truth they are not. If children are wandering around
unsupervised, it wont take long before they fall in with a bad crowd. In the Five of
Wands they can be bothersome enough with causing disturbance, cheeky attitudes
and school apathy, but should they team up with the Five of Swords it could all end
disastrously.
A Large Family
On a lighter note, The Five of Wands in a relationship reading could suggest your
desire to have a large family. If you were an only child, you might have experienced
loneliness growing up, and do not wish that for your own child. Alternatively, you might
come from a large family yourself and appreciate the blessing of supportive siblings.
You may plan to have several children and therefore actively seek a lively and
boisterous family life. The more the merrier as far as you are concerned. It should be
presumed however, that your partner is aware of this and is in full agreement.
The Five of Wands could suggest having several children in close succession. Check
for The Four of Wands, Pages, or the Empress in surrounding cards. You may want
to fill the house with nappies all in one go. Your children are like the steps of stairs
with little age difference between them. Many couples take this route. They get all the
tough early years of rearing out the way. In this manner, children have instant built-in
friends. There is less to be bored about.
Children Finding Their Way In The Big World
For parents, The Five of Wands could mark the time when children take their first step
into the real world such as starting school. This time of major transition can come with
welcome relief or awful dread. This particular change can cause an emotional storm
and incredible stress as parents lose full control of their offspring. They worry about
the dangers out there, their little ones getting hurt or upset, and not being on hand to
offer comfort and reassurance. Often it is the parents who struggle most with this
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change. Their distress and unease can be picked up by sensitive children who in turn
become needy and clinging, confirming their parents fears. Everyone ends up in tears.
Then there are the parents who drop their kids off cheerfully and beat a hasty retreat.
They throw them in at the deep end and let them get on with it. Every child is different,
some more independent than others. The initial few weeks of the new regime will be
the most trying. The big change eventually becomes the new norm and everyone
settles.
In this new order, children must find their own way without constant parental
supervision. This transition or change can suggest children going into a Crche
environment, starting Montessori or Junior School. Young children do not have a great
reputation for sharing, and everything is, mine. This card shows kids having to fight
their way through with others who feel and act the same. This is a difficult time for
parents who can feel upset by such behaviour. It is a learning stage for children, and
unless bullying is going on, it is wise to let them get on with it. On the outside, it might
look unruly, but this is how kids will eventually learn assertiveness and how to make
friends.
Being Over-Protective
If you are an anxious parent, you may be over-protective and worry incessantly. You
cant wrap them in cotton wool or lock them up until adult hood. Neither can you fight
their battles for them. The Five of Wands could be suggesting you allow your child or
children go wild on occasion. A few bumps and bruises wont hurt them. If your kids
spend too much time sitting in front of the television, on their phone, or playing video
games, it is time to act and insist they get some physical exercise. It might be
reassuring for you to know exactly where they are, but they do need to spread their
wings a bit and become more active. Encourage them to play sport, or just run about
in the open air with friends. Perhaps book them into summer camp if boredom is an
issue. Independence is something that should be awarded on merit. Children need to
be afforded independence in small increments at first, to show they are ready for it
and can be trusted. Some children are born with sensible heads firmly placed on their
shoulders, while others are scatty and unreliable. The level of independence allowed
by parents will be dictated by this. Some will need constant overseeing, while others
can be trusted to the end of the earth and back again.
Falling In With The Wrong Crowd
The Five of Wands could suggest the potential for your child or children to fall in with
troublesome groups or gangs. They might not be dangerous or delinquent, but they
could be troublemakers. It might be one kid in particular, or a gang of them. Your child
may go along with them to be accepted. These could be children from school or the
local area. It would be wise to keep an eye on your childs comings and goings as this
group are quite rebellious and defiant. Keep on top of cheeky talk, and cocky attitudes
in your child, and act before it gets out of control. Schoolwork may suddenly become
uncool. Its a slippery slope after that.
Now the Upright Five of Wands, although irritating and annoying, generally looks
worse than it is. However, it walks a fine line between harmless skirmishes or
unruliness, and bully, heavy-handed behaviour. If Reversed Pages appear in your
reading, you may be looking at a child displaying bully type behaviour, or is the focus
of bullying. The bullying involved may be viewed by others as just kids being kids, but
it could have the potential to develop in to something more serious. We see more
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evidence of this when The Five of Wands Reverses, but it can happen in the Upright
too. Keep an eye on things and intervene if you think behaviour is getting out of hand.
Troublesome Step-Children
In The Three and Four of Wands Reversed, we explored the issues and challenges
experienced in a relationship when step-children become involved. In the Upright
Aspect, we looked at a happy situation where any children were accepted, welcomed
and embraced. There may have been a period of adjustment, but in general, life settled
down into a new norm. Some step-children lived with the couple, while others lived
with the other parent and were only seen for visits. However, in the Reversed aspect
we examined the many ways in which step-children can disrupt, or test the strength of
your relationship. Taking on someone elses children can be a daunting task,
especially if they resent your presence and disturb the closeness between you and
your partner. The Five of Wands brings us one step further, past the stage where most
people involved have tried to be reasonable and obliging. In the Five, we find a
showdown with step-children and step-parents who have been trying their best to
make it work. Lines are crossed and blatant bad behaviour is no longer tolerated. We
could be looking at a hell of a row between children and adults. All niceties have
vanished, with open warfare declared. Now this will be very upsetting, and partners
could turn on each other if tempers are completely lost.
This meltdown has been brewing for some time, and in a way, it had to happen. The
Five of Wands may be the catalyst for positive change. Before a situation can calm
down, it may have to heat up. It looks like everyone is talking or screaming at the same
time, hurling accusations and insults. Children turn on adults and each other. Adults
turn on children and each other too. Blame is flung from one corner to the next with no
one prepared to backdown. Eventually this fire will burn out. Those involved will likely
scatter to their rooms, slamming doors behind them. Step-children could demand to
move out or be taken home. At least the air has cleared with everyone openly declaring
their hostility or dislike for each other. There may be no reason at all for such animosity,
but at least it is out on the table. Open and honest communication can be birthed after
such a row, with all sides feeling they may have gone a bit far. If this situation is
handled properly it could herald a breakthrough if the issues and grievances aired are
addressed. The whole thing could come down to misunderstanding,
miscommunication, fear and unexpressed sadness or anger.
If there are two sets of step-children involved, The Five of Wands could suggest they
do not get on, or their personalities clash. They could go out of their way to be nasty
to each other, as they fight for supremacy. Older children, teenagers, and young adults
can be just as badly behaved as the younger ones. Step-children could blame their
Step-parent for breaking up their family, even if partners had already been separated
or divorced before they met.
A relationship can become strained if step-children pick at it constantly. A couple must
stay strong and show a united front. If there is a chink in anyones armour they will
spot it immediately and go for it. In the Five of Wands, step-children can ruin a perfectly
good time, outing or vacation with stubbornness, cheek, and sulky faces. Nothing you
do can please them. If you are getting married, they may seek to disrupt or dismantle
your plans, and be awkward about everything. As this is a Minor Arcana card, it
suggests a transitory period of change and adjustment. Keep fighting your way through
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it. Comfort yourself in the knowledge that you are not alone in your present
circumstances. Others have gone through and survived this baptism of fire.
Driving Force Behind Difficult Step-Children
If Reversed Court Cards, Reversed Emperor/Empress appear, issues you are having
with step-children may be coming indirectly from their other parent, your partners ex
or members of their family. They may be systematically knocking you and any efforts
you make to get on with their children. They dont want a relationship to develop
between you and your step-children. This could cause a hot and cold relationship with
your partners kids. Just when you think you are getting somewhere, when they
enjoyed their last stay with you, when they are beginning to open up to you, it all turns
sour in a subsequent visit. In fact, they arrive glaring and determined to be horrid after
having such a nice time last visit. A manipulative ex could be undoing all your good
work, filling them with spite and venom towards you, determined you will not succeed
in forming a friendship with them. You will need to tread carefully and unpick this
scheme bit by bit. The children, regardless of age are being used as weapons and this
in itself cannot be tolerated.
Babies & Children Ruining Your Sex Life
Well, this is a very obvious interpretation and the title speaks for itself. Following on
from the theme of the cosy domestic, family oriented and child bearing energy of the
Four of Wands, we see the magic bubble burst. After all the rigorous love-making and
passion, we find a somewhat haphazard approach to sex, as tiny babies and stroppy
children throw a spanner in the love-works of your life. For such minute sizes, they
certainly command full control of their environment and all in it. What power? Yes, it is
all lovely cooing at babies and washing their little clothes, but havent they turned your
perfect life upside down. Instead of having sex or talking about sex, you now talk about
feeds, nappy changes, and how many hours in a row they slept, if any. Sex gets
seriously put on the back burner as you navigate around the needs or a mini tyrant or
dictator, who couldnt care less about how much sleep you have or when you last
washed or ate. Also, post child birth, it may not be that comfortable either, if there were
stitches involved. It might be quite painful and something you want to avoid for the
moment. There is too much going on right now for you to think about sex and other
than tending to the baby or your growing brood, sleep is the next most important thing.
So, there you have it. Forget about sex for the moment. Dont beat yourself up about
it or think there is something wrong with your relationship. It is all pretty normal and
one day you will get around to having sex again. It may never get back to those
carefree and spontaneous days, but you will manage. Change, change, change.
Messy Sex Life
Its not difficult to see why a messy sex life might be suggested by the Five of Wands.
It appears you may be the orchestrator of your own troubles if you have been indulging
your sexual desires without due care or thought. Perhaps you had sex with someone
you knew would cause trouble in the long run. You may have implied there was more
than sex on offer, but in truth had no intention of pursuing this person any further than
the one occasion. They may now believe there is a relationship or good chance of one.
You could be fending off texts and phone calls, or avoiding your usual haunts. You will
have to face the music at some stage. Perhaps you went against your better judgment
at a work do or neighbours party, and did something with someone you now regret.
Others may be privy to what happened so it might not be easy to dismiss. You may
have made a drunken pass at your boss and now have been summoned to his/her
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office. You could be dating and sleeping with a number of partners simultaneously,
each one thinking they have you exclusively. You have been spotted somewhere with
someone, by a certain other someone, who will be quick to spread the word. You will
be in trouble with many when the news breaks. You discover the older man/woman
you slept with some time ago is actually the father/mother of your new partner when
you meet up with them, resulting in embarrassment all round! Someone has hacked
your Tinder account and now know all your dirty little secrets. A sex video you made
with your ex has found its way to social media and gone viral.
Heavy On Protection
Even though The Five of Wands is quite a chaotic and disorderly card, its presence in
a sex reading may suggest a lot of sex, a very active sex life, with possible multiple
partners, but you take contraception and safe sex very seriously. The clashing wands
in the air could be symbolising protection and defence. You are an active player in the
game, but wear the necessary safety gear. If you are lax about contraception,
depending on the position this card falls in, it could act as a warning to take heed
before you live to regret it. The Five of Wands could also suggest the need to get
regular STI screenings if you have an active sex life.
Ongoing Rows Ruin Intimacy
The Five of Wands can warn of potential damage to the intimate relationship you have
with your partner if ongoing rows and grievances are allowed to continue indefinitely.
When resentment or anger builds towards your partner or vice versa, physical contact
and tenderness diminishes as individuals pull back or recoil from proximity or the threat
of touching off the other. Physical distance from the source of upset is sought, not
closeness. The break down in emotional communication can be dangerous territory
for couples to enter. Restoring intimacy after ongoing hostilities can be challenging,
and sometimes impossible. Even if a couple get back to some semblance of normalcy,
scars can remain. It is wise to tackle and disarm issues between each other while you
still have a chance. The longer it goes on the harder it becomes. Egos can get in the
way of calling a truce and seeking resolution. No one wants to accept responsibility.
If you have been the cause of upset and disturbance in your relationship, it should
come as no surprise if your partner is emotionally cool or distant with you. Tension
and anger will result in partners avoiding each other whenever possible. The home
can feel very small when you refuse to eat at the same table, leave a room as soon
as the other enters, sleep with your backs to each other at the further most edge of
the bed or in separate rooms, and sidestep as you pass in the hallway. Bringing regular
trouble home will not warm your partner to you. You cannot expect a loving welcome.
The last thing they will want is your touch or sexual advances even if you feel you are
entitled to it. Ways need to be mended, behaviour altered, apologies made and good
intentions set if you want to find a way back to the closeness you once experienced
together.
Sexual Revolution /Sexually Wild/Liberated/Groupie
When it comes to readings about your sex life or sex in general, the Five of Wands
can suggest you have strong feelings about your freedom in this area. You have very
liberal viewpoints and champion any cause that supports the right for sexual
expression without judgement. You might be considered a bit sexually wild or
revolutionary, determined to do as you please. You think nothing of having sex on the
first date, with a stranger after a chance encounter, or being open and direct about
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your sexual needs, if you want it you ask for it. You do not hide behind false modesty
or behave in a manner that is conventionally acknowledged as acceptable. You have
no time for the morality police who chastise and denigrate your behaviour and attitude.
You are able to separate love from sex and do not see the attraction of monogamy or
fidelity. Sex is just sex at the end of the day. Its not as if you want to marry any of your
partners or commit to them. Some may try to pin you down, to make you theirs, but
you keep them all at bay and are gone before they know it, not staying around for
coffee or breakfast the next morning. You are interested in great or amazing sex. You
are drawn to the ideals of the flower-power era of free love and plenty of it. Nudity
appeals to you and you have no hang-ups about your body, or issues with getting
naked in front of others. You might get a thrill from being so wicked and daring. You
are not afraid to talk about your sex life in public and have no qualms about questioning
others about theirs. You live by your own rules and beliefs which often brings you into
confrontation with others who perceive you as a threat.
The Five of Wands suggests a free-spirit and archetypal groupie behaviour where
everything and anything goes (check for the Empress and Fool, Lovers and Seven of
Cups). Its interpretation brings the song Ruby Tuesday by the Rolling Stones to mind.
However, it is Melanies version from 1970 that appeals to me.
The Question of Paternity

Be you a groupie, or involved with multiple sexual partners, The Five of Wands can
act as a warning about the consequences of getting pregnant under such
circumstances. In the imagery, when we look at it from a sex point of view, we can see
quite graphically the representation of multiple phallic symbols. The figures all wear
different attire. This is not a lot of sex with one person but rather sex with several. If
you are not being vigilant with contraception, and having sex with different partners in
a close time span, a pregnancy could occur leaving you confused as to who the father
might be.
Multiple Advances/Fighting Them Off
The Five of Wands can suggest you exude powerful sexual energy that others are
strongly attracted to. You may have to fight them off. You may not be aware of this,
some are just born that way, but it is likely you know what you are about and are very
conscious of your magnetism in this area. You possibly play up on this and enjoy being
the centre of attention. However, it may not make you very popular with those who see
you as a threat or unwanted attraction when their partner is around. Like bees to honey
the interested parties swarm around you, each vying for your sole attention. You are
popularity personified and there is no shortage of dates to be had. Potential suitors
may make extravagant gestures to increase their chances with you. You might have
expensive bottles of wine or champagne sent your way, or dinner paid by the stranger
at a far table. You could have flowers and gifts delivered to your workplace with offers
to whisk you away to some luxury destination or other.
This is not the sole domain of females. Males are subjected to similar tactics when
they have been particularly blessed with powerful animal attraction. While all this is
going on, you could be in danger of ignoring other aspects of your personality which
are every bit as important when it comes to making a long-term impression. Sexual
attraction will only get you so far on its own. It is wise to develop your personality in a
rounded manner. Dont settle for being the person everyone wants to date or bed. You
are more than that, and will need to be more than that, if you desire a committed
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relationship at some stage. Its never a good idea to trade on your looks alone. Make
them part of an overall incredible package instead. Looks, brains, intellect, charm,
warmth, grace, friendliness and compassion will justify you standing out from the
crowd for all the right reasons.
Looking at this from another aspect, you might find your power to attract, wearing and
tedious. It might be more of a curse than a blessing. You never seem to be left alone
when you go anywhere as there are constant attempts to hit on you. This can be
intimidating and unnerving when advances made are particularly strong or forceful.
You just want to have dinner with your friends, or pop in to grab a coffee, but your
presence always causes some disturbance to those around you. Some glare, while
others stare. As the saying goes, you are presumed hot to trot by many, just because
you look so damn sexy. People are quick to judge and think you deliberately bring it
on. Perhaps you would like to meet someone nice, someone who is really interested
in you and not your external packaging, but how are you to determine how sincere
they are? If you do accept a date, is it because the person wants a trophy partner to
show off, or is it they find your mind compelling and conversation fascinating? You
have tried dressing down, concealing your best features but you cant hide your
potential. Your friends get annoyed at times, especially if they feel your presence is
ruining their own chance of meeting someone. You feel damned if you do and damned
if you dont. You cant win.
Entitled To Sex
In the Five of Wands there may be an attitude of entitlement to sex if you are in a
relationship or married. It is not something you think about or care to ask about. You
may assume you can get it on tap as you please. There is a hearty appetite for sex,
but when an issue arises between you and your partner that prevents your needs
being satisfied, you can get grumpy and bad tempered. You might need sex to feel
balanced in yourself, or to reassure you your partner needs and still desires you. Being
deprived sex for any reason does not sit well with you and can cause a tense
atmosphere in the home.
Sexual Harassment
Following on from the above, we might take advances a step further. This is not a case
of being hit on, chased or pursued by admirers, but rather being sexually harassed by
those who see you as fair game for such unwanted attention. Lewd comments may be
made to your face, laced with sexual innuendo directed at you personally. Your
appearance is commented on in a demeaning manner. You might be subjected to
uninvited physical contact from someone who invades your personal space on a
certain agenda. Jokes might be thrown out about certain parts of your body leaving
you feeling humiliated or degraded. You could be viewed as a sexual commodity rather
than a person. People take liberties with you or feel okay about touching or grabbing
you. You feel anxious or nervous when left alone with certain persons or have to travel
in an elevator where eyes look you up and down as if undressing you.
In the Upright Five of Wands this could be the way things are for you. No one has
threatened your safety or physically attacked you, but you feel violated nonetheless.
If the Five of Swords appears with the Reversed Five of Wands and Reversed Courts,
Reversed Emperor/Empress/Magician/Devil etc, we might find a more threatening
environment where things could get out of hand. Those who take part in such
behaviour in the Five of Wands probably draw the line at doing anything extremely
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illegal. Many may see their behaviour as just a bit of fun with no real harm meant. God
forbid, but they might even think they are paying you a compliment. From where they
stand its all in great jest and good sport. It needs to be pointed out to them how
demeaning their actions and speech are. They need to understand they are in danger
of crossing a line that will not be tolerated. This attitude can often be the result of
upbringing and learned behaviour. Someone needs to stand up to them and lay down
the law.
Bragging About Sex/Bawdy Talk
In this interpretation, we find the figures in The Five of Wands bragging about their sex
life or sexual conquests. Their talk is bawdy and explicit. They pass sexist remarks
and compete with each other when notching up scores on bed posts. Every person
who passes is commented on and seen as legitimate prey. They are not interested in
forming one on one relationships with anyone, not that anyone decent would ever have
them. It is often those who have the least to offer that brag the most. It is about sex,
and nothing but sex. They see themselves as gods gift to women/men and are full of
their sexual prowess and ability. Although they have enormous sexual egos, they are
shallow and vacuous beings, with little or nothing to offer anyone in the long-term.
They will take sex where and when they get it, in the parking lot, at the back of the bar,
in the toilets. Although they brag about their conquests and are quick to criticise the
looks of passers-by, the personalities suggested by this interpretation are not too fussy
or choosy about who they have sex with (check for Reversed Courts). As long as they
are getting it is all that matters.
Many times, such over-inflated egos will exaggerate about the frequency, quality and
quantity of their sexual conquests. What they claim to have achieved is often very far
from the truth. They can turn out to be sad pathetic figures. This interpretation can also
apply to The Reversed Five of Wands, but it may be weaker or stronger in strength.
Sex Texts/Talking Dirty
The Five of Wands in a relationship or sex reading, could suggest a fondness for
sexting (sex texting) with your partner, or perhaps you like to engage in talking dirty to
each other on the phone. Although many people would deny this, it is very common in
relationships, especially at the outset when sex is prevalent. It can be used as a form
or foreplay before partners meet up, or is especially effective when separated due to
work or travel. Partners may even call each other at work to pass a quick seductive
sexy remark.
Internal Sexual Conflict/Unwanted Sexual Urges
The Five of Wands could imply feeling sexually conflicted. You may have considered
yourself to be confident of your sexuality but now are beginning to question it. You feel
there is something wrong, that you are not feeling what you should be feeling. You do
not feel any attraction, or not enough of an attraction for those you are supposed to be
attracted to. These could be feelings you have towards your partner or in general. You
have noticed the stirring of sexual urges that do not sit comfortably with you. You may
have believed you were straight, but have failed to form a meaningful relationship with
anyone of the opposite sex. You have dated alright, had relationships, gone through
the motions, but felt little or nothing. You might find you are attracted or aroused by
your own gender which is freaking you out. Perhaps it is the other way around. You
have always considered yourself gay, but now are feeling attracted to the opposite
sex. Your head is all over the place and this conflict is dominating your life. You are
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panicked about such urges and are doing your best to fight them off, but how long will
you be able to keep it up? Maybe you will have to accept that you are not who you
thought you were. Perhaps you were, but have now changed. Maybe you are neither
one nor the other, but bi-sexual. You might also be asexual. Your sexuality inclinations
may fluctuate as you mature. This has become a big deal for you and it might be wise
to seek counselling from those who can help you determine your sexual identity and
help you come to terms with it.
In the previous Reversed Wands we looked at the potential for suppressing your true
sexual identity by forcing a heterosexual one. You perhaps found a partner, married,
had children and maintained a front. In the Five of Wands we see you terribly conflicted
as you battle hard to keep up the pretence. The real you wants to emerge, but you
battle it down consistently. You have created a life that is based on a certain sexual
identity. No one would understand if you were to declare otherwise now. You could
risk losing everything you have worked hard for. However, you have been living a lie
and feel you dont belong. Your sexual attraction lies elsewhere but know you must
not give into it. You see it as your enemy, not your friend. The Five of Wands finds it
coming to head as internal pressure becomes too much to restrain. Again, you may
need to seek professional help to support you through this crisis. You may be surprised
to find others have guessed or are happy to accept whoever you are. You might be
catastrophising a fallout out that will never happen. The real you must find a way out.
The above internal sexual conflict can apply to any sexual orientation.
Battling Bigotry
The Five of Wands imagery could suggest battling bigotry. You may be attending
rallies or protests, standing up for gay rights or campaigning for same sex marriage.
Here we see you come up against the opposition, those who would seek to deny you
a voice or your basic human rights. Angry scenes and scuffles could breakout between
left and right-wing groups who feel strongly about the issues at stake. The power of
the people is important here as numbers swell and voices raise demanding change,
tolerance and acceptance for all. For certain issues, the fight must continue,
campaigners and lobbyists must battle on, not for their own sake, but for the lives of
millions of others who may not have the ability or freedom to make their own voice
heard.
Athletic /Energetic Rough Sex
The Five of Wands can imply a high sex drive and stamina for marathon sex sessions.
The figures in the imagery of the card look extremely fit and energetic. Applying this
to sex, it might suggest being sexually athletic. You certainly dont lie there and think
of England. Instead, you are very intense and your partner might find it exhausting to
keep up with you. Therefore, you will need a partner who matches your appetite and
fitness level. Yes, you do enjoy quickies but you manage to choose the most
challenging of places which involves serious muscle work. In this interpretation, we
find a bracing approach to sex which is far from tame or conventional. There is no
place for shyness or modesty in the Five of Wands. Sex can take place in any location,
the riskier the better; outdoors, up a mountain, on the beach. Any place where you
might be discovered.
As a couple, you take sex when you want it, when the urge hits. The Five of Wands
Upright could suggest you like a bit of rough play in sex. You like to be flung around,
across the table, up against the wall. There is an urgency about the way you have sex.
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Clothes may be ripped off when things heat up. Having sex is similar to a work-out in
the gym. Your body aches afterwards, with tired sore muscles and even the odd bruise
or two. However, you like it this way. You are not a fan of passive or conservative sex
and cant think of anything more boring. Once your partner is on the same wavelength
as you, your sex life can be dynamic and could provide the glue for a strong enduring
relationship. Having a healthy interest in sex can make you happier and feel younger.
You will be old soon enough and can rest then.
The problem arises when only one of you feels this way. You might want a marathon
sex session each time, but your partner just wants to get it over and done with, is too
tired, doesnt have the time or interest. Sometimes sex at the beginning of a
relationship is wild and abandoned with partners having the ability to go for hours or
several times in the one night. Some madness and false energy can take over allowing
us to believe we will be able to maintain the same level of activity. Over time, sexual
burnout can occur and partners fall back into what is considered a normal level of
sexual activity. However, there are those who are tireless in this area. They may have
an overly-high sex drive in comparison to the norm.
The Five of Wands in your sex life could imply the ability to achieve multiple orgasms.
Experimenting With New Positions
Following on from the sexual gymnastics above, The Five of Wands appearing in a
reading about your sex life could imply the need to be more experimental. Perhaps
you have fallen into a same old, same old approach which has become predictable
and unexciting. It happens to most of us, and as long as we are having sex, we try not
to worry about it too much. However, The Five of Wands gives us a kick up the back
side and reminds us there is much room for improvement. When did we get so old and
staid in our outlook? Time to go back to the drawing board and come up with
something more interesting. You may need to address your technique, the habitual
times you have sex, the build-up or aftermath. You may need to make more of an
occasion out of it, get dressed up, go to some effort to spice it up. If you havent
ventured outside the bedroom in years, it might be time to try some new locations.
This doesnt mean leaving the house or doing anything crazy in pursuit of a more
enriching sexual experience, but rather jazzing it up with innovative planning.
Experiment with different positions or try a new approach. Instead of asking if your
partner wants sex, why not try a little seduction instead. They may not think they are
in the mood, but that could change if you get this part right. Theres nothing like a bit
of romance and flirtation to sexually charge the atmosphere. So, what are you waiting
for? Time to let your hair down and be a part of the sexual revolution. All you need is
love!
The sham fighting aspect of the Five of Wands could imply pretence, and when we
link this to sex, it might refer to sex games and role play. You might decide to adopt
roles or characters and go along with a phony script, the type that is often depicted in
porn movies. You might be dressing up in a French Maids outfit, pretending to be a
naughty student, don horse-riding attire, be a fearsome gladiator, Mr. Darcy or
Heathcliff. Its all a bit of fun and titillation and can add a bit of va-va-voom in the
bedroom. The Five of Wands is also fond of using sex toys.
The Five of Wands can imply the breaking of sexual taboos. Perhaps you have
decided to indulge some of your sexual fantasies. If your sex life has gone stale, you
could casually bring up the subject with your partner, or in an honest, safe and open
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discussion ask if there is anything they would like to try out but have been too
embarrassed to ask. Agree not to judge each other or react in a shocking manner
when fantasies are revealed and shared. Instead be curious and open to looking
further.
Porn/Multiple Partners/Group Sex
We have already looked at the potential for multiple partners and sleeping around in
the Five of Wands. There is a need for variety and quick turnover of partners, not
getting too close to anyone in particular. Playing the field and treading into private
territory at times is all part of the game. Depending on which aspect of Five we are
dealing with, it either tries desperately hard to conform, or break away from it. The
Hierophant wants to set moral rules and regulations but Five when Upright will seek
to break them, do its own thing, go its own way. It may declare war on convention and
conservatism, flying in the face of what is deemed normal or acceptable in society. In
this aspect of Five, we can see how it might influence the approach to sex. If Five
wants to go way out there, it will seek to break as many taboos as it can, sometimes
just to cause a stir or see what the reaction might be from all the naysayers and do-
gooders.
In the Five of Wands we might be looking at an interest or attraction for group sex, sex
parties, partner swapping (Reversed Lovers/Two of Cups), sex with strangers,
organised sex such as taking part in a porn movie. If you are exploring your sexual
side with tarot, this card could be unearthing some deep-set desires or fantasies. Live
sex on webcams would feature in the Five of Wands when seeking insight on sexual
desires. If you are a regular porn viewer, you might be particularly drawn to
threesomes or group sex. Surrounding cards would give clues as to the nature and
gender involved. In the Five of Wands we are dealing with sexual behaviour that is
not violent or deliberately abusive. Each to their own is how the Wands would look at
it. Fire likes to try out everything and sex can be a hot favourite. It is only when such
activity is driven underground with violent, criminal links as found in the Devil, Five of
Swords, Eight of Swords, and Reversed Courts, that we must question the morals and
conscience behind it. Once consenting adults are harming no one, then how can we
judge what is right or wrong, acceptable or despicable? However, if you have veered
way off the path that is considered the norm, be sure you can find a way back if the
new one is not to your liking. What often starts out as harmless fun can become sick
or twisted over time. The Reversed Five of Wands will explore this but its presence
alone is not enough to give concern. Surrounding cards will offer information that will
determine if your sexual activity is getting out of control. The question you ask and
intention at time of shuffling and drawing will play a part in how you would read such
interpretation.
It is important to remember the nature of Five. Seeking change, variety, novelty and
freedom is one thing and can be admired or encouraged, but it can escalate into a
constant craving for such diversion and distraction. You may not be happy with
anything less. Sex can become addictive. Indulging in fetish fantasies or porn can lead
to perversion and self-loathing. Having sex with strangers or in a group may seem
exciting and liberating, but it will erode the sense of self-worth after a while. Normal
sexual activity is no longer part of the equation and is not desired or can be achieved.
One can step too far over the line and bitterly regret it.
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The Five of Wands, both Upright and Reversed can suggest swingers, or swinging
parties in a sex reading.
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Five of Wands Reversed What Doesnt Break Us, Will

Strengthen Us
5 rx - Change/Upheaval Settle. Open/Opposed To Change. Solutions, Compromise.

Defeat/Conceding Defeat. Truce/All Out War.
Reconstruction/Destruction/Annihilation. Seeking Stability. Calming/Settling Down.
Clearing.
Yes or No Card? Yes, to finding a solution, or calling a truce. Its not as bad as you
make out. No, the battle has only started.
The Challenge With Five
We have reached the mid-stage of the Wands journey through relationships. Because
it is a Five, it brings change and upheaval. What was steadily or rapidly built on from
the Ace through to Four, now has the opportunity to self-destruct if allowed, or desired.
We look at all The Wands waving in the air, both in the Upright and Reverse. Was this
a Pentacle; the symbol of earth, security, stability and endurance? Can we work out if
it is being constructed or deconstructed in either aspect of this card? If it has been
deconstructed or taken a hit in the Upright Five, by either external or internal forces, it
becomes a matter of grave concern when Reversed. It really must be decided what
the best thing to do with it is. Dont sit back and think it will work itself out. If the
Pentacle needed modification, updating, or strengthening due to maturing changes in
either partner, or circumstances, then it might be chaotic until the right arrangement is
found. It will get there eventually once effort and teamwork is applied. But, the
Reversed Five can bring us to extremes, or is heading that way. If the Pentacle was
damaged in the Upright, unless effort has been made to repair or strengthen any weak
areas, it might ultimately give way under the stress. So, we could be looking at a
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rebuild, and resettling, or the figures in the imagery could take on the form of a
demolition team. Surrounding cards and input of the querant should assist when
applying interpretation.
With Fire being the governing Element in Wands, there may be a presumption that
matters tend to take care of themselves simply from sheer momentum. If we are
experiencing a rough patch in a relationship, the Reversed Five of Wands can lull us
into a false sense of security when we latch onto the more benign aspects of the card
that pertain to issues being resolved, disagreements being settled and interference
disappearing. Dont be fooled by Five, and do not underestimate its powerful force,
both for good and bad. We tend to look at harmless skirmishes when Upright, nothing
major to worry about. In the Reverse, we may be biased towards only seeing resolution
or compromise. We may choose to ignore its less than benevolent potential. We
breathe a sigh of relief as we anticipate the passing of the storm.
However, only sometimes does life fall into order without our input or effort. Typically,
it needs to be helped along. Yes, issues in relationships may appear to ease when
you ignore them, but this does not mean they are gone and will not reappear. You
know better than that if you are being honest. It takes effort to keep a row going with
a person you spend a lot of time with. Sometimes we decide to step over or around
the issue just to break the ice and get back to normal. Unless there is resistance to
this, both partners will drop it and go about their business, relieved the nasty stuff is
out of the way. Then we get a false sense of having dealt with the problem, allowing
the Five of Wands to appear Reversed. Its over we think, but have we dealt with the
issue? If not, the relief may only be temporary, the issue bound to resurface in a
conducive atmosphere. Thus, we can be hurled back into the ever-growing, familiar
combative state of the Upright Five, each time the flames growing larger and the heat
intensifying. It takes the proper use of Fire to give us the backbone and stamina to
induce the necessary changes needed to overcome repetitive challenges in our
relationships. Do not rest on your laurels when you see the Five of Wands Reversed.
Observe closely the surrounding cards to truthfully determine which aspect is relevant
in your relationship.
An analogy - In The Five of Wands Upright, the figures may have disturbed a beehive
(trouble), causing the bees to swarm in attack (confrontation). The figures use the
Wands they carry to ward off the bees as no one wants to get stung (fire-
fighting/defensive). The figures aware they have stirred up trouble must battle their
way out and survive (panic/knee jerk reactions). They could also decide to repeat this
process, safe in the knowledge they can come out unscathed each time. How many
times can they get away with it? (repetitive behaviour, not learning the first time,
inviting trouble).
In Reverse, the five figures have found safety as they shake off the last few bees that
have become entangled in their clothes and hair. This could have ended disastrously,
but they had the sense to act before it was too late (swift action taken to get out of, or
end trouble). Then again, they may have observed the beehive in advance and had
the foresight to anticipate trouble ahead. This gave them sufficient time to change
direction, thus avoiding any confrontation and unnecessary pain in the first place (Deal
with it before it becomes a major issue). However, if reckless or thoughtless, they could
choose to throw their Wands at the hive, their aim now to provoke a reaction, or destroy
the hive the bees worked hard to build (thoughtlessly burning down your own house!
Shooting yourself in the foot!).
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Feeling More Certain

In the Upright Five of Wands you were unsure of what you were looking for in a
relationship or whether you wanted to continue in a current relationship, or give deeper
commitment. You may have been struggling with a proposal from the Three/Four of
Wands, which forced you into considering your feelings and the future. In the Reversed
Five of Wands, we see the aftermath of the internal turmoil. You have battled this out
in your head, gone over and over the arguments, both for and against. You now feel
more settled and assured of the direction you wish to head in. You stand on firmer
ground now and are confident about doing the right thing. You now know what it is you
are looking for in a partner and can make sound judgement. This might result in
breaking away from a relationship, or making a firmer commitment to one. You might
also change tactic or strategy in your search for love if previous methods have not
worked or no longer serve your purpose. You could back away from certain social
groups or friends if you feel they do not resonate with your new frame of mind.
Change Is As Good As A Rest
The changes battled over or resisted in the Upright Five have proven to be for the
better. You hate to admit it after putting up such opposition, but really it has worked
out just fine. You did throw the head, and tantrums too, becoming dramatic and
hysterical about what you were going to do. Change may have been forced upon you,
out of your control, or encouraged by another. On reflection, you can see why change
was needed. How dull and predictable everything had become. You realise you
werent living at all, merely existing and certainly not developing your potential as you
should. You see it as a blessing now and not before its time. You are a new person,
with a renewed sense of purpose. You also feel stronger in yourself, more capable
and more tolerant of life when it goes out of control. Problems encountered now are
seen as challenges which are there for a reason. Life has new meaning and you are
thankful for how things turned out. You have cleared out a lot of mess in your life,
leaving only the worthwhile things behind.
Rebuilding A Damaged Relationship
In the Five of Wands Reversed we can find the aftermath of devastation as a couple
scavenge to salvage something from the wreckage of a damaged relationship. They
stumble through the ruins of their life together, wondering if there is anything left
standing, anything that can be potentially rebuilt. In this interpretation, they discover
bits and pieces of their shipwrecked relationship washed up on the shore. They have
managed to withstand the force of the storm and wonder if they can be fixed, put back
together or mended. They might only have the skeleton of their relationship to work
with and it is uncertain if it can be reconstructed successfully. If there is mutual hope
and conviction, the couple in question could begin to rebuild, but it might be wise to
avoid replacing what was there with a similar structure. A storm levelled it before. It
could potentially happen again. It might be best to build something that is more flexible
and adaptable to their current needs. In the imagery we see an attempt to do
something rather than admit defeat. They must at least try. There might be children to
consider so great effort is made to save the situation.
The Return to Stability Battle is Over
The Five of Wands Reversed often heralds the return of stability in a relationship after
a period of chaos, uncertainly or upheaval. As a couple, you are not out of the woods
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yet, wont be until you reach the Six of Wands, but it looks like you are heading in the
right direction. There is a sense of relief after all the stress and trauma.
If your relationship was going through a rough time, effort will be made to find a
solution. In the Upright Five, we have couples divided and in opposition. Stubborn
attitudes create a deadlock. Partners go head to head as their love turns into a battle
field. The domestic bliss and stability of the Four, lost in the uproar. Indeed, the energy
of the Four seems very away. In the Reversed Five, the couple have not lost sight of
the Four of Wands. They still remember it. It is what brings them to their senses and
opens the door to communication between them. Something has shaken their
relationship, their marriage, but it hasnt necessarily shaken their love. Regardless of
the battering, their foundations are still strong. Love brings them back, not by fighting
against each other, but by fighting for the survival of the relationship. They have too
much to lose.
Now is the time for communication and compromise. Everyones grievances need to
be laid bare. Honesty is the best policy as partners express their unhappiness to each
other. Partners begin to listen instead of shouting back. Egos on both sides back down
as the urge to get back on track takes over. Enough energy has been wasted and what
is left must be used constructively. Partners pull together and begin to cooperate in
making things work. It is all about give and take. Control and force will not work. Neither
will obligation, duty, or resignation. The energy of the relationship had become
scattered. The common ground of the Three and Four of Wands dug up and laid waste.
Somehow you have seen the light and are finding your way back to each other. You
made a good team before, and can do it again. This may have been your first major
row or battle. It has left you scared of losing what you cherish. Understand there will
always be battles to fight, disagreements, fallings out, but if the foundations of the
relationship are strong, they will endure. Your relationship has been tested and
survived.
Resisting settling
Due to the extreme aspect of Reversed Cards, this Five might also be highlighting the
desire to perpetuate ongoing instability or disruption if you are opposed to settling
issues, finding compromise or resolution. You may be pushing an agenda that is
causing distress to others, but serves a certain purpose for you. You may be looking
for a way out of a relationship, and aim to bring it about by being as awkward as
possible. You thwart every attempt your partner makes to create a nice environment
or atmosphere. You may have a sneering attitude to everything and enjoy seeing how
you can upend everything at will.
Resisting settling into a relationship or location could be the result of fear of
commitment.
End of Chaos Coming out the other end - Surviving
In this aspect of the Reversed Five of Wands, we find a return to normal life after a
period of chaos. Chaos could have been experienced positively or negatively, but it is
likely to have caused major upheaval for everyone concerned.
If you have been working on a house build, renovation, or redecoration, you are
beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel at long last. This time relates to the final
snag list being completed, the last few builders or tradesmen finishing off, or packing
up equipment and tools. You are so glad to see the back of them. Even though the big
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clean up and organisation has yet to happen, you now have the place to yourselves
once more. The dust can settle, and there certainly is plenty of it! Time to sweep up,
make several trips to the recycling plant and wash all the surfaces down in preparation
for enjoying your new environment. This is the last push now, when fiddly bits need to
be attended to before you can declare a job well done. Paint touch ups may need to
be done, along with smoothing off some rough edges here and there, but its nearly
time to take back, or own your space.
Order Returning On The Domestic Front
If you have been living under stressed circumstances while work was being carried
out, The Five of Wands Reversed sees you acknowledging you couldnt go on another
week. Children cooped up on top of each other, boxes and belongings all over the
place have nearly been the death of you. It is all coming together very nicely as a
sense of calm descends. Now you can enjoy putting everything in its place and
restoring order to your home once more. If you have been working on your garden
space, you are beginning to see it take shape. Soil is levelled with plants and shrubs
in place. Patios have settled, just waiting to welcome some planters and garden
furniture. It has all been worth it.
For the couples who emigrated or relocated, we find you in the final stages of
unpacking. Your new accommodation begins to look like a home at long last. The
sense of just arriving has passed and you can get on with living. Any worries or issues
you had during transit are behind you. Your removals truck may not have run to
schedule, leaving you without a seat to sit on or a bed to sleep on for days, but it
eventually arrived, drama over. The electricity that wouldnt work, the tap that wouldnt
turn off has been fixed and you can manage to get through a day without crisis. Well
done.
Final Snag List
For couples moving into a new-build home, the date approaches. You slept in your car
for two days outside the show house to ensure you secured this beautiful home from
plans. You met other couples doing the same. These very people will be your new
neighbours. You have watched the houses go up from scratch, picking out tiles and
selecting paint and fire surrounds. The house is nearly ready for hand over, just the
snag list to be completed. Time to get organised for the big move in. You cant believe
your luck as you share invites with your new neighbours-to-be. Lots to look forward to
after all the hard work. Great team effort has made this possible.
Reclaiming Your Own Space
Couples who have been living with family while saving for a deposit or during their
house build can also look forward to restoring some order in their life. What seemed
impossible from the outset, has worked. You all managed to survive and feel blessed
with such strong support. You couldnt have done this without them. It was touch and
go at the beginning but you pulled together and got on with things. Having to stay with
others and having others to stay with you can put people under immense strain.
Everyone will be glad to reclaim their own space.
Neighbours Fitting In/Belonging
In The Upright Five of Wands, we looked at the unsettling stage of transition that must
be endured after a change of address or relocation. You may have struggled to make
friends or were too busy with sorting things out to make the effort with neighbours.
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Children might have been uprooted from schools and separated from friends, leaving
everyone in limbo land. When you did attempt to reach out, you were often met with
resistance or wariness. Sometimes you tried to hard and scared them off. In the
Reversed Five of Wands we see you move out of that uncertain stage. You now have
the names and numbers of a few neighbours on your cell phone, have been invited for
coffee, drinks and dinner locally, and the staff in the local grocery shop know you by
name. Your children have bitten the bullet and ventured out from under your feet to
interact with kids on the street. They seem to be happy and thankfully settling into their
new school. You are beginning to fit in and have a sense of belonging.
Neighbours - Keeping Your Distance/Pulling Back
In the Upright Five there was a desire to get to know your neighbours and be part of
the community. You wanted to be accepted, to fit in, to belong, under the energy that
built from the Four of Wands. For many this naturally came about as friendly
neighbours welcomed them to their new home and included them in local activities
and social scenes. For others, the dream in the Four of Wands shattered when they
discovered the neighbours from hell where living next door, or that the neighbourhood
was not as pleasant as they had expected. Some were driven to distraction with noise
pollution or undesirable gangs hanging around. The Wands attitude in the Five got
some of them off on the wrong foot with neighbours if they were inconsiderate or
insensitive to local protocol, tradition, or hierarchy. Local neighbours and the wider
community may have had issues with your planning and building, seeing you as blow-
ins and disruptive.
Now, in the Five Reversed we see you either decide from the start to remain aloof
from your neighbours, or pull back from earlier interactions with them if issues have
arisen. In the former option we do not see the close engagement of the Upright Five
when players were eager to be in the thick of it, close up and personal. In this instance,
you know everyones business and they know yours. There is little privacy and
everyone has an opinion on your coming and goings, and how you live your life.
Village, small town or neighbourhood gossip is part of the way of life and you can
assume you are being talked about when not in the company of others. You attend
coffee mornings, join groups and classes where you learn even more about each other
while forming firm friendships.
In the latter instance, you have no intention of getting to know your neighbours as you
hate that kind of stuff. People dropping by without invitation or holding you up at the
grocery store with trivial conversation is something you would rather avoid. You might
adopt a curt and brusque tone with people when they attempt to communicate with
you, wanting to make it clear you do not wish to engage. When you must respond,
answers are brief and direct eye contact is avoided. You might live in a house that is
separate from those of your closest neighbours. It might be detached, on its own land,
behind closed gates. On the other hand, there might just be a wall or fence separating
you, but it might as well be miles away. Neighbours at this stage know you do not seek
them out and see yourself as either above them or different to them. They may take a
disliking to you because of your withdrawn stance or think you weird and strange.
Secondly in the latter instance, you might have beaten a hasty retreat from your
neighbours after a disturbing incident, argument or revelation. A neighbours building
or planning application could raise objections which will make it awkward for you to be
around them. There might have been a major showdown or shocking behaviour at a
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house party. You might have acted inappropriately with a neighbour or discover an
indiscretion between your partner and a neighbour. It might be that you got drawn into
your kids rows, resulting in neighbours rushing to the defence of their own kids. The
kids may have stood by, shocked as their parents got stuck into each other. Then
again, you may be trying to keep your children away from undesirables in the
neighbourhood which will cause tension between families. The situation has become
intolerable with neighbours. You might consider moving on.
Financial Control Restored

In the Upright Five there may have been issues with employment. You, or your partner
may have lost your job and were struggling to find another. Living on one salary, or
social welfare has been a nightmare, with just not enough to go around or pay the bills.
If you had rent or a mortgage to pay, it would have been a daily struggle to keep afloat.
Now in the Five of Wands your determination and tenacity has paid off. Employment
has been secured and even though it will take some time to catch up financially, the
worst is behind you. The intense pressure is off and you can begin to breathe once
more.
Settling Arguments Truce
In the Five of Wands Reversed, any arguments that have caused strain in your
relationship will be settled or a truce called. Everyone is tired of the tension and the
momentum of argument has faded. Partners agree to disagree, or agree to let it go.
Perhaps you have forgotten what the argument was about at this stage. All have lost
interest. Hands are shaken, hugs are exchanged and bygones become bygones. It is
now water under the bridge. A storm in a tea cup, a set-to or to-do about nothing. A
lot of hot air really, even though it seemed major at the time. However, it was good to
get it out of the system.
For couples who thrive in fiery relationships, the Reversed Five of Wands highlights
the calm after the storm or bust up. It usually takes a bit of time for heels to cool, but
you are getting there. Until the next time that is.
Focusing on Relationship/Career
In the Upright Five we found difficulty in striking the right career/relationship balance.
Your relationship was suffering because of work commitments. You had taken on too
much, or never seemed to be off-duty. The lines had blurred where work was
concerned and you were taking your partner for granted by presuming they were
understanding. In the Reverse, depending on surrounding cards, you are addressing
this issue. Something may have happened to shake you into awareness. You have
now chosen to delegate some of your work to others. You might reduce the amount of
overtime you do, stop taking work home at the weekend and take the time off you are
due. You could arrange a break away with your partner to re-experience the Four of
Wands intimacy.
The Reversed Five of Wands can also suggest the reverse. You might need to focus
on your career right now instead of relationships. A current relationship, or the chase
after one, may be distracting you from your work. Your mind is not on the job and you
have let things slip. If you are part of a team working on a project, your lack of
contribution may be noticeable. Re-stabilise. This Reversed card could suggest you
are choosing to stay out of the dating game until you have achieved your career goals.
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Yes, you will still socialise with your friends, but are determined not to get involved
with anyone.
Giving 100% To Both Career & Relationship
The Reversed Five of Wands could find you embarked upon the impossible task of
giving 100% to both your career and relationship. You are confident you can do both.
You may be putting yourself under this pressure, or it could be coming from your
partner if they are demanding and lacking in understanding. You are working hard and
playing hard; on top of your game career-wise and also out and about at all the right
places with your partner, doing this and that. There never seems to be a moment to
sit down and take a breath. They are pulling at you in work but you are equally pulled
at, at home. Once everyone else is getting what they want, you think you are managing
to pull it off. However, you will not be able to keep this up indefinitely.
On the other hand, this could reflect how things used to be for you. The chaos and
bedlam of the Upright Five, trying to be all things to everyone at the same time is
something you cant or no longer want to do. In the Reversed Five of Wands, you take
a step back for the daily rat race and take a long hard look. Where are you going in all
this? What are you getting out of it? Areas of your life that were out of control are now
resolved as you find a more practical approach to conducting your life. You cant be in
the thick of it all the time, and others shouldnt expect you to be either. It should be
permissible to take a break every now and then, time off. Not everything is equally
important so you must prioritise and attend to things in an orderly fashion, not all at
the one time. Both work, and your partner, must realise you are only human and not
expect so much of you. However, you probably created this high dependency on you
in the first place, by taking on everything they threw your way. You dont have to play
every match or game. Some, you can sit out.
Wanting To Quit The Rat Race/Reconstruction
As a couple, you may also be thinking twice about the impact your high achieving
lifestyle has on you individually and as a couple. Both of you seem to be going non-
stop in the race to the top, and what is considered achieving the ultimate success. You
may have bought into a lifestyle that demands a lot of you. It is not possible to stop or
slow down as others would take advantage and rush to overtake you. You are earning
a lot, but are already thinking about getting your new pay rise, or promotion. Enough
will never be enough. Regardless of the high income that may be coming in, it doesnt
really spread that far once you pay for all your expensive trappings.
The Reversed Five of Wands shows a deep level of nervous exhaustion set in. You
must keep going because you have to, not because you want to. There are too many
balls/wands in the air for you to stop or slow down. If only you had the time to enjoy
the fruits of your hard labour, but are rarely at home and barely see each other. The
evenings find you speechless with exhaustion, and you drag yourself to all the
functions you must be seen to attend. However, something is shifting in this imagery.
There is a desire to stop and change. You are not happy and need to explore your
options and think of a new way to live. The change you think of introducing in the Five
Reversed could be radical. It could find you stepping off the treadmill, checking out of
the rat-race and leaving it all behind. You might try something completely different, out
of the ordinary and unusual. It will mark a sharp contrast to how you have been living
up until now. You could decide to downsize or open your big house to Airbnb for
example. You may relocate to a foreign country, buy a vineyard, open a guest house
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or glamping site or turn your much-neglected hobby into a business. You could step
from being an executive of a multi-national corporation into producing your own jam
or teaching fly fishing. You are not looking to change your old life for something boring
and traditional, but rather channel your energy, expertise, skill, and possible savings
into something that interests and stimulates you. God you need to feel connected to
life again and jump eagerly out of the bed each morning, to have a raison detre.
Leaving the rat-race behind will be life-changing. The road ahead will be pitted with
challenges and obstacles but in a way, you are hoping it is. You see it as an adventure
and a chance to be who you are meant to be, not just one of the crowd. Your radical
change in lifestyle could find you draw media attention as people become fascinated
by your aspirations, courage and sense of adventure. If you can do it, then maybe
others can too. You could start a new trend.
End of Season For Sports Personalities
If you are in a relationship with a sportsperson, or sports personality, the Reversed
Five of Wands could simply mark the end of the competing season for them, allowing
you more time to spend together. You might have been parted for some time during
training and competing but now there is a sense of vacation atmosphere as you enjoy
each others company again. Alternatively, the Reversed Five could suggest retiring
from competition. The Seven and Nine of Pentacles, could see you hang up your
boots. The nature of your involvement in the game might change. Instead of being on
the pitch, you now stand on the side-lines shouting instructions to the players or sit on
the panel analysing the play. You can still be involved without being actively involved.
If the Reversed Six of Wands appears close by, you could be forced out of the game
due to low rankings. Whereas once you were on top of your game, clearing up on
prizes and titles, you now fail to make the grade as bright young things take over. It is
not possible to stay at the top indefinitely. Everyone gets their turn. If The Reversed
Chariot or Ten of Swords appears, it could be injuries sustained from the sport that
decides your future for you. Goal posts shifting in this manner can impact your
relationship as the role you used to have is no longer clearly defined. It will require a
time of transition as both of you get used to your new status. You may no longer draw
the public attention once enjoyed. You might feel at a loss, a has-been, unsure of what
to do next. You might suddenly be around all the time which could take some getting
used to.
Having to Prove Your Worth

In the Upright Five of Wands we find five able bodies individuals who are not shy about
coming forward. Each think themselves to be better than the rest, and are out to prove
how worthy they are. Possibly there was a battle for someones heart or a
determination to make a relationship work. In the Reversed Five of Wands a sense of
relaxation sets in. You no longer have to prove your love or commitment, as your
actions have spoken for themselves. The battle is over, and all should feel secure
within as any lingering doubts are removed.
Because this is a Reversed card, we must also look at the extreme of this. In this case
a partner may be under either external or internal pressure to constantly prove their
worth. You might only be as good as your last major effort. If the pressure is coming
externally, it may be your partner who facilitates this attitude if you find it hard to keep
him/her pleased. You might worry about him/her leaving you, and so wear yourself out
trying to impress or do things for them. Your partner could be emotionally needy, or
enjoys seeing you jump through hoops on their behalf. There might however be an
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underlying lack of self-worth driving you to keep pushing as you are unsure of your
value in the relationship. You might be looking for acknowledgement or praise from
your partner. It is unlikely to be forthcoming if they are not aware of the massive effort
you are making on their behalf. In relationships partners do things for each other all
the time. It does not always warrant a fanfare or round of applause. It is naturally
expected. External pressure could also be coming from your partners family if they
are experiencing any doubts about the match. You might have to try even harder to
live up to their expectations.
Losing to The Competition
In the Upright Five of Wands we explored been up against stiff competition for the one
you love. In the Reversed Five of Wands, competitors gracefully concede defeat to the
victor, or become territorial and aggressive. There could be a punch up or brawl if
jealousy and rivalry get out of hand.
It is important to be magnanimous in victory and gracious in defeat. Sadly, when this
card reverses you are most likely the one having to admit defeat. You have tried your
best, but in this instance, it is not enough. Perhaps it was not meant to be. You were
a worthy opponent and thought the prize worth fighting for. Do not beat yourself up
over the loss of this potential relationship. There may have been incompatibilities. You
might not have been suited, or perhaps they made their choice superficially. You had
built yourself up to securing the heart of a certain person, but it is not to be. He or she
has chosen one of your opponents and it is best to leave them to it. It has happened
to us all. Move on in search of a relationship that has the capacity to develop into the
Four or Six of Wands. Your time will come. Nothing ventured nothing gained. Your
pride has likely taken a heavy knock, but you will rally round. It is no reflection on you
as a person. If you are in doubt, reflect on how you handled your approach. Was it
appropriate, inappropriate, too subtle or way over the top. Did you come on too strong,
or play hard to get. Lessons will be learned. Dealing with rejection if you are a sore
loser can be a bitter a pill to swallow. Let it go and allow this couple find happiness
with each other if it is meant to be.
Wasting Your Energy
Following on from the above, The Reversed Five of Wands could suggest you are
wasting your energy pursuing a certain relationship. You may be advised to quit while
you are ahead as it becomes clear you are not getting anywhere. Something may have
happened to shed light on the subject of your hearts desire which was not obvious to
you before. The person in question may not be over a previous partner, or is only
seeking a rebound relationship. They may not want what you want. The timing may be
off, or too many obstacles to surmount. Your energy would be best spent elsewhere.
Perhaps you should back off the whole relationship or dating thing for a while. You
may need to focus on your exact needs as they are too scattered.
Settling for Second Best
The Five of Wands Reversed is often related to losing and the disappointment that
follows defeat. Running with this interpretation in relationships, we might find a person
who never quite gets over the loss of a previous partner or potential one. This person
is held up as the Ideal partner, the one you should never have let go of, or the one
that got away. He or she reflects on this relationship, or potential relationship as the
one with the strongest Four of Wands links. It is this person they should be with. Only
he or she will make them happy. However, this person may be lost to them. He or she
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could be in a long-term relationship with another, or married with family. The loss
cannot be accepted gracefully.
With their perfect man or woman now out of reach to them, they may have settled for
another, rather than be left alone. This relationship can be very successful, but deep
down, comparisons will be made with the other. The glow may not be as brilliant, the
intimacy not as intense, the love not as deep. This person possibly holds on to
mementoes of the other person when really they should have been disposed of. It is
unlikely their current partner is aware of their secret feelings if the relationship is strong
and respectful. However, you cannot fully give your heart to another, if you have
allocated a huge chunk of it to someone else. The song by Adele, Someone Like
You, is about a woman who turns up at the door of her ex, to find he is married and
settled down. She had never got over him, and in turning up at his door expected to
find him feeling the same. She reassures him that she will be fine. However, she tells
him she will find another relationship, with someone like him. She is afraid to be alone.
If she cannot have him, she will try to find someone like him, but it will not be him. In
her mind and heart, she will be settling for second best, the next best thing, that will
ultimately fail to live up to his predecessor.
Lowered Expectations.
The danger in the Five of Wands Reversed when it refers to not securing a relationship
with the one you want, or not being able to hold onto it, is the tendency to lower your
expectations. An injured pride can damage self-esteem which leads to a sense of
unworthiness. You had set high standards for any potential partner. You held certain
criteria for those you would seek to share your heart with. However, you doubt all these
values now in the wake of such a setback. Maybe you had set your sights too high,
entertained grand ideas. You might be thinking negatively about meeting the type of
partner you had hoped for. You might believe he or she is out of your league. If you
have had significant set-backs in this area, it could lead to you lowering your
expectations in a desperate bid to secure a relationship. A relationship based as such
will only lead to unhappiness in the future as blatant incompatibility surfaces. Unlike
having to settle for second best, you now deliberately go out in search of it. You might
even seek someone from the third/fourth best category if you feel devalued enough.
On the other hand, you may have set unrealistic high standards and expectations,
which has resulted in ongoing disappointment, as no one has yet come close. You
may want it all, which could get you labelled as high maintenance. If you are having
no luck with securing the perfect relationship you may need to review your
expectations of who might be considered Best. What are you looking for? Your
Second/Third Best list may be more practical and attainable. Friends and family may
be aghast at the offers you have turned down. This is about lowering unrealistic and
overly-idealistic expectations, not devaluing yourself.
Cant Take No For An Answer/Fighting On
In the Upright Five of Wands we found strong healthy competition in the pursuit of
love. There is an understanding between competitors that not all can win, but each will
put up a good fight. In The Reversed Five we see them following through on these
rules. When a winner is declared, they will shake each others hands and wish the
victor the very best of luck. Combatants will pat each other on the back and share
commiserations now there is nothing left to fight over. They each walk away from the
battle field and get back to their own life and business. They may however take up
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arms against each other in the future as they are all attracted to the same personality
type or look, but for now it is over. All is fair in love and sport and these figures bear
no hard feelings towards each other.
Then again, depending on surrounding cards and issues at hand, we could be looking
at a person who cannot, or will not accept a loss, a rejection or refusal when The Five
of Wands appears Reversed. They have had their love spurned by another. Instead
of retreating with dignity, they keep up the fight in the belief that persistence will win
the day for them. The game is over, the victor has won the prize/heart, and the other
competitors are expected to leave the pitch in an orderly manner. Except there is one
who insists on staying, even after the spectators have left and all lights turned off. For
them, the final whistle has not blown. Perhaps they did not hear it, or maybe chose to
ignore it. It is not over for them. They will continue in their efforts.
Now this can be healthy, and indeed may be all that is needed to convince the other
of their mistake in selecting the wrong champion. Perhaps the victor had an unfair
advantage, or used dirty tricks to scoop the prize. If they can just show them the error
of their ways, and that they would be a much better choice, the subject of their desire
is sure to change their mind. We do see this scenario play out in movies and books all
the time. Look to see how the cards lie. This person is either justified and has great
confidence in their chances, or is delusional and desperate. It is all or nothing now, so
they enter a new battle with even greater determination than the last. They certainly
are persistent.
Becoming A Pest
If persistence is more like pestering, we have a problem. Are you being pestered by a
spurned suitor? If they have managed to get your number you might be receiving
constant texts or calls, your social media pages may be flooded with comments or
private messages, your email inbox under bombardment. They could also be staking
out the places you hang out socially in the hope of seeing you. How did they get your
personal contact details? Perhaps you handed them over, thinking it harmless and fun
to have such an ardent admirer, or were they extracted by other means? Have you
done everything in your power to show your disinterest? Do they keep coming back at
you regardless, like a bluebottle or wasp? Is it beginning to get to you? This can be
quite challenging as you are dealing with a dysfunctional ego. An ego that cannot
accept it is being rejected. In their eyes and mind, they see themselves in a wonderful
relationship with you, and with you crazy about them. They insist they are the only one
who can make you happy and you just need to let them in so they can prove it. It may
take time for this person to finally get the message as the normal avenues are not
working. Dont allow this behaviour to go on indefinitely, even if you think it cute or
amusing, as it has the potential to become unpredictable the more it progresses. Also,
you need to think hard about whether you are giving any sign of hope to them if you
are enjoying the unsolicited attention. The merest smile or expression could be
misinterpreted. They need to understand they continue to battle in vain and must go
away.
Learning From The Mistakes Of Others Their Loss, Your Gain
On another level, we might find you holding back on making a move until the path is
clear for you to do so. In this interpretation, we see you standing on the side lines, an
observer. It is unclear which side you support and where your interest lies. You
maintain a poker face throughout as you watch the combatants on the pitch battle it
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out for the heart of someone special. You remain impassive as they exhaust and wear
themselves out in the chase. They are all so predictable and way too obvious. They
are undisciplined about knowing when to make their move. What no one knows is that
you are also an interested party. You have not given yourself away and in doing so
retain an element of surprise. You watch and wait for your moment, closely observing
the reaction of the person to their ardent suitors. You can tell which ones are favoured
and which are not, whos making a mess of it, and who is wasting their time. One by
one you see them fall and get carried off the pitch after exhaustion, rejection and
injured pride. No one is watching you which puts you at a distinct advantage. They
dont see you as a likely competitor. While they are caught of the back foot, looking
the other way, compromised or disadvantaged, you will step in. Your presence will be
like a breath of fresh air to the person who has grown tired of the regular attention.
They may look upon you as their rescuer, their hero or salvation. You have come to
save the day and them. Watching from the side-lines before making your move has
taught you a lot. You know all the right things to do, and how to make the best
impression. You have learned off the backs of your fellow competitors who did not
know of your existence. You were the invisible player who walked among them
scavenging on the mistakes they made. When you eventually stumbled upon the loose
or dropped ball, you were swift to seize the opportunity. Their loss has become your
gain and they didnt see it coming. There may be shock and surprise all round.
Fighting Imaginary Competitors/Territorial
In the Upright Five of Wands we found competition for the one you love, or being
chased and pursued by several admirers. Competition was real and you were up
against it. In the Five of Wands Reversed, we see someone battling imaginary
opponents. They are not real but a figment of a paranoid imagination. This card could
be highlighting a worrying aspect of a personality that believes everyone wants to
make a move on their partner or spouse. They misinterpret glances, smiles and
friendliness as deliberate flirtation and seduction. Any contact, such as shaking hands
or embracing is believed to hold sexual connotation. This person watches their partner
closely for signs of collusion. Ugly, embarrassing scenes can occur if there is
perceived breach of private territory. They might accuse others of making a pass at
their partner, or hold their partner accountable for encouraging it. The Reversed Seven
and Nine of Wands also signal over-wariness, paranoia and the need to be defensive
and protective. They think everyone is out to take what they have. There is no peace
in going out with this person as what they feel is not real love, but control and
obsession. Their jealous talk and behaviour may have seemed endearing in the early
days, but now it is wearing you down. You must be on your guard at all times when
out and about, on the phone, or in general conversation, as you might say something
that will give rise to suspicion. You must also watch how you dress as you dont want
your partner thinking you are trying to impress anyone else.
Not Declaring/Concealing Interest
The Reversed Five of Wands can highlight a situation where you deliberately conceal
your interest in someone. This may be a temporary phase while you observe and take
note, or it could be indefinite. You may be watching at a discreet or safe distance,
enjoying getting to know the little things about them; how they talk, walk, laugh, sing,
dance, get angry or upset. You stand in their presence, one of the crowd around them
and take it all in. You will not make a quick move as in the figures of the Upright Five
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might, preferring to bide your time until the right moment arrives. You display a
discipline and cautious constraint not seen in the Upright.
Then again, you could be drawn to someone who is forbidden to you; is in a
relationship or marriage with someone else, is much younger or older than you, or
perhaps of the same sex. Your interest in this person may also be deemed
inappropriate by those around you if it suggests anything unconventional, non-
traditional or controversial. You may have to settle for worshipping from a distance as
you cannot declare your interest or make your feelings known to this person. In the
imagery, we see you mix with and encounter this person on a regular basis as you go
about your day, week and life. It always makes your day when you see them, but you
are careful not to give yourself away. In this manner, you internalise your deep feelings
for this person. You know that it would not work, or be wrong to pursue it. Perhaps you
feel out of your league, punching above your weight, delusional, too late, or simply
wishful thinking? You could go through your whole life concealing this secret from all,
never fully allowing yourself to love another. It is something you battle with constantly
but would rather this than not see them at all.
Overly-Competitive Relationship
In The Five of Wands Reversed, we can find a couple who compete with each other.
Competition can be found on many levels. The couple in question are likely to be
individually ambitious, but have deep held insecurities. Whereas partners should be
happy for each others success, it can be a problem if one partner moves too far ahead
of the other. The partner who feels left behind will attempt to thwart their partners
success, or out do it. Career success is a typical area where partners can be
competitive with each other. Competition permeates to all levels. If one partner gets a
new car, the other partner will need to get one too. Tit for tat situations can arise when
partners must match or be rewarded with something their partner has got or done.
Scores are kept and tallied to check for imbalances. For example, a partner wants to
go on a golfing weekend with his mates. His partner is not happy about it, cannot be
gracious and tell him to have a good time. Instead, there must be something in it for
her? He is allowed go on the weekend on the condition he hands over a wad of cash
so she can go out with her mates while he is away. Another example; one partner
heads off for a quick drink after work and doesnt bother letting the other partner know.
What was meant to be one drink, turns into several and he/she forgets to text home.
The partner at home, has clocked the misdemeanour and will use it as leverage when
they do the same later that week. Getting one up on each other becomes habitual as
partners cannot relax and let things go. Competition becomes unhealthy. Deep
insecurity could be the root cause of such rivalry.
This also applies in the Upright Aspect. When Reversed, we can find extremes of
behaviour and attitude towards each other. There can be a level of exhaustion or
overdrive when everything and everyone in life is seen as a competition or challenge.
Such behaviour is addictive and points to a deep sense of insecurity about self-worth.
Quashing A Competitive Partner
From another aspect, we could find a situation where it is discouraged and frowned
upon should the partner who normally stands in the shadow of the other, step into the
forefront for any reason. This person genuinely deserves praise and congratulations
for what they have achieved, but must downplay it so as not to ruffle their partners
feathers. It may not be okay to draw attention or importance away from them. You may
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have secured a fantastic job, gained a much enviable promotion or achieved personal
acclaim. Your partner could make light of success and make out it is of little
consequence. This could make you feel apologetic about making such a fuss as you
rush to prop up their ego. Then again you may want to beat them across the head with
a stick. There is an attitude of Know your place. I will not have my partner/spouse
competing against me. It makes me look bad. You might have to look elsewhere for
your applause.
Avoiding Confrontation Internalising Issues
Now we can look at the varying aspects of avoiding confrontation. In the Upright, we
find a confrontational scene as egos fight for supremacy. Each step eagerly into the
battle, not afraid to stand up to assert their rights. Each feel as important, if not more
important, than their worthy opponents. They may appear to battle, but there is a
healthy respect for each other among this bunch. Each may want to get their way,
have their opinion heard, or advice taken, but they will undoubtedly expect it to be
challenged or opposed by the others. They expect it might get heated, loud and unruly,
but no one fears an actual personal attack. Each will give as good as they get, and
hands will be shaken at the end of the day. They actively engage in confrontation, and
will do so time and time again if necessary. It is the only way to move things forward,
settle disputes, or have your rights respected. Sometimes you must assert yourself if
no one is listening to you, or taking you for granted.
In The Reversed Five of Wands, we find a different way of being, thinking and acting.
Now, we see a partner or partners who avoid confrontation or conflict as they do not
handle it well. This is normally learned behaviour from childhood. You may have been
discouraged from speaking up if you were shouted down or ignored in the past. You
may equate assertiveness with getting in trouble, aggression, or not being liked. When
this flows into your relationship, there is likely to be one partner who struggles in this
area, thus allowing the other partner lead or dictate the relationship without check. You
may inwardly seethe and feel humiliated about aspects of your relationship or traits in
your partner, but you cannot vocalise them. You might get your feelings trampled on
regularly, taken for granted, or treated in a dismissive manner. Your partner may
embarrass or insult you without reprisal or reprimand. Avoiding confrontation can run
to many levels in a relationship. You may be confused between assertive confrontation
and aggression. It is likely you feel weakened or anxious when another confronts you.
Instead of rising to meet it with assertiveness, you perceive yourself under attack and
retreat, possibly saying anything to defuse the situation rather than have it get any
worse. You can also apologise for things you have not done, or for upsetting your
partner in the first place. Fear of confrontation is often linked to a fear of not being liked
if you assert yourself.
A shy, quiet, or timid personality could find it very difficult in a situation where
confrontation or assertiveness is required. Bringing this into a relationship can lead to
imbalance. If one is aware of this trait in their partner, it can be taken advantage of
and manipulated. A shy partner should be gently encouraged to speak up or take
action. Bad behaviour and neglectful treatment going unchecked only leads to further
abuse. The non-assertive partner feels too weak or anxious to do anything about it.
They fail to declare their true feelings, hoping that others will intuitively pick up on
them. They can become people pleasers who aim to avoid confrontation at all costs.
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Avoidance of confrontation can come about if a partner fears for the future of their
relationship should they be assertive enough to raise a certain issue. They may be
suspicious of their partner having an affair, but do or say nothing. They work hard to
look the other way rather than confront their partner with their suspicions. Their partner
might admit, and then what? Be outraged, leave? That is too much to risk. If nothing
is said, then it might all go away of its own accord. Bad behaviour or affairs are allowed
continue as the introverted partner suffers in humiliated silence. This shows a lack of
Fire in your personality. Fire owns its space and is self-assured. When confronted, it
will respond. Fire is respected by others. The lack of Fire may suggest a lack of self-
respect.
Confrontation avoidance may be mutual. Both partners are fearful of stepping on each
others toes or rocking the boat. Issues that need to be dealt with head on are avoided.
At best, they are alluded to. The conversation is automatically steered away when it
strays too close for comfort, like in the Suzanne Vega Song, Marlene On The Wall,
we skirt around the danger zone, and dont talk about it later. Some things are
best left unsaid. There is a resigned acceptance of a dysfunctional or unbalanced
relationship, as neither partner wants to deal with it. Its just the way it is. They may
not yet be prepared for the consequences.
In the Upright Five of Wands we found a confrontational scene. The five battling figures
in the card are positioned in the centre of the scene. No one stands off stage or in the
wings. They are upfront and not afraid to assert themselves. They appear to be quite
vocal too. If they have issues, they want you to hear them. If they disagree with you,
you will be told quickly enough. When the Five Reverses their problems or issues are
large as ever, but they retreat inside with them. They choose not to tell you. This might
suggest keeping problems to yourself in a relationship. Perhaps you are not yet ready
to discuss them with your partner.
Conforming
In the Upright Five of Wands we might find a couple who rebel against the wishes of
the family. Their relationship may not be well received by family, yet they fight against
this attitude. They are committed to each other and will not be dictated to by family.
There may be cultural or religious differences between families. There might also be
a class, or social divide. In the Five of Wands Reversed this relationship can go one
way or the other. It depends on the surrounding cards in the spread to determine which
way it will be. If the couple are persistent and prove to the opposing family that nothing
they say or do will separate them, there is a good chance all the opposition will die
down. Family may learn to accept and give up the battle. Life will settle for everyone
once a couples commitment becomes obvious. However, the objections, obstruction
and hostility may be too much too bear. There may be threat of being ostracised or
disinherited should the relationship continue. In this instance, The Five of Wands
Reversed could suggest a partner conforming to the wishes of their family in favour of
ending the relationship.
Beating Yourself Up Self Blame
In the Upright Five of Wands we looked at behaviour where blame for every issue and
woe is always directed externally; at your partner, family, friends, boss, work
colleagues. You were never at fault in anything and refused to even remotely
acknowledge any responsibility for your issues. Now in the Five of Wands Reversed,
the tables have turned and blame flows in the opposite direction. In this instance, you
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blame yourself when anything goes wrong in your relationship. Even when you have
definitely done nothing wrong, you convince yourself it was something you did that
made it happen, be it your attitude, tone, words or actions. Whether you are led to
believe this through conditioning from your partner, or up-bringing, you place the sole
responsibility firmly in your own lap each time. Your personality may be naturally that
way inclined if you beat yourself up over every little incident in life. You might over-
analyse your role in every event and pick fault in how you handle situations and people.
You volunteer to be the whipping boy in your relationship; apologising for things you
are not guilty of, or not being a good enough partner.
Family & Friend Predictions Come True You Were Warned!
Also, returning to the Reversed Ace, Two, Three and Four of Wands when we looked
at a relationship that was entered for strategic financial gain or power, The Five of
Wands Reversed may highlight the realisation of this. Family objection or interference
may have been justified. They were right after all and you were too blinded by love,
too foolish and too stubborn to see it. Perhaps you should have listened to them
instead of rebelling against them. You now know they had your best interests at heart.
This card in reverse can also warn of entering a relationship with another just to spite
your parents or family. This could backfire on you. They could be right in the long run.
Not Wanting to Get Involved
This time in the Reversed Five of Wands we are looking at the opposite aspect of the
kind of interference referred to in the Upright Five of Wands. Now we might see a
situation develop in a relationship where friends and family stand by and do nothing.
They may be concerned about getting involved in other peoples relationships or
business. They may keep an eye on the relationship from a safe distance, observing
from the side-lines, not wanting to fall out with either side. They might be leaving the
couple alone to get on with things and sort it out. Depending on the situation this could
be a good idea, but if there is cause for concern, then someone may need to step in.
Their reluctance may be based on the fear of making a situation worse, or the
consequences greater should they get involved. There is also the common issue of
making an issue real once action is taken or words spoken. Again, this can be based
on a long-standing tradition especially were married couples are concerned. You might
be told to mind your own business or accused of invading their privacy should you
offer advice or assistance.
In extreme situations where one partner may be suffering at the hands of the other,
there may be a reluctance to intervene if there is a fear of it being taken out on the
vulnerable partner. You might have been given a clear message to back off. Friends
and family stand by helpless, watching the train wreck of a relationship unfold. Look
for Reversed Court Cards and severe Swords.
Family may take matters into their own hands and deal with an errant partner. Their
aim is to teach them a lesson or issue threat and warning. We might find a vigilante
approach.
Pretending Not To Know Or Like Each Other
In this instance, we have a situation where one person pretends not to know another
person, or does not like them. Why? Because they do not wish to draw attention to
their connection. They may deny knowledge of each other, or show contempt. They
might deliberately sit at opposite ends of a dinner table, or exit different doors to avoid
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association. If you are involved with someone you shouldnt be, or wish to keep a new
relationship secret (especially work-related), you might adopt this tactic. It is trickery,
foolery. A sham display of disinterest, indifference or disdain. This can add to the
exhilaration of a new relationship or affair! Very James Bond style!
External Interference Diminishes or Accelerates
In the Reversed Five of Wands we find you getting on top of a situation where family
have been guilty of interfering in your relationship, life, home, or childrearing. Hopefully
this has come about because the novelty has worn off, the offending parties have re-
located, or moved on to something more interesting. However, there may have been
a complete melt-down if pressure became too great. Whatever has happened, the
result is those involved have been put in their place. You may have to be overly-
assertive to get your message across, but at last its been heard. Indeed, some family
members may have had it shouted in their ear as they needed extra convincing. Now,
boundaries are drawn and parameters set. Not everyone will be happy with this
arrangement but it isnt possible to please all. You might have ruffled a few feathers
here and there, but they will get over it. For sanitys sake, and your relationship, this
had to be done. Now everyone knows their place as it has been spelt out clearly.
Perhaps a warmer relationship will develop between all now that order has been
restored.
In the Reversed Five, you insist in-laws agree to disagree with you where the rearing
of your children is concerned. They have had their day with their own children. Now it
is your time. You have tried to be nice or inclusive, but eventually something had to be
said. This is all good news.
Reversed cards typically deal with the extreme aspects of the Upright one. In this case,
any external interference you were experiencing has become worse. You feel totally
taken over and invaded. You have lost control and any ground you sought to claim.
They are well aware of their victory and will continue to push for more as you become
putty in their hands. This situation should have been nipped in the bud, but it is likely
you were trying to take the softly, softly approach. They were your partners family
after all. However, you may have a fear of confrontation or lack assertiveness. If this
has become too much for you to bear, it will severely impact your relationship. If you
feel dreadfully intimidated by them, you may think the only option is to escape. That
might mean leaving your relationship. However, this may be their goal if they were
unhappy with the initial match. Do you wish to concede defeat to them, or come back
fighting?
If you have been experiencing interference or intrusions as per the Upright Five of
Wands, the Reversed showing up may act as a warning if it is still going on, or if certain
people are outstaying their welcome. Interference has gone on too long at this stage.
Unless you act now to whittle it out, it has the potential to develop further and infiltrate
other areas of your relationship. It will be more awkward to deal with, more obvious to
others, and embarrassing for all, if you wait until it has flowed over into Reversed Five
of Wands mode. Habits will have formed which will be hard to break without offending
others.
Third Party Interference Kicked Into Touch

A situation that had developed involving a third partys involvement in your relationship
has been dealt with or disappeared of its own accord. You or your partner had allowed
another person to infiltrate the inner sanctum of your relationship. There has been a
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battle, but it may not have been in the open. If you were getting dangerously close to
someone, or had already given in to temptation, The Reversed Five of Wands
suggests you may have come to your senses and acted. Thoughts of what you stood
to lose from The Four of Wands has made you withdraw rapidly. You came very close
to ruining everything if your involvement had been discovered. Perhaps some
comments were passed by your partner, alerting you to their suspicions. There may
have been a definite confrontation or accusation. You may not have realised how
obvious it had become, the potential impact it could have. Deep internal conflict is
often suggested by the Reversed Five of Wands. You may be confused about the
nature of your feelings for this other person and why it happened. There could be a
sense of panic as you work hard to disconnect. This might involve you excusing
yourself from certain activities, avoiding a certain person, deleting phone
numbers/email addresses or social media contacts. You might have to distance
yourself further by looking for a new job, leave a club, gym, or group, as you seek to
disentangle yourself. Behaviour is modified accordingly. You have had a close call and
will need to be careful of this tendency in the future. If you believe problems in your
relationship have led to this, they obviously need to be addressed as it is likely to
happen again.
Indiscretion Discovered/Eye of The Storm
We must also look at the Reversed Five of Wands from an alternative aspect in this
case. If there has been a secret involvement, it may have been discovered and
revealed. There could also be a confession from the guilty party. A storm has hit the
relationship and the couple must navigate it together or separately. The fall-out from
the revelation has caused immense upheaval, upset and dreadful rows. Depending on
surrounding cards in the spread, The Reversed Five of Wands could indicate a move
towards negotiation as tempers settle. The couple now rest in the eye of the storm.
Here they have a chance to take stock of their situation and decide if there is anything
worth salvaging. The guilty partner needs to decide if there is a desire to repent and
fully recommit. The injured party must decide if they can forgive and ever trust again.
The storm may have torn down the structure of their relationship, but are the
foundations still intact? If they are, then it can be rebuilt. As a couple, the strength of
your relationship and depth of feeling for each other has been sorely tested. Can it
endure? Has it got what it takes to survive? Can all involved move on from this bad
time and look to the future? It will have a long-lasting effect on the relationship, but
others couples have lived to tell the tale, their relationship eventually strengthened by
the trauma. If this is a once off indiscretion, there may be hope. If not, your relati onship
may have fallen into a repetitive cycle of inappropriate behaviour, repent and
forgiveness, followed by re-offence.
The eye of the storm only offers temporary relief and calm. You can move back into
the fury and continue with blame, rage and guilt, or can hang on and fight through to
the other side where the storm will ease as it moves into the past. Therefore, the Five
of Wands Reversed can suggest either the calm after a storm, or the intermittent calm
before an even greater one. The ground may not feel very steady under your feet even
if the tremors have stopped. You must work to bring your relationship out of this
disturbing energy for everyones sake. As long as it stays here, anything can happen.
Silencing a Threat
In The Five of Wands Reversed, you may choose not to confront your partner and go
straight for the interfering third party instead. You might discreetly seek them out, and
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quietly but firmly tell them to back off. This may be enough to call a halt to the
entanglement if there is a fear of it becoming public knowledge. Reputations may be
at stake causing a frenzied retreat. It might be enough to scare to their senses, those
involved in the dalliance. It is possible you are aware of your partners weakness in
this area from previous experience and know that they will always come back to you.
Instead of causing upheaval in your immediate environment, you maintain business
as normal, while repressing the feelings you have about the inconvenience,
nuisance, or irritation. An air of normalcy can be maintained, a lid kept on the
entanglement, not letting anything slip in front of others. You may fear losing your
status as the Golden Couple, having The Perfect Marriage, Living The Dream,
Having it all, or epitomising The Successful Marriage from the heady days of the
Four of Wands. There is likely to be an unspoken frosty understanding between
partners that the secret has been discovered and dealt with. Vocalising the issue
makes it real and generally demands action to be taken. This is an avoidance tactic.
Calm may be seen on the surface, but underneath a fury rages with unexpressed
distress, anger, hurt and resentment.
Tidying Up Loose Ends/Deliberately Burning A Bridge
In the aftermath of a failed relationship, fling or affair, The Five of Wands reversed will
want to sever connections and tie up any loose ends. Unlike the Upright Five that left
them flying loose, the Reversed Five does not want to revisit this situation again. The
game is over and it is best if nothing is left behind. This could find you deleting numbers
on phones, deleting email addresses, unfriending a certain person on your social
media page or even deleting your profile. You do not want to expose yourself to any
further interaction and will go out of your way to avoid bumping into this person. You
are taking back control and this might involve a last communication or meeting where
you lay it out straight that it is over for you. You might have to be very firm.
If you have been living with someone, or even married the need to completely
disconnect might be quite strong. You will be sure to clear your home of any reminders
and return all personal items to your ex so as not to give any reason for further
communication. This is a total deconstruction of what you had. Once loose ends have
been tidied, there will be little trace of what once was. You are certainly burning this
bridge behind you.
Conceding Defeat to The Third Party
We now must address the situation if Third Party interference has not been avoided
or dealt with. They have gained or been granted access to the in the inner-sanctum of
the relationship in a takeover bid. Now we have the Wands thrown right into the middle
of the beehive, like a grenade into the heart of the relationship. The consequences will
be fierce. The hive is damaged as the Queen Bee is shocked into awareness. There
is a contender to the throne. It may have come out of the blue, or had been threatening
in the background for some time. There is an immediate loss of stability, securi ty and
happiness as the hive (relationship/family unit) has taken a direct hit and the future
becomes uncertain. It is doubtful the hive can be repaired as it lies smashed on the
ground. Someone has let this happen, facilitated the destruction of all that had been
built and established. Perhaps both partners share the blame if avoidance tactics were
used or there was any fear of confrontation. A situation has been allowed run
unchecked and has now become a reality. You may have thought it would pass over
or would eventually run out of steam. A partner may come clean about an affair, not in
the hope of forgiveness, but to announce their departure. He or she has chosen the
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third party over the one they committed to. Even if there is no marriage contract, this
will be very hard to take. You may have children and an established home and life. If
you are married, you might feel this the ultimate betrayal, your life destroyed. There is
nothing left to fight for in the relationship as your partner declares their love for another.
The relationship has gone past the point of return. You may have left it too late to act.
Introducing A Referee
In the Reversed Five of Wands, you may have reached the stage where one, or both
of you realise the need for outside professional help. You may consider marriage, or
couples counselling as a way forward. You dont want to give up on each other, but
you might need someone to guide you through issues. Counselling will help to
acknowledge and respect each others opinions and feelings. Petty ongoing
arguments can be settled, with a new understanding and approach going forward.
Unresolved matters that were carried forward from the Two, Three and Four of Wands
Reversed must be dealt with once and for all. There may be some painful revelations,
but this is part of the healing process.
Terrible misunderstanding and miscommunications may be responsible for much of
the trouble. In this aspect, both partners work towards the same goal. This will not
work if only one partner is making the effort to address the issues. It must be teamwork.
Intentions need to be set with standards to work towards. The couple should be
motivated and eager for a successful outcome. It can be done with the right
ingredients. Because this card is Reversed we must always look to surrounding cards
for hints as to which aspect is in play.
Burning Your Bridges Behind You / Mending Fences
For the partner who decides to leave, it must be accepted that Fire is driving the
actions. Be sure you are not acting in haste. Before you decide to come clean, you
must be prepared for the consequences. It is likely you will burn your bridges behind
you. There may be no going back should your current Fire lose its heat. Think twice,
and twice again before you light this fuse. Think of what initially attracted you to your
partner in the Ace, what drew you together in the Two, what plans you made in the
Three and how you committed to each other in the Four. Are you ready to walk away?
If not, there may be something left to salvage. You could pick up the scattered Wands
and at least attempt to mend some fences. It may not work but at least you have tried.
Fire does not like to quit.
Calling Full Time on Your Relationship
In the Five of Wands Reversed, it may become clear that you are fighting a losing
battle as far as your relationship is concerned. It may have started off with great
promise but as time went on you discovered growing incompatibilities between you.
At first, they were mild annoyances or irritations, then progressed into critical remarks,
and nit-picking. Now they are the cause of endless arguments and bad vibes. Yellow
cards have been issued on both sides. Not wanting to throw the towel in too soon, you
made a conscious effort to turn things around, but alas you cannot keep the quarrels
at bay. The last incident was the final straw which warranted the issuing of the dreaded
Red Card. Game Up. Even allowing for the extra time awarded to sort things out, the
game/relationship has gone to full-time and someone needs to blow the whistle. It has
ended scoreless with both sides feeling deflated and defeated.
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The Swan Effect

The Five of Wands Reversed can suggest a misrepresented relationship. The couple
in question may be going through some relationship issues or personal problems they
wish to keep private. Their outward appearance and behaviour may belie their true
state. They feign a calmness or togetherness for the benefit of others, or any children
involved. Only to the observant eye would one see something not quite right. The y
may be acting normal but below the surface there is turmoil, anguish and disruption.
Their relationship may be in serious trouble. This could apply to just one partner. It
could herald a sudden departure, leaving everyone aghast. No one saw it coming or
would have guessed, as there were no obvious signs of trouble. Surrounding cards
will highlight issues that are being concealed or assumed dealt with.
Preparing For The Real Battle Irreconcilable Differences
In the ruins of a broken relationship, another fight emerges. This time it is for justice,
revenge and compensation. In the Reversed Five of Wands a bitter bill must be
swallowed. The relationship has been deconstructed by a partner and another party.
The other partner may be completely innocent, a victim, undeserving of the fate that
has befallen them. However, there may be some culpability or responsibility to own up
to. There is always a third side to any story in a relationship between two people. There
is partner ones version of events, partner twos version of events, and then an
objective third version of events. Both partners will try to push their own story. They
will defend their position to family and friends based on their version of events. Each
have their own agenda. Outsiders must be objective in their evaluation of the situation,
but can they, if biased in favour of one partner or the other? Someone must take the
blame. Lines will be drawn and sides taken. There will be some who can read between
the lines and arrive at the third version of events, but this might take time. Does it
matter who said or did what? Will it make any difference if love has been lost? Can
anything be salvaged out of this mess? Once the shock waves have receded, both
partners will seek to return to their corners to regroup and decide on the battle plan
ahead. This Reversed Aspect of The Five of Wands needs to reflect on the Reversed
Four of Wands, as this is where they will find the underlying cause of their demise.
The original foundations need to be checked, for there they will find fault lines.
We must also note that there may be no third party involved at all. One partner may
want out for any number of reasons.
In the aftermath of a broken relationship or marriage, emotions are raw with pain and
loss. Even the partner who brought it to its knees feels awful and under constant
attack, a pariah banished from decent society, even their own family. Anger, revenge,
bitterness and resentment can develop after this stage. A partner can become cold
and rigid in their stance. The status of the relationship, as in short-term, long-term or
marriage determines what will happen next. If we are looking at a short-term
relationship, the Reversed Five of Wands suggests couples splitting as they fail to
survive a rough patch, or incompatibilities drive them apart. If we are looking at a long -
term relationship, there may be more involved. You could have a house together,
children, assets, finances, pets, mutual friends. How is it to be distributed, who gets
what, who deserves, who doesnt? Marriage or Civil Partnerships complicate the
process even further, as spouses may have deeper legal binds between them.
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Ambulance Chasers The Drama of Divorce

The surrounding cards, will give indications if a couple going through separation or
divorce can arrive at an agreement or settlement. This may take some time and will
depend on the personalities of both partners, but also on the influence of family and
friends who may exert a strong influence over them. The initial stage of a break up or
legal process tends to attract ambulance chasers to the ongoing drama. Family
members or friends, fuelled by spite and the need for swift justice, may be ruthless in
their influence as they rush to the side of the abandoned partner. They may not be
practical or rational in the advice they give and could negate any progress a couple
are making towards reaching a settlement. This is well meaning, but misdirected
external interference. They all want to help ease your pain by punishing your partner.
It can be hard for them to understand that emotions are rarely taken into consideration
from a legal point of view. Legal representation doesnt really care who did or said
what. The law is the law and in most societies, it will be brought down to fairly divvying
up finances, assets, family home and the maintenance of any children involved. Just
because your family see him or her as the perpetrator doesnt mean the courts will
strip them bare to punish them for been unfaithful. Of course, this really depends on
the legal system you are governed by. If the Outcome card seems balanced and
positive, it gives a good indication that the Reversed Five of Wands is suggesting an
amicable settlement.
Separation/Divorce A Settlement/Battle Becomes Entrenched
In the Upright Five of Wands we looked at the possibility of legal representation in the
case of separation or divorce. Cases were presented on both sides by legal teams
determined to secure the best settlement for their client and a hefty fee for themselves.
Everything was up for grabs as demands became unrealistic and totally unfeasible.
The aim is to go in asking for everything on one side, while the other offers very little.
We looked at attempts for mediation between warring couples who could not be civil
to each other. No one was prepared to compromise or concede. We also saw couples
who had sought an amicable break-up only to be influenced by acting solicitors and
lawyers, to become more ambitious in their demands. Now in the Reversed Five of
Wands we see either a settlement being made or accepted, or an intractable situation
where couples dig their heels in and refuse all attempts to find compromise. The battle
either calms down or becomes more entrenched. There may be huge issues at stake
such as major finances, child access or custody, properties, business etc. It might be
quite complicated, with a lot of areas to consider.
Custody/Access/Maintenance Battles
Depending on surrounding cards especially if we find Pages, the Five of Wands
Reversed could suggest a custody or access battle for children between partners. Yet
again with the Revered, we can have extremes at play. Because the Upright Five is
about confrontation or conflict, the Reverse could suggest couples arriving at an
agreeable arrangement where children are concerned, or being nowhere near that
with an outright denial of access rights. We could also be looking at a separation or
divorce that has the potential to head that way if partners begin to use children as
sticks to beat each other with. Partners may be refused access to their children as a
form of punishment and control. The innocent children are used as pawns and may be
deprived of developing a proper relationship with the estranged parent. If the situation
has become fixed, the Reversed Five of Wands can suggest an intense battle to assert
legal rights, especially if Sword Cards, Justice or Judgement appear in the Reading.
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Depending on the situation and the querants input, The Reversed Five of Wands
could suggest a parent who has been denied access or custody to their children if he
or she is deemed a threat or danger to their safety. Surrounding cards need to be
explored for signs of Reversed Court Cards, vulnerable Pages, and certain Sword
Cards such as the Five and Ten, or Reversed Six of Cups. In extreme cases, Cards
such as The Six and Seven, of Swords in a custody/access battle could suggest a plan
to run away with the children. The Outcome of the battle may not be in your hands.
You may feel very vulnerable and helpless as you seek to protect your children.
Dirty Tactics/Play In Court Battles Stooping Low
The Reversed Five of Wands can suggest using dirty tactics as leverage in a
separation or divorce. You may be painted into a corner by your partner if they have
unfair advantage over you. An incident from your past could be maliciously used
against you to sway a court ruling or order. If Pentacle cards lie close by, there may
doctored accounts or financial statements produced to imply lower income or inability
to pay maintenance. Money may be filtered into a secret account. Full financial
disclosure is not forthcoming. The partner involved may have a nasty streak, does not
want to do the right thing or take responsibility. However, they could be acting on their
legal counsels advice. Family and friends may also be a driving force, supporting and
encouraging behaviour, especially if there is a lot at stake, finances, business or asset
wise. If you have been the one to instigate proceedings your partner may actively work
to ensure you get as little as possible, regardless of any legitimate claim you may
have.
In the Reversed Five of Wands we might also see resistance to paying maintenance
for children born from the relationship. In the Reversed Five of Wands we see
individuals prepared to stoop very low in family courtroom battles. When once friends,
become enemies, the play can get very dirty and underhand. A win is win, irrespective
the cost or stress to the other side.
Only In It For What You Can Get
In relationships, this card could highlight a person who manipulates their partner to get
what they want. There is a hidden agenda or motive which is deceptive and devious.
This may be a self-serving partner who has no scruples. Scratch behind the thin
veneer and you will find blind ambition and selfishness. He or she has a tight grip and
seeks control. This relationship can be deconstructed rapidly by anyone with a keen
eye and strong intuition. It just doesnt feel right. This person may be eager to portray
a socially engaged look when they are in company. They can be very touchy feely with
their partner, but the body language is all wrong. It looks too contrived or territorial.
Their smile when it appears, stops at the mouth and fails to reach the eyes. There is
lack of friendliness and interest in the ordinary person, but it will magically surface
when in the company of powerful influential people. He or she can orchestrate
dismissal or removal of those close to their partner through coercion and persuasion
if they feel their territory or motive has been discovered or under threat. They hold the
true power in the relationship even if they appear submissive or yielding in public. They
do not fight their battles in the open. Instead they play dirty, coming in on your blind
side, sneaking up from behind. He or she will rip your heart out without a second
thought. This behaviour belongs in the halls of power, fame and politics. It worked well
for courtiers in the royal courts over the centuries. It was built on connections and
placing yourself in the right spot at the right time. Keeping your friends close, and your
enemies, closer still. The Reversed Five of Wands with suggestive Sword Cards could
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highlight a warning about a potential partner or the motive of a current one. What do
your friends think of your partner? How well do they get on? How friendly have they
become?
Only With You When You Are Winning!
In relationships, the Reversed Five of Wands can alert you to a snake in the grass.
There is one among a group or circle you move in who appears to be in your corner,
offering support and encouragement, but cannot be relied upon when it matters. This
could be your partner depending on the circumstances of your relationship; how and
why it was formed. This person will seek out a relationship with the strongest force on
the winning side. However, they will be quick to desert or switch camp if they sense
your star is in descent. There is an organised strategy here which could involve
running with the hare and hunting with the hound. Reversed Court Cards, the
appearance of the Five, Seven of Swords, Ten of Swords, Reversed Pentacles, Devil,
could suggest a person involved in a relationship for mercenary reasons. Money,
power, status or fame could be the lure, not love. He or she does not have your best
interest at heart. Self-interest drives them. He or she will only hang around as long as
the going is good for them. Do not expect them to stand by, or support you when the
going gets tough. This pertains to archetypal relationships born out of the Reversed
Ace, Two, Three and Four of Wands. Love and compatibility have not drawn this
couple together. Possibly one is deluded by the feigned love of their partner. This is
often seen in celebrity relationships or marriage where the couple in question woul d
never otherwise be attracted to each other. Here we have aged movie or rock stars
with partners old enough to be their own child or grandchild. Once there is money,
fame and access to the upper echelon of society - age, looks, appearance or behaviour
is of no consequence. He or she will stay around once you remain important, but will
be gone and hooked up with another, the moment they sense your popularity or
influence is declining. This relationship is unlikely to stand the test of time.
Marriages of convenience, or marrying for status or position may come with a hefty
price. Feigning love, passion and true connection to your partner becomes
increasingly difficult. You must work hard to maintain the faade. You are never fully
present and must supress or internalise your true feelings. You could appear like the
graceful swan in the presence of your partner, or in public, but deep inside you feel a
rising state of panic. You may be drawn to another, but cannot give up all that you
have acquired.
Control Play by My Rules
We now look at a less relaxing aspect of this card in reverse. This time we reflect back
on the battle of wills in the Upright Five of Wands, when we had two strong egos
determined to stand their ground. It was a competition to see which one would prevail.
In the Five of Wands Reversed, we see an unhealthy situation begin to develop. It has
been decided who is superior, who is in control or command. It may be a self-appointed
victor, who takes charge in the relationship. He or she lays down the rules for the other.
The relationship is run and directed by one partner, with the other bending to oblige.
Here we see the tendency of Fire in Reverse to seek power and domination. In this
aspect, we find the dominated partner becomes submissive. He or she conforms to
the will of the other. This may be out of fear from previous experiences, but it could
also be the result of conditioning.
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The power dynamics in a relationship could be set per your culture and, or, religion.
The husband may be assigned greater power than the wife who must obey and
follow his lead. The wifes feelings, opinions, ideas and needs must reflect her
husbands, not contradict them. Depending on how willingly you accept this
determines how well the energy of this card sits with you. If you agree with this tradition
then all is well, but if not, you will find it claustrophobic and restricting. There can only
ever be one person in charge, and it is usually the same person. The other partner in
the relationship or marriage doesnt get an equal chance or say. Their personality
could be smothered under the burden of conformity and deferring to their partner.
Ireland not too long ago had this tradition upon marriage. The woman vowed to love,
honour and, obey her husband. The woman became her husbands chattel. He was
permitted to beat her as he saw fit. Thankfully the women of Ireland have risen and
become empowered, but there is still work to be done where equality in marriage is
concerned.
As referred to earlier, conformity may be down to fear if there were unpleasant
consequences experienced otherwise. This can relate to either male or female
domination in relationships. You might have learned the hard way after attempting to
assert yourself. You are afraid to challenge your partner or stand up to them. What is
it you are afraid of? Have you been threatened or hurt? Are you concerned for your
children? Would you consider your partner a bully? Do you keep this to yourself?
The Reversed Five of Wands often brings about an intimidating scenario where one
side gangs up on the other. Gone is the sham fighting of the Upright Five. In its place,
we have the potential for violence. Because this is a very physical card, where we see
brute force being used and a show of strength, in Reverse, this could be used as a
threat unless the other side comply. In this manner, it becomes easier and easier to
control and intimidate the other partner, as the bully drains them of strength and power.
Bullies tend to pick on individuals who are not entirely secure in themselves. In a
relationship, a bully will subtly erode security in their partner leaving them vulnerable
and weakened. The bullied partner lacks self-belief and an understanding of how
abusive their partner is if this behaviour has become the norm. They may also feel too
fearful to get out.
Growing Tolerance/Intolerance of Others
The Reversed Five of Wands can depict tolerance or intolerance depending on
surrounding cards. In the Upright Five we found the fight or battle to secure change
but this was very much on individual terms. Egos fought for their rights, their own
needs and may have cared little about how securing them might affect others. They
were intolerant of those who disagreed with them or voiced opinions that did not match
theirs. Now in the Five of Wands Reversed, we could see a growing tolerance for the
rights or needs of others. There is acknowledgement that others are involved and need
to be taken into consideration. We might find a partner who was quite dogmatic and
belligerent begin to lighten up and open to the requirements of their partner. It might
be a simple case of deciding not to battle over something anymore, allowing their
partner an instant or easy win. Whatever will make you happy etc. You may have
been expecting a fight or confrontation, but they have rolled over and let you have your
way.
The Reversed Five of Wands brings a mellowing and an attitude of live and let live.
Whats the point in fighting about everything? Perhaps it is time to let everyone get on
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with what they must do. Weapons are laid down or traded in for something mutually
beneficial. In this interpretation, we could see the end of family resistance or opposition
to your choice of partner or spouse. After throwing everything at you possible, the fight
has gone out of them and they acknowledge your choice. If he or she makes you
happy, then who are we to say otherwise they declare with hands held in the air for
surrender. They may never develop a close relationship with your partner or spouse,
but they will learn to tolerate them.
On the other extreme, intolerance may become extreme, turning hate-like in its
approach. Nothing you can do or say will make them think otherwise. Their minds are
set and rigid. The Hierophant speaks of rules and regulations that are not up for
negotiation or debate. It is his way or the highway. He cannot or will not make
allowances or judge on a case by case basis as his rules are entrenched and fixed.
He takes the higher moral ground on everything and looks down on others. He sits
apart from the lives of normal everyday people, issuing decrees from his elevated
status.
An Aggressive Partner
The Five of Wands Reversed in a relationship reading can suggest a partner who has
aggressive tendencies. Check for Reversed Court Cards. You may be involved with
someone who has a temper they find hard to control. It doesnt take much to set them
off. You probably hide a lot from your partner, or warn children not to disturb their
mother or father when you sense a bad mood coming on. In the Five of Wands Upright,
your partners bark is usually worse than their bite, but in the Reversed, it is unnerving
when they go off on one. Aggression may be shown in the home. It may be directed
at you, or your children. A fear builds and you may be living on edge, wondering what
mood will surface from day to day. When angry, your partner could smash things in
the house, or deliberately break something you hold dear.
Aggression may surface at social outings, especially when alcohol is consumed. He
or she could tend to get into flaming rows with other people if a conversation goes the
wrong way. Dining out in restaurants could be a nightmare, if your partner likes to
loudly complain and behave rudely to staff. There is always an issue, be it slow service,
standing in a queue at a checkout, or pulling into a car-park space. It is as if they are
not happy unless they have something to get angry about. He or she can make out
the whole world is against them. They are always in the right, with everyone else in
the wrong. In the Five of Wands we are looking at an argumentative person, who may
or may not have the potential for physical violence. In the Reversed Five there is a
stronger likelihood of violence, such as punch ups and brawls. Under the influence of
this card, your partner may have a large chip on their shoulder, with deep insecurity,
and a low self-esteem which is hidden behind a mask of anger and aggression. Check
surrounding cards for further evidence.
This person could benefit from anger management counselling before their problem
gets totally out of control, or damages the relationship beyond repair. However, getting
them to agree is quite another thing as the mere suggestion of counselling could set
them into a rage. You may need to call in some family/friend support to tackle this with
you. Contacting a support group may be beneficial.
Anger Management
A fiery aggressive partner whose temper is quick to flare, may seek the help of an
Anger Management Therapist if they are conscious of the effect it is having on their
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relationship or family in The Five of Wands Reversed. They acknowledge they need
help. There may have been an incident, as seen in the Upright Five of Wands, when
a situation got out of hand. An incident may have occurred where a partner lost control,
had a meltdown, or over-reacted in a negative manner. This may have frightened all
involved, including them self. There could be a lot going on. Possibly financial stress,
pressure at work, heath, relationship, or family issues. When such tension builds in a
person, they may seek to supress it in order to function. However, when there is no
room left within, it may take only a small matter to trigger a sudden blow up. This
explosion could catch everyone off guard as the incident did not warrant such a
reaction. One minute you are dealing with a partner in an everyday row, same old,
same old life struggles (typical Five of Wands stuff), and then the tone or attitude
suddenly changes. Members of the family might get involved, your kids too. This has
been totally unexpected. The partner in question is acting out of character. This
behaviour has the potential to get worse unless help is sought. It could destroy all you
have built. It becomes apparent that one partner is under terrible duress and far from
normal. The signs were probably there for some time. In the aftermath of the blow-up
in the Upright Five of Wands, the person involved confronts their issues in an effort to
get their temper under control. He or she wants to stop this behaviour before it
progresses into something much worse. Family counselling may be necessary if
behaviour has affected the stability of it. The family must pull together now.
A Passive Partner
Dealing with extremes in Reversed Cards, we now must address the possibility of a
lack of Fire when Reversed. Here we see someone who is always prepared to turn the
other cheek. They are either seriously laid back or reluctant to cause a fuss. They
allow people to jump ahead of them in queues, have a problem complaining about
poor service or returning items that are damaged or unsuitable. They might be full of
talk about what they will say or do, but it never amounts to anything. When you point
out to them something they need to act on, they tell you to leave it be, that its fine.
They will suffer an under or overcooked piece of meat in a restaurant rather than send
it back, they might even eat a meal they hadnt ordered rather than cause a scene.
You might have to sit back and watch as someone insults, ridicules, or treats them
brusquely. It is you who roars out the car window when another driver steals the
parking space you were just pulling into. You may feel the constant need to nudge
them forward, to egg them on when they hang back and dither. You are enraged when
they fail to speak up for themselves or put themselves forward for a work promotion
you know should be theirs. It is almost like having a child that needs to be constantly
encouraged. Your partner never raises their voice at you, even when you push to
provoke them. You should be happy to be with someone who does not yell or roar, but
at times you yearn for the Upright Five of Wands and would love to see them get
incensed or passionate about something.
A Reformed Character
In The Five of Wands Upright we looked at party animal behaviour, a cavalier attitude
to sex, playing the field and sexual conquests. Now in Reverse we see a growing
distaste for the life you have lived up until now. This could simply come down to
growing maturity as you move past the crazy stage of your life and seek something
more settled. Great effort may be made to distance yourself from the old you and the
crowd or circles you socialised in. You may be trying to sober up, clean up your act
and get your head together. No one can keep that life up indefinitely. You might have
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tired with casual sex and transient partners, preferring to seek a certain special one.
However, there may be a draw towards severing all sexual contact for a while, staying
single until you are in a better place. Like an ex-smoker, you could become a reformed
character. You might seek seclusion and the quiet life which is bound to raise quite a
few eyebrows. Something may have happened to bring the change about. Your
absence on the social scene may be noticeable; bouncers at nightclubs may ask of
your whereabouts, but there is also a very good chance no has noticed. Life in these
circles moves on quite rapidly. It might take a while for those around you to take this
new you seriously. They could think it just a temporary break, that you will be back to
your old tricks in no time. They may be right, but then again, this could be the start of
a very stable time in your life as you leave your wild days in the past. If you are seeking
a committed relationship with another, your old reputation may linger for some time.
You will need to prove you have changed.
The Sad Clown
The Five of Wands can also appear when you have a partner with certain personality
issues. This time we are looking at a partner who has a tendency to embarrass you
with their behaviour in front of others. They just cant help acting out or making a show
of themselves. They may try too hard to make others laugh, with everything having a
practical joke aspect to it. They just cant sit down, talk calmly, or behave normally.
They need to be the centre of attention and certainly draw enough of it to them. In the
early stage of the relationship, it didnt really bother you, but now their silliness or
fooling around has worn thin. You no longer laugh at their jokes but view them as sad
and pathetic. You grimace when the antics start, thinking, oh no, here we go again.
Everyone thinks your partner great fun, and highly entertaining, that is when they are
in the mood for it. When they are not, you see them avoid your partner, not get seated
beside them, or turn direction once spotted. It is only possible to cope with small doses
of this personality as it is exhausting to be around. Typically, this personality only
appears once an audience has gathered. He or she plays to the crowd. When your
partner is not in entertainment mode, his/her personality can seem flat or depressed.
Playing the clown can be a mask that is worn to cover personal insecurity and low self-
esteem. This is a person who needs constant reassurance from others, to be told how
great they are, how well they are liked. Acting the clown gets them the attention they
seek. Any attention is better than none.
Depending on surrounding cards, and especially if a Reversed Court Card appears,
The Reversed Five of Wands could suggest manic behaviour which could raise
concern for the mental and emotional stability of the person. The highs go into
overdrive, the personality too bright and intense. There seems to be energy to burn as
they keep going and going. The person may seem a bit crazed and out of control at
times. The lows when hit could be very dark. Manic behaviour could trigger after a
break-up, rejection, or if there is a sense ones partner is about to leave or has fallen
out of love. Caution is thrown to the wind releasing unpredictable behaviour.
Partner Not Getting On With Your Friends
In the Upright Five of Wands we find the normal melee of interaction between your
partner and your friends. Rarely does a partner come without the baggage of at least
one or two close friends. Often, there is a large group of friends to get to know. Initial
meetings with friends of your partner can be awkward as they are privy to their history
and knowledge of any exes. Socialising outside of one-on-one dating generally
involves being in the company of friends on either, or both, sides of the relationship.
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In the Upright Five everyone tends to get on with, or at least are prepared to suffer
each others company and presence when thrown together. There may be a few
personalities that cause irritation or annoyance to either partner. These are the friends
deemed to have a negative influence or air about them, the troublemakers, the
interferers. However, your friends offer their loyal support for your relationship, and
respect your partner.
In the Five of Wands Reversed, we can find a situation where there is a distinct dislike
or distaste for your partners friends. It may be the other way around, with your
partners friends not liking you. You might dread going out with them, or having to sit
in their company. The Reversed Five of Wands suggest they are either dead boring,
or too rowdy. Depending on the situation, they could be exerting a negative influence
on your partner. You are working hard to strengthen your relationship and spend
quality time together, yet these friends seem intent on upending it. They throw a
spanner in the works every time something good is coming up for you and your partner.
Your partner is perfect once the friends are not around, but you observe a change in
their attitude towards you when they are. They seem hell-bent on ruining everything
and you probably get tense if you know your partner is out and about with them. There
could be a battle for control between you and your partners friends if they believe you
are trying to steel him or her from them. You are trying to settle your partner down, but
this lot are making sure you dont. Its a battle of wills. They seem to go out of their
way to lead your partner astray, especially when they are supposed to be with you.
You just cant trust them.
Now you must look at this situation clearly to determine who is right and who is wrong.
The Reversed Five of Wands can portray immaturity when it comes to sharing. Maybe
you are not prepared to share your partner with anyone, wanting him or her all to
yourself? Their friends may see you as too controlling, to clingy, too needy. They might
accuse you of trying to change their friend into someone he or she is not. If many of
their friends are single, they could feel a group threat if one of them enters a
relationship. It may not be personal. Then again, they may have genuine cause for
dislike if you are not being friendly, or treat your partner in a disrespectful manner.
They might see a change in their friend for the worse, not for the better after getting
involved with you. This applies the other way round too. Your Friends may think your
partner is bringing you down. It is clear you dont get on. If your friends display a lack
fondness or warmth towards your partner, you need to find out why. Sometimes friends
are reluctant to pass a comment or show concern if they feel it wont be well-received.
They may not want to interfere and leave you to it. Friends may discuss issues they
have about your partner with each other, but not with you. They dont want to fall out
with you, or hurt your feelings. You may be the last person to find out. However, in
the Reverse they might very well voice their feelings and objections in the belief they
are acting in your best interest.
Bad-Ass Friends Alert!
We must also look at the issues of partners friends from another aspect. In this case,
we have an individual, or group of nasty, no good friends. If this bunch make your toes
curl and raise your hackles, you must ask what it is your partner sees in them? How
bad are they? In what way are they awful? If their personalities stink, or you are uneasy
being out with them, what does it say about your partner? This card could act as a
warning about moving further into a relationship with a personality that moves in circles
you are not comfortable with. On their own, they may seem great, but how sure can
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you be that their awful friends are not a reflection of your partners true personality?
They might be one of them. The person you want to get involved with, or already have,
may be portraying a front at present. This might be because they really like you and
want to impress you, but can it be sustained? What are they like when you are not
around? Check surrounding cards for more insight on the nature of personalities your
partner or potential partner is friendly with. The Reversed Three/Four/Seven of Cups,
Five of Swords and Reversed Courts or Devil, could highlight a bad influence; groups
of people you really dont want to get mixed up with. It could be heavy drinkers, drug-
takers, troublemakers or criminals.
A Wolf In Sheeps Clothing
The Reversed Five of Wands can suggest someone is trying to ruin your relationship,
or your chances of securing one. You may not be aware of this situation as you believe
stuff just happens. The campaign may be focused against your partner, or the person
you are interested in forming a relationship with. Whoever is behind this, may want the
same person you do, or just doesnt want you to be with anyone. He or she could be
jealous if you seem better positioned than they are in the romance department. You
have an enemy, but he or she has not shown their face. Neither do they intend to.
They prefer to work behind the scenes, not appearing too obvious. He or she can
extract information from you indirectly, or listen in on conversations you have with
others. They can misrepresent you to your partner, or misquote you. He or she can
alter the facts to make a perfectly ordinary situation seem questionable. They may
come across as gushy and pally when you are upset, so you probably do not suspect
them of any underhand wrongdoings. They could make suggestions to you, or plant
certain thoughts or attitudes in your mind. When things go wrong, they might
encourage you to focus the blame in a certain direction, or even towards yourself.
They may foster a pessimistic attitude in you towards your partner, making you doubt
his/her feelings for you. This person is calculating, smart, and enjoys stirring things up
in your love life. They might say they are happy for you, but they are not. They may
be annoyed with you for proceeding with a relationship they advised against. A
controlling personality, they will want to be proven right. He or she exerts too much of
an influence over you, while pretending not to. They are not on your side, even if they
are standing by it. They want to see you fall. Check for the Seven of Swords, Reversed
Courts, or Reversed Three of Cups, Reversed Four of Wands, Ten of Swords,
Reversed High Priestess/Magician, Moon etc. if you have suspect a traitor.
Keeping It In The Group/Hierophant
In the Upright Five of Wands we found five individual figures thrashing it out over
issues, a person, or differing opinions. There was little loyalty to others as it was all
about me or I. A close group attitude was shunned in favour of doing your own thing
and going your own way. Even if you were in a group, there was little teamwork. No
one really had your best interests at heart and you could forget about anyone been
discreet, keeping stories under wraps or refrain from dishing the dirt on you. Gossip,
rumour and scandal spread like wildfire causing much unnecessary damage at times.
Now in the Five of Wands Reversed, the tables have turned. The Hierophant has
arrived and seals up all the cracks, weak points and gaps of the group. He blackens
out the windows, seals the door and padlocks the gates. The group stay confined
inside and others can only guess what they do, say, think or feel because they are not
telling. Unlike the Upright Five, they are tight and close ranks. Everything must stay in
or with the group. No one can break rank and disclose their secrets or truths. It must
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be kept in the group. Nothing can come in or go out without the vetting of the
Hierophant. There is a code of honour or understanding connecting to being each
others alibi when needed. All for one, and one for all.
In this manner, we see a group of friends, work colleagues or family members circle
the wagons when issues arise. They will do, or say what is necessary to protect one
of their own. Where relationships are concerned, you could find a group of friends
concealing the truth about your partners whereabouts and what they got up to. What
goes on on tour, stays on tour. They will blatantly lie and deny anything you confront
them with. You are not going to get any answers or truth from this crowd. This group
can keep major secrets from getting out by suppressing them, hiding them, or throwing
the suspicion in another direction. They are tight-lipped about anything you tackle them
about. In a separation or divorce, you could find a group of friends, family or colleagues
colluding with a partner in order to hide money, assets, business, property or land from
the other partner. They are as thick as thieves and will obstruct any attempts you make
at revealing what they are up to. They can also collaborate to cause the downfall of
another by forming a strategy for the deconstruction of their life. They could make life
difficult for them if they have sufficient power. Of course, surrounding cards in the
spread would need to support this theory. The Five, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten of
Swords, Reversed Courts and Tower, Reversed Magician, Reversed Ten of Pentacles
could point to a group out to bring someone down. Other cards could apply too.
Walking In Your Partners Exs Shadow Not Being Accepted
The Reversed Five of Wands can also highlight the drawn-out battle to be accepted
by your partners friends if he or she was in a long-term relationship before they met
you. This means you are walking in a dead man/womans shoes and no one will feel
easy about the situation. Friends of your partner were used to their ex and may treat
you as an outsider or usurper. They might forget your name or call you by the exs.
They feel uncomfortable in your presence and possibly wary. They dont know what to
do with you. They might think you only passing through, or a temporary set-up. If you
are the third party behind the separation or divorce, they could be bitter or cold. Even
if you came after the split-up, they might think it a ruse. They might see you as a
predator, someone not to be trusted. They may be loyal to your partners ex after
knowing them for many years. They might blame you for their misery. It is likely under
this energy you are shunned, the conversation stilling when you enter their company,
backs turned to you, as they exclude you from their group. It will be hard to make
friends here as they are not welcoming. You might have to expect an uphill battle
ahead of you before any thaw sets in. Give them time as they likely think the two of
you will not last, that it is a fling or passing affair. You must prove your worth to them.
If they see your partner, their friend, blossom in your company over a period of time,
they will acknowledge the benefit of your presence, even begrudgingly. Their fierce
loyalty to the ex will diminish in time as they get to know you. A natural acceptance will
eventually come if you deserve it. With Fire, there will be an eagerness to be liked and
accepted, but you cannot force this situation. No matter what you do to be
accommodating or charming, it is unlikely to succeed right now. However, it will be
noted and stored for future recall if you last long enough.
Dousing Wild-Fire Gossip
In the Reversed Five of Wands you have acted to stop the spread of any gossip about
you in The Upright. You may track down the source and offenders who are eagerly
passing it around. You might call them out or name and shame them. Often confronting
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the culprits with their actions, brings a speedy stop to the gossip, but it could also fan
the flames if they see you are overly concerned about what they are saying. There is
no smoke without fire in their eyes, so they could go on the hunt for more information.
You might have to come out publicly to set the record straight or admit to details you
know you cannot hide. Often the truth or facts are boring in comparison to the gossip,
which might send people on their way and onto something else. The whole thing
should die down in time.
Trolling Increases/Eases Up
Issues with troll-like behaviour on your social media profiles begin to lose their grip or
intensify in activity in The Reversed Five of Wands. Surrounding cards will determine
in which direction it is heading. Anger over a relationship you had entered could have
provoked the assault if there was someone unhappy with the situation. There might
be an ex or a disgruntled fellow competitor who lost out to you. You became the target
for their revenge. In attempting to bring you down or destroy your reputation they
hoped to feel better about themselves or the unhappy outcome. The ultimate desire
was to ruin the relationship, to break you up. Interest has waned in the Reversed Five.
This could be down to you not feeding the troll refusing to respond or retaliate. You
might have chosen to ignore them or block them from your page. Where once there
was a constant barrage of nasty comments, only the occasional one appears and even
at that it has lost its fire. You may also have reported the incidents and the perpetrator
has been issued a warning or barred from the network. Order will soon be restored as
the troll has lost its power over you and is not getting the reaction it sought. It was
awful while it lasted.
If trolling has intensified, action must be taken to stop it. This will not be resolved by
tackling the situation yourself. You can block contacts, but this troll keeps finding a
way in and has others on board in their hate campaign too. You might need to inform
the authorities or threaten legal action. If the troll/s are allowed to run unchecked in
the hope they will get bored and move on, they may view your casual approach as an
invitation for even further abuse. We might also see escalating trolling if you decide to
hit back. You know you shouldnt feed the troll, but you really want them to have a
piece of your mind. Once you respond to any of their comments, they have succeeded
in their quest and know they have got to you. If you know the person involved, we
could find a tit for tat situation, or taking it out onto the street. An online war may launch
between the two of you. You might confront this person/s and call them out. There
could be ugly scenes and showdowns. You need to tread very carefully here. You
could end up being the accused and not the victim if you totally lose the head.
Pretending To Be With The Crowd/Social Climbing
In the Five of Wands Reversed we could see a situation where it is assumed you are
part of a group, circle, crowd or gathering. You seem to know everyone and mingle
easily. You are great at working the room, being seen at all the right places, but when
closely observed appear to be very much a lone wolf. People might know of you,
recognise you, briefly acknowledge you or greet you but other than that you are an
unknown quantity. They all think you are with someone other than them, part of the
group at the other end of the room, or belonging to the gathering you just walked away
from. You seem to laugh and smile and be at ease, so no one questions your
presence. This card could suggest you are trying to work your way into a social
circle/scene that is not naturally open to you. If you pretend to be with or part of the
crowd, then you might be accepted as one. If you were to ask for entrance or
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acceptance, the answer would likely be no. You are using your initiative on this one.
You certainly look the part, but this could be carefully constructed to appear so. You
could be wearing a full months salary on your back just to get in the door. You are an
outsider, an interloper who is keen to climb the social ladder.
Celebrity Couples and Paparazzi Issues/Waning Interest
For celebrity couples, the paparazzis interest in you may have waned. You may
choose to cooperate with them instead of fighting back. However, they could have
some potentially damaging information about you or your partner which could ruin
reputations should it get out. You may be trying to restrain the press/media or hold
them at bay. Lack of privacy could be affecting your relationship.
In the Five of Wands we found five figures the centre of attention. They had drawn a
crowd, had people cheering them on or booing and heckling them. Celebrity
individuals or couples were chased by the paparazzi, the darlings or the media or the
creators of scandal and gossip. It was all good. Attention was sought through self-
promotion on social media, YouTube videos, signing up for reality shows or fly on the
wall documentaries, landing a date with a celebrity or securing a relationship with
someone famous. The Upright Five brought an air of exhibitionism and the desire to
be wooed and followed by the mass in search of fame and fortune. Publicity was
everything. The energy created by the five figures was hot news, and no matter where
we looked, it was hard to avoid seeing, reading or hearing about them. Now in The
Five of Wands Reversed, interest has waned. Their fifteen minutes of fame has
expired and the crowd has moved on to something more current. Taking this back to
a personal level, it could leave you deflated, your self-esteem on the ground. There
may be a publicity stunt pulled to grab the headlines once again as you become
desperate to claw your way back. You might decide to sell your story or release
sensitive images. You may have thrown too much into the whole thing, got carried
away, or became arrogant about your popularity. The competition sneaked up when
you dropped your guard and has taken over. Possibly someone you thought of as
nothing, or dismissed as irrelevant is making a move, their star on the rise as yours
falls into decline. They are after the same spotlight as yours. It is a cut throat business
after all. Here today, gone tomorrow. A someone and then a no one. Hard to take.
Might be best to step back and lay low until you come down to earth and take stock of
your life.
In the Five of Wands Reversed we begin to see the spiralling downfall of celebrities or
reality show stars, who are simply famous for being famous. They may have no
substance to them or any great talent but have been trading on their superficial fame.
We might find scenes at nightclubs, drunken falls getting out of taxis, outrageous
behaviour or character smears from the tabloids. The fire that burned brightly around
them for all but a brief time, either burns out or the flames turn and badly burn them
instead. The crash is not far away and there could be a tearful collapse or aggressive
outburst as nervous exhaustion and tantrums takes over. The crown that will fall in the
Reversed Six has already slipped in The Reversed Five. A stint in rehab or just behind
closed doors might be called for.
Not Able For It Anymore Party Days Are Over
On a lighter level, The Reversed Five of Wands could be bringing home the fact you
are not as young and fit as you used to be. Your party days may be a thing of the past,
your stamina to dance the night away, a distant nostalgic memory. In the imagery, we
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see you hit the dancefloor at a wedding or party. They are playing the songs from your
glory days and you want to dance. You throw yourself about on the floor, puling all the
moves that you were known for. However, it all seems a bit stiff or sporadic to those
who sit watching. Your hips dont work the way they used to. Your legs are going for
it, but your upper body is like a poker. You repeat the same jerky moves over, and
over again. The younger crowd watch on laughing through their hands, embarrassed
by you Mam/Dad dancing display of dinosaur moves. As you close your eyes and lose
yourself to the music, your imagination sees something very different. You are back in
the mad days again; rocking, head banging, pogoing, gyrating and letting your hair
down. You will feel it in the morning though and might need a visit to your chiropractor
if the old back gives you gip.
Wasted From Partying
The Reversed Five of Wands finds you beginning to feel the effects of late nights and
too much partying. In the Upright Five you are unstoppable and need little fuel to run
on. You can go on the tear or batter for days without need for much sleep or rest. You
are like a sponge with alcohol, soaking it up without suffering too many ill effects. You
can eat at all hours of the morning, downing kebabs, pizzas and fries when you should
be eating breakfast. You manage to function in work or college and you feel in control.
Now in the Reverse, hard living has begun to take its toll, or you are simply getting too
old to handle it. Now it takes you a week to recover from a not-too-late night.
Hangovers floor you and have been the cause of you not turning up to work some
days. Your body feels wrecked and you look haggard. Your stomach cant cope with
spicy food anymore, well certainly not at 4am and your weight is something you must
worry about as the scales show its on the up. What has happened to you? If the
Reversed Three of Cups lies close by, it reinforces the implications.
The Reversed Five of Wands could act as a warning that your body is not able to cope
with the continued onslaught and disrespect you are showing it. It has stood you well
for much time but now it is reacting and perhaps you should listen to it. It is not possible
to keep pushing and pushing without something giving. Perhaps it is time to cut back
on alcohol or take a complete break from it, pull back from excessive socialising and
spend some down time away from the constant madness. Buy a good book and get
into it. Take up some gentle exercise and go on a detox diet. You have probably been
spending considerably on funding your social life and this needs to be addressed too.
It is likely you could do with stabilising your finances instead of frittering them away.
Time to live the quiet life for a while. You might consider a whole change of scene.
The healthy option needs to be chosen.
In the Five of Wands Reversed there might be an effort to battle against this changing
tide. If its the weekend, you must be out. Going to bed early on a Friday or Saturday
night is for sad, old people. You do your best to keep up with the drinkers and possibly
drink extra in the hope it will keep you going. For veteran party animals, getting old, or
even tired, is a bitter pill to swallow. They may feel theyve lost it altogether. Then for
some, it is a natural progression, or a complete reversal. We might see the ones with
the worst partying reputation become reformed characters; teetotallers, early to bed
and early to rise, the first to leave the dancefloor or party, or worse, not turn up at all.
In fairness, they have done their bit for society in this manner, been there and done
that. The heels on their party shoes have worn out. They need to be put away in favour
of something more comfortable. Time to hand them over to the younger crowd who
have the energy for it all. Heave a big sigh of relief.
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Human Rights Activist

In The Upright Five of Wands we would find very strong ideas about the right to
abortion. We might find this group waving banners and posters at a protest rally as
they march in favour of the right for women to choose, or are dead set against it. Ther e
could be aggressive interaction with opposition as all sides believe they are in the right
and the other, totally wrong. The imagery in this card could also highlight the need to
fight for Gay Rights. You might be an activist attending rallies and protest marches
where you stand with others to fiercely support human rights. You believe in the
strength of numbers and that everyone has a responsibility to stand up to blatant
bigotry, misogyny, inequality and the violation of human rights. You value your right to
freedom of expression and intend to exercise it wherever necessary.
In the Five of Wands Upright we explored being an activist for human/gay/abortion
rights on all levels. When the Five Reverses we find either a more open mind to beliefs
on all sides, or an entrenched and angry stance. Where abortion is concerned it is not
that you sit on the fence or need to take sides, but feel there are valid arguments on
both sides. You are neither pro nor anti-abortion, but are opposed to any ruling that
seeks to restrict the freedom of another. Everyone is an individual, their situation
unique and relevant to them alone. You do not stand in judgment over what others
must do when faced with crisis. You are not about punishment. In your mind, there
can be no fixed or rigid approach, no law or rule that is applied to all, either for pro or
anti. You may cause uproar when you express your views on social media posts,
drawing a deluge of abuse from either fixed side when you throw out hypothetical
situations or play devils advocate. You dont run with either the hare or hound but
keep a middle ground and insist on the right to have your own opinion.
When we go to the other extreme, we find a growing intolerance for any side that does
not agree with you. You may align yourself with more radical groups attached to a
cause. Groups that are not opposed to inciting or introducing violence to drive their
point home. Such groups are well organised and their presence at rallies or protest
marches usually involves skirmishes with the law and possible damage or vandalism.
They use social media to spread their propaganda and arrange rendezvous locations
for starting disruptive action. They are a mob, not normal activists bigots,
homophobic, misogynists, racists etc. They do not want or encourage peaceful rallies
but rather cause trouble. They can launch personal attacks or assaults on individuals
they view as leaders or supporters of the opposition. They do not respect the rights of
opposing marchers and will be involved in hate speech and attacks. When they team
up with The Five of Swords, they can become radical extremists capable of mass acts
of violence.
Fertility Strategy
In the Reversed Five of Wands, you begin to accept the struggles you are having with
conception and think you might be approaching it the wrong way. You may decide to
remove the pressure that has become associated with conception, by not trying so
hard. You realise how stressful it has become and could decide to take a step back
for a while. Instead of watching, waiting, and trying to organise your sex life around
key times and dates; checking temperature, ovulation etc. you choose to let it go and
see what happens naturally. Pushing and forcing the issue has not worked, so perhaps
a more spontaneous approach could make the difference. In the Reversed Five, we
find you let your grip of control go as you realise sheer determination and tenacity is
not enough in this case. This is hard for you to do as you have always achieved
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anything you set your mind to. If you have been in a head to head battle with your
medical care team, you might find they are now open to working with you in the Five
of Wands Reversed. Your persistence has impressed them.
Also, the root cause of problems around conception might become clear in the
Reversed Five. You can now focus your attention on sorting them out, or getting the
right treatment, which will improve your chances of conception. You feel more settled
as a result and less panicked about the situation. You might have to wait a while but
are confident of eventual success. For some, discovering the underlying issues may
result in realising everyone was looking in the wrong place. There may have been a
perception that problems lay with the mothers reproductive system, when in fact it is
her partners. This will involve a change in approach and treatment strategy.
The Reversed Five of Wands might also highlight how defeated you feel if your efforts
so far have proved unsuccessful. You might be coming around to thinking it will never
happen, and if so, how you will deal with it. As a couple, you might have to rethink your
next step. If you are still determined to have a child, you may have to look into the
process of fostering or adoption. These are big things to contemplate. It is best to take
your time and not rush into anything. There is still a chance you could conceive. You
might be giving up too soon or are becoming negative in your outlook.
IVF
The Five of Wands Reversed will either bring positive signs of success after several
failed cycles, or there will be a growing sense of defeat as you begin to accept it is not
happening for you. Surrounding cards will highlight which aspect dominates. In the
Reversed imagery, we find players or combatants tire of the battle, or become more
determined. They have not yet left the playing field so it might just suggest you are not
feeling as positive as when you started out. This does not imply you will not succeed,
but that its not happening as fast as you expected. You feel the odds are stacked
against you. IVF treatment is expensive and the worry might not be with not been able
to eventually get pregnant, but how many cycles of treatment can you afford before
the money runs out? You can only stay in the game while you can pay your way.
Again, there is every chance you could conceive naturally, as often happens with
couples after ending treatment. It might have to do with the intensive hormone
treatment finally kicking in.
Adoption & Fostering
Where adoption or fostering is concerned, The Reversed Five of Wands could find you
eventually getting closer to success. After what seemed like a never-ending battle, the
agency officials inform you that everything is in order. You have completed your side
of things and have nothing more to prove or do. You will still be on edge as you are
not home and dry just yet.
Alternatively, you feel you are getting nowhere, that nothing is ever going to come of
it. You have reached a stage where you are ready to walk away from the whole
process as it has taken too much out of you.
If you had been successful in adopting or fostering a baby or child in the Four of
Wands, the Upright Five may have highlighted the transition stage of settling in.
Everyone involved needed to get used to the new arrangement, just like any couple
brining a new baby home. It might have felt strange and chaotic as you worked hard
to find a routine. Now in The Five of Wands Reversed we find a routine kicking in as
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you become more relaxed. Baby or child needed to stabilise and so did you. Any initial
issues should be easing out as you get to know each other. If adoption or fostering
involved an older child or children, there may have been opposition or resistance to
their new home or family. It could have been extremely stressful for all. Any
atmosphere of them against you, is now diminishing as teamwork and cooperation is
sought on both sides. The Pentacle begins to take shape offering stability, security
and protection. It is a win, win situation for all.
Looking from an extreme aspect, we could also be dealing with ongoing issues from
the Upright Five if older children are involved and they bring emotional or psychological
baggage from their early years. They may not be so easy to accommodate and are
argumentative and disruptive. This is not the happy family picture you had imagined.
Great patience is demanded of you now as you work hard not to retaliate or fight back.
The children involved are insecure and will need to experience much love before they
can learn to trust you.
Fostering
The Five of Wands Reversed could imply fostering children or adolescents who are
known to be troubled. These children will not find suitable homes easily as they might
bring great challenge to their foster home/parents. They could be delinquent,
psychologically/emotionally/physically scarred. It will take more than a nice warm bed
and good food to reach their tortured souls. At war with the world, and deeply angry
and upset, they could act defiantly or aggressively, making life difficult for everyone.
There may be several runaway attempts or clashes with the law. As an individual or
couple, you were aware of these possibilities when you agreed to foster. You want to
help and make a difference to their lives. This card can show you are made of strong
stuff and very resilient. Where others in this Reversed Card gave up on these children,
you refuse to quit and will do what you have to do. You are a warrior soul and these
children will thrive and flourish in your care, even if they fight you on every issue. The
children you foster have never experienced stability or constancy in their lives before
but they will find it with you. This card does not see you as a push over, but firm and
determined. You are not afraid to stand up to them, but not in the Upright Five manner
which seeks to beat them into submission.
On the other hand, the Reverse Five could imply a situation out of control. You might
have considerable issues with certain foster children that have failed all attempts to
resolve. This child or children may be causing severe disruption in your home, to your
lives, for other children in the family. They may be a danger to themselves or others.
You might have to admit defeat here and give up. There is a sense of great defeat at
not being able to save this individual/s. You have tried your best.
Also, the Reversed Five could find children placed in foster homes that are unsuitable
to their needs or result in making their lives worse instead of better. They may not be
getting the care they need. Check surrounding cards to determine which aspect is at
play if fostering is relevant to the reading.
In both Upright and Reverse, The Five of Wands could highlight the need for children
to be placed in foster care if there are aggressive situations at home or in their
environment.
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Delaying Pregnancy Until A More Stable Time

In the Five of Wands Upright, we explored the scenario of attempting to get pregnant
in the midst of uncertainty, instability or transience. Your living arrangements may have
been topsy-turvy or temporary in nature. You might have been travelling a lot with work
or moving from one contract post to another in varying locations. You were finding it
difficult to get pregnant and couldnt understand why. Not being able to safely and
happily nest was one of the possible causes, as deep down you did not feel secure in
such chaos. Now in The Five of Wands Reversed, you begin to think this could have
something to do with it. As a result, you might decide to hold off and wait until your life
is less chaotic and uncertain. You are beginning to face how the reality of constant
change and disturbance during a time as important as pregnancy may not be in the
best interest of both mother and baby. You need to think about how extra tired and
emotional you will feel, the possibility of not being well, the strain of having to pack up
or move on while heavily pregnant. It might be too much. You might prefer the idea of
staying in the one place for the entire pregnancy. Waiting until you have that place and
feel comfortable in it, is a good place to start. Mother Nature may then take its course
if it feels all is well.
Beginning To Enjoy Your Pregnancy

For those who experienced a particularly challenging early stage of pregnancy with
morning sickness, fatigue, fainting and other such inconveniences, The Five of Wands
Reversed will typically show you coming out of it. Hormone levels are beginning to
stabilise. You are not feeling quite as bad, and thankfully your energy levels are picking
up. Now you can begin to enjoy your pregnancy as you should without it feeling it an
assault on your body. Unfortunately for some, this card could suggest you are not out
of the woods yet. You still feel awful and there seems to be no let up on it. You might
be one of those unlucky women who experience nausea and other conditions
throughout the whole pregnancy.
Hormones Settling Post-Childbirth Or Not!
If you are post childbirth, the Five of Wands Reversed could be pointing to your
hormones beginning to stabilise after the initial baby blues. It takes time for the
apparent battling in your system to ease, leaving you feeling less beaten up and under
assault. Slowly you are beginning to return to pre-pregnancy levels and are aware of
your increased energy levels and ability to cope with everyday stress. Surrounding
cards should show positive signs in this area.
For some however, the Reversed Five of Wands could show those disturbing
hormones still out to cause mayhem. In the imagery, we see the game is over, full time
has been called, yet the competitors stay on the pitch and continue battling it out. You
think your hormones would fall into line, understand, and accept they must leave, let
everyone get some rest - but they are not done yet. It is very tiresome for those who
are forced to stick it out with them. If hormones do not fall into line when they should
post childbirth, or if too many of them continue to display shows of strength, it could
lead to severe imbalance which could trigger a form of depression such as post-natal
depression. These errant players/hormones may need some professional
encouragement and assistance to go away and give everyone a break. Cards such as
Reversed High Priestess/Empress/Moon, Four/Five of Cups, Reversed Queen Cups,
Reversed Seven of Wands, Nine of Wands, Reversed Two of Pentacles, Four of
Swords, Eight/Nine of Swords could support this potential theory if it is relevant to the
querant.
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Pregnancy Exercise/Strenuous Job

Where exercise is concerned, The Reversed Five of Wands could find you overdoing
it, or not doing any at all. You might be trying to keep up with pre-pregnancy exercise
regimes which could put strain on your muscular-skeletal system. The Reversed Five
could see you having to leave the field of activity after pulling something or hurting
your back. This could leave you sitting on the bench, not being able to exercise at all.
You might be under the influence of celebrities who barely gain weight during their
pregnancies and bounce back into shape within days of giving birth.
Then again, it could be your job that is strenuous or very physical. In the Upright Five
of Wands you manage to keep up, but as pregnancy continues, it gets harder and
harder. This could force you into early maternity leave. It is something you worry about.
Ensure your employer is aware of your pregnant status and make the necessary
allowances for you. You wont win any prizes for toughing it out and saying nothing.
You need to take care of yourself and know your rights in the workplace during
pregnancy.
Depending on surrounding cards, the Five of Wands Reversed could point to an issue
in the workplace with your pregnancy. You may be employed in quite a physical job,
and had expected allowances to be made for your pregnancy. However, in this
instance, your employer may have no intentions of cutting you any slack. Their attitude
to you may be if you cant do the job, they will have to get someone else. This type of
scenario could come about if you are an undocumented worker or immigrant who must
put up and shut up with what is asked of them in the workplace. Who do you complain
to, and where else are you to get money? This might find you pulling the same long
strenuous hours right up to childbirth with pressure to return as soon as possible if you
hope to keep your job.
The Five of Wands Reversed could also suggest your approaching maternity leave as
we see your workload begin to decrease. Not as much is expected of you now as your
final days roll in.
If you consider pregnancy an illness or incapacitated state, you might avoid exercise
altogether. Instead of staying active and eating healthy, you sit or lay around all day,
eating for two and minding yourself. You blame your increasing weight on pregnancy
and a big baby. You believe the weight will disappear after birth, but unnecessary
weight gained during pregnancy is notoriously difficult to shift afterwards. It tends to
stick and attract more. Dont allow yourself to fall into bad shape during pregnancy.
Stay active and fit walking, swimming, cycling, or yoga might be the way to go.
Watch what you eat. Eating for two is a myth.
On the other hand, pregnancy could trigger health issues for you or perhaps you
discover you have a delicate pregnancy. Most forms of exercise might be off limits to
you. This is a situation that is forced upon you, not a choice of your own making. You
must do what is best for you and the baby, and not take unnecessary risk or chance.
You will have to rely on others to fetch and carry for you.
Coming Around To Unplanned Pregnancy/Making Your decision
In The Five of Wands Reversed, we might find a coming to terms with an unexpected
or unplanned pregnancy that threw you into internal and external chaos. We had
explored this possibility in the Upright Five when you were caught off guard. You might
have considered yourself too old, past it - safe to go without contraception. You might
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have already raised a family, had gone back to work on were focusing on creating a
career, embarking upon study, or setting up a business. Perhaps you just wanted to
kick back, do your own thing, travel, whatever. You were probably freaked about the
risks associated with a late pregnancy. You may have had health issues that would be
seriously affected by pregnancy. The discovery of a pregnancy had you running
scared in all directions. The advice from doctors, family, friends and partner may have
been terribly conflicting or contradictory. You might have been torn between taking
your chances or seeking advice about a termination. You were in a terrible
predicament. What were you to do, where could your turn, what would be best and
safest for all.
Now in the Five of Wands Reversed, we see the storm inside and around you calmed
down. Your mind is more settled as you gather your thoughts. You have battled this
one out and beaten it to death, over and over and over until you thought you would go
insane. The fog of panic has cleared and with it comes either acceptance and
resignation as you decide to take your chances and feel positive about the pregnancy,
or come to terms with what you feel you must do, and that might be termination.
Whichever decision you make, must ultimately be yours. You can get all the advice
from those in the know, authorities on the subject, concerned and interested family
and friends, but it is your body and your life. You have been clear with everyone, that
your eventual decision is what you want, irrespective of what others think, believe or
feel.
Depending on surrounding cards, and the Reversed carrying extreme aspects, we
might also be looking at giving in, conceding defeat to any external pressure regarding
your pregnancy. It might suggest you prefer to leave the decision to others, are
agreeable to go along with whatever your consultant and medical team decide is in
your best interest, or you have buckled under the pressure of a partner, spouse, or
family. For some reason, you are either unable or unwilling to stand up against them
and assert your rights. You might believe that others know better about what is best
for you. This might be a personality trait where you believe, or have been conditioned
to believe, you are not wise enough to make the right decision. This could imply being
under pressure or force to either continue with a pregnancy you dont want, or
terminate one you do. In this aspect, it is not you controlling the situation. You may be
vulnerable to manipulation depending on how easily you are influenced by others.
Babies Begin to Settle/Get Worse
In the Upright Five we found new parents struggling with cranky babies that wouldnt
sleep, eat, or settle in the early days. Exhausted, sleep deprived parents were at their
wits end. In the Five of Wands Reversed we begin to see light at the end of the tunnel
as a sense of order returns to your life. You are probably more organised now and into
a routine. Baby is too, or you have discovered the cause of his or her distress. It is
usually a process of elimination driven by desperation that has led to eventual
success. You tried this and that, then removed things one by one, changed baby
formula, bedding, lighting and even your perfume as your obsession for sleep grew.
Bedtime had become a battle and possibly feeding time too. Somehow you have
managed to get through the nightmare and are feeling more like yourself. Yes, you still
dont have a minute, the housework never quite done, baby puke on your work suit,
and cant remember when you last sat down to a proper dinner. But hey, baby is
sleeping through a block of hours now and it seems like heaven. Once baby is happy,
so are you.
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As the Reversed Aspect brings us extremes we could still find restless or fretful babies
that wont sleep. You might have a baby with reflux, or one that sleeps all day, but
remains wide awake all night. If this has gone on past the three-month stage, you are
probably worn out and not getting much enjoyment out of parenthood. Your
relationship is bound to be under strain as everyone is cranky. There could be rows
with your partner over how the situation could be better managed. Resentment might
set in if one of you is doing the bulk of nigh-time feeds. The tiny little mite in the crib
or cot has turned your world upside down. You beat yourself up, thinking you are not
a good parent, but this is quite common. Some babies just dont sleep, or eat. You will
have the opposite problem when they are teenagers. Then they will sleep on till late
afternoon, but you will be insane by then. Surrounding cards may give some clues as
to what the problem is.
Hyperactive Conditions
The Reversed Five of Wands can also suggest a child that is more than just active or
rowdy. In the Upright Five of Wands we found boisterousness and Hyperactive
conditions. In the Reverse, we could be looking at Hyper-Active behaviour that is
becoming increasingly hard to manage. A Reversed Page of Wands or Swords in
surrounding cards might back this up. You are finding it increasingly difficult to control
your child. He or she is constantly getting in trouble at school, or out in the
neighbourhood. Schoolwork could be suffering; their attention span, minimal. Their
thoughts might be scattered or fixated. Your childs restless erratic behaviour is likely
causing tension at home. We might find a parent who cannot accept their childs
condition, reacting aggressively to their behaviour.
Ranting and raving at the child, or lashing out will not help as the child is not doing this
deliberately. He or she is probably aware of their condition, but are helpless to control
it. Children with attention deficit, or hyperactive conditions need strong parenting, a
stable secure home, and reassurance of how much they are loved. If you and your
partner or spouse are finding it hard to cope, you need to find professional support
and help.
In The Reverse Five, you know you must do something about their behaviour, or are
coming around to accept your child has a condition that goes beyond cheek and
unruliness. This may be difficult to accept initially as there may have been a perception
the child would grow out of it, or simply needed firmer handling. Also, it is possible you
have battled in the Upright Five to get a diagnosis for your child, knowing as a parent
there was something wrong, feeling helpless and guilty as you watched your child
struggle with a condition that no one wanted to help with. Now in the Reverse, things
are beginning to happen. All the knocking on doors, phone calls, emails, and letters
have eventually reached the right ears and help is on its way. You feel exhausted but
not on your own anymore. However, to take the fight out of your child, their hyper state
or mania, what is on offer might be sedating medication. Check for Six of Pentacles
(drug dosages being issued), Sword Courts (doctors) and the Four/Seven of Cups
(sedation). It is not what you were looking for, but at this stage you might be willing to
give it a try. Queen of Cups, King of Cups, Six of Cups, Hermit, Temperance, Sword
Courts, could point to psychotherapy or cognitive behavioural therapy as caring
professionals teach your child the necessary coping skills to manage their condition.
Look to surrounding cards for clues as to what might help as you will need to focus
their energy in a constructive manner. If you find Sword cards, we could be looking at
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a child who needs mental stimulation, a subject of interest to channel their

psychological processes. Cups could point to artistic or creative pursuits. Introduce
them to music, especially an instrument, hand them a paintbrush and easel or give
them a microphone and put them on the stage. Pentacles could suggest physical
activity, health, and animals. Your child could develop a passion for horse-riding or
growing their own food. Pentacles can be obsessive collectors so maybe a coin
collection for example. Wands may be advising challenge and bravery. Extreme sports
might be their focus, pushing beyond the limit.
Tackling Bullying
In the Five of Wands Reversed, bullying or disruptive behaviour can force you to find
a less aggressive environment for your child. You need to carry out research on the
anti-bullying policies of any school you consider and see if they are properly policed.
You want to make the right move, not jump from the frying pan into the fire. In the
Upright Five, children had to survive in quite a tough environment, but in general they
were able for it. There will always be bad apples to contend with and they were present
in the Upright Five too, along with the kids who were simply assertive and pushy. In
The Reversed Five of Wands, we see the search for a school or environment that has
weeded out the bad apples or carefully monitors them. Groups and gangs are
discouraged, or moved on when discovered. The children in these environments are
motivated in other ways. They are not interested in intimidation or ostracization,
preferring inclusion and integration. They promote tolerance and acceptance. There
is nothing here to interest bullies as they will gain no followers or supporters.
If seeking a school that promotes anti-bullying policies it would be wise to do some
background research and not accept their claims at face value. Check around and
read reviews. Do a search online for any stories connected to the school and ask
locally. What you do not want is them promoting one thing, but not being able or
interested in enforcing it. Anti-bullying policies are only as good as parents influence,
and the willingness of teaching staff to implement them. Ensure there is certain
protocol that must be followed through in the event of a complaint about bullying.
Those that police it must take the offence seriously and not dismiss it.
Boarding schools could be suggested by both the Upright and Reversed Five of
Wands, where you have a mix of children thrown together for extended periods who
may or may not get on together. Boarding schools have had a notorious reputation for
unchecked bullying over the years. In many cases it was perceived as a rite of
passage, something the individual had to put up with, stand up to, or get over. Bullying
was to be expected and no one liked a tell-tale. Reporting bullying sometimes brought
further bullying with staff not handling it appropriately, exposing the accuser to even
greater torment. And of course, we must also look at where the bullying is coming
from. It may not be fellow children or peer bullying at all. It could come from higher up
the chain of command, from teachers or principals. Reversed Courts, Reversed
Hierophant, Reversed Emperor/Empress could suggest bullying coming from those in
charge. If so, exposing it will prove more challenging as they may attempt to cover it
up or deny it.
Bullying either diminishes or becomes very serious in the Reversed Five of Wands.
Regardless of where it is coming from, if the Five and Seven of Swords appears, you
must act. If the Four, Eight, Nine or Ten of Swords appear in connection to this reading,
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there would be concern for the psychological state of the victim, who may not be able
to cope much longer.
Detention, Suspension and Expulsion
If it is your child who is the issue, the one causing the problems, be it bullying, cheek
or disruption, the school could take action and decide to suspend or expel them.
Problematic children could get detention under the influence of The Five of Wands
Reversed. They may be prevented from joining the other children at school breaks or
held back after hours. They could be blatantly ignoring school policy and rules, or
perhaps rebelling against them. If there are problems at home, such as relationship
issues, separation or divorce, your children could be acting out at school and getting
in trouble. Cheek or apathy may be a mask for anger and upset.
Aggressive Children/Bullies/Gangs
The Five of Wands Upright shows tough kids who like to play rough. To the onlooker
it can appear worrying or startling. Only if surrounding cards suggest something more
sinister, would you associate the Upright Card with anything other than kids being kids.
It is usually harmless play. Kids need to find their own way in this situation, unless they
are suffering stress because of it. When the Five of Wands Reverses, we must look a
little further. Yes, it can suggest children acting tough, but all in play, or good sport.
Games can get a bit out of hand, many times ending in tears, but its all part of hanging
out with the other kids, engaging in sham fights and pretend games. However, if
surrounding cards give cause for concern, the Reversed Five of Wands could be
highlighting archetypal bully behaviour. There is usually a ring leader, presumably the
figure dressed in red in the imagery. They have a gang that follow their lead and carry
out orders. They suggest trouble and need to be dealt with. It may be your child caught
up in the gang or the ring leader, but they might be the one who is getting bullied.
The Reversed Card brings in the covert aspect. The battle is not always fought out in
the open or in a transparent manner. This gang, or bully child, is clever enough not to
draw attention to themselves when authoritative adults are around. They could act
friendly or helpful, but once no one is around, their personality could change rapidly.
If your child is caught up in this behaviour or a victim of it, you need to act rapidly.
Children who are bullies tend to observe this behaviour at home. We must look back
to the Reversed Four of Wands to find the root cause. In the Reversed Four of Wands
we found unstable families, neglectful parents and broken homes. A broken home
does not indicate a bully personality as single parenting following separation or divorce
is very much the norm now. Once children are loved, protected, and given a secure,
stable home, they will turn out just fine. There are always exceptions to the rule of
course and we can find bullies coming from very nice backgrounds. Children can
become bullies if they fall in with the wrong crowd. They may seek acceptance from
an apparent elite or popular group, going along with their bad behaviour, just to be one
of them. Your child may not tell you what is going on if they fear reprisals for snitching
on the gang or bully. You need to be observant if you have suspicions in this area.
Take action before it goes any further.
We can look at this card from another perspective. If you live in an area where there
is a lot of delinquent behaviour, you may feel up against it as you try to protect your
children from exposure to such negativity. We now see you as the figure in red, making
a stand, eyes in the back of your head, trying to keep track of what is going on as you
ward off the bad influences. You might feel you are fighting a losing battle, but what
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are you supposed to do? How do your rear your child with a thread of decency when
so many want to take it from them? There may be aggressive interaction between
neighbours about children. Parents of the culprits may be in denial, believing their child
beyond reproach. This could cause stress in the family, with the more reactionary
parent wanting to teach someone a lesson. It could get out of hand. Living close to
towns or cities can be an issue as your children are likely to be out and about more.
The Reversed Five of Wands with The Five of Swords could point to your
child/teenager getting involved in gang culture, living in an area where gangs rule the
neighbourhood, or being at the receiving end of aggression from gangs.
Not Little Kids Anymore
The Five of Wands Reversed can also represent the time for couples when they
suddenly realise their children are no longer babies, but are growing up. They are not
as demanding and can occupy themselves without constant supervision. You dont
even know where they are half the time. Your home life is calmer and you mi ght be
getting some quality time with your partner or spouse again. Your house may seem
smaller as the kids get bigger, and even smaller again when their friends call around.
You recall fondly or nostalgically their early years and now think it not as bad as you
made out to be - selective recall. Part of you misses having young babies or children
around. You are losing the control you had in the past and probably worry about them
out and about in the big world. You cant be there to fight their battles, or protect them
from upset and hurt. They must fight though life in their own way, know when to be
assertive or defensive, when to hold on, and when to let go. They will learn from their
mistakes in the school of life, just like everyone else. You have prepared them well by
providing a stable and secure background. Your love and pride in them has
strengthened their self-confidence and self-esteem. They will be fine.
Following on from the above, The Five of Wands could highlight your large brood
diminishing as one by one they flee the nest to set up their own Pentacle/home/life
elsewhere. In the imagery, they are in the process of moving, taking all their things
with them. They may have friends around to assist and lift, or perhaps their siblings.
There may be an issue with who gets to take over their room after they leave, and
many other items to settle. The Six/Ten of Cups Reversed, Four of Wands Reversed,
along with The Empress/Emperor Reversed, could strengthen this possibility as the
family home and parental roles change.
Tied To Apron Strings
On the other hand, if you have consistently fought your childrens battles for them over
the years, and not let them figure things out, you may find this continuing as they get
older. They do not have the skills to deal with disappointment or rejection, turning to
you to sort out their issues, to make it all right. They may get easily upset or angry
over the slightest thing as they have not learned to toughen up. If you have your
children too tightly tied to your apron strings, you are not doing them any favours. Yes,
the world can be harsh place, but they will eventually have to find their way in it. You
need to prepare them for this in increments by encouraging appropriate independence,
and taking responsibility for their actions. You cannot shadow them forever. They must
be allowed make mistakes and learn from them, take a knocking and get back up
again.
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Keeping It Manageable
In the Five of Wands Upright we explored the desire to have a large family, to fill the
house with children. When this card Reverses, a large family may be the last thing you
want or need. You cant possible see how you would manage or keep order. Large
families are lovely when all are successfully reared, healthy and happy. You on the
other hand would think it exhausting and a huge financial strain. It is something you
are quite happy to leave to others. We could also find a situation where a large family
is desired but having to settle for less.
In The Five of Wands Reversed, there may be a change of heart for those who had
decided against having children, or vice versa.
Single Parent Exhaustion
In the Upright Five we looked at the struggles of single parenting, having to be all
things to everyone and keep so many balls in the air. In Reverse, help has either
arrived allowing for a less demanding existence, or you begin to drop the balls one by
one, unable to cope with what is expected of you. If the Six of Pentacles, Reversed
Five of Pentacles or Six of Swords appears close by, this could be an indication you
are now receiving support from Social Welfare or perhaps family and friends have
stepped in to offer assistance. The other parent may begin to take up some of the
slack, taking some of the pressure off you. However, you might be going under, letting
things slip, losing control as exhaustion and despair set in. If this is the case you need
to seek help from relevant organisations. It is not a time to feel too proud to ask for
help. You have not failed as a parent. You are simply overwhelmed with tiredness and
worry. Check for the Five of Pentacles in the spread which will show have desperate
and isolated you feel in your situation.
Step-Children
In the Upright Five of Wands we explored possible issues with step-children in
relationships. When this card reverses, we see a lightening of tension for all involved.
A halt is called to ongoing battles as children and step-parents begin to accept each
others presence. It may have felt like pulling teeth, with children having unnatural
energy to sustain hostility or negative attitudes toward you. It may have been you who
did not gel with them. You could have felt threatened by their presence, or resentful of
their special relationship with your partner. Thankfully, the situation has moved on,
and whereas you might still be walking on eggshells around each other, it is a great
improvement on where you started. Effort still needs to be applied as this is a very
delicate environment. One step wrong and you could be back to square one.
Communication with your partners ex, the mother or father of the children, has
become more civilised. You can just about tolerate each others presence. If both of
you had children from previous relationships or marriage, we see them settling into
companionship and even friendship. They are no longer as wary of each other. You
see them play or hang out together without issue.
As this is a card of extremes, the situation may be more entrenched with step-children
stubbornly refusing to budge in any direction towards you or their step-siblings. They
say they hate you and blame you for their misfortune. They are locked into battle with
you and it is wearing you down. Their aim is to break up your relationship in the hope
their parent will return home. For them it is quite simple. Get rid of you, and life will
return to normal. You might concede defeat to the children and consider leaving your
partner. This is not what you signed up. Older children, even adult ones, can try the
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same tactic. They should know better, but their minds are closed. They refuse to
accept their parent was not happy in the relationship with their mother or father. They
dont care about anyones happiness but their own.
If your partners ex has not moved on from their break-up, he or she could be the
driving negative force behind step-childrens behaviour. He or she could poison their
childrens mind towards you, and even suggest ways to upset you. If there is a legal
separation or divorce in process, the children may be over-exposed to dramas going
on between their estranged parents.
In the Reversed Five of Wands we are also looking at a step-child being ostracised
from the family group if you and your partner have had other children together. This
might only be in their head, but we could also find the step-parent deliberately treating
this child in a non-inclusive manner. This attitude may only appear when the childs
real parent is not around. This child could feel like an outsider. The other children,
could single out their step-sibling for nasty treatment, or gang up on them when no
one is around. This situation has grown out of the Reversed Four of Wands. There
may be a sense of not accepting a child or not wanting one.
The Issue of Paternity
If you have discovered you are pregnant, you may be unsure who the father is if you
have had several partners. The imagery in the Five of Wands is quite explicit when we
look at it from a sexual perspective. Lets face it, we do see several Wands being
waved in the air at the one time. This means you may have had more than one partner
in the time frame where conception occurred. The father could be one of a couple or
several. The presence of several Reversed male Court Cards, Reversed Emperor,
Reversed Magician and Seven of Cups could see you having to explore this multiple
choice possibility.
Not Skilled In The Art Of Flirtation Or Seduction
In the Upright Five of Wands we found outrageous flirtation and attempts at seduction.
The Reversed Five of Wands could be highlighting a lack of skill in this area. Flirtation
and seduction do not come naturally. Chatting up someone could cause you to break
out in a cold sweat and get tongue-tied or clam up. Instead of making a move, you
hang back and stay on the edge watching others, do with ease and panache, what
you cant. You might be the opposite of the Upright Five painfully shy or insecure.
You could do with the support of the Four of Wands, friends and family who will
encourage you to build confidence and self-belief. Maybe you need some introductions
from people you can trust. There is also the option of seeking professional guidance if
anxiety issues are severe. You could look into courses that focus on assertiveness
and personal development.
You may however, think you possess pulling power in heaps, but in truth its likely
cliched, corny and predictable. Your chat-up lines may be an instant turn-off. You
might be too obvious in your approach, or believe your presence is enough. An over-
inflated ego could blind you to the dire mistakes you are making. In the Upright Five,
we found a magnetic personality that drew people. You were the bright flame that
moths flew to. Your chat-up lines a guarantee of instant success. Crowds gathered
round you just to be in your company, or in the hope of getting closer. In the Five of
Wands Reversed your approach has the opposite effect. Instead of filling the room,
you are known to clear it in seconds. The barstools empty rapidly as you swagger or
sashay up to them, ready to pounce. People avoid getting caught with you as you lean
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too heavily into their personal space. If your attempts at flirtation are not working, if
people are moving away from you, or give you strange looks, it might be a sign you
are getting it all wrong and need to stop what you are about. You could be trying too
hard, or innocently using inappropriate approaches. Your sales technique needs to
change. You need to brand yourself differently. You are likely trying to be someone
youre not, a personality you think everyone will be drawn to. You might need some
mentoring in this area, either with a professional or a good friend who will be open and
honest with you.
Sex Life Restored After Estrangement
After trouble experienced in The Upright Five of Wands which caused disturbance to
your sex life, we see things get back to normal in the Reverse. Whatever storm hit the
relationship has passed and partners tentatively make a move towards each other in
reconciliation. Intimacy is slowly restored as anger diminishes. Comfort in each others
arms is sought. The estrangement has taken its toll. There may have been an
indiscretion, affair or upsetting behaviour, but an effort is made to restore the
relationship. The first initial return to sex could be uneasy as neither of you want to be
seen to push the agenda. There is a sense of walking on eggshells around the subject
of sex. However, when it gets there, there may be a heightened experience with your
partner, as if having sex for the first time again. This restoration of your sex life could
lead to a new closeness and appreciation of what you might have lost. All will be well
and you have survived. Take it slowly as trust must build at its own pace. Sexually you
will feel more balanced.
Alternatively, your sex life may become a distant memory of the past if damage
sustained to the relationship cannot be mended. What once was active and engaging
has been reduced to ashes. The Five of Wands often learns lessons the hard way.
Instead of the Reversed Five heading back to the Four for stability, it continues its
downward spiral from the Reversed Four of Wands, making one mistake after another,
and shooting itself in the foot over and over again. Just when you think it cannot get
any worse it probably might under the influence of this Reversed card, but surrounding
cards should throw light upon which aspect is at play. If it is the latter aspect, the mess
is generally self-inflicted, but external third-parties could be taking advantage of the
chaos for their own gain. Someone may not want you to reconcile with your
partner/spouse and deliberately set you up to fail.
Sleeping With Your Ex
The Five of Wands Upright highlighted the possibility of interference from an ex. It was
generally unwelcome. However, in The Reversed Five of Wands, we could find
collusion. You may invite the interference or allow it to go unchecked. You might be
curious, or perhaps hope something will come out of it. Under this energy you could
easily fall into bed with your ex. It could happen after encountering them at a party,
social occasion or chance meeting. You may have orchestrated the situation, inviting
them for a coffee, drink, just to catch up, or asked them to call to your home to pick up
their belongings. Sex with your ex might lead you back into their arms, but it might also
be extremely painful if you havent yet got over them. It could be like pulling a plaster
off an open wound. You are in a constant state of construction, destruction and then
reconstruction rinse and repeat. It certainly will complicate matters, especially if you
are in a relationship with another. You continue to dip in and out of the game, never
fully leaving the playing pitch, sustaining further injury due to over-exposure.
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After They Get What They Want, Theyre Gone

The Five of Wands Reversed could highlight a situation where interest wanes after
securing a love conquest. You may have been pursued by an admirer who seemed
head over heels in love or infatuated with you. They were persistent in their attentions
and brought pressure to bear about agreeing to a date. So, eventually you gave in and
allowed yourself to be caught. You were quite excited about this and happy to be with
someone who wanted you so much. Things advanced very rapidly with this suitor
making a move on you. They were crazy about you, couldnt keep their hands off you,
so you decided to throw caution to the wind and go with it. It is wonderful to be adored
and treated like a Goddess/God.
Anyway, that was all a few days or weeks ago. In the afterglow of sex, you had thought
to lie there and talk, but they appeared restless and distant. They muttered something
about having to go, or drop you home, and before you knew it you were on your own.
You havent heard from them since which has left you very perplexed. Was it
something you said, did, didnt do? Were you really that awful, or sexually boring?
Unfortunately, you may have to accept the fact this person was looking for one thing,
and after they got it, took off. You might have been lured or fooled into giving the goods
away too soon. If you had held back, they might still be around, but what difference
would it make with this type of person. Sooner or later you would have got there, unless
you intended to wait until you were married, and the same would have happened. A
lesson learned. We can all fall foul of flattery and feigned adulation. Our ego likes to
think it is incomparable and outstanding. We know we shouldnt be taken in by such
sycophancy, but turn to bask in it as if the sun. The Five of Wands Reversed could
leave you feeling used and disrespected. Hopefully you never have to see this person
again.
Sex Ruins The Dynamics of A Group or Friendship
The Five of Wands Reversed could find you regretting any hasty action taken in the
Upright. The imagery in the card suggests a group of people, they could be known to
each other, or just strangers encountered. They could be work colleagues or people
you associate with. In the Upright we found sexual chemistry. Sparks flew when you
were around this group. There was an energy building between you and another which
was electrifying. Gosh, you felt so alive, your nerve endings tingling, your heart beating
wildly as you brushed off each other, or caught their eye which always seemed to seek
you out. And then you went and did it! It was building, a steam of pressure that had to
blow. The moment presented itself and things happened. With wild abandon, you
unleashed all the sexual frustration built inside you. It was wonderful. However,
nothing has been the same since. There is an atmosphere among the group that you
find quite isolating. The dynamics have changed since you had sex with this person.
You are unsure whether the others know, but they are not as relaxed with you
anymore. The person in question who used to seek you out and have such fun with
you, is not as forthcoming anymore. You wish things to go back to normal but its
awkward. Perhaps you should have left it as it was, a flirtation and tease that made
life a bit more exciting. Too late. You wont be doing that again in a hurry.
Erratic Sex Life
After the rush of love and passion from Ace to Four, we now find a couple whose sex
life has diminished somewhat in the Reversed Five. This is often a natural progression
as a relationship moves away from the heady intense stage and settles into more of a
routine. In the beginning, you couldnt keep your hands off each other, but now you
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cant remember when you last touched, let alone kiss. Whereas the Upright Five was
a very definite full contact sport, the Reverse finds players pull or hold back, not
wanting or seeking such contact. This could be a direct result of the Upright Five if
babies or children have entered the picture. You may be too exhausted to think of sex.
Sleep is what you crave, not your partner. You might be on your guard, not wanting to
give any inkling to your partner of the possibility of sex. This could involve hastily
getting dressed or undressed when they are out of sight as you dont want them getting
any ideas. You could pretend to be asleep when youre not in an effort to avoid
intimacy. You just dont feel like it and cant be bothered to pretend otherwise. The
patter of little tiny feet often gets in the way of a sex life, or is the un-doer of it. In
general, committed couples will work their way through this, eventually finding the way
back to a sex life post-baby. However, the nature of it might change. It is less likely to
be spontaneous. Fire prefers to be free in this area but restrictions are now in place.
You might have to work around childrens bedtime, or schedule it into a to do, or try
to do weekly/monthly list. You rarely have time alone, or the energy for that sort of fun
anymore.
Allowing Your Sex Life To Slip Away
This card could suggest you have lost the fun side to your relationship and should
strive to get it back. You are letting the troubles of life get in the way. Ongoing rows
and quarrels may erode intimacy. Relationships need to be worked on, but should not
feel like hard work. Studies indicate that couples who make time for sexual intimacy
tend to fare better in the long run. They are happier and more content with each other.
They are better equipped to deal with issues in the relationship as they arise. If you do
not make time for sex in your relationship, or make excuses each time the subject is
broached, your partner may weaken in the face of temptation elsewhere. It is important
to remain connected to each other, and spend time doing non-domestic related
activities.
The arrival of babies or growing family may be used as an ongoing excuse for not
pursuing your sex life with each other.
Taking Back Your Sex Life
In The Four of Wands, much time was given to setting up home, starting a family, and
settling in. Now you might be too settled, or spend too much time in the home. You
could also be spending too much of your free time with in-laws. You need to rouse
yourself into action. If you are married, avoid falling into the old married couple
archetypal lifestyle. Surprise yourselves, and those around you. Set out to reclaim the
buzz you used to have in your relationship. Set up boundaries around your us time.
Do something together, get out into the fresh air and move. Try hiking or biking, or
take up running. Set about planning an unusual trip away. Join a drama club. It is also
important to make a sustained effort with your appearance. If you have let yourself go
in this area, do something about it. This applies to both male and female. Complacency
can set in when a relationship becomes long-term or after marriage and kids. Dressing
to impress, keeping your hair washed or beard trimmed, will make you feel good too.
Get fit.
A Return To Monogamy
If you have gone through the break up, separation or divorce of the Reversed
Two/Three/Four of Wands, you very possibly took a well-earned break from getting
heavily involved with anyone. This did not mean you stayed at home watching
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television, but rather hit the social scene, dating and mating, then preferring to go
home alone. You may have spread your wings sexually and had a few fun flings or
played the field with your new-found freedom. In The Five Reversed, we find you grow
tired and unfulfilled with your current way of living. You are not getting the kicks out of
it anymore and now begin to look favourably on the Upright Four of Wands once more.
You are ready to come in off the pitch and leave this particular game to others. Instead
of dating and mating, you now seek monogamy and stability. This might have been
prompted by a certain someone you thought just a casual fling, but has turned out
much more. You have developed feelings for someone, or would like to. You want to
be part of a relationship with someone you care about and cares about you.
A Feast Or Famine Sex Life
The Reversed Five of Wands can suggest either an over-active or underactive sex life.
You either have to beat your admirers off, or madly wave to get their attention. Its a
feast of famine. You are getting a lot of sex, or none at all. A partner may surprise you
with their sexual appetite or leave you disappointed. There may be intimacy issues.
Sexually Passive or Incompatible
The Reversed Five of Wands could suggest you are not interested in sex, or that it is
not high on your list of priorities when it comes to finding the right partner. It can also
highlight a partner who avoids sex if the attraction has waned. Sexual incompatibility
follows on from the Upright Five. You may prefer a more gentle, romantic approach,
with lots of foreplay while your partner prefers a hot frenzied one. There could be lack
of communication between partners. The Reversed Five of Wands could suggest you
are sexually inexperienced in comparison to your partner.
The Reversed Five of Wands can also show the opposite attitude to sex of the Upright
Five. In this case we would be looking at a very prudish personality who stays away
from anything that is remotely connected to sex. This will include avoiding any TV
programs or movies that show sexual or nude scenes. There is an extremely
conservative approach to sex with it barely being tolerated for the sake of conception.
Old-fashioned attitudes are observed and clothes never fully removed. There may be
letters of complaint written to newspapers, radio or TV stations over sexually explicit
content.
Dropping Your Guard With Contraception
In the Five of Wands Reversed we might be looking at multiple sex partners again.
This could be someone who has had a lot of exs history! You may also be worried
about your partner sleeping around, or being unfaithful. This could be paranoia on your
part (Nine of Wands). Check for Reversed Courts. You might be aware of your own
inability to resist temptation. Depending on surrounding cards, the Reversed Five of
Wands could suggest unprotected sex. In the Upright, there is defence, but in the
Reverse, guards are dropped. You might not feel you need protection if you are in a
long-term relationship, but your partner may have a sexual history prior to you. The
Reversed Five could suggest a negligent attitude to contraception.
In the imagery of this card, we might be looking at sexually active individuals. One
would assume they are taking care where contraception is concerned as they are so
openly active, but there might be a laid-back attitude to it or total disregard. Before you
get yourself into a tight moment with any of this group, check these very important
details as you might have to back out rapidly. Worse still is, if after going so far you
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discover there is no intention to use contraception, you decide to take a chance on it

anyway. This might occur in a party environment, where alcohol has been consumed.
It is possible you will only become aware of the lack of contraception once it is over
and done, and too late.
On the other hand, dropping contraception may be a deliberate act if you have decided
to start a family. Here we see someone who was super cautious with contraception
actively avoid it.
Sexual Insecurities
If you are recently out of a traumatic separation or divorce, you might feel a loss of
sexuality, especially if your partner left you for a younger person. You may have
reached a stage in life where you believe you are over the hill and no longer attractive
to the opposite sex. You might be interested in meeting someone new, but are anxious
about the physical side of things. This wasnt an issue when you were younger but
suddenly it is a big elephant in the room where dating is concerned. With low self-
esteem, you think it impossible to compete with those you deem younger, better
looking and fitter than you.
You may also have reached that stage in life where your interest in sex begins to wane.
Anxieties over virility or being able to achieve orgasm may bring stress to your sex life.
Check for The Hermit, Reversed Emperor/Empress/Magician/High Priestess or
Reversed Court Queens, Kings and possible Reversed Six of Cups. Sex becomes a
battle instead of enjoyable. You might be trying too hard and overthinking the process.
If you can let go and go with the flow instead of against it, you might find a more relaxed
sex life. Getting older doesnt mean the end of a sex life. Sex is not just for the young.
In later life, sex can take on a new meaning for you in relationships. It may not be as
energetic, or athletic, but it offers strong connection and commitment between you and
your partner.
On the other hand, you may be trying to hold onto your youth by masquerading as an
aging playboy, or playgirl. You might believe you are as young as the person you feel
or sleeping with. You refuse to grow old gracefully and behave outrageously. Your
clothes could be too tight, too revealing and too young. Bling replaces style with hit
heaped on in heavy doses.
Missing Out Sexually/No Action
The Reversed Five of Wands could be pointing to a lack of action in your sex life.
There could be a number of reasons as this card can suggest a sham situation,
pretence etc. You might be making out to everyone around you that all is good but in
truth there is nothing happening. It could be all talk and no walk. You might be in a
relationship or marriage where there is an expectation of having a physical relationshi p
with your partner, but something is up. There may be little or no intimate contact
between you which has been allowed go on for some time. The subject has now
become unbroachable and avoidance tactics adopted. Sex has ceased due to ongoing
rows or disappointment. A partner may have stepped over a major line, into forbidden
or private territory. If there has been discovery of an affair or indiscretion, one of the
first things withdrawn will be sex. The withdrawal of sex may be used as a form of
punishment.
You sex life may be scattered or erratic, all go for one or two weeks and then a drought
for months. In relationships, sex may happen only on the rare occasion, the rest of the
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time a barren landscape. It might show a marked contrast to what your sex life used
to be. You never had a problem in this area and could always rely on a steady stream
of opportunities. It is likely you were used to, and still need, regular sex, but its not
happening. It is possible in The Five of Wands Reversed, you might consider looking
for it, not out in the open as in the Upright Five, but discreetly through professional
services. There will be little emotional connection, just physical release. This is
something you will keep to yourself.
We might also be looking at a situation where a partner is experiencing sexual
dysfunction. Males who would normally be depicted as the virile warrior types of the
Upright Five, could be experiencing erectile dysfunction or other issues. Men are not
great about discussing such things and certainly not with their friends, so there could
be a sense of not feeling like one of the boys, and experience it as a reflection on their
masculinity and virility.
Health problems or treatments such as chemotherapy, or specific cancers will also rob
a person of any sexual drive. The loss of your sex life may be a significant thing for
you.
Sexual Taboos/Shocked By Partners Requests
In The Five of Wands Upright we found partners exploring and experimenting with sex.
They were prepared to try out new things and even break some sexual taboos which
made them feel very wicked indeed. In the Reversed Five we find the desire still exists,
but only on one side. One partner has raised the subject and revealed what they would
like and hope to try out. They are waiting for a positive and eager response from their
partner, but are met with shock and disgust. They are told in no uncertain terms that it
wont be happening, and never will. Subject closed. There could be an atmosphere
that lingers after, as perhaps what the partner asked for has shown them in a new
light. Here we might find two very different sexual personalities. One who is open and
liberal, willing to try anything, and the other who is closed, conventional and very
conservative. There may also be a religious element to it, related to sin and morals.
Check for the Hierophant.
When in Reverse, the Five of Wands might want to ban all forms of porn. Sex could
be seen as something dirty and undesirable. Sex is repressed or beaten into
submission.
Attitude To Sex
In the Upright Five we looked at an attitude of entitlement when it came to sex. You
were in a relationship or marriage and saw it as your due. There was an expectancy
of it being readily available to you. In the Five of Wands Reversed, we see a different
attitude or a worsening of the Upright stance. We might see an understanding of
needing your partner, team mate to be on the same page as you at the same time for
sex to happen. Just because you have signed up for inclusion in the game, to be a
player, doesnt automatically imply you are available for, or want to, play every single
game offered to you. Some you dont have the time for, and others you would prefer
to sit out. You both need to be up for it if its going to work successfully.
Coming from an extreme side, we could see the sense of entitlement bordering on the
belief you have the right to sex on demand. You care less about whether your partner
wants it or is in the mood. You take it anyway, even when you see they are not into it.
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You may assume ownership or rights over their body. Surrounding cards would need
to support this negative theory.
Feeling Less Confused About Your Sexual Identity
In the Upright Five we experienced great inner turmoil and confusion with sexual
identity. You were uncertain of your preferences, could not make sense of them or
were unsettled by changing desires. In the Reversed Five of Wands you begin to get
a clearer sense of who you are and where your sexual preferences lie. It took some
time though. You may have conducted a few experiments in your search to
understand. While in the Upright you were struggling to fit in or belong to a certain
identity, you now know where that is when Reversed. You feel a growing connection
to certain groups or individuals and feel relieved to be accepted by them. This will bring
a sense of happiness in your life.
Of course, the Reversed Five could be pointing you back to the Four of Wands. You
may have dabbled with several sexual orientations before returning to being
heterosexual, gay or bisexual. The Upright Five of Wands showed a liberal approach,
wanted to try them out for yourself. In the imagery we found varying individuals, none
who dressed alike (different Sexual Identities). You may have experimented, tried out
sex with someone you normally wouldnt. Your partners, were all playing on different
teams. In The Five of Wands Reversed, you return to your own team.
This Reversed Card could also imply you continue to pursue a variety of sexual
relationships but keep them very much under cover.
Maturing Sex
From the frenzied pace of sexual pursuit observed in the Upright Card connected to
an adolescent or youthful approach, we now see a tempering of activity in this area.
In The Upright Five, we found a bunch of sexually aware and active young figures
embark on sexual adventures as if a sport or competition. There was the need for
quantity over quality as they sought one sexual conquest after another. Now in the
Five of Wands Reversed, it appears to have burned out of their system. They have
been there, done that and have the t-shirt to prove it. It no longer holds the same
appeal for them. Players begin to leave the open field in search of something less
public. Of course, some may stay behind, wondering why the others would want to
quit as they are quite happy with the life they live and the type of sex theyre getting.
The players who wish to distance themselves from the open game, are now drawn to
more mature relationships. They may have met someone who means something to
them, or are fed up with sex without real feeling. They might be ready to offer a form
of commitment to another, perhaps try out a full-time relationship, or more. They now
want to hang around with someone for longer than a night or two. There is a sense of
growing up. Wild oats have been sown and its time to move on.
Tight-Lipped About Your Sex Life or Kiss And Tell All
In the Upright Five of Wands, we encountered much talking and sharing of sexual
encounters with friends or colleagues. There may have been bragging or boasting
involved. Everyone knew your sexual business and it played to your ego. In the
Reverse, it might be the last thing you seek. This card could suggest that although you
sit and talk with any number of people in different environments and scenarios, there
are certain subjects you do not open up about. You may have to listen to others detail
the ins and out of their sex life, reacting with nods and gasps of shock where
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appropriate, but you wont be forthcoming with any such personal details. Privacy is
important to you. You may not be a fan of social media either, appalled at what people
share and discuss.
The Upright Five of Wands brought a willingness to be open about your sex life. You
were quite happy to talk of how much you were getting, how often, and with whom.
You shared intimate details with your friends and at times bragged about your
conquests. Now in The Five of Wands, we can find a very different stance, or more of
the same. You may be quite private about your sex-life, or only share details with very
close friends, a small circle you can trust. You do not think of sex as something you
should brag about and respect the privacy of your partner and others. You may have
a strict rule with partners about disclosing any private details about you on their social
media pages. You might get uncomfortable when others talk about sex, telling them
you dont want to know. You may have learned the hard way if you previously shared
intimate details with those who then could not keep it to themselves. Gossip may have
spread about you. Private images or videos could have been leaked by an ex-partner
or malicious person intent on humiliation you. You will not be making that mistake
again as you tighten up on the information you share with others. You are determined
to guard the privacy of your relationship and sex-life.
Of course, The Reversed Five of Wands could simply bring more of the Upright aspect
with your sex life on public display and comment. There is a kiss and tell energy, as
gossip and rumour spread about what you get up to between the sheets and with
whom. This might be something you like or are totally unaware of. If you dont respect
your own privacy it is unlikely you will respect others. You will be quick to spread the
news of anothers indiscretion or affair, irrespective of the damage and hurt you cause.
Addicted To Sex
In a reading related to sex or attitude to sex, the Five of Wands Reversed could point
to a level of addiction to sex. Other cards such as the Devil (addiction), Reversed
Lovers (sex, not love), Reversed Temperance (excess/hedonism) Reversed Courts,
especially Cups, Wands and Pentacles could indicate a tendency towards excessive
indulgence or obsession with sex. In the Upright Five we find a very healthy appetite
for sex and a situation of generally always being in the mood for it. There is a positive
desire for sex and the card suggests a very active, if not messy or chaotic sex life. Five
will act first and think later so could cause a lot of drama where sex is concerned.
However, in the Five of Wands Reversed, we find a situation where the active pursuit
of sex becomes less prominent and calms down, or develops into a problem and gets
out of hand. Finding a stable partner and entering a committed relationship will
naturally put an end to looking for sex elsewhere. The sex life may be very active still,
but no longer spread around, as its confined to a particular person, not several.
Addiction to sex can take several forms but is generally viewed as hypersexuality;
satyriasis (males) and nymphomania (females). This type of addiction creates an
obsession with sex; always thinking about it, always craving or seeking it, sexual urges
at inappropriate times and a compulsion for excessive porn and cybersex. Just like
any addiction, you might feel you have no control over the situation. There may be
several causes behind sexual addiction, but if you have taken the path of favouring
online sex chatrooms, or over-indulging in porn instead of seeking a true and
meaningful relationship, you may become conditioned to instant gratification and
sexual release on demand. Like a drug, you become dependent on it (sex) and lose
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the ability to function normally. You seek sex everywhere without a care for the
potential consequences of your actions. With this addiction, you will quickly need more
than normal sex to satisfy you. In this manner, sexual urges may become fetish or
debase. The Devil, Tower and level of Reversed Cards, such as Reversed Five of
Pentacles, Reversed Fool, Reversed Temperance and certain Reversed Cup cards,
could suggest a total loss of control with lack of self-awareness, self-respect, or
conscience. Sex is sought anywhere; from street walkers, prostitutes and in very
dodgy places. The sex addict could be in a relationship or marriage but conducts this
other life. Their addiction is destructive and dangerous. Psychosexual or Sex and
Relationship Counselling may be required to break this downward spiralling habitual
behaviour.
Faking Orgasm
In the Upright Five we found an enjoyment of sex and being quite active in that area.
Multiple orgasms were suggested with marathons of energetic sex. Now in The Five
of Wands Reversed, we see a different picture. It could be telling us of desiring and
attempting multiple orgasms but not quite getting there. You will have to make do with
your normal allowance. Some people have the ability for this while others dont. The
Reversed Five could also suggest that you fail to achieve orgasm no matter how hard
you try, or perhaps fake it. Faking orgasms is very common. Sometimes it is the result
of not communicating your sexual needs to your partner, allowing them to keep doing
the wrong thing, in the wrong place, at the wrong time. You might be embarrassed to
tell them what it is you need to achieve orgasm, or do not want them to feel inadequate.
You go along with this level of pretence, which will eventually cause you to lose interest
in sex as you are getting nothing out of it. You might also be faking multiple orgasms
to give the impression you have a very high sex drive which you think will make you
more desirable.
Rough Sex Not Your Thing
The Five of Wands Reversed could point to not being interested in, or not wanting
rough sex. Its simply not your thing. You could have met someone who likes it and
maybe you went along with it a couple of times, but would really prefer something
more traditional and conventional. You might be looking for romance, tenderness and
slow lingering emotional contact, not exhausting action. You like to be treated gently
and not manhandled. You could be in a relationship or marriage with someone who
doesnt understand this. You will need to communicate your feelings. There may be a
misunderstanding. Your new partner, or current one, could feel the same but is under
the impression that rough sex, means great sex.
The Perils Of Unprotected Sex
A one night stand you had already forgotten about, has come back to bite you in the
face as you discover a pregnancy is the aftermath of your fun and frolics. What will
you do now? The fling you had on vacation has left you with an STI which has most
likely been passed on to your partner at this stage. What a mess? You will have to
prepare for the fallout. How do you manage to get yourself into so much trouble? The
Messy Sex Life of The Upright Five of Wands is just about to get a lot worse.
The Downside Of Being A Groupie
In the Upright Five of Wands we explored the laid back, liberal and free-love life of a
Groupie. There was a comfort with nudity and casual sex. Most groupies grow up and
move on, some marrying their idols or someone close to them. Others do not fare so
133
well. The life of a Groupie can be exciting and entitling. Doors open for you into areas
that are off-limits to most. You get to hang around celebrities, attend parties, concerts
with back stage passes and feature in media coverage. Your name could be well
known as your reputation builds. It is likely you are gorgeous and very sexy with a
great body. Otherwise you may not be there. In the Five of Wands we see the negative
effects of life as a Groupie. Drugs and drink could become too much of a fixture in your
life as they are passed around freely. You could develop an addiction. Your life could
become meaningless as you drift in a drunken or drugged haze from party to party,
falling out of taxis, crashing out on chairs, beds and floors. You may be unsure of who
you are having or had sex with. You could become an object to be used by others.
The lovely body you started out with in The Upright Five may be thin and wasted from
lack of proper nutrition, too much alcohol, drugs and cigarettes. You are a total mess
and no good to anyone at this stage. It is time to go home and get your life back in
order before it is too late. You need the stabilising energy of the Four of Wands and
support of family.
Sexual Harassment Stops/Increases
In The Upright Five of Wands we dealt with the issue of sexual harassment. A situation
was making you feel uncomfortable at work, socially or elsewhere. In the Five of
Wands Reversed you act upon it and take the matter in hand. This could involve you
making an official complaint or filing a report. You are determined to put a stop to this
game. There may be an enquiry and personal details taken. If this is a work situation,
you might feel ostracised by those who see you as making trouble for one or more of
their colleagues. You may be unsure of who is on your side as people give you a wide
berth. Your allegations are being taken seriously by whatever authorities you have
reported them to and you will see some changes enforced. The offending party/ies
may be removed, there may be a public apology or compensation for example. The
Justice, Judgement, Upright Sword Court Cards could suggest justice being served or
legal action taken.
Because of the extreme aspects of Reverse Cards, we could also see injustice. Sexual
harassment increases or is allowed go unchecked. Complaints you make may not be
taken seriously, made light of, or ignored. You could be made feel the guilty party.
Your life may be made difficult by your antagonists who feel they can treat you as they
wish. You could feel powerless and even forced out of your job. Surrounding cards will
give indications of whether things are improving or getting worse.
Sexual Force/Abuse
If this card falls with the Five/Seven/Eight of Swords, Reversed Courts, Devil etc. you
could be looking at a situation where someone is forced into having sex, or is raped.
This could be an assault by an individual, but more likely a group. This is not an
interpretation that would be thrown out lightly.
134

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Return To Table Of Content Five Wands Five Wands Rx (Free of Charge Download)

Return To Table Of Content 5 5rx 2017 Vivien N Dhuinn

Disclaimer - Important Information

Return To Table Of Content 5 5rx 2017 Vivien N Dhuinn

**Important Information of Sex Interpretations**

Return To Table Of Content 5 5rx 2017 Vivien N Dhuinn

parental influence, education, community and culture, religious influence, peer

Return To Table Of Content 5 5rx 2017 Vivien N Dhuinn

**Important Information of Sex Interpreta tions** ....................................................................... 3

The Five of Wands I ts Role ................................................................................................... 14

**Important Information On Sex Interpreta tions** ................................................................... 20

Bracing Yourself For Change .................................................................................................... 22

A Fier y Rel ationship Love is a Battlefiel d ...................................................................................... 24

Stress Causes Lack of Intimacy ................................................................................................ 26

Difference in Culture ............................................................................................................... 27

Confused About Love............................................................................................................... 30

External Demands ................................................................................................................... 33

Interference from an Ex-Partner............................................................................................... 36

Cant See The Wood For The Trees ........................................................................................... 37

The Wicked Webs We Weave.................................................................................................... 38

Return To Table Of Content 5 5rx 2017 Vivien N Dhuinn

Nit-Picking and Nagging .......................................................................................................... 39

Taking a Risk Potential To Blow Up In Your Face ..................................................................... 39

Panic/Rush/Reckless Action ..................................................................................................... 41

Petty Arguments ..................................................................................................................... 42

Dynamic Competitive Couple.................................................................................................... 43

The School Of Life A Novel Approach To Educa tion .................................................................. 45

Coming Off The Side lines Being Proactive In Love .................................................................. 46

A Raging Flir t ......................................................................................................................... 48

Hunting In A Pack Mob Mentality ........................................................................................... 49

Partners Friends A Bit Wild, But Great Craic! ......................................................................... 50

Reality Stars .......................................................................................................................... 51

No Time For Relationships ....................................................................................................... 53

House Building /Renovation Issues ............................................................................................ 54

Issues With Ne ighbours ........................................................................................................... 56

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Not Fitting In .......................................................................................................................... 57

Getting Stuck In With The Neig hbours ...................................................................................... 58

IVF Frustra tion ....................................................................................................................... 59

Challenging Pregnancy ............................................................................................................ 60

More Pregnancy Dilemmas ....................................................................................................... 61

Concerns About Bringing Children Into An Uns table World .......................................................... 63

Diff icult Babies ....................................................................................................................... 64

Falling In With The Wrong Crowd ............................................................................................. 67

Babies & Children Ruining Your Sex Life .................................................................................... 69

Ongoing Rows Ruin Intimacy.................................................................................................... 70

Multiple Advances/Fighting Them Off ........................................................................................ 71

Bragging About Sex/Bawdy Talk ............................................................................................... 73

Battling Bigotry ...................................................................................................................... 74

Porn/Multiple Partners/Group Sex............................................................................................. 76

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The Challenge With Five .......................................................................................................... 78

Change Is As Good As A Rest................................................................................................... 80

Resisting settling .................................................................................................................... 81

Final Snag List ........................................................................................................................ 82

Neighbours - Keeping Your Dis tance/Pulling Back ...................................................................... 83

Focusing on Rela tionship/Career .............................................................................................. 84

End of Season For Spor ts Personalities .................................................................................... 86

Wasting Your Energy ............................................................................................................... 87

Cant Take No For An Answer/Fighting On ................................................................................. 88

Fighting Imaginary Competitors/Territor ial ................................................................................ 90

Quashing A Competitive Partner ............................................................................................... 91

Beating Yourself Up Self Blame ............................................................................................. 93

Pretending No t To Know Or Like Each O ther .............................................................................. 94

Important Information of Sex Interpretations

Important Information of Sex Interpreta tions ....................................................................... 3

Important Information On Sex Interpreta tions ................................................................... 20