Ten of Wands Tarot Card Meaning

Tarot, like astrology, has long been one of our favorite divination systems. Interpreting either takes practice. As you learn, we wanted to help you to quickly connect to the cards and use them in ways that are actionable and practical in every area of life. xoxo, Tali & Ophira

Co-authored by James Kerti

What does the Ten of Wands tarot card mean?

The Ten of Wands represents carrying a lot of responsibility to the point where it feels like a burden. When you’re holding a great deal on your shoulders, it can feel hard to move under all that weight.

The Ten of Wands comes with an invitation to examine your goals and consider whether you’re operating in alignment. Are the responsibilities you’re carrying worth the effort? The answer may well be yes, especially if you’ve pulled this card in an upright position.

If you’re prone to overgiving, caretaking or people-pleasing, this card may be a frequent visitor in your tarot readings. The Ten of Wands encourages you to get in touch with your own needs and consider putting stronger boundaries in place to safeguard your own well-being.

What is the Ten of Wands zodiac sign?

The zodiac sign of the Ten of Wands is Sagittarius

Ten of Wands Tarot Guide

Keywords for the Ten of Wands: Overburdened, obligation, responsibilities, too much, hard work

Yes or No: No

Planet of the Ten of Wands: Jupiter

Element of the Ten of Wands: Fire

What does the Ten of Wands card mean in a love reading?

When the Ten of Wands appears in your love reading, it may be the case that you’re increasingly feeling burdened in your love life.

This minor arcana card often shows up in connection with one-sided relationships. (If you’re in a relationship and you feel like you’re the one making all the effort, you might be nodding your head right now.) Ideally, our relationships build us up, rather than wearing us out and making us feel undeserving of being loved the way we dream of. Being in an inconsistent relationship does not serve your best interest—no matter how loving the connection may feel at times. If this message resonates, the Ten of Wands calls on you to take a hard look at what you are willing to accept in relationships. Stricter boundaries, even ultimatums, may be needed here.

Whether you’re single or in a relationship, the Ten of Wands can hearken past wounds. Unhelpful behavior patterns may still be contributing to a feeling of burden and exhaustion in this area of your life. Therapy and other support may help you identify and shift those unfulfilling ways of being.

What does the Ten of Wands tarot card mean for career, money and finance?

The Ten of Wands is the card of the exhausted, overworked person. If you’ve been burning the midnight oil day after day, you can’t be surprised to see this card.

This card carries a clear message: ask for what you need and practice delegating if you can. What you’re doing isn’t sustainable; it’s not even necessarily the best way for the work to get done. By focusing on the big picture and the long-term goals, you’ll be better positioned to make sure the job gets done. And, you may be surprised to find that you had more support than you thought you did.

In a financial reading, the Ten of Wands can represent financial burdens, especially debts and other obligations that feel immovable. Look to others for support, including financial professionals. You might discover a new way of navigating the situation that feels easier.

What does the Ten of Wands tarot card mean for health?

In a health reading, the Ten of Wands often appears in connection with stress. In addition to mental and emotional challenges, stress can also lead to illnesses and injuries.

Whatever the source of your stress—work, relationships, family, or something else—this card warns that the burden you’re carrying could have consequences for your health if you don’t make a change soon.

If you often have trouble putting yourself first, this card is a red flag. Provide for yourself now, so you can properly care for others.

Ten of Wands Tarot Card in Reverse Meaning

The meaning of the Ten of Wands changes slightly when pulled in reverse. While it still relates to feeling overburdened by your responsibilities, in this case, it’s bringing awareness to how much your progress and energy levels have slowed. You may be feeling completely stuck in the mud.

If you can’t go any further, the Ten of Wands reversed encourages you to let go of what you’re carrying before everything comes crashing down, bringing you with it. Do that as responsibly as you can. But know that it’s time to reset and recharge so you can focus on what matters most in your life.

Is the Ten of Wands tarot card a yes or no?

The Ten of Wands leans toward a no, as its meaning relates to challenging feelings of obligation and overburden that are more in alignment with saying no than yes.

What does the Suit of Wands mean?

Wands are associated with fire signs, which ignite action. Fire signs carry an excitable, creative and visionary energy, and people with those signs love to jump right in.

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Feature art by Diana Hlevnja