The Ten of Wands represents life’s struggles. It symbolizes what it truly feels like to carry a heavy burden. Whether it’s physical, financial, emotional, or spiritual, having too much on your plate can lead to an existence that seems more like a burden than a blessing.
What can you learn about balancing responsibility from this Minor Arcana card? Is there any way to turn your troubles into triumphs? Keep reading to find out more about the Ten of Wands Tarot card meanings.
Table of Contents
Ten of Wands Tarot Keywords
| Upright | Struggling, overextending, feeling burdened |
| Reversed | Undependable, stress, procrastination |
| Yes or No | No |
| Numerology | 10, 1 |
| Element | Fire |
| Planet | Jupiter |
| Astrological Sign | Sagittarius |
What Does the Ten of Wands Mean in Tarot?
The Ten of Wands symbolizes a heavy burden or overwhelming responsibility. It suggests that you might be feeling weighed down by challenges, but it also encourages you to push through and lighten your load soon.
In reverse, the Ten of Wands represents a release of burdens or finding ways to ease your responsibilities. To be more specific, the Ten of Wands reversed in a Tarot reading could indicate that you’re learning to delegate or letting go of unnecessary stress.
Ten of Wands Tarot Card Description
To fully understand the Ten of Wands meaning, we should first take a look at the illustration, colors, and symbolism.
On the face of this card, a man is carrying a bundle of ten wands. These sticks seem heavy as he is bowed over a bit. Because he is walking toward a town, we can’t see the expression on his face. Is it one of distress? Or perhaps exhaustion?
Does he look happy to be nearing his destination? We can only guess. What is clear is that, for the time being, the young man seems to be overloaded. Is there something that he could do to lift his burden just a bit?
This Tarot card often represents the end of a difficult phase, where the individual may have taken on too much but is now nearing the completion of a task or a journey.
This Minor Arcana card encourages reflection on the balance of responsibilities and the importance of not letting burdens overwhelm one’s well-being.
Upright Ten of Wands Tarot Card Meaning
The upright Ten of Wands is connected to hard work. Although it’s essential to be diligent and responsible, anything in excess can be unhealthy.
Many of us are people pleasers by nature. We take on too many projects and tasks because we feel guilty when saying ‘no’ or ‘I can’t.’
This card upright in a Tarot reading warns against this bad habit. Although helping others is noble, extending yourself financially, emotionally, or physically in the name of ‘helping’ can be toxic.
If this card has appeared in your reading, take a hard look at where your time and energy are focused.
Upright Ten of Wands Tarot Card Love Meaning
In love and relationships, the Ten of Wands upright represents someone who feels as if they’re putting forth all of the effort. There is likely an imbalance in the romantic relationship, with one person assuming all of the responsibility while the other person focuses on other things.
This often appears in readings where one spouse is a workaholic or otherwise preoccupied. The other spouse might feel like they’re carrying the emotional load.
Of course, every situation is different, but if these feelings aren’t dealt with, they can easily fester into resentment.
If you’re single, this card suggests that you have too much baggage to be successful in a relationship.
This same meaning also comes up with couples struggling to let go of the past. It’s tough to focus on the future if you’re still struggling with the weight of things you’re supposed to leave behind.
If this is you, put down your wands and walk courageously into your future.
Upright Ten of Wands Tarot Card Career and Money Meaning
The Ten of Wands often appears in a money and career reading when someone is feeling overworked, underpaid, and underappreciated. At times, you feel like you can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
However, the day-to-day grind can make it hard to keep the faith. If you look at the Ten of Wands a little closer, you’ll notice that the staff are blocking the man’s ability to see the route.
Sometimes, we have everything we need to succeed but fail anyway because we’re focused on the now instead of the bigger picture.
What financial and career-related goals do you have? Are there material things you really want to attain, like a new home or car?
Take a bird’s eye view of the situation. What do you have going for you that can help you make this happen? Make a list of these and focus on the positive.
Upright Ten of Wands Tarot Card Health Meaning
Stress kills! It can hurt both your body and mind. If you’re feeling intense pressure that is presenting itself physically or mentally, it’s time to make yourself a top priority.
You may have to make some tough sacrifices for your greater good. Continuing with the weight of the world on your shoulders will only lead to a breakdown.
Take some time to tame your schedule and practice self-care. Are there things that you can cut back or cut out altogether? Start by setting aside extra hours a week that you can dedicate to your own health and spiritual goals.
Reversed Ten of Wands Tarot Card Meaning
In this section, we will talk a bit more about what it means if you’ve pulled the Ten of Wands Tarot card in the reversed position (upside down) in a Tarot reading.
Wands reversed suggests that you or someone in your life is having trouble taking responsibility because of fear, lack, or insecurity. However, the Reversed Ten of Wands doesn’t represent laziness.
Moreover, this reversed card highlights a situation in which someone feels so overwhelmed that they buckle under pressure. Because the weight of the world is on them, they freeze out of fear.
If you’re in ‘overload mode’ and have lost your motivation or drive, don’t be hard on yourself. Instead, accept where you are and take some time to ‘reset.’
You’ll feel much better once you let go of having to do it all and focus on what is most important to you.
Reversed Ten of Wands Tarot Card Love Meaning
In your relationship, facing life’s challenges together is crucial. However, there might be a struggle with vulnerability, says the Ten of Wands reversed.
If one of you is shouldering all the burdens, it can harm the relationship. This imbalance in your love life may stem from good intentions. You may think it protects the other from stress. However, it will ultimately cause more pain and upset.
If you’re the one carrying too much responsibility, trust your partner. Let them support you; it’s not a burden for someone who loves you—it’s a joy. Sharing responsibilities strengthens your bond as a team.
Reversed Ten of Wands Tarot Card Career and Money Meaning
The reversed Ten of Wands Tarot card suggests a relief from work burdens. This could be due to the successful spreading of responsibilities among a group.
If you failed to delegate, you may have faced extra pressure and demands. Either way, you now have a moment to recover and are no longer overworked.
In terms of finances, this reversed card indicates two possibilities. If you’ve addressed core financial issues, you’re gaining control, and improvements will soon take place in your life.
However, if you haven’t tackled economic troubles, you may be heading into deeper troubles. Consider your financial control and actions to interpret the card’s meaning, seeking guidance from other Tarot cards if needed.
Reversed Ten of Wands Tarot Card Health Meaning
In health, the reversed Ten of Wands suggests relief from physical or mental burdens. You may be coming out of a challenging time and finding ways to lighten the load. If you’ve addressed underlying health issues, improvements are on the horizon.
On the other hand, neglecting health concerns, including emotional trauma, might lead to further troubles. Evaluate your proactive steps in maintaining well-being to understand the card’s meaning in your health context.
Important Ten of Wands Tarot Card Combinations
When combined with other cards, the meaning of the Ten of Wands can slightly change. Below, you can find the most important combinations of this Wands card.
10 of Wands and the Magician
There’s nothing wrong with working hard to prove yourself. In fact, the message of the Magician and the Ten of Wands together is that you need to prove yourself through great effort.
If there is something that you really want (i.e., a promotion, a relationship), the Magician urges you to ‘show and tell.’ Put in the blood, sweat, and tears, and the reward will be yours.
10 of Wands and the Empress
The Empress is an earth card, representing a nurturing and mothering spirit. Unlike the Emporer, her desire is not to control. Instead, her passion is to help.
Many of us, especially women, take on the role of the Empress. We have a deep desire to assist and please others. This is human nature.
However, it’s impossible to make others happy all the time. To try and do so only adds to internal unhappiness and feelings of low self-worth.
Instead of taking on or giving too much, try to focus on your own internal needs. Are there things inside of you that you’re neglecting by putting all of your energy toward external things? If so, now is the time to make a change.
10 of Wands and the Nine of Cups
This card combination isn’t an obvious one, but it still holds a powerful message.
It’s important to honor our commitments, but not to the point that work and worldly possessions rule us. Some people place a lot of value on money and material things, and that’s okay!
But what about the other parts of life, like the connection with self, a higher power, family, and friends? The Nine of Cups and Ten of Wands warn against being so wrapped up in achievement that you neglect everything else.
10 of Wands and the Hanged Man
Stop hanging on. This is the guidance provided by these two cards. There is no way to move forward if you’re still holding on to the hurt of the past.
It’s always good to learn from our experiences, but we shouldn’t allow these life lessons to keep us bound. Lay down all of the wands that no longer serve you.
Doing so will lighten your burden and propel you toward a much brighter future.
Ten of Wands Meaning: Conclusion
That’s all for the Ten of Wands Tarot card meanings! Can’t get enough of this Minor Arcana card? If you have pulled this card in your spread, did the meaning make sense in your situation?
Our community loves to hear about spot-on readings, so please take a minute to let us know in the comments below!
Wille says
Four of wands is a lovely card and congratulations! The cards you have suggests that now is the time for emotional love, compassion, and sensitivity.
Love,
Wille xxxx
Wille says
Hey Vic,
The Wheel of Fortune is a very good sign, but I can’t read into the cards too much. I really hope you are okay and getting the support from your family and doctors that you need.
Sending you lots of love during this time,
Wille xxx