Tarot Card Symbolism: The Ten of Wands of the Minor Arcana

The Ten of Wands of the Minor Arcana of the Tarot is the tenth card of the Suit of Wands. It follows the Nine of Wands. It is the embodiment of burdens and responsibilities.

The Symbolism of the Ten of Wands Tarot Card

This card is represented by a young man who is struggling to carry ten staves, or wands. He appears to be attempting to reach the village that can be seen in the background, but he is not sure he will arrive. These staves weigh heavily on his shoulders, and his future seems uncertain.

The young man is determined to reach his destination, but in truth, he cannot see past the staves. They consume his vision, and soon all other thoughts are blocked from his mind.

The General Interpretation of the Ten of Wands Card

When appearing in a spread, this card implies an overload of burdens and responsibilities. This is likely indicating a situation where the individual has taken on too much responsibility. Often, this card sends the message that perhaps delegating a task is not so bad a thing after all.

Though the burden of responsibility weighs heavily upon his heart, the young man is nevertheless active, moving ever toward his goal, striving for an end he hopes is near. So, in another sense, this card tells the individual to keep moving forward, now that the responsibility has been accepted – it appears there is no alternative.

The Inner Meaning of the Ten of Wands in Tarot

The Ten of Wands is the image of burdens that rest too heavily upon the shoulders, and responsibilities that perhaps should never have been accepted. If there is any card in the Tarot that tells the individual to refuse a responsibility due to the danger of overburden, it is the Ten of Wands.

Of course, now that the responsibility has been accepted, there is nothing to do but to carry on, to strive towards the original goal. Though overburdened by the weight of his responsibilities, he must continue to move forward. He must continually strive towards his goal.

However, this card also carries a warning: to become involved in these responsibilities to the point where one cannot see past them is pure folly. The individual must take care that he or she does not become so focused on his or her obligations that they become all that is important. Stepping back, taking stock, is often advised by this card.

The Page of Wands follows this card. The Ten of Wands is the final numbered card in the Suit of Wands.