Cosmic Tarot - Five of Wands
Norbert Losche
F.X. Schmid, 1988

Two men are fighting with long rods beneath a pink, cloudy sky. The ground is also pink. They are standing in a circle of rocks. One rod is lying on the ground before them. They each hold two others--one in each hand. It is unclear whether they are playing or serious -- but it is obvious from their expressions and postures that the competition is intense.

LWB: Two men in a fight. They use wands as weapons.
Meaning: Strife, confrontation, argument, support, concentrated energy push, blockade, dilution of efforts.

My take: "Conflict" and "strife" are words that normally spring to mind when I am reflecting upon this card. But after studying this one I would also add "competition". Competition can be positive, but it also can be negative. It can be necessary to facilitate growth (like the irritation needed in an oyster to form a pearl), but it can also hinder further movement if one is bogged down by it. When it comes to the five of wands its probably best to face the struggle, but move on quickly once it is over -- whether one is the victor or not.

Arcana