Six of Wands
A complete guide to the Six of Wands in the Rider–Waite (Waite–Smith) deck: upright meanings only, love/career/health insights, timing, card combinations, and steps to sustain momentum after a win.
Introduction to the Six of Wands
The Six of Wands is public victory—progress noticed, a milestone reached, and confidence earned. It celebrates momentum while reminding you to keep standards high and bring others along.
Place in the Wands Journey
After the Five’s friction, the Six brings resolution and acclaim. Conflict clarified priorities; now focus turns to visible results, clear messaging, and steady follow-through.
Symbolism of the Six of Wands (Waite–Smith)
Imagery emphasizes triumph, morale, and leadership presence:
- Rider on a decorated horse: Confidence and forward motion guided in plain view.
- Laurel wreath on wand: Merit-based victory; reward for discipline and courage.
- Crowd with raised wands: Recognition, supporters, and community morale.
- Banner/garland: Announcement—make the win legible and inspiring.
- Upright posture: Poise; lead with integrity and clarity.
The card invites you to accept recognition, communicate the path, and model the behaviors that got you here.
How to Read the Six of Wands
Themes: achievement, praise, promotion, successful pitch/launch, morale boost, leading by example, visible progress.
Position in the spread
- Past: A recent win built credibility—use it to open the next door.
- Present: Recognition is arriving; share credit and set the next milestone.
- Future: Expect a positive decision, award, or public endorsement.
Focus areas
- Love: Celebrate growth; acknowledge each other’s efforts; plan a shared next goal.
- Career: Promotion, successful campaign, KPI hit—announce outcomes and outline phase two.
- Health: Tangible progress—track PRs/habits and set an achievable next target.
- Community: Your example lifts others; invite them to participate.
- Timing: Within 6 days/weeks; Fire-sign periods; around announcements, launches, or ceremonies.
Card combinations
- With Three of Wands → expansion after success; scale thoughtfully.
- With The Sun → joyful acclaim and clear visibility.
- With Justice → formal recognition, contract, or title change.
- With Five of Wands → victory after competition; keep sportsmanship.
- With Six of Pentacles → share wins: mentorship, bonuses, giving back.
WIN → SUSTAIN (5 Steps)
- Name the win: 1–2 metrics anyone can verify.
- Share credit: call out contributors and supporters.
- Codify: document what worked (playbook, checklist).
- Set next milestone: specific target, owner, date.
- Uplift others: mentor, broadcast learnings, remove blockers.
Ready to turn a win into momentum?
Victory Brief (1 page)
Outcome, 3 success factors, key contributors, next milestone.
Shout-Out Roll
List 5 people to thank publicly this week.
Playbook Snapshot
Write a 10-step checklist to repeat this success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Six of Wands always a “yes”?
Generally yes for recognition and forward movement—provided you maintain humility, clarity, and team spirit.
What does it mean in love readings?
A relationship milestone or renewed confidence. Celebrate openly and align on the next shared goal.
Career meaning?
Promotion, praise, successful launch, or leadership spotlight. Communicate outcomes and define the sequel plan.
Health message?
Visible improvements—track and celebrate. Guard against complacency by setting the next achievable marker.
How do I work with this energy?
Accept praise gracefully, write the playbook, and use your platform to lift others while advancing the mission.
Lead the parade—then plan the route.
Use the Six of Wands to convert applause into durable progress:
- Publish a one-page victory brief with next steps.
- Host a gratitude moment that spotlights contributors.
- Create a repeatable checklist to sustain momentum.