Six of Wands - Upright: it’s giving recognition, validation, and a high self-worth moment. Reversed: when ego or doubt steals your spotlight | Tarot Explainer Series

It’s giving viral post energy. The Six of Wands is that moment when you’ve worked hard for months making content or putting yourself out there, and a post finally goes viral; you're seen, celebrated, recognised. But here’s the catch: how you hold the spotlight matters just as much as getting it.

This post forms part of my Tarot Explainer Series where I give you quick, practical lessons on how to actually live with the energies of the minor and major arcana (the cards in a tarot deck). Every card is a storyline - and this is how you embrace, embody, and be guided by the secrets within it.

Six of Wands Speed Round

1. Wands belong to Fire, the suit of passion, action, leadership, and willpower.

2. Six is a number of victory after struggle (based off Kaballistic teachings) so think balance and beauty restored through effort.

3. Astrologically, this card connects to Leo, the sign that thrives in the limelight, and to Jupiter, the planet of expansion and growth.

4. In the classic card imagery, we see the victorious rider on horseback, crowned with a laurel, welcomed home by the crowd - think intuitively of the vibe you feel from this imagery. Doing this with each card can give you insights into what this card is supposed to mean to you.

5. Related cards? The Lovers (also a six), for themes of harmony and choice; Strength, for Leo vibes; and the Wheel of Fortune, Jupiter’s card for fate, expansion, growth and recognition.

6. Keywords: Upright = triumph, validation, public success. Reversed = ego, hollow victory, lack of recognition.

Core meanings

A lesson on meanings - find them within your intuition first! Then google the meanings for more clarity. Always trust your inner guidance.

Upright, the six of wands card signals your hard work paying off and being seen by others. Think applause, awards, praise, or just that glow of “I did it.” Reversed, it warns against letting ego inflate or deflate the win — either chasing hollow validation or refusing to believe you deserve the spotlight. Journal prompt: Where am I hiding from recognition I’ve actually earned?

Lessons

Spiritually, this card teaches that visibility is part of purpose - shining isn’t arrogance, it’s service and here for everyone from time to time! In career and business, it asks you to own your wins, step into leadership, and stop downplaying success. As a life moment, it often shows up when you’re being publicly praised, celebrated, promoted, or pushed into a leadership role.

Embracing: Welcome recognition without guilt or low self worth. Say yes to being celebrated, even if it feels uncomfortable. Accept the award. Say “thank you, I recieve that” to a complement instead of rejecting it. Look more to your achievements today than your flaws or downfalls.

Embodying: A great way to embody six of wands energy is to post something good about yourself - something you have achieved, gained, grown into etc. For example you could post a graduation photo, weight loss before and afters, business progress or even self love around your motherhood journey. Don’t forget a caption. This is the energy this card supports and allows you to actively embrace its lesson.

In practice: For self-reflection, ask: where am I craving recognition but not allowing myself to receive it? For decision-making, do the thing today that would let people see your work — pitch, publish, or share. For a daily ritual, journal a list of ways you’ve already won and let yourself sit with that truth (sometimes it’s YOU who needs to own and validate your own success.

Conclusion

The Six of Wands reminds us that success is not selfish and it’s part of our path to purpose. Every card is a lesson, but you are the creator who chooses that path forward. Remember to read in meanings in the context of other cards and your own intuition.

If you want deeper guidance on how to align your wins with your soul purpose, subscribe to my monthly vision energy readings here.

These monthly readings are my exclusive channellings using tarot and astrology guidance. In these readings I help you embody the lessons of each monthly cycle and step closer to your authentic self and soul-purpose. In this blog I also have posts for each of the tarot cards, where you can find the advice and guidance you need from the cards that are speaking to you.

Find more Chief Vision Holder readings, content and guidance on YouTube.

Big Love, M.