The Six of Wands introduces us to a joyous moment of victory and celebration as we see a man riding a white horse, surrounded by a crowd that cheers his name. Bearing wands, the most vibrant, fiery, motivated, creative and passionate suit in Tarot, the throng rejoices in this man’s achievements with a celebratory parade. Our hero wears a rich red cloak and dashing leather boots while his horse is fitted in a luxurious green caparison with gold fringe. A laurel wreath is placed like a crown atop the rider’s head and another wreath waves as a banner from his wand. In ancient Greece, wreaths were dispensed to winners of athletic competitions such as the Olympics as well as for military accomplishments or musical and poetic contests. Success is clearly a message in this scene – after hard work, determination, focus and planning, the fruits of this hero’s labor are now being harvested tenfold. It is time to be honored and witnessed in a familiar community that is supportive and enthusiastic.
We may look at the hero in this card with either envy or admiration. Do we think this type of triumph will never happen to someone like us? Or do we look at this card as an inspiration – a vision we can hold in our minds as we plan, organize, implement and strategize. Interestingly, a significant amount of research
suggests that optimists tend to be more successful in various life pursuits than pessimists. Optimists are more likely to take decisive action, use effective coping strategies, engage in healthier lifestyle choices and they usually maintain stronger social networks, all of which contribute to better health and socioeconomic outcomes not to mention goal attainment. It may be argued the optimists entertain allusions of grandeur that the rest of us are too realistic to seriously consider, but dreaming big allows them to reach for the stars so that they may obtain the moon. The Six of Wands shows us how powerful the act of having faith in ourselves can be. It reminds us that we really do have the ability to manifest our deepest desires as long as we keep working hard and never stop believing.
What better way to celebrate a recent victory than with a fortifying cup of green tea? This superfood comes from the well-known tea plant (Camellia sinensis) responsible for all black, oolong and also green tea varieties, and was first cultivated in China about 3,000 years ago. To produce green tea, leaves from the plant are steamed, pan fried and dried. Whereas oolong is partially fermented and black is fermented the longest. The fermentation process increases the amount of caffeine available in the tea as well as changing its flavor profile, but it also decreases available catechins, which are potent antioxidants. Studies show that these antioxidants, which are highest in green tea, may help protect against chronic diseases such as stroke and heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels, improving blood pressure, and reducing inflammation. Besides caffeine and catechins, green tea also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that enhances cognitive function and reduces the stress response. Scientific evidence suggests green tea may also lessen the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by combating key features of the condition through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties – the primary active compound responsible for this is called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). This tasty beverage has also been linked to improved bone health, reduced risk of certain types of cancer, as well as enhanced skin and oral health. This one plant really packs a punch!
Together green tea and the Six of Wands give us a taste of the respect and adulation we deserve when we have the courage to believe in ourselves whatever challenges or obstacles may come our way. True manifestation of our dreams does not come overnight. Not only do we need patience and commitment, but we may also need to defend ourselves from those critics who try to tear us down or set us back. Some may think we’re crazy to dream so audaciously! Or be threatened by our gently rocking of the status quo. But if we persevere in spite of naysayers or social conventions – our reward is recognition, exaltation and success. Take a cue from the potent pairing of green tea and the Six of Wands – and know that when you reach for your personal stars, whatever they may be, your victory wreath is also waiting.
*Tarot reading is based on the Rider-Waite Tarot Card deck, illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith
References
Carver, Charles S, Scheier, Michael F, and Sergerstrom, Suzanne C. “Optimism.” The National Center for Biotechnology Information, 1 February 2010. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4161121/
Craig, Sarah. “Wreaths of Glory.” Hellenic Museum Blog, 3 December 2020. https://www.hellenic.org.au/post/wreaths-of-glory
Gunnars, Kris BSc and Bailey, Dylan, MS, RD, FAND. “10 Evidence-Based Benefits of Green Tea.” Healthline, 11 March 2025. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-green-tea
Pollack, Rachel. Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom. San Francisco, Red Wheel/Weiser, LLC, 2007. P101-105
Schmidt, Eric, PHD. “Three Glasses of Green Tea a Day for Brain Health.” Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, 19 March 2025. https://www.alzinfo.org/articles/prevention/three-glasses-of-green-tea-a-day-for-brain-health/