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The Ten of Wands tarot card is all about burdens and responsibility.

This card can represent feeling weighed down by obligations or indicate that you are shouldering too much.

It's essential to find a balance in your life and lighten your load if necessary.

The ten of wands can also represent success, especially if you have persevered through difficult times.

This card suggests that your hard work will pay off in the end.

The History And Appearance Of The Ten of Wands

The Ten of Wands can trace its origins back to early 15th century Italy, where it was known as the "Tyrant's Card."

At that time, the Ten of Wands was associated with oppression, cruelty, and injustice.

As a result, the card was often used to warn against the dangers of giving too much power to one person.

The Ten of Wands began to take on a more positive connotation as the years went on.

By the late 15th century, the card was associated with responsibility and burdens.

This meaning carried through to the early 20th century when the ten of wands became known as the "Card of Burden."

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When you look at this card from the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, you see a man carrying a lot of sticks towards a small hamlet that is not far away.

The sticks are weighing him down as he has back strain.

However, because he is nearby the small town, he knows he will be able to get rid of the load he is carrying.

Now, let's look and see what the Ten of Wands means in a reading.'

What It Means When You Get The Ten of Wands In A Reading

The Ten of Wands tarot card is all about burdens and responsibilities.

This card can represent feeling weighed down by obligations or the challenges that come with success.

If you feel overwhelmed, the Ten of Wands suggests taking a break and reassessing your commitments when getting that card in a reading.

This card can also indicate that you are shouldering more than your fair share and need some help if you get that card in a reading.

Don't be afraid to ask for assistance when needed.

When you also see this card in a reading, it can mean self-imposed pressure or unrealistic expectations.

The Ten of Wands can represent feeling overwhelmed by responsibility or feeling like you have too much on your plate.

The Ten of Wands can also be a warning against taking on more than you can handle.

That means it may be time to take a step back and assess your current situation.

On the flip side, the Ten of Wands can also suggest that you are up for the challenge.

This is an excellent time to go after your goals with determination and tenacity. You have the strength and fortitude to see things through to the end.

Whatever the Ten of Wands represents for you, know that it is a temporary situation.

You will eventually be able to lighten your load and move on to better things.

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You learned during the Nine of Wands episode that nine means attainment and fulfillment. Ten represents the completion of a cycle and renewal.

Therefore, going back to the party example, the Eight of Wands indicated the party host wanted to set up an impromptu party.

The Nine of Wands indicated that there was more work than they anticipated but had the determination to get that party up and running.

And the Ten of Wands suggests that perhaps the party host did bite off more than they were able to chew.

Between arranging the catering, setting up the decorations, sending out invitations, etc.

The determination is there to get it done, but the host clearly needs help.

That means the host will have to appoint responsibilities to some of the friends they are inviting to pick up the food perhaps, set the tables, put up the decorations, and anything else that the host does not have to do themselves.

And that is the thing with the Ten of Wands.

It is a sign that you need to delegate responsibilities that you do not need to do so you can cope. Being overwhelmed is no good.

You can think of many situations where the Ten of Wands applies.

For example, working overtime because you are incredibly busy can create a Ten of Wands situation.

That is because work is not the only thing you have to face. You have responsibilities at home too! And if you have kids, it makes it that much harder.

Having kids alone can create some Ten of Wands situations, especially if they are young or have special needs.

That is why it is essential to have a village, though I did not have one and lived in a Ten of Wands situation for over a decade.

The poor mental health that I was not able to manage at the time added to that too. It was hell. I will be frank about that.

And when you are so overwhelmed to that degree that you do not have help, you will get sick.

You will end up with high levels of cortisol which can not only cause obesity but it can increase your chances of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

I battle my weight, but I am fortunate that I don't have any of those issues.

First, however, let's take a look at Risa Green's situation.

You can say that the Ten of Wands matches Risa Green.

Let's see. She has to care for her elderly abusive parents while also caring for her autistic son.

She also helps her neighbor. She works and struggles financially.

Her unhappiness in her marriage and life adds to the stress.

The mental illnesses that she cannot manage and the trauma she lives with adds to her stress.

You can imagine she is full of cortisol and is already showing signs of health problems.

What is the solution, then? Let's go over that in the Ten of Wands reversed section.

Ten of Wands Reversed

When the Ten of Wands is reversed, it can mean two different things.

Either you are shouldering all of the responsibility to the point that it will make you ill, or you have delegated some of that responsibility.

The reversal can also be indicative of the burdensome time being completed.

Therefore, you can look at how Risa Green could end up with a heart attack or other health crisis if she does not stop shouldering all of the responsibility.

Or, if she finally gets past her breaking point, she will delegate or stop caring for everyone once and for all.

For example, she could say “no” to her parents and send her son to a care facility.

She could stop helping her neighbor. She could delegate these responsibilities and, therefore, would complete the burdensome situation.

And if you are in a situation similar to Risa Green, get help and reach out to those who may have resources in your area.

Caregiving is extremely stressful, and if it does not come naturally to you, it makes it that much harder.

So how can you use the Ten of Wands in your life?

How To Use The Ten of Wands In Your Life

You don't want to use this card in your life in an upright position.

If you are overly stressed, whether you are in a caregiver situation, having to work overtime while dealing with your family, or if you are struggling with your parenting duties, flip this card around.

Call for help. Call your local place of worship if you belong to one, or go on local apps such as Nextdoor, which someone can provide you with the resources you will need.

Facebook groups in your area can bring you some leads.

Don't get to the point where you will be so overloaded that you will get sick.

Help is out there, especially now with all of these local apps.

It was harder to find help when I struggled because the technology was not so advanced.

And the next card I will go over is the Page of Wands as we are now heading to the court cards series!