Upright
A card of many significances, and some of the readings cannot be harmonized. I set aside that which connects it with honour and good faith. The chief meaning is oppression simply, but it is also fortune, gain, any kind of success, and then it is the oppression of these things. It is also a card of false-seeming, disguise, perfidy. The place which the figure is approaching may suffer from the rods that he carries. Success is stultified if the Nine of Swords follows, and if it is a question of a lawsuit, there will be certain loss.
Reversed
Contrarieties, difficulties, intrigues, and their analogies.
Reflection
Light
Holding your own in extreme circumstances
Helping others carry their burdens
Coming to the aid of the oppressed
Knowing and being honest about your own limits
Recognizing when you are not well-suited for a particular task
Shadow
Taking on more work than you know you can handle
Refusing to say "No" when you're already overloaded
Making a habit of working overtime
Shielding others from facing the consequences of their own poor judgment
Over-extending yourself on a regular basis
Symbolism
A man oppressed by the weight of the ten staves which he is carrying.
Ace of Wands
Two of Wands
Three of Wands
Four of Wands
Five of Wands
Six of Wands