5 of Wands Reversed - What Does This Mean?

ANovak

I was doing my card of the day and pulled the 5 of Wands reversed - it actually came up twice reversed while I was shuffling. Yesterday I pulled Judgment, which felt like taking action and embracing change. I'm starting a new job and dealing with some family stuff, so lots of big changes right now.

Lately a lot of my daily draws have been Pentacles. I read those as grounding and self-care - feeling productive and a bit more relaxed.

I'm a bit confused about the 5 of Wands reversed. Could it be about finally standing up for myself and pushing forward despite setbacks? For me the card feels like growth, turbulence, and that energy of fighting for what you want. I'm still new to tarot, so any interpretations would be really helpful. (RWS deck)

Emily192

I usually read the 5 of Wands reversed as inner conflict, avoiding conflict, or releasing tension, and Biddy Tarot actually lists all three. I tend to focus on the conflict angle, but I really like that they include "releasing tension" too.

Given what's going on for you right now, I'd probably lean toward that "releasing tension" meaning. Does that sit right with you?

ANovak

Emily192 Thanks so much, the "releasing tension" angle really clicks with what I’ve been feeling. I hadn’t thought about that side of the card before, but it makes a lot of sense now.

Mercer

5 of Wands is basically about conflict and tension. Since you’re starting a new job and things aren’t going the way you’d like, I’d read this as a nudge to take a non-combative approach. Probably not the best time to push hard or dig your heels in, so focus on compromise and learning instead.

If that doesn’t sit right, or you don’t get other replies that clear things up, try a bigger spread. I’d bet the 5 could show up reversed again, and seeing it alongside other cards might make the overall picture a lot clearer.

ANovak

Mercer Thanks for sharing this. The nudge to try compromise instead of pushing so hard really hits home for me right now.