King of Wands: tarot card meaning

King of Wands is a court card in the suit of Wands, associated with the element of Fire. Drawn upright it speaks of command, mature authority, leadership; reversed, of rigid authority, abused power.

Upright meaning

command, mature authority, leadership

Visionary leadership and bold initiative -- a charismatic force that inspires and takes the long view.

Reversed meaning

rigid authority, abused power

Impulsiveness or a domineering drive -- the vision is strong, but it is being pushed rather than invited.

The suit of Wands belongs to Fire and to passion, initiative and growth.

In a three-card reading

In the past position King of Wands describes the current that carried you to where you are; in the present position, what is most alive in the situation now; in the future position, the direction things tend toward if nothing changes. A reading weighs it against the other two cards rather than on its own.