A hand on the lion’s head
Strength under control: the King does not suppress the lion but guides it with trust.
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Minor Arcana · Wands
King of Wands Tarot Card Meaning
The King of Wands is a leader with vision. He sits calmly on his throne, his hand resting on a lion’s head. The card speaks of mature leadership, entrepreneurship and the ability to lead people with a big idea.
Upright
- leadership
- vision
- entrepreneurship
- courage
- honor
Reversed
- tyranny
- a quick temper
- overconfidence
- irresponsibility
- pressure
Yes or no
Yes
“Yes,” if you are ready to take responsibility and lead the way.
Ask the cards your own question →- Element
- Fire
Card symbolism in our deck
In Heinrich Pangrau’s deck, the King of Wands is a bearded ruler wearing a crown. One hand holds a leafy wand, the other rests on a lion’s head. A sunflower grows beside him, and the sun is in the sky.
A living wand
His power grows out of an enterprise he built himself.
The sunflower
The same flower the Queen has: generosity and warmth are part of his strength.
A calm pose
Unlike the Knight, the King is in no hurry. In him, the energy of Fire has turned into confidence.
King of Wands meaning
The upright King of Wands says it is time to take the lead: start a business, head a team, make strategic decisions.
The card speaks of mature courage: a person takes risks but answers for the consequences.
King of Wands reversed
The reversed King is a leader who pushes too hard: a quick temper, intolerance of other opinions, decisions driven by ego.
Sometimes it means loud promises that are never kept.
King of Wands in love, work, money and health
Love and relationships
Upright A strong, generous partner who takes the initiative. A relationship with a clear direction.
Reversed Dominance, jealousy, a wish to be the one in charge in the couple.
Feelings Respect and a wish to protect you. This person sees you as part of their big plans.
Work and career
Upright Management, a business of your own, launching a major project.
Reversed An authoritarian boss, conflicts driven by ambition.
Money
Upright Bold but well-thought-out investments, growing income from business.
Reversed Risk-taking for the sake of status, big spending for show.
Health
Upright Strength and stamina. Tarot is not a substitute for a doctor.
Reversed Pressure and stress from responsibility.
King of Wands as a person
As a person: an entrepreneur, a leader, a mentor. A charismatic, generous, ambitious man.
The card’s advice
Upright Take responsibility and show the way.
Reversed A leader listens: let others have their say.
Card of the Day
Draw your card of the day
King of Wands as the card of the day
As the card of the day, it brings a day of decisions and initiative. Good for negotiations.
Combinations with other cards
- King of Wands + The EmperorStrong power and steady leadership.
- King of Wands + Queen of WandsA union of two leaders.
- King of Wands + Ten of PentaclesA family business, a large enterprise.
- King of Wands + Ace of WandsStarting your own business.
- King of Wands + King of SwordsDecisions made with reason and willpower.
Frequently asked questions about King of Wands
Is the King of Wands a yes or no card?
Yes, if you are ready to take responsibility.
What does the King of Wands mean in a relationship?
A strong, generous partner and a relationship with a clear direction.
What does the King of Wands mean reversed?
Tyranny, a quick temper, decisions driven by ego.
What does the King of Wands mean as the card of the day?
A day of initiative and important decisions.