By Katrina Rasbold
Pamela Colman Smith’s Queen of Wands, part of the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) Tarot deck first published in 1909, radiates the commanding presence of feminine fire. She is regal and passionate, embodying the dynamic, confident, and intuitive traits of the Wands suit, which corresponds with the element of fire. As with all court cards, she can represent a person, an aspect of oneself, or a situational archetype. In Smith’s richly symbolic illustration, every detail of the Queen of Wands is deliberate and telling.
Visual Description and Symbolic Elements
The Queen of Wands sits upright on a throne adorned with lions facing both forward and sideways—a visual echo of strength, courage, and solar energy. Behind her, a golden backdrop suggests the warm vitality of the Sun and the Fire element. Her attire and setting are lush with details, each contributing to her meaning.
1. The Lions on the Throne
The lions symbolize strength, willpower, and the astrological sign of Leo—fixed fire. This association reinforces themes of leadership, charisma, and unwavering confidence. The lions facing multiple directions suggest watchfulness and the Queen’s ability to act with foresight and wisdom.
2. The Black Cat
At her feet sits a small black cat, a striking and curious inclusion. Black cats traditionally symbolize mystery, independence, and the occult. In this context, the cat is a familiar, hinting at the Queen’s intuitive powers and her comfort with the mystical or unseen. It may also suggest that she walks the line between light and shadow, able to confront darkness without fear.
3. The Wand with Blossoming Sunflowers
The Queen holds a flowering wand, symbolizing growth, fertility, and creative energy. That the wand is blooming suggests that her projects and ideas are thriving—she is not only a spark of inspiration but also a nurturer of success.
4. The Sunflower in Her Other Hand
Sunflowers track the sun, and in the Queen’s grasp, they represent optimism, vitality, and solar energy. The sunflower also symbolizes loyalty and warmth—traits often ascribed to this Queen. It connects her to the cycle of nature and the nourishing power of the sun, reinforcing her creative and sustaining influence.
5. The Desert Landscape
Unlike the lush greenery seen in some other cards, the Queen’s background is a sparse, golden desert. This evokes themes of resilience and independence—she thrives even in harsh conditions, sustaining life where others might falter. It also places emphasis on the inner flame, as her power doesn’t rely on external abundance.
Interpretation in a Reading
The Queen of Wands often appears when a person is stepping into their power, asserting themselves confidently, or channeling creative energy into leadership or inspiration. She embodies passion without chaos, assertiveness without aggression, and self-assurance without arrogance.
Key Upright Meanings:
- Confidence and Charisma: A time to step into the spotlight or to own your strengths without apology.
- Creative Leadership: She represents the guiding force behind a creative project or business venture.
- Warmth and Loyalty: This Queen brings a loyal heart and an open spirit, generous with affection and support. She is often referred to as “The Most Married Queen” for her attributes of fidelity and intense dedication.
- Magnetism and Influence: Her presence suggests one is being watched or admired; her charm attracts others naturally.
- Feminine Empowerment: She represents the balance of fierce independence and nurturing wisdom—she leads, not follows.
When representing a person, the Queen of Wands is typically someone warm, vibrant, and strong-willed—often a businesswoman, artist, or natural leader who uplifts those around her.
Reversed Interpretation
In the reversed position, the Queen of Wands may still indicate power and creativity, but with complications or misalignments.
Key Reversed Meanings:
- Insecurity or Jealousy: The reversal may point to self-doubt, a fear of not being seen, or someone trying to dim their light out of discomfort.
- Domineering Behavior: She might represent someone overbearing or controlling—using charm manipulatively.
- Burnout or Suppressed Passion: Creative blocks or emotional fatigue may be present. The inner fire is flickering instead of blazing.
- Hidden Motives or Shadow Side: The black cat hints at the unseen; reversed, this may signify manipulation, secrecy, or internal conflict.
This card reversed calls for introspection: Are you stepping into your power—or shrinking away from it? Are you allowing others to see the real you, or masking your fire out of fear?
Numerology and Elemental Association
As a Queen, she corresponds to both Water and Fire in elemental dignity—a fluid, emotional expression of a passionate, active force. This fusion suggests emotional intelligence, intuition, and the ability to feel deeply while acting boldly. It also grants the Queen of Wands a maternal fierceness, often protective and empowering toward those she cares about.
Historical and Archetypal Resonance
The Queen of Wands is frequently associated with goddesses of fire, war, and creativity—figures like Sekhmet, Brigid, or even Ishtar, who represent both fierce independence and divine feminine energy. She is a living embodiment of sacred fire—whether as hearth-keeper, battle leader, or artistic muse.
Pamela Colman Smith, known for weaving theatrical and esoteric symbolism into her artwork, may have intended this Queen to reflect a woman entirely in possession of her inner light—radiant, fierce, and unapologetically herself.
The Fire of Feminine Will
The Queen of Wands in the Rider-Waite-Smith deck is a brilliant portrayal of feminine willpower, creativity, and intuitive fire. She reminds us to own our talents and to lead with both warmth and courage. Whether appearing as a mirror of your current path or as guidance to embrace your inner authority, the Queen’s message is clear: let your light blaze without hesitation.
Her throne is not inherited—it is earned by standing strong in the desert sun, blooming with grace, and commanding with a gaze that knows both shadow and flame.
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Katrina Rasbold is a professional Witch, published author, priestess, and editor of Green Egg Magazine. She and her husband, Eric, are the creators of the CUSP spiritual path and owners of Crossroads Occult. You can reach her through www.katrinarasbold.com.