Current moon phase:
Sun in the sign of:

Knight of Wands

Quick Action, Passion, Adventure and Impulsiveness

Knight of Wands Tarot card

Symbolism and Meaning

The Knight of Wands is the embodiment of the dynamic energy of fire in motion. On the card we see a knight in full armour riding a galloping horse. His mount is the colour of flames, emphasising the intensity and speed of action. The knight holds his wand not like a sceptre but like a weapon ready for use. His tunic, like the Page's, is decorated with salamanders, and a plume resembling a flame flies from his helmet.

This is the card of "the doer". The Knight does not plan (like the Two) or wait (like the Three) - he charges into battle, carrying out the ideas started by the Ace and the Page. He symbolises sudden changes, travel, a high level of energy and taking risks. He is brave and self-confident, but can also be reckless and impatient.

The Knight of Wands brings passion, adventure and excitement into life. He is the archetype of the hero who acts first and thinks later. His appearance often heralds a rapid development of events, the need to react in a flash, or the arrival in our lives of a person with a fiery, charismatic but hard-to-tame temperament.

Interpretation of the Card

In a spread, the Knight of Wands means that the time for action has come. Things will speed up, and you may feel a surge of courage and a desire to take risks. The card often heralds a journey, a move or a sudden change of job. It points to the need to be brave and assertive. But be careful not to lose sight of your goal in all this rush and not to act too hastily.

Light (Upright)
  • Quick action, dynamism, moving forward
  • Passion, enthusiasm, a high level of energy
  • Adventure, travel, a change of residence
  • Boldly taking risks
  • Charisma, self-confidence, being a leader
  • Carrying out plans at a fast pace
  • A spirited, hot-headed but inspiring person
  • Taking up challenges without hesitation
Shadow (Reversed)
  • Impulsiveness, recklessness, acting without a plan
  • Haste leading to mistakes and accidents
  • Aggression, arrogance, quarrelsomeness
  • Short-lived enthusiasm, burning out quickly
  • Delays caused (paradoxically) by lack of organisation
  • Frustration at the lack of progress
  • A risk-taker, an irresponsible person
  • Scattered energy, lack of focus

Card Attributes

Element: Fire (dynamic, in motion, active)
Keywords: Action, speed, passion, adventure, travel, risk, impulse.
Action: Taking quick action, travelling, taking risks, initiating change.
Astrology: The Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) - especially Sagittarius because of the theme of travel and movement.
Back to the list of cards