“All through your life, you’ll be faced with making a decision between two things—choose the one that is right. If they are both right, then choose the one that will make you feel the best about it at the end of the day.”
— Thomas Jefferson
Planning, vision, looking ahead, ambition
Overview
A choice between two equals
There comes a time in life where destiny is altered by one minor decision. This is weighing heavily on you now, as you move forward with something new. Following the inspiration of the Ace of Wands, and the excitement of the moment comes the time of introspection. Take into account all your experiences up until the point; then decide where to go: Left, or right?
Symbolism
A man adorned in red, overlooks the water while posted on a parapet before a crenel. Grey sky is overhead, and infinity stretches before him. Looking out towards distant shores, he holds the world in his right hand and a staff in his left. To his right, a second staff is secured to the wall. Just beyond the castle walls is a small town followed by lush green pasture and mountains. Fixed to the side of the merlon to his left is the crest of his kingdom, adorned with roses crossing Lilly’s in the shape of an ‘X’ akin to that of the Crusaders..
Context
We can decipher that this man is holding the world in his hands. While he seems ready to defend that world, perched in the position to defend his castle at the crenel— he has a backup plan— the second staff (ie, wand). This is a symbolic of strategy, and looking out for trouble while being ready to defend. Though, they are looking out into the left position, symbolic of the past (looking back).
This can be seen as keeping something on the back burner, despite already having obtained their desires. With the roses (Passion and love) and Lilly (rebirth, memorial) he maybe feeling some sort of way about that which was left behind— impeding the path forward.
Meaning
The world is in your hands, but will you drop the ball while looking back?
A choice between two Equals
What’s the best choice between two equals? Both of this mans wands are identical in nature. While one staff is held firmly and surely in his hand, the other one sits in his shadow. This means he’s not as confident in his decision as he may seem. There’s a pensive, contemplative quality; almost like he’s nostalgic for roots for a tree he cut down long ago.
It’s time to set your decision in confident stone. Carve the path forward, and let the second staff go. If you hold the world in one hand, and the thing that aids your step in the other, what hand holds the third thing?
Unexpected Event
This is something you didn’t see coming, but there is a choice to be made. Both these things are of equal value to you, but one can’t stay in the equation if you are to continue on your enterprise. So much progress has been made up until the point, but now all of a sudden something that seemed irrelevant is creating an existential ultimatum.
Homesick
With his family crest to his left, the depiction could be something of homesickness. While the ancestors are always carried with him, there are things that will always be lost to time. This is the wands version of nostalgia, where foreign places shines new appreciation on things that are familiar.
No Wrong answers
Here’s the comforting part; there is no wrong answer. As long as you lead with committed and confident, you will reach the same conclusion in the end.
A Surprise Visitor or communication
A warm welcomed guest is going to arrive unexpectedly into your life. This could be a friend, a relative or a stranger who becomes pivotal to your journey. Court card present in the spread will indicate the nature of this visit, and who it is from.
With a page or knight, this could also be seen as communication from someone incoming. Especially if the 8 of wand is also in the same reading.
Two Of Wands Reversed
In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.”
— Theodore Roosevelt
Hesitation, fearing the unknown, lack of direction
Is the choice the right one? You are double guessing your original decision while romanticizing the other option.
When the Two of wands is reversed, the man holds his loose grip on the world in his hand. The staff, with their sprigs once atop of the wands get turned to the bottom in the same way trees expire from the top down. In this position it almost seems like his kingdom is sinking below the waves. Instead of being held by the force of gravity against the thicker part of the second staff, with this card flipped upside down it’s not secured and free to slide out of it’s post.
Deciphering the Two of wands reversed
Regret
Things are not what they seem. You are disillusioning yourself. The choice may have been for the wrong reasons, which causes unexpected complications. Perhaps cheaper isn’t better.
Your World turned on its head
Everything you thought you knew- you realize you didn’t. The decision you made wasn’t the right one, and there’s no turning back. The back burner has burned out, the fire having long lost its last ember.
Decision made for the wrong reason
The card in reverse can symbolize that you’ve made a decision for the wrong reasons. The picture hadn’t been fully formed before you turned your back on the second option which could lead to calamity or disruption to the future of your endeavor.
Made in Haste
The decision made was sloppy and rushed, causing you to lose something of value— everything you used to know. The world you crafted from your spiritual equity is sinking beneath the waves.
Improperly informed
There was information being withheld from you in making the final call in a situation. This information is coming to light, from an outside source. It will cause you to rethink your choice, take a shot at your ego, or cause you to lose confidence in the choice you originally made.
Lost Cost Fallacy
So much has been sunk into a situation, that you are continuing to invest in it despite the fact— it wasn’t exactly what you wanted. While your back up plan has already begun losing any meaningful place in the future. The path you’ve dedicated yourself to must be seen through, there is no other option.
Forced to choose before you were ready
Things moved too quickly, and a choice was made before you really assessed what you wanted. With the Two of Wands reversed, you were presented with an option that made you refuse all the others.
Not considering all the options
While you swear the option you chose is the best one for you, you will find it won’t serve your vision of the future.
Unwelcome guest / Solicitors
This card can indicate an unexpected visitor when there are court cards presents. If it’s a page, you can expect conflicting messages, or truths.
