The 10 of Wands

Representing completion; the 10 of Wands represents the reaping of reward. Our efforts are complete, the final element has been acquired, and our creative endeavour yields the rewards we sought. The number 10 represents a return to parity, and the restoration of stability, calmness, and clarity of mind.

In the upright state the 10 of Wands prompts us to take the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of our labour. The path is complete, the investment returned, and our enjoyment of the moment is our focus.

In the inverted state the 10 of Wands represents disappointment and criticism, and our inability to recognise when to stop. Our job is complete yet we may not feel this to be the case, we may still feel there is more we could do and more we could achieve particularly if we fail to recognise the original vision, we set out to realise because it does not look exactly as we had imagined; the 10 of Wands in the inverted state asks us to consider the inability to resolve these lingering elements as new journeys, not as part of this endeavour. Draw a line under what has been achieved, and if your vision has expanded then consider your new perspective as a separate journey for which the present serves as inspiration.

In the Rider-Waite deck the imagery is explicit, a man is seen carrying 10 Wands towards a Castle in the distance representing the harvest of our creativity and the value in return of our creative output.

In self-reflection the 10 of Wands serves as a prompt to consider what has been achieved and what has been learned, what remains to be completed, the odds and ends that may have been forgotten.

When we create anything of substance, particularly anything of an artistic nature, our desire for perfection can overcome our recognition of our own humanity and the limits of our ability. In truth we are never content with anything we create, as our own greatest critics we see the flaws others do not and amplify their significance.

“To err is human, to forgive is divine”
- A. Pope

Ask yourself “Is it finished?” and “Am I happy with this?” do not ask “Is it perfect?” as you will always find a reason to say no.