King of Wands Meaning: Upright and Reversed

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Itana has been reading Tarot for a number of years. They are dedicated to honing their craft and sharing that information with others on Tarot Technique. In addition to Tarot, Itana is an occultist and astrologer, truly a well-rounded spiritualist!

Upright and Reversed Keywords

Upright Keywords

Leadership
Boldness
Vision
Greatness
Motivation
Optimism
Big picture
Being in control
On top of the game
Daring promotion

Reversed Keywords

Tyranny, tyrant
Domineering
Forcefulness
Vicious leader
Corrupted boss
Dirty game
Foul play
Absolutistic views

The King of Wands

He is also known as the King of Salamanders, Beauty of Emanation and the King of Fiery Chariots. He is connected with Dionysus, the zodiac sign Leo and the imagery of Eternal Bachelor. He is the fiery fire and the highest representative of fire energy in the suit of Wands.

King of Wands is a charismatic leader and the most active king of the Tarot. He is the enthusiasm embodied, he is the creative force behind every new venture, he’s brave, energetic, daring, completely self-assured and never shy.

There were many kings that could be compared to the King of Wands throughout history, but he is most often compared to King Solomon and King Arthur. Aside from that, King of Wands is said to be connected with the Jinn – the lord of the Fire element and all salamanders.

This King is also a good connection to all Solar Angels, and he is the protector of all cults that are based in Fire Magic. The King of Wands excites the masses, he’s a majestic public speaker and motivator. In the over-amplified meaning, this King acts like a dictator and shows extreme fire qualities, like tyrannical behavior and absolutistic mindset.

Read our full guide to Tarot meanings.

Symbolism and Imagery of the King of Wands

The King of Wands is depicted seated on his throne clothed in bright colors resembling flame and fire – red, orange and yellow.
In his right hand, he holds a blossoming wand that can be seen in the Ace of Wands card, too. This wand is now a full-grown (wizard’s) staff, and this represents the King’s maturity and wisdom gained through bold experience and daring decisions.

His throne is decorated with images of lions and salamanders. Lions represent his connection with the zodiac sign of Leo, confidence, and strength required to rule and lead. Salamanders that are biting their own tail represent Ouroboros – the symbol of Infinity, and the element of Fire, thus creation and setting things in motion.

There’re also some green elements to this King – green leaves on the staff, green shoes and green shoulders – this represents the power of fertility, to make things conceive and fresh. And green salamander standing next to the King’s left foot, making his connection to the element of Fire obvious for all eyes to see.

His crown is shaped like tongues of fire and this symbolizes the sharpness of his mind, ability to conceive new ideas and lead others with firm confidence.

Upright King of Wands Meaning

When the King of Wands makes an upright appearance in a Tarot reading this means that you or a male person tied to you is stepping into the role of a charismatic leader and others will (gladly) follow because the King of Wands is not only oozing confidence, but he also has awesome motivating skills.

This means that all kinds of people will be drawn to you and that you will step into the spotlight. Strong masculine energy is present and providing for you at the moment. Positive and creative forces are at your disposal, as well as opportunities that will come swiftly and decisively.

Journey and a change of residence are indicated. You are going to be in the company of someone loyal with good instincts. A great opportunity will come knocking on your door, and yours will only be to answer, don’t miss it, seize the moment.

Reversed King of Wands Meaning

Reversed, King of Wands implies an overbearing person who is arrogant and proud. This person could be someone close to you, putting you down, or it could be you putting down those around you by being bossy and tyrannical in approach. This card showing up reversed means that you might not be ready for the leadership role you’ve overtaken and that more experience is needed for you to fully mature and become grown in the area where you desire to lead.

This card can also mean that you need to take other people’s ideas and feelings into the account. You should not be overly confident and self-assured lest you learn the error of your ways in a very unpleasant manner.

Being there for others is as important as being responsible for yourself and your own actions. This reversed card can also indicate that you’re willingly subjugating yourself to another who hasn’t deserved your trust and that level of loyalty. Think about the situation clearly and with objectivity, don’t allow yourself to be used any further.

Upright King of Wands Love Meaning

In a love reading, upright King of Wands indicates a strong-headed male person that is already present in your life (as a romantic interest) or a person who will soon enter your romantic sphere of interest. This can be an indication that the person who will “steal your heart” is of fire temperament and zodiac sign of Leo or Aries.

This card can also indicate a faithful meeting with someone who will become your love interest in a place where there’s a lot of fiery energy (like a music festival, a concert or at a movie theatre while going to see an action movie). And King of Wands is a strong indication that you will become enamored with someone who you see as independent and inspirational, someone you can look up to.

If you’re already in a relationship, this card indicates a sudden move that is actually a very good and productive decision, passionate sex and a lot of fiery emotions between you and your partner with lots of jokes and good-quality humor.

Reversed King of Wands Love Meaning

If it represents another person, then the message is clear – you’re dating a bully. This is someone who has too much Ego and who doesn’t want to include you in any decision-making. What’s worse, this can represent someone who is full-on tyrannical towards you and presses you in all ways that matter.

On the other hand, if you’re single and you have been for quite some time now, then this card is an indication of the reason why you’re single. Reconsider your position in regards to others and your attitude. The King of Wands represents one’s attitude first and foremost. If you have problems ending up in a relationship this could be an indicator of your arrogant and high-and-(all)mighty approach.

This could also be a warning that you’ve fallen in love with someone who has strong masculine energy despite their gender, and someone who is focused solely on sex when it comes to you. So don’t place your hopes in a stable and committed relationship stemming from the current situation when King of Wands makes his appearance reversed.

Upright King of Wands Career Meaning

First and foremost, what King of Wands implies in a career reading is that you’re getting that long-term, stable promotion you’ve been aiming for. Luck is on your side, as are your peers and subordinates. You are going to receive good news and you’re going to enjoy your new position of power and prominence.

This is an indication that you’re a good boss who has the power to inspire others. Especially if this card shows up next to the Emperor card. If you’re already in a position of power and you have the ability to lead others, then this card is indicating that you’re doing a great job and that others see inspiration and motivation in you.

This card could also indicate the change in the management, the coming of a new boss who will be a great influence and who will inspire better communication and cooperation between you and your colleagues. No matter how you look at it, King of Wands is a very welcome and all-around great card to have in a career reading.

Reversed King of Wands Career Meaning

The first negative thing that his reversed card can represent is a tyrannical boss or someone who is above you in the “chain of command” but you have to suffer and cannot pass by. When it shows up reversed, King of Wands carries strong negative connotations and can even imply someone who may try to exert their professional influence over you in order to get extort certain ‘favors’ from you.

This is someone who rules with fear and someone who abuses their position of power. King of Wands reversed is a person who will use scare tactics in order to get what he wants, and someone who manipulates others through verbal abuse and blackmail. Arrogance and tyranny are the first connotations that jump up when he shows up reversed in a career reading.

If this card depicts you, then it’s time to take one (of several) steps back and change your behavior towards your subordinates. You are not being cool, and you won’t be able to keep acting like that for much longer. You need to check yourself before you wreck yourself, and you need to learn a lesson from kindness and humbleness.

Upright King of Wands Money Meaning

Since it’s a King we’re talking about here, then no worries. As a King, you know how to handle your finances and how to not overspend. But this is definitely someone who likes to spend money and who doesn’t regret any dime well-spent. This card can be an indication of a serious raise due to being very creative and enterprising at work.

This can also implicate a person who knows how to party like a boss. Someone who likes to go all out and provide the time of their life to others. This is a King in a castle where the best rave parties happen. But, this is also an indication that you should take care where and how you’re (over)spending in order for it not to become a problem in the near future.

King of Wands can also be an excellent implication that you’ve made it, you’ve succeeded and now you should enjoy the fruits of your labor. Especially if he’s paired up with 10 of Pentacles or King of Pentacles, this is a wonderful indication that a celebration is in order, and that you can afford to “go all out”.

Reversed King of Wands Money Meaning

When the King of Wands appears in a financial reading reversed, it’s a strong indicator that you need to take your financial reins into your own hands and that you need to take conscious choices about your savings. You need to watch out where you’re spending your money and how can you make more money with the talents you possess.

King is telling you to get another job because the current one is not rewarding you enough for your labor, nor it will in the near future. It’s time to look for greener pastures and better opportunities. Although he showed up reversed, he is telling you to take your chances and to take that leap of faith when it comes to seizing opportunities and getting a better-paid job.

He also indicates that there’s someone draining you of your money, possibly a male person who likes to live “rich” but doesn’t like to earn that money for spending by himself. This is an indicator of a lazy person who likes to rip other people’s rewards, especially those of monetary gain. Be wary of people around you who like to behave arrogantly and don’t have the spine to back themselves up.

FAQs

The King of Wands is the final card in the suit of Wands. This article was meant to help you with an in-depth understanding of this card, but if you still have some questions, check out the FAQs below.

Question: Is the King of Wands a Yes or No Card?

Answer: If it’s in an upward position, it’s a definite “yes!” But, if it’s in a reversed position then it’s an alarming “no”, it signals that you’re taking the route less traveled at your own peril, especially if the question was about a person.

Question: What Does the King of Wands Card Signify in a Future Position?

Answer: If the card is upward, it means that something (or someone) good for you is coming your way. Especially if the reading was concerning career or romance.

Question: What Does the King of Wands Mean in a Past Position?

Answer: It represents a good opportunity that was missed, especially if it’s reversed. If it represents a person, then it signifies someone who you looked up to but lost from your immediate environment, someone you miss dearly.

Question: King of Wands Came to Conquer

Answer: King of Wands came to draw your attention to matters of fiery resolve and conviction. He is giving you wings and pushing you forward. He is ushering in a time of radical, yet positive change that will bring you benefits in all areas, but especially those that include passion, creativity, and motivation.

He is reminding you to stay true to yourself and your beliefs and push forward. This kind of energy isn’t one that can be ignored lightly, nor should it be. Seize the moment and make it your own, you’ve got this, King of Wands said so and he is supporting you in your endeavors. Just trust and be yourself.

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