A man carries ten heavy wands toward a distant town, bent under their weight. It is burden, overload and responsibility: you carry too much, perhaps more than is yours.
A burden carried too long, too much taken on.
Waite’s keywords (1911): Oppression, even the oppression of success, gain and fortune; also false-seeming, disguise.
Reversed
Reversed, you put down the load, or collapse under it: delegating, releasing responsibilities, or burnout.
A burden finally set down, or one that crushes.
Waite’s keywords (1911): Contrarieties, difficulties, intrigues.
In love
Upright You carry the relationship alone; love has become a burden.
Reversed You release a burden in love.
In work
Upright Overwork, too many responsibilities; the end of the effort is near.
Reversed You delegate or let go of a task too heavy.
In money
Upright Financial burdens, debts, too many obligations.
Reversed You get rid of a financial burden.
At home and in the family
Upright Carrying the household alone.
Reversed You share responsibilities at home.
On your path
Upright Your spiritual path has become duty without joy.
Reversed Put down what is not yours.
Its counsel
Upright Finish the job, then rest.
Reversed Ask for help. Share the load.
Correspondences
- Arcana
- Minor Arcana, suit of Wands
- Element
- Fire
- Rank
- Tens: an ending, and the weight of fulfilment
Wands
Ace of Wands · Two of Wands · Three of Wands · Four of Wands · Five of Wands · Six of Wands · Seven of Wands · Eight of Wands · Nine of Wands · Page of Wands · Knight of Wands · Queen of Wands · King of Wands