The Ten of Wands

The Ten of Wands is that feeling like you’re juggling a million things at once. Like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders.

Check it out! See this dude struggling with all those wands? Each wand represents a responsibility, a goal, or a project. He’s got a lot on his plate.

It’s a sign that you might be overcommitted. Maybe you’ve said yes to too many things, or you’re taking on more than you can handle.

Appearance

Usually, you see someone hunched over, barely able to carry all those wands. Their head is down, almost like they’re defeated.

Notice how there are ten wands. Ten in tarot often represents completion, but also the end of a cycle. So, think of it as the heavy end of a cycle. Each wand represents energy, passion, and creativity (remember Wands are all about fire and energy), but now it is too much.

Each wand shows a goal, an idea that might have sounded amazing, now they’re crushing him, and he barely has the strength to hold them.

Let’s talk colors. Often, you’ll see reds and yellows, still representing that fiery energy, but maybe also a feeling of being burnt out. The ground might be brown, suggesting being weighed down and struggling to move forward. It is like you have no energy, all that zeal you had, now you barely have any.

Meanings

General Readings

* Upright *

Basically, the Ten of Wands upright in a general reading usually means you’re taking on way too much. It’s a recipe for burnout!

This card isn’t saying you’re a bad person or that you can’t handle things. It’s more like a friendly nudge, saying, hey, maybe it’s time to look at what you’re carrying and see what you can put down.

So, what should you do if you pull the Ten of Wands? First, acknowledge that you’re feeling overwhelmed. It’s okay to not be okay! Then, take a good, hard look at all the things you’re committed to.

Ask yourself, are you doing things because you want to, or because you feel like you have to? Can you delegate some tasks to others? Is there anything you can just say no to? Believe me, learning to say no is a superpower.

The other thing to remember with the Ten of Wands is that you’re almost there! You’ve put in the hard work. You’re close to achieving your goals. But you can’t cross the finish line if you collapse from exhaustion first!

So, take a break, ask for help, and lighten your load.

* Reversed *

A reversed Ten of Wands is like the universe is trying to tell ya something, like hey, maybe it’s time to put some of those wands down! It’s a sign that you’ve been pushing yourself too hard, for too long. You might be feeling stressed, exhausted, and maybe even a little resentful.

The good news? It’s a wake up call! It means you’re finally realizing you can’t do it all. This card encourages you to reevaluate what’s truly important. Are you saying yes to things you don’t really want to do? Do you keep taking on other people’s problems? Are you afraid of asking for help? This reversal wants you to liberate yourself.

So, if you see the reversed Ten of Wands in a reading, it’s time to be honest with yourself. Can you delegate? What can you say no to? What help can you ask for? Don’t be afraid to prioritize your well being. Remember, it’s okay to lighten the load! It can also mean you are trying to get out of those responsibilities, but are failing miserably.

Dropping some wands doesn’t make you a failure. It makes you smart! It frees you up to focus on what truly matters and to be the best version of yourself.

Love and Relationship Readings

In a relationship, it might mean you’re feeling completely overwhelmed by the responsibilities. Maybe you’re putting in way more effort than your partner. Are you always the one planning dates, remembering anniversaries, and dealing with all the drama? That’s exhausting!

It could also mean you’re taking on too much emotional baggage, yours and your partner’s. Trying to fix everyone else’s problems before dealing with your own? The Ten of Wands is a major red flag.

It can also mean you are just taking responsibility for the things you do.

So, what do you do about it? The key is to recognize the weight you’re carrying and then do something about it!

Communication is key. Tell your partner how you’re feeling. If they’re not listening, that’s a whole other problem! 

Stop taking on everything! It’s okay to say no.

Take time for yourself! Recharge those batteries.

If you’re really feeling drained, a little space might be just what you need to reconnect with what you enjoy and discover if you truly miss the other person.

The Ten of Wands isn’t necessarily a breakup card but something’s gotta give! You have the power to lighten your load and bring some joy back into your relationship.

* Reversed *

A reversed Ten of Wands in a love reading usually signals one of three things:

• You (or your partner) might finally be letting go of some of the stress weighing down the relationship. Maybe you’re communicating better, sharing responsibilities, or just decided to stop sweating the small stuff.
• Sometimes, it can mean someone’s avoiding their responsibilities. Like, totally ditching the load instead of sharing it. This could manifest as ghosting, becoming unreliable, or just generally not pulling their weight. Not cool.
• It can also indicate that you or your partner is starting to delegate tasks or ask for help. Whether it’s getting support from friends, family, or even a therapist, you’re no longer trying to carry it all alone.

So, how does this play out in real life?

• Single? A reversed Ten of Wands might mean you’re finally releasing the baggage from past relationships. You’re no longer carrying the weight of old hurts, making you more open to new love!
• Dating? It could mean the pressure of defining the relationship is easing up. You’re both chilling out and enjoying the ride. Watch out for the avoidance aspect, though. If one person is suddenly MIA, that’s a red flag!
• In a Relationship? This is a great sign! It suggests you’re working together to lighten the load, communicate better, and create a healthier balance in the relationship.

Career Readings

* Upright *

The Ten of Wands, upright, is basically the poster child for being overloaded. Picture this: you’re juggling multiple projects, deadlines are looming, and you feel like you’re carrying the weight of the entire company on your shoulders. Sound familiar?

In a career context, this card often points to a few key things:

• You’ve taken on way more than you can realistically handle.
• You’re pushing yourself too hard, and it’s only a matter of time before you crash.
• You’re trying to do everything yourself instead of trusting others to help.
• You’re not sure what tasks are the most important, so you’re stressing over everything.

But hey, it’s not all doom and gloom! The Ten of Wands isn’t just a warning, it’s also an opportunity for change!

You’re stronger than you think, but you need to work smarter, not harder. This is your opportunity to restructure your workload.

* Reversed *

Basically, the reversed Ten of Wands in a career reading can mean a few things:

• You might be about to get some relief from a heavy workload. Maybe a project is ending, a teammate is stepping up, or you’re finally learning to say no and delegate tasks. 
• It could be a wake up call that you need to let go of some responsibilities. You’re headed for burnout if you don’t start sharing the load. Seriously, ask for help! 
• You might be saying yes to everyone, even when you know you don’t have the time or energy. The reversed Ten of Wands is a reminder to protect your boundaries. 
• It can also indicate that you’re feeling overwhelmed but maybe exaggerating the situation a bit. Are you really carrying all that weight, or are you blowing it out of proportion? Could you be more organized or efficient? 

Bottom line? The reversed Ten of Wands is often a good sign! It’s a chance to reevaluate your workload, set some limits, and find a better balance. Think about what you can realistically handle and what you need to let go of to thrive. If you refuse to change, you will experience burnout.

Financial Readings

* Upright *

Now, what does this mean for your finances? Well, when the Ten of Wands pops up upright in a financial reading, it’s usually a sign that you’re feeling overwhelmed with financial responsibilities.

Maybe you’re working too many hours at your job. Or you are saving to buy a car, or you have too many expenses.

It can even mean you’re taking on too many chores to earn that extra allowance. The key here is that you’re feeling the pressure. You’re stretched thin. It feels like a heavy burden.

Think about, are you saying yes to everything without thinking about the consequences for your time and energy? Are you trying to do too much, earn too much, all at once?

The Ten of Wands is telling you to pause! You might need to delegate some responsibilities, ask for help, or even just say noto some things. It’s okay to prioritize your well being!

Take a look at your budget, your spending habits, and the commitments you’ve made. What can you realistically handle? Can you cut back? What can you change?

Remember, your financial goals are important, but they shouldn’t come at the cost of your health and happiness. The Ten of Wands is an opportunity to reevaluate and find a more sustainable and balanced approach to your finances.

* Reversed *

A reversed Ten of Wands in a financial reading is often a good sign. It usually means that some of that pressure is starting to lift! Yay!

It could mean:

• That side hustle that was draining you? Maybe you’re finally dropping it! It’s okay to say no! 
• If you’re working with friends on a project to raise money, you’re finally realizing you don’t have to do every thing yourself. Time to share the load! 
• Maybe you realize you don’t need the absolute latest phone model. Scaling back your goals can really relieve financial stress. 
• Asking your parents for help with big ticket items 

It’s about finding balance and not burning yourself out for the sake of money.

Remember, tarot is all about guidance. The reversed Ten of Wands is about prioritizing yourself and your mental health over money worries. There are always solutions and you don’t have to struggle alone.

Spiritual and Personal Growth Readings

* Upright *

In a reading, especially for spiritual and personal growth, the Ten of Wands, when it’s upright, usually means you’re carrying too much responsibility.

Each wand represents a task, a commitment, or something you’re responsible for. When you have too many, it gets heavy. You’re working super hard, but maybe not as efficiently as you could be. You may be stumbling under the weight of it all!

This card isn’t necessarily bad, but wanting to do everything, but you’re spreading yourself too thin leads to burn out! And nobody wants that!

The Ten of Wands is a reminder that you don’t have to do it all alone. It’s about recognizing your limits, asking for help, and focusing on what truly matters. Freeing up energy will allow you to grow in new and surprising ways. Learn what it means to be powerful.

* Reversed *

It’s about releasing those burdens. It’s a sign that you’re finally able to let go of something that’s been weighing you down.

Now, in terms of spiritual and personal growth, this is huge. Maybe you’ve been:

• Taking on too many projects at work, extracurriculars, trying to please everyone.
• Clinging to ideas about yourself or the world that just aren’t serving you anymore.
• Trying to fix everyone else’s problems instead of focusing on your own growth.

The reversed Ten of Wands is a wake up call. What can you release? Can you delegate? What expectations can you gently let go of?

This isn’t about giving up entirely, though. It’s about prioritizing. It’s about recognizing that you can’t do everything, and that’s okay! In fact, letting go of excess baggage creates space for new opportunities and a lighter, more joyful journey.

So, if the reversed Ten of Wands shows up for you, take a deep breath. Ask yourself what needs to be shed. What is no longer serving you?

Trust me, letting go can feel incredibly liberating. It’s about reclaiming your energy, your time, and your power.

How to Connect With The Ten of Wands

So, how can you connect with this card? First, be honest with yourself. Are you taking on too much? Seriously, think about it! Work, sports, friends, family. Where can you cut back?

Light a candle and relax.

Journal. Write down everything that is on your mind. Everything worrying you. Delegate. Can you ask a friend for help with that project? It’s okay to ask for help! Its ease your mind.

What’s really important? Focus on those things first. Break down big tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Boom! Suddenly, that mountain feels a little less scary.

You got this! Now go conquer your to do list, but maybe not all at once!