The Suit of Wands embodies those qualities we associate with fire and fire signs--passion, drive, ambition, showmanship, motivation, competition, charm and at the worst egotism, arrogance and pride. The Tarot constantly challenges us on the experiences we most fall into and most deeply rely upon. This is particularly so in the Six of Wands, the card of Victory. Not Empty Victories, like the Five of Swords, but triumph at its most pure--the hard-won. We see the rider through the crowd of Wands, undoubtedly, the wands of war, heralding his win. His head is crowned with laurels and he holds a Victory Wreath up high. It is sometimes said that this is the Victory over the Five, which is a card of conflict and drama. The Six marks the Victory of that battle.
But as with all good things, our Victory is short-lived in the reproaches of the Tarot. When coming on the heels of a challenge, this card marks a win, positive outcome, a victory. And if winning is everything, then this is a wonderful card for you. But the challenge here is to temper your wins and check yourself. It is undoubtedly positive. It just reminds you, quickly, thoroughly, to stay small. Remain humble. Embrace, not the victory march, but the tenacity, the stay-puttedness, and ambition, that gained you the victory, not your adoring and admiring public.
Humility is not a quality known for those with fiery tendencies. I would dare say that most fire signs regard humility as an attribute of loss, a quality you grow out of suffering, but this card asks you to tap deeply into your wins, your pride, and your successes to find humility. Because this card could also be labeled the Card of Self-Aggrandizement. And so it warns that your pride could unravel the exact thing you are celebrating. Pride causes the imbalance and later the defeat you avoided earlier.
Make no mistake, the Six of Wands is a positive card of winning. It heralds wins in any endeavor, and so when someone seeks an answer, you can tell them with the Six of Wands that they have the tenacity and strength to win any competition. Any challenge is theirs to own. But remind them to watch their ego.
A great affirmation might be:
I embrace grace and dignity in all my endeavors.