A young man stands ready to proclaim his news: a card of faithful messengers and family tidings and, reversed, of bad news and doubt.
Card art by Pamela Colman Smith (1909), public domain
Upright
Yes / No: Yes
The Page of Wands can stand for a faithful young person: a lover, an envoy or a carrier of messages. Waite says he brings unusual news, may speak well of someone and can signify news about family, all while showing the typical traits of Wands. Watch for a message that may be on its way, and for the people who are quietly loyal to you.
faithful messenger
loyalty
unusual news
family news
a good word
Reversed
Yes / No: No
In reverse, Waite gives stories, announcements and unwelcome news, and he links the card with indecision and the unsteadiness that tends to come with it. How do you respond to news you did not want, and is hesitation leaving you unsettled?
stories
announcements
bad news
indecision
instability
Love & relationships
Upright, the Page of Wands brings a message of interest, a kind word or loyal enthusiasm from someone. Tradition links this figure with a faithful lover or envoy, so the connection may be marked by sincerity and lively curiosity. Listen for what someone may be trying to tell you, and consider how openly you share your own feelings.
Reversed, the Page of Wands suggests mixed messages, gossip or news that is hard to hear, along with hesitation that leaves a connection feeling unsettled. Are you reacting to facts or to stories? Asking directly may serve you better than guessing where you stand with someone.
The image
A youth stands in a landscape much like the one behind the Knight of Wands, holding his staff as if about to make an announcement. Waite calls him a stranger who is nevertheless trustworthy, and says the news he brings is unusual.
Symbolism
Waite presents this Page above all as a herald, whose role is to carry word from one place to another. His staff, in leaf like every wand of the suit, ties him to the vitality of Wands. Waite also notes a few traditional conditions: beside a card that stands for a man, the Page may speak in that man's favor, and if the Page of Cups follows him, he can become a dangerous rival.
In a reading
Upright, the Page looks at how you share news and how faithfully you carry other people's words. Reversed, stray stories, unwelcome announcements or an indecisive mood may be keeping you from settling.
The yes / no answer is our editorial reading of the card’s overall tone, not a prediction.
For self-reflection and personal insight. Not a prediction and not a substitute for professional medical, legal, financial or mental-health advice.
