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WandsCard 24

Knight of Wands Grand Etteilla card meaning

Knight of Wands, printed as Cavalier de Bâton, Le Départ, is card 24 of 78 in the Grand Etteilla, in the Wands group. The Knight of Wands is Departure: a setting out, a start in motion. Reversed it brings news. It asks what you are ready to begin.

setting outmovementnews
Context and symbolism

What Knight of Wands is about

The Knight of Wands is card 24. Its second title printed on the card is 'Le Départ', departure. In Etteilla's system, this knight is about setting out, movement and news. He's on his way somewhere. It's a lively, active card. In Etteilla's tradition, his other keyword links him with disunion, so he can also point to parting ways.

In everyday life

The Knight of Wands is about getting going. Starting a journey, leaving one thing behind for another, or just getting moving after a slow spell. It doesn't tell you whether a departure will be good or bad. It's about the energy of moving on and the courage it takes. Departures can also be emotional. Even when you're excited to go, there's often a bit of sadness about what you're leaving. That's normal. This knight is moving fast, but you don't have to. You can take the time to say proper goodbyes and still set out with energy. Movement can also be about news on the way, so it's a good day to keep your ears open and be ready to respond.

  • 24. Knight of Wands

    Maybe you've been thinking about leaving a club or a group that no longer fits. Taking a first step, like a polite message, could help you move on.

  • 24. Knight of Wands

    Or you've been meaning to start a fitness habit and haven't got going. Putting your trainers by the door tonight could get you out tomorrow.

Love, work and money

Knight of Wands in the main areas of life

In love and relationships

In love, the Knight of Wands is Le Départ: departure, setting out. For example, if you or a partner is leaving for a trip or a new job, plan how you'll stay connected. Departure can also mean setting out on a new phase of a relationship together.

At work and in study

At work, Departure points to setting off: starting a new job, launching a project, beginning a trip. Say you're about to start a new role. Prepare well and give yourself time to settle in. Setting out is an act of courage.

With money and resources

With money, the Knight asks about costs of departure: moving, travel, starting over. For example, if you're moving abroad, budget for setup costs like deposits and transport. Setting out goes better with a cushion.

Upside down

Knight of Wands reversed: La Nouvelle

The reversed keyword printed on the card is La Nouvelle, "news". Reversed, Departure becomes News: information arriving, expected or surprising. It favours staying open to what you hear, and checking facts before reacting.

Things to try today

  • Take the first step on something you've been wanting to start.
  • Leave one thing behind that's holding you back.
  • Pack your bag or plan your route for anything coming up.

What am I ready to set in motion today?

Image credits

Edition: Le grand Etteilla, ou tarot égyptien, B.-P. Grimaud, Paris, 1875 to 1880

Author or publisher: B.-P. Grimaud (publisher)

Held by: Bibliothèque nationale de France (Gallica btv1b105431857), via Wikimedia Commons

Licence: Public domain

Changes: Shown unaltered at Wikimedia's 500px thumbnail size.

This card, Knight of Wands: Le grand Etteilla - jeu de cartomancie dit aussi "tarot égyptien" - jeu de cartes, estampe - btv1b105431857 (047 of 156).jpg on Wikimedia Commons

Card images from a Grimaud Grand Etteilla printed in Paris between 1875 and 1880, held by the Bibliothèque nationale de France.