As published in CLAUDIA

As the ruling card of the week, the Six of Wands speaks of earning recognition through merit — the kind of applause that comes from commitment, excellence, and honesty along the path you have taken. This card carries a powerful reminder: there is no one like you. Every person carries a unique gift, talent, or strength, and that uniqueness is precisely what allows them to stand out in the world. The Six of Wands invites you not only to acknowledge these qualities, but to show them with courage — without fear, without apologies, and without ever dimming your own light. Be proud of who you are.
“Hide not your talents. They are meant for use. What is a sundial in the shade?” (Benjamin Franklin)

Do you tend to downplay your abilities and minimize your talents to avoid others thinking you are “better than them”? At some point, did you learn that highlighting what you do well seems arrogant or lacking humility? How many times have you stayed silent, held yourself back, or overexplained just to avoid discomfort — to avoid seeming like “too much”? And perhaps the most important question: do you allow yourself to be seen, recognized, and fairly compensated for the value of the work you deliver?

Loving yourself necessarily involves honoring your own gifts. When you value what you do well, you create space for life to value it too. This card teaches that prosperity does not come from hiding, but from occupying your rightful place with dignity and confidence. Keep your head held high. This is a time to strengthen your personal brand and reputation.

Traditionally associated with victory and success, the Six of Wands signals a moment when obstacles have been overcome, and the rewards begin to appear. Recognition arrives, accomplishments become visible, and there is a genuine sense of triumph. There is no room here for false modesty — this is about maturely owning what you have built. Allow others to celebrate your achievements, just as you should celebrate them yourself.

That is why the Six of Wands is often called the “Card of Fame” — not in a superficial sense, but as recognition born from genuine excellence. It reminds you that your combination of skills is unique, a signature that no one else can replicate. Displaying your talents with authenticity is an act of courage and also a profound gesture of self-love. When you allow yourself to shine, you inspire others to do the same.

The number six in the Major and Minor Arcana represents a bridge between past and future. Up to number five, the journey was marked by conflict, instability, and struggle. Now, the invitation changes: to pause consciously, look back with maturity, and move forward with greater clarity. It is no coincidence that December carries this same energy. It is the month when we naturally review what we have lived, integrate lessons, and begin to envision new directions, often through New Year’s resolutions.

We are leaving behind a period of confrontation and emotional recovery and entering a cycle of consolidation. After the tension, disputes, and turbulence symbolized by the Five of Wands, it is time to acknowledge your own effort. The Six of Wands speaks of merit, validation, and earned triumph. Nothing came easily — there was persistence, resilience, and courage along the way.

This arcane represents the moment when battle gives way to applause. It is the time of possible glory, of success born after the crossing. We fought, we fell, we rose, we moved forward — and now we can finally recognize the value of the path we walked.

In the imagery of the Six of Wands, the central figure advances in a triumphant procession. He is celebrated by his peers, not by chance, but for his gifts. His posture is regal and confident, completely at ease with his own worth. There is no arrogance here — only the natural presence of someone who knows who they are. He stands out and is not afraid of it. His horse is richly adorned; there is spectacle, presence, and impact. The crowd cheers. It feels as though he has saved the city or become an admired, almost legendary figure.

But if you look closely, you will notice an essential detail: amid the celebration, there is one face that does not smile — a look of envy, of silent discomfort. This detail speaks volumes. People who shine inevitably provoke mixed reactions. Those who feel insecure about their own light are often disturbed by the light of others.

It is sad, but common, for extraordinary talents to be dimmed out of fear of envy, criticism, or rejection. Many people choose to hide rather than deal with others’ discomfort. Yet the message of the Six of Wands is clear: the issue was never other people’s opinions. If you are aligned with your passion, living what you love, and honoring who you are, external judgment loses its power. When you recognize your own worth, there is no reason to diminish yourself.

If there is fear in being yourself, perhaps the invitation is not to hide even more, but to strengthen self-love. In the end, it is not about what others think of you — it is about what you believe about yourself. Do you feel deserving of living at full potential? Of taking up space? Of being seen as you truly are?

This week, the Six of Wands asks exactly that: embrace your talents, skills, and value without guilt. Stop sacrificing yourself to protect the wounded egos of those who cannot stand to see others grow. The right people — those who are at peace with who they are — will admire your confidence. Those who feel threatened by your light will naturally drift away. And that is okay. Not everyone is meant to follow you into your victory.

Follow your inner compass. Stop shaping yourself to meet others’ expectations and start honoring what pulses within you. Ask for that raise. Stop apologizing for existing. Reevaluate your prices, your offerings, and your positioning. Express your ideas clearly and respectfully. Highlight your talents. Promote your work. Seek the promotion, assume leadership, stop merely following, and take the reins of your own life. This is the call of the Six of Wands: take control.

Allow yourself to be your own greatest supporter. Root for yourself. Celebrate your achievements. The Six of Wands is not only about external victory — it is about the courage to recognize that you deserve it.

In matters of the heart, this energy is also present. In new relationships, the Six of Wands points to connections with charismatic, confident, and magnetic people. There is attraction here, but it flows only when your self-esteem is strong. Avoid excessive apologizing or placing yourself in a position of need. Confidence is seductive. Take initiative. Shine. Be seen.

Many people, especially men, feel threatened — even diminished — by strong, intelligent, empowered, and successful women. So the message is simple: do not make yourself smaller to fit into anyone’s life.

In long-term relationships, this card suggests that dynamics work best when there is mutual admiration and no one completely erases themselves for the other. The relationship thrives when there is space both for individual brilliance and for intimacy built together.

For those who are single, the Six of Wands indicates that love finds clearer paths when you invest in your self-esteem and in what makes you shine. The more authentically you show up in the world, the more life responds. Often, romance arises as a consequence of a significant personal accomplishment: your energy lifts and begins to attract more aligned connections and partnerships.

This card illuminates merit and reminds us that certain results do not come by chance. The overall atmosphere is one of forward movement. Small victories accumulate and create the feeling that things are finally gaining traction. Even those who do not receive explicit applause feel an inner confirmation — subtle, yet powerful: “I am on the right path.” Self-confidence grows not from vanity, but from evidence — from clear signs that your steps make sense.

Professionally, you may have recently received an award, recognition, or explicit appreciation from colleagues or superiors. Sometimes that recognition comes in the form of a simple compliment, yet it still carries immense weight. This validation strengthens confidence and renews the energy to move forward with your plans and projects. If you are applying for a new job or a higher position, there are strong signs of success. You have the resources, competence, and presence needed to stand out — so move ahead with confidence.

The Six of Wands also encourages you to show yourself naturally and take pride in your achievements. This is the time to share your victories, allow others to see what you have built, and let them cheer for you. Your light does not need to be hidden. This is your moment. Do not allow fear, guilt, or a sense of unworthiness to weaken your success. Keep your head high, honor your accomplishments, and acknowledge: you are worthy of admiration.

In communication and creativity, this is a fertile week for positioning yourself, presenting projects, sharing ideas, and showing who you are — without dimming your light for fear of bothering others.

Within all of this, the Six of Wands leaves a clear and direct message: recognize your achievements, celebrate what has already been accomplished, but do not stop moving forward. Continue advancing with awareness, steadiness, and respect for timing. Victory is already present. Remember:
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

Wishing you a wonderful week filled with light,

Ana Cristina Paixão