Upright Keywords:
Overloaded, Stress, Duty, Struggle, Lost focus, Hard work, Burdens, Absence of fun, Obligation, Exhaustion, All work, no rest
Reversed Keywords:
Avoiding the truth, Undependable, Resigned to suffering, Running on the spot, Over-burdened, Releasing the load, Dropping the baton, Avoiding responsibilities, Breaking down, Out of juice
The number ten in Tarot symbolizes the ending and beginning of a new cycle. The 4 tens and the tenth card in the Major Arcana, the Wheel of Fortune, all symbolize the ending of one cycle and starting of the next.
While not all of these endings will necessarily be seen as happy, they are all necessary to move us forward through life, as is the case with the Ten of Wands.
Upright Meaning
The upright Ten of Wands symbolizes the struggles everyday life brings. In particular, the focus is on a burden that’s weighing you down. That could be a financial worry or something physical like poor health. Other possibilities are emotional issues or maybe a significant problem with love, work, or spirituality.
Whatever the cause may be, the Ten of Wands in a tarot reading forces you to face up to what’s weighing you down or holding you back. Although this all sounds a bit gloomy, it isn’t. Chances are, the burden is temporary, so there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Or perhaps this card makes you face up to what’s going on so you can change things.
Perhaps the key message the Ten of Wands brings is that you need to face the music because ignoring things doesn’t help. It’s not always easy to challenge things, but this is your task.
The Ten of Wands represents a worry of some kind. Maybe it’s too much work, grief, a tricky marriage, or mounting debt. Whatever issues you have, turning in this card should be a reminder to take a moment and evaluate what’s happening.
Take this opportunity to scrap the things that hold you back or drag you down. While this may involve facing uncomfortable truths, it’s vital to your future. The cycle is ending, and closure is within reach, so grab this with both hands. Work hard to reach your goal, and you can walk away with grace; sometimes, letting go frees up space for the nourishment we need.
Reversed Meaning
Hold on to your hat when the Ten of Wands shows up in the reverse position. Your tarot reading just got very edgy! While the upright version highlighted external pressures holding you back from fulfillment, in reverse, the spotlight shifts to you.
There’s no avoiding personal scrutiny, but if you hold onto these life burdens, it’s not because you are too lazy to change. This card suggests there’s some insecurity, fear, or stress trigger behind it.
It’s the moment to stand firm and face your demons. Even though that’s scary, the Ten of Wands is no death sentence. Being brave and asking for help is always the right move, even if that means making other people’s life difficult. Ultimately this card represents the end of the line – there’s only a brick wall ahead.