Four of Wands

Symbolism

The Four of Wands shows four wands holding up a garland of flowers and fruit, like a festive archway. Two figures raise bouquets in celebration, and behind them stands a castle with more people gathered. In the 1909 art, it's time to celebrate: a milestone has been reached, and there's enough security to throw a party.

In general

The Four of Wands is the card of celebration. It shows up when something deserves to be celebrated: an achievement, a wedding, moving into a new home, the end of a hard stretch. It's about joy, stability, home, community and a moment of peace after all the effort. Reversed, it shows a celebration that's been postponed: tension at home, instability, or a feeling of not belonging.

Yes or no

The Four of Wands raises the garland for a celebration: yes. Joy and stability are ahead. Reversed, the answer is maybe: something at home, or in the foundations, needs settling first.

In love

In a love reading, the Four of Wands points to a happy, stable time: an engagement, a wedding, moving in together, or celebrating a good chapter.

If you're in a relationship, it speaks of commitment and making a home together. If you're single, it points to meeting people at parties or events, and a lighter, happier time.

Reversed, it points to postponed plans, tension about your life together, or not feeling at home with this person.

As feelings

As feelings, the Four of Wands means happiness and security: this person feels good and at home with you, and is thinking about commitment. Reversed, it shows doubt about your future together.

At work

At work, the Four of Wands often points to a milestone reached, a launch, a team celebration or a harmonious workplace. Reversed, it shows a lack of recognition, or conflicts that keep anyone from celebrating.

With money

With money, the Four of Wands points to stability and a good time to invest in your home or in something that brings you joy. Reversed, keep an eye on party spending and the household budget.

In family and friendship

In family and friendship, the Four of Wands brings get-togethers, parties, weddings and homecomings. Reversed, it shows disagreements that spoil the mood, or growing distance.

On the personal path

On a personal level, the Four of Wands asks you to stop and celebrate what you've achieved, with the people who stood by you. Reversed, it points to a need to find a place where you truly feel at home.

Advice

As advice, the Four of Wands says: celebrate. Honoring how far you've come makes the next step stronger.

In the Celtic Cross positions

• The Present: there's something to celebrate; a milestone has been reached.
• The Challenge: the obstacle is a hard time pausing to enjoy what you've already achieved.
• The Crown: you want stability, belonging and a home.
• The Foundation: underneath the question is a wish for security and community.
• The Recent Past: a recent achievement or happy moment brought you here.
• The Near Future: a celebration, an event or good news at home is coming.
• Yourself: you're joyful and welcoming.
• Your Environment: there's support, family and friends around you.
• Hopes and Fears: you want stability, and you're afraid the happiness won't last.
• The Outcome: this points to celebration and stability.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Four of Wands a good card?

Yes. It's one of the happiest cards in the tarot: celebration, home and stability.

What does the Four of Wands reversed mean?

Reversed, it points to postponed plans, tension at home, instability or a sense of not belonging.

Is the Four of Wands a yes or no card?

Upright, it's a celebratory yes. Reversed, it's a maybe.

See also the Three of Wands, which comes before it, the Five of Wands, the next step, and the Ten of Cups, another card of family happiness.