Five of Wands
The Play Fight
Upright: Conflict, Competition, disagreement, Hassles.
Reversed: Avoiding Conflict, Resolution, Peace.
Cat Archetype: The 3 AM Wrestling Match
PAWRACLE’S QUICK TIP
The Five of Wands is the “Play Fight” of the Tarot. It signifies a time of competition, ego clashes, and a lot of noisy friction. While it might feel stressful—like five cats trying to eat from one bowl—usually, nobody gets hurt. It’s a chance to sharpen your wits and hold your ground in the fray.
Five of Wands Meaning: General
The Cat’s Perspective
“Everyone is hissing, batting paws, and rolling around in a ball of fur. Is it serious? Probably not.” As a litter of Tabby Kittens—the universal symbols of “chaos energy”—this card represents the healthy (if annoying) struggle for dominance. You are in a period of high friction where everyone wants to be the Alpha. It is competition, chaos, and a lot of noise. It might feel stressful, like five cats trying to eat from one bowl, but usually, nobody gets hurt. It is just a clash of egos. You are fighting for dominance or attention. Sharpen your wits, jump into the fray, and hold your ground. This conflict is actually helping you grow. Just remember: keep your claws retracted; this is about strategy, not drawing blood.
Five of Wands Meaning: Love & Relationships
You are bickering. ‘You ate my food.’ ‘No, you took my spot.’ It is petty conflict. The relationship is full of friction right now. You are competing to be right instead of trying to be happy. It might just be passionate tension, or it might be annoying. Clear the air. Have the argument, hiss it out, and then make up. Suppressing it will only make it worse.
Five of Wands Meaning: Career & Money
It is a jungle out there. Everyone wants the same promotion. Everyone is shouting over each other in the meeting. The Five of Wands is workplace competition. You have to fight to be heard. It is exhausting and chaotic. You need to prove you are the Alpha. Stand up for your ideas, but try not to be the cat who sprays on the manager’s desk to mark territory. Keep it professional.
Five of Wands Reversed Meaning: General
The fight is over. You are all lying on the floor, panting. The Five of Wands reversed means the conflict is resolving. You are realizing that fighting is a waste of energy. You are choosing peace. Or, conversely, you are avoiding a necessary fight, running away with your tail between your legs because you hate confrontation. Peace is good, but not if it comes from fear.
Five of Wands Reversed Meaning: Love & Relationships
The tension is fading. You are tired of arguing. You are agreeing to disagree. The harmony is returning to the household. You are learning to compromise. Alternatively, you are burying your anger deep down to keep the peace, which will eventually turn into a hairball of resentment. Speak your truth quietly.
Five of Wands Reversed Meaning: Career & Money
The office drama is dying down. The competition is over (you either won or lost, but it’s done). You are focusing on collaboration instead of combat. You are finding a way to work with the annoying dog in the next cubicle. Harmony is restored. Get back to work.
TarotPaw’s Exclusive
🐾 Bane’s Senior Insight:
The Strategic Pouncer
At 12 years old, Bane has lived through enough kitten-chaos to know that most fights aren’t worth getting off the sofa for. He knows that saving his energy is a tactical move. The Five of Wands reminds us that you don’t have to attend every argument you’re invited to. When you feel overwhelmed by the competition or the technical “noise” of your project, try to stay put, take a deep breath. It reminds you that sometimes the best way to win the game is to be the one who stays calm while everyone else is hissing.
Did you pull Five of Wands? See what the Oracle says about your specific situation.
Or, You can Join for Free (1 Premium Reading/week)