Illustration by Pamela Colman Smith, 1910. Public domain in the US since 1966 and in the UK since 2021. Vector digitisation of the Rider–Waite–Smith deck by OpenClipart contributor "klaatu-tarot", released public domain.
Knight of Wands
Passionate pursuit, daring adventure, and impulsive action.
Courage in full charge — thrilling, until motion itself becomes the point and leaves chaos behind.
Titled the Lord of the Flame and Lightning, this knight embodies the airy part of fire—the sudden, volatile burst of flame. Riding a horse that is rearing up, the Knight is entirely focused on the charge, symbolizing raw courage and the restless urge to conquer. This energy is highly charismatic and inspiring but can also be impulsive and erratic. It represents a time of rapid movement, travel, and the fearless projection of one’s desires into the world.
Light
Charge forward with passion and daring. Your courage and charisma will open doors, but ensure your actions are aligned with a true purpose, not just the thrill of movement.
Shadow
Recklessness, impulsivity, and a tendency to leave a trail of chaos in your wake. Beware of arrogance and acting without considering the consequences.
