Five of Wands as Obstacle or Challenge (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 an Obstacle or Challenge

If you are asking about an obstacle or challenge, and you draw the Five of Wands, it means that conflicts or competition may be hindering your progress. This card signifies a time of strife, where differing views or interests may be causing disagreements. These conflicts, although challenging, can be an opportunity for growth and learning if approached constructively.

The Five of Wands as an obstacle or challenge can represent struggles, disagreements, or difficulty working with others. It signifies a testing period where you may be clashing with others, perhaps due to different viewpoints or competing interests. Navigating this period effectively would require tact, open communication, and a willingness to understand and respect differing perspectives.

If you are asking about a potential relationship, the Five of Wands as an obstacle or challenge means that conflicts or differences in opinion may make it difficult for the relationship to flourish. These could stem from varied backgrounds, contrasting values, or differing expectations from the relationship. It’s important to recognize and respect these differences, and work together to find common ground or a middle path.

If you are asking about an existing relationship, the Five of Wands as an obstacle or challenge means that disagreements or competing desires may be causing tension in the partnership. This could manifest as frequent arguments, misunderstandings, or a struggle for control. Addressing these issues openly and honestly, and seeking a compromise where possible, would be key to resolving this tension.

If you are asking about an ex, the Five of Wands as an obstacle or challenge means that lingering conflicts or unresolved disputes may be affecting your ability to move on. Unresolved feelings of anger, bitterness, or regret may be holding you back from finding closure. It might be beneficial to seek resolution, either through open dialogue, forgiveness, or acceptance.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Five of Wands as an obstacle or challenge means that competition or workplace conflicts may be impacting your success or job satisfaction. You may be dealing with rivalries, disagreements, or a highly competitive environment. Finding ways to manage this competition, such as focusing on your unique strengths or seeking collaborative solutions, could be beneficial.

Reversed Five of Wands as an Obstacle or Challenge

If you are asking about an obstacle or challenge, and you draw the Five of Wands reversed, it means that conflict resolution and finding common ground may be the current focus. This card suggests that you are in a phase where resolving differences and finding a consensus is crucial to progress. It implies a time of negotiation, compromise, and striving for harmony in your interactions.

The Five of Wands reversed as an obstacle or challenge can represent overcoming disagreements, finding compromise, or learning to work harmoniously with others. This implies a transition from a stage of conflict to one of reconciliation. It calls for open-mindedness, active listening, and a willingness to understand and respect differing perspectives as you work towards resolution.

If you are asking about a potential relationship, the Five of Wands reversed as an obstacle or challenge means that resolving conflicts and learning to communicate effectively may be necessary for the relationship to grow. Misunderstandings or differences of opinion may arise, but they are opportunities for growth if handled constructively. Clear communication, understanding, and compromise will be key in navigating these challenges.

If you are asking about an existing relationship, the Five of Wands reversed as an obstacle or challenge means that finding ways to resolve conflicts and maintain harmony in the partnership is essential. This signifies a period where the relationship may be tested by disagreements or differing desires. It’s important to approach these situations with patience, understanding, and a willingness to compromise.

If you are asking about an ex, the Five of Wands reversed as an obstacle or challenge means that resolving lingering issues or finding closure through compromise may be important. Unresolved disputes or feelings of resentment may still be affecting you. Addressing these issues, perhaps through open communication or personal reflection, can be instrumental in finding closure and moving forward.

If you are asking about career and financial matters, the Five of Wands reversed as an obstacle or challenge means that learning to work collaboratively and resolve conflicts can lead to greater success and satisfaction. You may be dealing with workplace disagreements or competitive dynamics. Developing effective communication skills, embracing teamwork, and striving for win-win solutions can help transform these challenges into opportunities for growth.

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.