“Pray as if it’s up to God, work as if it’s up to you.” – Oprah Winfrey The King of Wands is exactly what you imagine a charismatic leader to be like: ambitious, extroverted, and always hunting for new opportunities. He revels in the attention and praise of his subjects, and oftentimes acts purely out of a desire of the praise that he will receive in turn. At the same time, this may result in underachievement when removed from the direct gaze of others. The King is fiercely protective of his subjects and all that is his, and will destroy all those who threaten that which is most dear to him. You are much like The King, and would much rather stand at the helm of progress and innovation than wait on the sidelines. You naturally gravitate towards leadership positions, and oftentimes find yourself surrounded by others who look to you for guidance. However, this leadership does not always manifest externally; this card is also a sign that it is time for you to take charge in your own life as opposed to the lives of others. Take this as a sign that it is time for you to seize the reigns in your own life and pursue the fate that you desire for yourself. None have power over your destiny more so than you do. Now is the time to move forward with confidence in your own individual abilities and have faith that you have the power to deliver yourself exactly where you are meant to be.

Trust your heart and your instincts, as they are the compass that points you towards your destiny. In romance, it may be stressful to go after what makes you happiest. This may manifest as a desire to pursue a new romantic relationship, or the fear of ending a relationship that has been going downhill. However, now is the time for you to trust your instincts and prioritize your own happiness. Is there someone that you feel a deep affection for, but you have been too nervous to make the first move? Steel your nerves and put yourself out there; you may be surprised to find that they are just as eager as you are! Has your current relationship been causing unnecessary pain and heartbreak in your life that is holding you back from your other passions? It may be time for you to call it quits in order to heal yourself and move forward in life. In the end, your own happiness is the most important thing to consider when such change is necessary. Don’t let the concerns of others keep you from going after what you desire.

WANDS. KING.

The physical and emotional nature to which this card is attributed is dark, ardent, lithe, animated, impassioned, noble. The King uplifts a flowering wand, and wears, like his three correspondences in the remaining suits, what is called a cap of maintenance beneath his crown. He connects with the symbol of the lion, which is emblazoned on the back of his throne.

Divinatory Meanings: Dark man, friendly, countryman, generally married, honest and conscientious. The card always signifies honesty, and may mean news concerning an unexpected heritage to fall in before very long.

Reversed: Good, but severe; austere, yet tolerant.

Have you ever heard that it is key for you to find work that doesn’t feel like work? In a world where most of us have no choice but to work in order to survive, it is vital to find something that makes you happy, while also being able to pay the bills. However, this may not always feel like it is possible to achieve, especially when one finds themselves trapped in a cycle of dead-end jobs. The King tells you that you have more power over your destiny than you may think, as your fate is not solely in the hands of others. Now is the time to trust your gut and follow your instincts in order to pursue your dream job. This change may be stressful at first, but it is the first step in delivering yourself into your preferred line of work. However, it is also important for you to be realistic; taking the initiative to follow your dreams does not mean being rash. Take a moment to consider the tools that you will need to succeed in your preferred field and begin taking the preliminary steps in order to obtain said tools. This could be anything from going back to school in order to achieve a higher education, to taking on an apprenticeship or an internship, to building up your reputation as a talented producer in the eyes of consumers. It may be difficult taking these steps while also continuing to support yourself in a job that you may not necessarily enjoy, but it will all pay off in the end!

In establishing yourself as a leader, it can be easy to over-assert your dominance. When The King of Wands appears in the reversed position, it may be a sign that you have prioritized your own authority so much so that you have also taken control of that which is not yours. Remember: while you are entitled to authority over yourself, so too are others entitled to authority over themselves. If you are truly meant to lead someone, they will follow you of their own accord. Respect the autonomy of others and they will respect yours in turn; if they do not, then are they truly someone that deserves to be in your life?