Eight of Wands: Rapid Progress
In my first experience with the Tarot ever, the Eight of Wands was the one picked for me. It was a traditional reading, but a Past, Present, Future spread amongst three people. I was assigned the card for my future and I don’t remember what the reading was, but I do remember being disappointed because I thought the card didn’t seem exciting and had no people in it.
Has my opinion changed? Not really. Could be that I’m still in a bit of a pessimistic funk, but this card is the equivalent of “what goes up, must come down” to me. Yes, there is a lot of momentum in this card but the faster the wands sail, the harder it hits when it ultimately does.
What you see: Eight wands flying through the air over green pastures that have a river flowing through it.
What it means: The wands represent movement that is about to come to rest (as the angle is tilted towards the ground). The pastures these are about to land on appear to be fruitful and thriving.
The story: The Eight of Wands represents positive growth or trailblazing; as the challenges from the previous cards have been resolved, you have the space and freedom to move forward with plans.
Reversed meaning: Reversed, the card signifies stagnation, delays and a loss of momentum.
Reflection: The thing that struck me most with this card is that the wands are angled to hit the ground soon. They don’t run parallel to the ground, so their journey is not endless: at some point they will come to a stop. Building on yesterday’s message that change is constant, this one echoes that even good things will come to an end.
My research sources:
A Complete Guide to the Tarot, Eden Gray, 1970
Tarot Card Meanings, Biddy Tarot
Card Meanings, Labyrinthos
Root Lock Radio: A Tarot Podcast
