Exploring Tarot: King of Wands

King of the Spirits of Fire. The King of Wands is depicted from his left side holding a staff with new growth visible. He’s wearing a red gown signifying the Fire element with ouroboros covering his cape and adorning the tapestry on the back of his throne. Lions also appear on the tapestry signifying his power and strength while a salamander, a Fire elemental, stands by at his feet.

The King of Wands is a fiery and passionate authority figure, knowledgeable and wise. He can be a warrior who, if ill-dignified, can rush to judgment, or can be cruel and bigoted. However, he can also be generous, kind, trustworthy, and someone whose integrity and values guide his decisions and reactions.

When this card appears upright in a reading, it may be counseling the querent to be careful how s/he expresses authority and to be mindful of one’s impact on others. Or the King of Wands may indicate an authority figure in one’s life. Reversed, the King of Wands may be untrustworthy, self-involved, and cruel.