Five of Wands as External Influences (Upright & Reversed) Tarot Card Meaning

The Five of Wands is the card of conflict, tension, competition, and clashes of ego. The card depicts five men all armed with wands fighting each other in a competitive battle. These men are rivals, and they are duking it out to see who can come out on top. This can either come from intense conflict or good-hearted competition, depending on how you look at it. 

The Five of Wands reminds us that conflict is a part of life. Conflict cannot be avoided forever. Conflict comes up in every relationship, good and bad. It is not conflict itself that causes issues, but how we handle it. The Five of Wands reminds us that we can choose how we handle conflict. We can choose to do this with hostility, or we can choose to do this with grace and kindness. 

Upright Five of Wands as External Influences

If you are asking about external influences, and you draw the Five of Wands, it means that conflict, competition, and struggles arising from differing opinions are shaping the dynamics of your current environment. This card indicates a period of challenge and disagreement, where various forces are at play, each vying for dominance or recognition. It’s a reminder that while conflict can be stressful, it also presents an opportunity for growth, encouraging you to refine your arguments, strengthen your resolve, and clarify your position on important matters.

The Five of Wands as external influences can represent people such as competitors, opponents, or individuals who challenge your views, leading to constructive debates or stressful conflicts. These interactions, although potentially frustrating, can push you to better understand your own beliefs and values. Engaging with these challenges requires patience and strength but can ultimately lead to a deeper comprehension of the complexities of human interaction and the importance of diplomacy and compromise.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Five of Wands as external influences means that minor conflicts or differences in opinion are testing the relationship, requiring effort to maintain harmony. These skirmishes, though small, can signify deeper issues that need addressing. It’s crucial to approach these conflicts with an open heart and a willingness to listen, ensuring that both partners feel heard and valued. Finding common ground and respecting each other’s perspectives can transform these challenges into opportunities for strengthening your bond.

If you are asking about an ex, the Five of Wands in the external influences position means that unresolved disputes or competing interests are complicating the process of moving forward or coexisting peacefully. This ongoing tension might stem from unresolved emotional issues, differing narratives about the breakup, or practical matters such as dividing shared assets. Navigating this complex terrain requires clear communication and, where possible, a mutual desire to resolve matters amicably, allowing both parties to find closure and peace.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Five of Wands in the external influences position means that clashing personalities or opinions are causing tension within the relationship. These conflicts, while challenging, offer a chance to address underlying issues and to work towards a more authentic and understanding relationship. It’s important to approach these situations with empathy, recognizing that each person’s viewpoint is valid and that compromise is often necessary to maintain a healthy and supportive connection.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Five of Wands in the external influences position means that competition, either within your workplace or industry, is pushing you to assert yourself and stand out. This environment, while competitive, can motivate you to enhance your skills, innovate, and find unique ways to demonstrate your value. Embracing this challenge can lead to personal and professional growth, distinguishing you as a leader and a visionary in your field.

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Reversed Five of Wands as External Influences

If you are asking about external influences, and you draw the Five of Wands reversed, it means that the resolution of conflicts, diminishing of competition, or the overcoming of challenges through compromise is influencing your situation. This card suggests a shift away from strife towards a more harmonious state, where understanding and cooperation begin to replace previous discord. It’s a sign that efforts to mitigate conflict and find common ground are bearing fruit, leading to a more peaceful and productive environment.

The Five of Wands reversed as external influences can represent people such as mediators, individuals who withdraw from conflict, or those who seek to find common ground and foster peace. These figures play a crucial role in the reconciliation process, either by facilitating dialogue between conflicting parties or by exemplifying a more conciliatory approach themselves. Their influence helps to cool tempers, encourage empathy, and open pathways to mutual understanding and respect.

If you are asking about a romantic relationship, the Five of Wands reversed as external influences means that tensions are easing, and both partners are finding ways to resolve differences without conflict. This period marks a move towards greater harmony and understanding, where communication and compromise are key to navigating disagreements. It’s an opportunity to strengthen the relationship by demonstrating a commitment to each other’s happiness and well-being, ensuring that love remains the foundation upon which all else is built.

If you are asking about an ex, the Five of Wands reversed in the external influences position means that the intensity of past conflicts is diminishing, allowing for a more peaceful coexistence or closure. This easing of tensions may open the door to healing and forgiveness, offering both parties a chance to move on from the past with a sense of dignity and mutual respect. It signifies a time of letting go of resentment and embracing a future unburdened by the weight of unresolved disputes.

If you are asking about a friend or family member, the Five of Wands reversed in the external influences position means that efforts are being made to overcome disagreements and restore harmony to the relationship. Whether through direct conversations aimed at addressing the root causes of conflict or through a shared desire to move past differences, these actions are instrumental in rebuilding trust and understanding. This card encourages patience and openness, reminding you that true reconciliation takes time and sincerity from all involved.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Five of Wands reversed in the external influences position means that competitive pressures are lessening, or you are finding more collaborative ways to achieve your goals. This shift towards cooperation can lead to a more supportive and less stressful work environment, where collective success is prioritized over individual victories. Embracing teamwork and leveraging diverse skills and perspectives can prove to be a winning strategy, highlighting the value of unity in achieving professional and financial objectives.

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Conclusion

For relationships and feelings, the Five of Wands represents conflict. Conflict is not a bad thing in itself, and it is present in every relationship. It is not conflict that is the problem, but how we deal with conflict. There are positive and negative ways to resolve conflict. The Five of Wands reminds us that we have a choice in how we communicate with others. We can either be honest and compassionate, or we can be avoidant and passive aggressive. We decide how we react to a situation. 

If you find yourself needing further clarity in your relationship matters that go beyond reading for yourself, Sibyl offers unlimited tarot readings on love & relationships, as a neutral and objective third party.