The Five of Wands tarot card is about the positive challenges you face when you’re competing with others. Even though conflict and rivalry seem negative, they give you opportunities to grow and push yourself to be better.
This card can be a sign that you’re ready to go all-in and commit with focus and discipline. Even if you don’t come out on top, at least you know you gave it your all.
The Five of Wands is about trying your best and pursuing your goals with radical commitment. It’s also about embracing the changes coming your way because there is no stopping them. It might be tough, but all the change and conflict will lead to significant growth in the end.
When you see the Five of Wands card reversed, it can mean you’re avoiding the conflict in your life. Even though tension is uncomfortable, avoiding it altogether can be a problem.
You’re skirting around issues that need to be addressed head-on so they can be resolved. Don’t compromise your values or your point of view just because you don’t want to rock the boat. Your concerns are valid and you deserve to be heard.
The reversed Five of Wands card can also mean you’ve worked through a struggle and are feeling relieved. It can mean you’re feeling more secure personally and know you don’t have to prove yourself to anyone.
On the other hand, this reversed card can mean you’re dealing with internal conflict and you’re unclear where you stand on some issues. Keep your mind open to different perspectives, but remember to stick to your values.
Reading this reversed card using the “blocked/restricted” meaning
Okay, so now let’s talk about how to read your reversed Five of Wands card. First, you can use the “blocked/restricted” reversed card meaning. When you read your cards like this, you look for an obstacle standing in front of the card’s upright meaning.
So for the Five of Wands, this means something is blocking your conflicts. You might be avoiding them because it’s easier, but you’ll have to face the music eventually.
Say you pull the reversed Five of Wands card thinking about your boyfriend. You’ve been dating for about six months, and things have been fine but not exciting.
When you first met, you were reeling from a death in the family, and he was there for you. Since then, you’ve bonded in a lot of ways, but it’s always felt more like a friendship. There’s no passion or romance, and you rarely enjoy time in the bedroom.
You want to break up, but he’s such a nice guy and you’re afraid to hurt him. So for the past couple of weeks, you’ve been making up excuses to avoid seeing him.
You figure, eventually, he’ll get the idea, but he’s just been waiting for you. The natural end you’ve been hoping for isn’t coming.
Here, the reversed Five of Wands card tells you to be upfront. Even though it will be harder to tell him the truth, he needs to hear it.
He deserves your respect and honesty, and it’ll help the both of you move on. Maybe he’s even open to being friends after the dust settles. You never know until you communicate honestly, so don’t let your fears keep you from doing what you have to do.
Reading this reversed card using the “opposite” meaning
Another way to read your reversed Five of Wands card is using the “opposite” reversed card meaning. When you read your cards like this, you look for the opposite of the card’s upright meaning.
For the Five of Wands, this means you have agreement and cooperation instead of conflict.
Say you pull the reversed Five of Wands thinking about a fundraiser you’re helping to organize. You’re part of a network of volunteers who foster animals and find them forever homes.
Lately, there have been some tensions in the group, and some strong connections and partnerships are strained. You’re setting up a fundraiser for a local shelter, so you’ve enlisted the help of a lot of different people.
You thought some of the tensions would make the event difficult, so you’ve been bracing for the worst. But so far, everyone seems to be focused on the same goal and working together to reach it.
Here, the reversed Five of Wands tells you not to overcomplicate things. Sometimes, people can surprise us, and if things are going smoothly, just roll with it.
Relationships change all the time, and even if some people don’t get along, it looks like they can put that to the side. Focus on your mutual goals and move forward with your shared vision.
Reading this reversed card using the “worse” meaning
You can also read your reversed Five of Wands card using the “worse” reversed card meaning. When you read your cards like this, you take the card’s upright meaning and put it in a negative light.
With the Five of Wands, this can mean your conflicts and rivalries are causing issues in your life. It’s important to stand up for yourself, but don’t get lost in pointless competitions that lead nowhere.
For example, say you pull the reversed Five of Wands card thinking about an online rivalry. You live alone and work from home as an app tester. This means you spend a lot of your time online, so you’re part of several groups and forums.
One group, in particular, is very popular, and you’re a valuable contributor. It’s for your favorite TV show, and there are thousands of active members. You’ve posted a lot over the past couple of months and gotten great responses.
It means a lot to you when you get feedback from your peers, and you love watching the reactions roll in. But there’s another woman who started posting at the same time who is just as popular. You spend lots of time comparing your reactions and wonder why some of her posts do so much better.
You’re always trying to find new, exciting content to get more recognition. But it’s starting to become stressful, and it’s been on your mind too much.
Here, the reversed Five of Wands card tells you not to get lost in this competition. At the end of the day, none of this is really important, even though it can be addictive.
Try taking a day or two off from the group to gain some perspective. Spend time with the real people in your life and remind yourself of what matters. You can keep interacting online just don’t let it overwhelm the important parts of your life.
Reading this reversed card using the “no/not” meaning
Finally, you can use the “no/not” card meaning to read your reversed Five of Wands card. When you read your cards like this, you put a “no” or a “not” in front of the card’s upright meaning.
So for the Five of Wands, this can mean “no competition.” You’re secure with yourself and don’t need to prove anything to anyone.
Say you pull the reversed Five of Wands card thinking about your body image. You’ve always been curvy, ever since you were young, and it’s been difficult.
You never loved your body growing up and tried countless diets to lose weight. But this summer, you really want to embrace who you are. You’re trying to accept and love your body just the way it is, and you even bought a new bathing suit to show it off.
You plan to go to the lake with a group of girlfriends, most of whom are naturally a lot smaller, and it’s causing some anxiety. It’s been years since you were out in public in your swimsuit, so this is a huge step.
Here, the reversed Five of Wands card tells you to go out with confidence. Everyone’s body is different and we all have insecurities. It’s wonderful you’re feeling ready to do something new, and you have nothing to prove.
No one will be judging how you look; they just want to have a good time as friends. And you are beautiful just the way you are, so stick with this new attitude! It looks good on you!