A mounted horseman wears a laurel crown, a victory wrath tied to his Wand. He is recognized and rewarded for his success by the cheering footmen, becoming more confident and determined in his efforts. And he gives that energy right back to the crowd by galvanizing them and giving them someone to lionize. Both parties are lifted up.

 

Six of Wands shows us that it is okay to be either of these parties. Idolizing someone can inspire us immensely and stir up a lot of positive enthusiasm. And being praised, held in high regard by someone can have the same effect. There's nothing wrong with that, as long as we take care not to start seeing the other as an infallible God or a hopeless loser. The horseman might never have gotten there without having been encouraged by his own admirable examples, and the footman may climb up the ladder in the future. And even in this very moment of time, we are all leaders in some things and followers in other things. 

 

Contemplating Six of Wands, you may ask yourself who's your inspiring example? Is your relationship to that person a healthy one, or do you put them on too high a pedestal? Conversely, who looks up to you, or to whom would you like to be an example? And what will you give back to them? Don't let the praise go to your head; reign in your ego. As with all Sixes, the balance between taking and giving should be maintained.