Five of Wands

The upright Five of Wands symbolizes rivalry, conflict, and friction, often due to opposing interests, viewpoints, or ego. Tension arises as individuals in a group vie for recognition, with everyone wanting to be heard, yet no one is listening. Though this card sometimes suggests friendly rivalry, it carries an overarching lesson about teamwork, healthy communication, and strength in diversity, especially against obstacles. Alternatively, it can also represent internal battles we must resolve. Whether it be ego overriding reason, opposing desires, or the pressure to conform or compare ourselves to others, we’re called to address inner turmoil to achieve calm and peace.

A reversed Five of Wands can go both ways. In the affirmative, it may signal an end to internal struggles, or a truce between conflicting parties. A more harmonious, unified front takes shape as people in a group collaborate toward resolutions. On the contrary, it can imply that rivalry and disagreements are intensifying, impeding progress, or worse, sabotaging a team. For some, it could mean engaging in conflict avoidance instead of honest conversations. In any of these scenarios, the card highlights the power of open communication toward a common goal. Fruitful outcomes can be attained by calmly asserting our needs while also ensuring others are heard.