The essential meanings of this Minor Arcana card from the Rider-Waite-Smith deck.

Upright: The Ten of Wands upright stands for burdens, hard work, and responsibility. It indicates you’ve achieved something (reached the completion of the suit’s journey) but perhaps at the cost of feeling overburdened. All those wands can represent tasks, duties, or projects you're carrying on your shoulders. Upright, this card acknowledges your effort but also suggests you might need to delegate or drop some load. It’s a success tinged with stress – you have come far, but remember to take care of yourself and lighten the load where you can, so you don’t burn out right at the finish line.

Reversed: The Ten of Wands reversed suggests a release of burdens or an overwhelming stress that needs addressing. You may be finally setting down a heavy load or, conversely, feeling crushed under responsibilities with no relief in sight. This card in reverse urges you to prioritize and eliminate what you can’t carry any longer. It’s okay to ask for help or say no to additional obligations. If things feel too heavy, take it as a sign to reorganize and offload tasks so that you can breathe and focus on what truly matters.

Three Possibilities

The secrets of this card for heart, mind and soul.

Love: Love feels heavy—a relationship may be burdened with stress or responsibilities. If things are overwhelming, it might be time to share the load or let go of excess baggage.

Career: Overwork and responsibility weigh you down. The Ten of Wands warns of burnout—delegate tasks and find balance before exhaustion takes over.

Spirituality: The weight of the past or rigid beliefs may stifle your growth. Release what no longer serves you, and lighten your soul’s journey.