
Keywords for the King of Wands
INSPIRING | DOMINANT |
ORIGINAL | ASSERTIVE |
BOLD | INSPIRING |
CONFIDENT | CREATIVE |
SELF-ASSURED | INNOVATIVE |
In the image on the card, we see the King of Wands seated at his throne amidst the dry desert landscape he reigns.
This throne is decorated with images of lions and salamanders, symbols related to the element of Fire which the suit of Wands represents.
The lions refer to the proud and regal zodiac sign of Leo, while the salamanders here represent the mythic animal once thought by alchemists to have been born in the fire.
Like all Kings of the tarot, he represents both personal success as well as responsibility to others. While the Kings are the most powerful of the court cards, they are also bound by the expectation that this power will be used responsibly for the greater good.
The suit of Wands, associated with the element of Fire, tends to possess qualities that can be rash, impulsive, spontaneous, and eager to take action and explore the outside world.
We can see that, bound by such great responsibility as he is, the King of Wands appears almost uncomfortable with his vast energy being contained and focused into goals encouraging stability and security.
He holds his wand eagerly out in front of him, not by his side but instead touching the desert sand outside of his immediate domain. This indicates a certain restlessness that may overtake this type of personality if bound by duty and responsibility for too long.
King of Wands Interpretation
Like all of the court cards, this can represent someone in our outer environment that shows the same qualities and characteristics of the King of Wands. Alternatively, in some instances it can also refer to how we ourselves are showing up in a given situation.
This is a man who is motivated and purpose-driven. An action-oriented risk taker, he is bold and assertive in his dealings with others.
This King can be quite creative and inspired in the plans that he develops and implements in the world around him. He is not afraid to think outside the box, to challenge conventional wisdom and develop inventive, original solutions to the challenges he confronts.
The King of Wands possesses a vitality that has a forceful [impact/influence] on those around him. It manifests as a sense of confidence and self-assurance that commands respect and inspires those he comes in contact with.
However, his relentless drive and powerful will can at times contribute to a certain level of intolerance and lack of understanding for the doubts or weaknesses he sees in others less fortunate than he.
If he is not careful, it can lead to arrogance, dominance, and in the worst case scenario, perhaps even cruelty towards those who possess less power and privilege than he.