The Five of Wands represents conflict, competition, and the dynamic energy that arises when opposing forces collide. It is a card of struggle, whether external or internal, that challenges you to assert yourself, find clarity, and rise to the occasion. While this conflict may feel chaotic, it is ultimately a test of your determination, creativity, and ability to thrive under pressure.
Known as ‘Strife’ in the Thoth deck, this card highlights the friction that can arise from competing desires, egos, or ambitions. The energy here is not destructive but dynamic—pushing you to grow, adapt, and refine your approach. Struggle is not an end in itself but a catalyst for growth, innovation, and stronger foundations.
The imagery often shows figures in the midst of a skirmish, wielding wands in apparent disarray. This reflects the clashing of forces, whether between individuals, teams, or even within your own mind. Yet, the wands suggest creative and passionate energy at play—a sign that this conflict, while challenging, holds the potential for resolution and progress.
On Conflict and Competition
The Five of Wands often appears when you’re facing challenges or competition that test your resolve. This could manifest as a clash of opinions, struggles for dominance, or competing priorities pulling you in different directions. The card encourages you to embrace the challenge rather than retreat from it.
While the conflict may feel frustrating, it’s important to recognise it as an opportunity for growth. Competition sharpens your skills and forces you to think creatively, finding new ways to assert yourself and succeed. This card asks: Are you approaching the struggle with an open mind, or are you letting frustration block your progress?
Regarding Relationships and Interpersonal Dynamics
The Five of Wands can indicate tension or disagreements. You may find yourself in a situation where differing perspectives or personalities clash, leading to miscommunication or conflict. While this can be uncomfortable, the card reminds you that not all conflict is harmful. Open, honest communication and a willingness to compromise can transform strife into understanding and growth.
The name ‘Strife’ emphasises the idea that some level of discord is inevitable in relationships. It’s how you navigate these challenges that determines whether they strengthen or weaken the connection. Are you listening as much as you’re asserting your point? Are you willing to find common ground?
In Career and Creative Pursuits
Professionally, the Five of Wands suggests competition or a challenging environment where multiple voices or ideas vie for attention. This may be a period where you need to assert yourself more strongly or adapt to new dynamics. While the struggle may seem daunting, this card encourages you to see it as an opportunity to refine your approach and prove your capabilities.
Creatively, the Five of Wands reflects the chaos of competing ideas or directions. You may feel pulled in multiple directions, unsure of how to channel your energy effectively. This card invites you to embrace the creative tension and use it as fuel for innovation. Sometimes the best ideas emerge from chaos.
On the Spiritual Path
The Five of Wands represents the inner battles that arise on the path of growth. You may be grappling with conflicting desires, beliefs, or fears that challenge your sense of direction. While this can feel disorienting, the card reminds you that spiritual growth often involves struggle. By confronting and integrating these opposing forces, you emerge stronger and more aligned with your purpose.
The name ‘Strife’ also speaks to the necessity of tension in growth. Just as a fire burns hotter when fed with fuel, spiritual transformation often requires the friction of opposing energies to spark deeper understanding and awareness.
Questions to Consider
- What conflicts or challenges are you facing, and how can you approach them with clarity and determination?
- Are you viewing competition as a threat or an opportunity to grow and improve?
- How can you balance assertiveness with openness to find resolution and progress?
Exercise Ideas
- Identify a current conflict or challenge in your life. Write down the perspectives, goals, or forces at play, including your own. Reflect on how these opposing energies might be pushing you to grow or find new solutions. Choose one step you can take to address the conflict constructively.
- Alternatively, try a movement meditation to channel the energy of the Five of Wands. Engage in an activity like dancing, yoga, or martial arts to embody the dynamic tension of this card. Focus on how movement creates flow, even in moments of resistance or strain.
