Two of Wands At A Glance
Keywords: Big picture, long term thinking, planning, preparation, rash thinking, poor planning, acting without thinking, failure due to lack of preparation
Season: Summer
Element: Fire (creativity, passion and will power)
Two of Wands Tarot Card Description
The Two of Wands is a minor arcana card and the second card within the suit of Wands. In the Rider Waite Smith system of tarot the Two of Wands depicts a man standing between two upright wands one of which he uses as a staff. In his other hand he holds a globe. Every item of clothing he wears is dyed in vivid shades of reds and oranges.
These colors represent inspiration, desire and creativity. As he looks out to the horizon framed between the wands there is a feeling of anticipation and excitement but the man also seems to be patiently waiting. He is planning a journey which used to be much harder before the invention of our modern methods.
Perhaps he is waiting for a strong wind or for the tide to change, either way he knows that he must wait patiently and use this time wisely to check over every step of his plan one more time.
Two of Wands Upright Meaning
When we are greeted with this card in its upright position we can confidently say it is referring to elements of our own lives which require planning and it is speaking directly about those plans. When upright it means the quality of our plan is good and likely to bring us success in the area it is about.
It could be suggesting the balance between planning and then reacting in the moment is at a good equilibrium. It could also be guiding us to further elaborate upon our plans and make sure they cover other scenarios so they can support us more thoroughly.
Lastly it can be guiding us to create a plan if we don’t have one at all or to gently nudge us back to a plan we made previously if we have strayed from it.
“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” - Abraham Lincoln
Two of Wands Reversed Meaning
When we meet the Two of Wands reversed (its artwork is upside down when we turn the card over) then this speaks of the planning phase going totally awry. This can mean either too much or not enough preparation for the outcome we wish to manifest. Though some would say there is no such thing as being too prepared this doesn’t really hold weight in real life.
We can become stuck in the planning phase, trying in vain to make our plan perfect only for things to go side ways once we take action. Also it could be a waste of time to over plan when so many of us have so little free time.
The effects us under-planning are also easy to see. Failing a task because we failed to plan is very disappointing and in most cases easily avoidable. This card asks us to look at this scale and make sure we plan enough but not to much or too little.
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” - Benjamin Franklin
Two of Wands: Yes or No
The Two of Wands is a strong yes card when it is upright.
When reversed it says this is a maybe but could be swung to a yes if we develop a really thorough and well thought out plan and implement it early.
Let’s Break Down the Two of Wands In Our Lives
How the Two of Wands can apply more specifically to different areas of our lives.
Two of Wands In Love
When we are met with this card in answer to our love questions the Two of Wands card is suggesting that we bring a conscious and mindfulness approach to our love lives at this time. This could look like an open and honest conversation or discussing plans and long term ideas with our partner or love interest.
We may need to know where they stand in order to factor them into our plans. Love is a partnership lead by both people and therefore everyone involved must be heard and have their stance understood.
Reversed it can suggest that one person within the relationship may be holding on to control a little too much and trying to plan every moment of free time the couple has together.
There is still a need for some independence within all relationships but the 2 of Wands reversed suggests one person feels rejected when their partner asks for some down/ alone time.
Two of Wands With Money
When the Two of Wands answers our money questions it’s a good sign and a very positive omen from the universe. It reassures us that our plans are good and guides us to stick with them and see them through entirely.
At this time we must not flip-flop to another plan or abandon ours we must patiently stay the course and have faith in the original plan we made.
Reversed the Two of Wands can mean that things are about to divert majorly away from our plans. The situation may change suddenly and require us to react fluidly and calmly. This card serves as warning that this is inbound and it is important we react only once we see signs of the change but not before.
Two of Wands At Work
The Two of Wands regarding career matters can signify we are following the classic plan laid out before us for advancing. Whether this is within education, through school and then university or via promotion within our chosen field it is talking about where we currently sit on this journey and where we would like to go.
A phrase that comes to mind is “act in alignment with the job you want, not the one you have.” This card emphasizes that planning can be a key element in advancing your career further.
Reversed the Two of Wands can imply a diversion from the classic form of progression. Careers are not always linear and sometimes instead of advancing we may choose a side or back step if it serves OUR career goals. It may not look like society’s path but it aligns with our own.
As an example this can look like retraining in a new field or going back to study. It could even look like taking a role with less responsibilities or part-time so we can focus on our goals. In short, it’s us working towards our plan, not their plan.
Two of Wands With Others
If we are gifted the Two of Wands in regards to questions about others in our external world then it is suggesting we spend some time organizing and planning for day trips or social outings.
For example we may wish to see a particular group of friends more but it fails to happen so we may take on the role of planning the next event. This role will be needed and is ours for the taking.
Reversed it can suggest that though there is an element of planning required for some kind of social gathering we may not actually be up to the task currently. In these times we must remember to ask for help from others involved and lessen the load we bare.
It can also suggest allowing someone else to come in and organize for us. For example we may ask someone we trust that is money-savvy to make a budget sheet for us or a naturally tidy friend to organize our wardrobe or storage. Sharing these tasks can help us long term but it also makes it more fun when we get a friend involved.
Two of Wands With Self
The Two of Wands in relation to internal questions implies we have some deeply personal goals which we haven’t shared with anyone. This is completely fine as we don’t need to share every thought we have with the world but we must be careful not to hide these thoughts from ourselves because then we would fail to act on them.
This card asks us to keep some kind of mental or physical note of them and to consult them from time to time to make sure we are staying on track. Of course we could also consider telling someone we trust our secret goals as this can help keep us accountable.
Reversed the 2 of Wands suggests we have majorly dropped the ball on the goals we set and that we may feel shame or disappointment because of this. However beating ourselves up is reductive and instead we should put this energy into working on the goal once again.
There may be a need to revisit the plan and see where it failed us. Factor in this new information so that the plan is more well-rounded and serves us better. Now go forth and advance once more.
Two of Wands As Feelings
The Two of Wands feels like those times where we are swept up in a wave of inspiration with a desire to organize or plan various elements of our lives. This feeling can be regarding any situation or a goal we would like to manifest.
The general feeling is one of quickening action and a desire to put a plan down on paper and get started.
