Symbolism & Imagery:
The Ten of Wands in the Rider Waite Tarot shows an older man trudging across a field carrying ten wands [depicted as large sticks]. They look heavy, a real burden, and we can sense the man’s exhaustion. Luckily the man seems to be heading home and is very close to being free of his tiresome load.
The fields look healthy, ready to nurture new plant life. In our snapshot of his life, we see his journey ending while the plowed field is waiting to start another.
Both the field and the man need to rest to take some time out before facing the next challenge. Or to retire from the game, satisfied that everything possible has been achieved.
The wands represent a physical burden, but we know the cross carried could also be emotional or spiritual.