Following the challenging and defensive nature of the Seven of Wands, the Eight of Wands signifies rapid change and the necessity to take action. This card’s strong energy gives a sense of urgency to any reading.
- Element: Fire
- Planet: Mercury
- Astrological sign: Sagittarius
- Key dates: November 23 to December 2
take immediate action
Visual Elements and Symbolism
One of the most enigmatic cards in the entire tarot deck, upon first glance the Eight of Wands offers little in the way of visual clues — it simply depicts eight wands flying through the air. They are pointed at a downward angle, implying that they were thrown by somebody and are hurtling towards the ground at great speed.
The sky behind the wands is clear and blue, indicating that the wands face no obstacles. In the background, there is also a hilly landscape with trees and a river that looks lush and full of life.
The Eight of Wands Card as a Person
The Eight of Wands represents a person who is highly motivated, goal-oriented, and not afraid of change. Drawing this card implies a strong yearning to travel and see the world.
The fast-moving pace at which they approach life can scare some people, but an Eight of Wands person brings excitement into the lives of others.Their driven nature also makes them hard to keep up with, but it is in their nature to not compromise their goals for anyone.
An Eight of Wands person thrives in a competitive academic or professional environment, and will do well in a job that is fast-paced and cutthroat.They are very good at multitasking and juggling commitments.
upright
The Eight of Wands Upright
The Eight of Wands represents new, unexpected growth opportunities. Now is a good time to take action, but you must resist the temptation to behave impulsively. This card can also be a sign that you will be receiving important news in the near future.
Love and Relationships
A whirlwind romance or love-at-first-sight is heading your way. Someone is going to come into your life and sweep you off your feet. The infatuation will be very intense and feel life-changing — whether or not it lasts will be up to you. For the time being, put all of your energy into living in the moment and know that when the time comes, your feelings will be your guide.
If you’re in a relationship, the Eight of Wands means that you and your partner will be making progress together or that you will be receiving important news soon. This could mean an engagement or a new baby. Don’t feel overwhelmed by new challenges — together, you can handle anything.
Career
Things in your work life are going to start moving very fast. A new venture will take off sooner than you expected. You will be given greater responsibilities than you feel you are ready for. This is an opportune time to take action and show the world what you are made of.
Money
There have been a lot of ups and downs with your finances lately. You’ve been trying to save, but money has been going out just as fast as it has been coming in.
Avoid making any new investments and think about your financial goals. How truly important are your material possessions? Your personal growth will be attained through self-reflection.
Health
You or someone in your life will make a remarkably rapid recovery from an illness or injury. The Eight of Wands can also indicate that a lifestyle change — a new diet or exercise regimen, for instance — will produce noticeable results very quickly. Don’t give up hope or wait before acting.
reversed
The Eight of Wands Reversed
The reversed Eight of Wands is a symbol of slowness, stagnation, and worry. Despite your enthusiasm, things in your life are not moving forward as you had hoped, causing you to feel frustrated and anxious. Let go of blame and re-center yourself so you can find a way around these obstacles.
Love and Relationships
In a relationship reading, the Eight of Wands signifies a lack of commitment from you or your partner. Although everything is fine on a day-to-day basis, deep down one of you has doubts as to how long your relationship will last, and if this is truly the person you want to spend the rest of your life with.
Instead of focusing on the happy days of your early courtship, think about the lack of excitement and growth that has plagued your relationship lately. You may realize that splitting up would be a positive thing.
If you’re single, unfortunately, you’ll most probably stay that way for the foreseeable future. This just isn’t the right time for you to meet someone. Resist the temptation to go out with just anybody — instead, focus on improving yourself.
Career
Your career feels stagnant and you are unsure of what to do next. If there are no opportunities for advancement at your current company, it is time to start looking for a new job.
While the idea of leaving will seem incredibly daunting at first, take it step by step and don’t let your fears get in your way. You’ll be much happier in a new environment.
Money
Your impatience and anxiety are causing you to overspend. Although you try to save money, you use shopping as a balm any time you feel panicked. Replace your spending habit with meditation or journaling — it will help you reign in your shopping compulsion.
Health
A worrisome sign for your health, the reversed Eight of Wands indicates slow recovery from sickness. It can also mean that you haven’t been maintaining healthy lifestyle habits. Follow up on your resolutions, and get back with the program.
spreads
Your Past, Present and Future
In the past position, the Eight of Wands indicates that your impatience has cost you many opportunities and soured important relationships. While diving into things makes you feel in control, doing something isn’t always better than doing nothing. Reflect on any rash decisions you’ve made in the past and the consequences they’ve had. Be mindful of this as you make choices in the coming months.
Finding the Eight of Wands in the present position indicates that you are feeling a bit stuck in your life. Your progress has plateaued, making this the right time to try new things. Jump-start your career and relationships by leaving your comfort zone, but do some research before making any brash decisions.
In the future position, the Eight of Wands means that big, exciting things are coming your way. Your creativity will blossom into a surprisingly successful project. Keep putting positive thoughts out into the universe, it is sending them back to you.
Important Card Combinations
As part of the Minor Arcana, the Eight of Wands pairs well with most cards, often amplifying their standalone meanings.
Eight of Wands and Moon
The Eight of Wands is the minor echo of the Moon card, making this combination particularly powerful. It urges you to follow your instincts. While this may prove difficult as there are many people trying to sway you, you’ll be much happier in the long run if you listen to your gut.
Eight of Wands and Ace of Cups
A truly lucky card, the Ace of Cups pairs very well with the Eight of Wands. Taking chances will result in good luck for you — particularly when it comes to traveling somewhere new or meeting a new love. This is a good time to go on a trip to meet the love of your life.
Eight of Wands and Eight of Swords
The Eight of Swords signifies constraints and self-victimization. When combined with the Eight of Wands, it’s a sign that you are acting as your own worse enemy. Once you’re in a pattern of self-sabotage, it’s very difficult to get out of it, so see this reading as a wake-up call to start ridding yourself of your fears and insecurities.
Eight of Wands and Chariot
This combination is a jackpot. It means that your deepest desires are going to come true. If you have dreamed of meeting your soul mate or reconnecting with an old lover, then this is a sign that it will happen very soon.
The Chariot is a sign that the universe is waiting to return the love and positivity that you have so diligently been putting out there for all these years. Breathe deeply and enjoy your blessings.
Eight of Wands: Yes or No?
The Eight of Wands represents a journey that is full of unpredictable opportunities and obstacles. Ultimately though, you will make progress. The answer to your question is “yes.”
