Short meaning: The Five of Wands shows that certain obstacles, most likely physical or material limitations, will make you feel as if you won’t reach your goal. You have the ability to find new ways of doing things you just need to think outside the box; if you can, you will stay on course.
In-depth meaning: All the Fives represent restrictions or constraints, where the Subject can’t have, or quite do, what they want. The Five of Wands indicates that the Subject is held back, or hindered, from achieving something they have set out to do, and feel passionate about. It could be a long held dream, or vocation, and they’re unsure how they’ll be able to succeed now.
There are always setbacks in life and it can be easy to find reasons and excuses to believe something is no longer worth the time and effort needed to achieve it. The ability to move past this hurdle lies firmly with the Subject. If this is something they are passionate about and have committed to, they can prevail.
Notes on the image: The image is a stable structure of Five Wands. Although it is close to the fire, it is not on fire. This card indicates that although an obstacle may have appeared, it has not affected the sound structure of what has been achieved so far. What is needed is a different approach, or renewed vigour, to start the ball rolling again and to continue working towards the goal.