Like all the Court cards, the Knight of Wands tarot card can represent a person in your life, a role you have to play, or a message. If it’s a person, it’s someone lusty, passionate, and free-spirited.
This isn’t someone playful and carefree, though; they have a strong sense of purpose. This knight thrives on the challenge of new projects and loves adventure.
They’re fearless and want to help others grow through the creative process. This knight is committed to helping you pursue your dreams with enthusiasm. You have the energy and skills you need, so go for it!
When you see the Knight of Wands card reversed, it can mean you have a buildup of creative energy but don’t know how to release it. You feel tense and frustrated because you need to let this energy out.
Look for new ways to express yourself creatively and remove all obstacles in your path. This reversed card can also mean you’re actively pursuing your passion or creative hobby. If this is you, keep moving forward and don’t hold back!
The reversed Knight of Wands card can also mean you’re acting impulsively rather than letting things mature. Your passion and creative energy are pushing you forward, but you’re rushing into things without thinking them through.
Take time to understand the situation and gather your resources. Your great ideas and energy will still be waiting for you after, and you’ll have a better chance of success if you take your time.
Reading this reversed card using the “blocked/restricted” meaning
Okay, so now let’s talk about how to read your reversed Knight 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 Knight of Wands, this can mean something is blocking your passion and creative energy. What’s keeping you from taking charge and letting out all you have to offer?
Say you pull the reversed Knight of Wands thinking about your blog. You’ve been writing a DIY and home blog for years and have a strong following. It’s a passion project that brings you joy because you love helping others.
But lately, you’ve had your mind on other things, including politics and social issues. You want to weave in articles that are in line with your views, but you’re afraid to alienate your audience, so you’re holding back.
Here, the reversed Knight of Wands tells you to move forward with your vision. You can’t please everyone and you must be true to yourself.
If you’re scared this audience won’t appreciate it, you can start another blog that’s solely for your political thoughts.
Don’t stifle your creativity just because you’re afraid of how you’ll be perceived. You can’t please everyone, so you might as well be true to yourself and let the right people come to you.
Reading this reversed card using the “opposite” meaning
Another way to read your reversed Knight 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.
With the Knight of Wands, instead of an energetic free spirit, you’re dealing with someone rigid, lazy, and uninspired. Don’t let them hold you back.
For example, you might pull the reversed Knight of Wands thinking about a project for school. You’re a sophomore art student, and you’re very dedicated to and passionate about your major.
But since you’re still young, you’re taking some low-level classes with people who don’t take it as seriously. You have a big mid-semester project coming up, and your professor partnered you with one of those people.
She doesn’t care at all about putting in the work or about your final grade. You’re picking up all her slack and becoming resentful about how much work you have to do.
Here, the reversed Knight of Wands tells you to communicate. Talk to your partner about how important this is and let her know you won’t do all the work.
If she refuses to put in any effort, talk to your professor. Don’t let someone hold you back from getting the grade you deserve.
Reading this reversed card using the “worse” meaning
You can also read your reversed Knight 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.
So for the Knight of Wands, you have a lot of creative energy you want to release, but you’re having trouble bringing your vision to life. This is causing stress and frustration, but try not to be so hard on yourself.
Say you pull the reversed Knight of Wands card thinking about your new hobby. You’re in your mid-30s and in something of a rut, so you decided to take up painting.
You want more creativity in your life and always enjoyed painting when you were younger. But the problem is, you’re a perfectionist, and so far, you’ve hated every single painting. You can’t help noticing all the places where you messed up, so the hobby is bringing more frustration than anything.
Here, the reversed Knight of Wands reminds you why you’re doing this in the first place. You took up painting to relax and be creative, so let that happen. It’s okay to be a perfectionist, but try to reframe your idea of perfection.
Something that starts out as a mistake can actually be the best part of the piece! Finding ways around your “mistakes” may just be the key to your creative energy, so don’t close yourself off to new ways of thinking, and try to have fun!
Reading this reversed card using the “no/not” meaning
Finally, you can use the “no/not” meaning to read your reversed Knight 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.
For the Knight of Wands, this can mean “no energy.” You’re drained and need to take time to build up your reserves and take care of yourself.
For example, you might pull the reversed Knight of Wands card when you’re feeling run down. You’re an accountant and you just went through tax season. You worked with clients non-stop for months to get through it, working extremely long hours.
Now that it’s over, you’re physically and mentally drained, and you feel like a zombie most days. Here, the reversed Knight of Wands card tells you to take care of yourself.
Rather than jumping back into the daily grind, consider booking a short vacation to give yourself time to recover. You can also just work a few light days and focus on self-care while at home.
Indulge in your favorite relaxing hobbies and rituals. We all need downtime after a push, and there’s no shame in caring for yourself. You’ll come back refreshed and ready to take on new challenges after.