Five of Wands

 The five of wands is the kinda card that can be interpreted a few ways, just by looking at the scene. Beyond that the symbolism present can add a whole other story to the meaning. Let’s take a look

At first glance, we see young men in an empty field wielding long sticks, which are all brandished against one another. They’re all dressed differently, so they aren’t part of a military company or anything. The sky is clear and blue and the sticks are fresh, or still “green”, as represented by the leaves up top. They all have varied facial expressions but only one of them seems to be sort of smiling. Perhaps they were sent out to do something with those sticks, like build a shelter or some other structure. However they seem to have forgotten their purpose and started to either engage in horseplay or perhaps they’re fighting over how to do whatever job they were sent to do.

Regardless of why they’re out in the field, it’s clear the scene before us is one of disorder and chaos. This card tells us that there is something that is disorganized or not flowing properly, whether in ones love, work, or personal life. It has the feeling of forcing something that just isn’t working and it isn’t just one person or energy forcing their perspective, it’s everyone involved who is vying for control. However, with all this chaos, which seems inevitable, we can choose to be more light hearted about it and not take it so seriously! After all, the young men could just be horsing around and not fighting. That doesn’t make it any less chaotic and it is up to us to decide how we want to approach the chaos, with an upbeat and open attitude or a defensive attitude ready to force our way to the point, if need be.

When I pull this card in a reading, the way I interpret it depends largely on the other cards I have pulled as they often tell an interconnected story. The thing I know, regardless of the intent behind it, is that something is being held up by forces out of your control. It could indicate an issue communicating, red tape that makes no sense, or the need to take a break from constantly grinding to play and let go of structure. Often it is a reminder to not take life so seriously and trust that what is meant will come to us and what is not meant will pass us by. Ultimately it is up to us how we respond to the games the universe plays with us, remembering that within chaos is fertility.