The Seven of Wands is a card of change after the period of re-evaluation in the Six of Wands. The sevens in the Minor Arcana show mystery, spirituality, and depth. The Seven of Wands sometimes displays six wands seemingly swiping at a man who is in a defensive pose. He is grasping his wand with both hands in a motion that indicates warding something off. There is reward heralded by this scenario if the man can stand his ground, and this reward will come with some favourable changes. All sevens indicate the need for philosophical and spiritual thought as well. There must be some way in which the individual who is staying fast with his ideals will still be able to attain his desires, but he must face the opposition in order to succeed. It will, therefore, be through nourishment of the soul and changing for the better that the querent shall have his reward. This is a time for ultimate growth where the querent has come to terms with the fact that needs are so much more important than wants in one’s life and also with one’s aspirations.
When more than one seven appears in the same layout, there is a more specific message available to the querent. Pairs of sevens reveals that one should take care when making decisions and should take his time despite being rushed while three of them signifies two conflicting ideas or opinions as well as frustration at having to make changes with one’s behaviour. Having four sevens in a reading heralds a time of having one’s faith tested. There is prayer and a long wait to learn of news on a long term matter. The Seven of Wands shows the battle over change and one’s ability to make decisions alone. This can be a struggle with others or an internal struggle between what one knows should be done and what one actually wants to do.
The Seven of Wands in an Upright Position
The upright Seven of Wands commonly signifies an internal struggle over two or more options in one’s career or artistic endeavours. There is indecisiveness of some type, which may be intensified by the opposition that other people announce in response to the querent’s new ideas. He knows what he needs to do and has the experience and background knowledge to make a sound decision without the input of others, but all business and creative affairs involve a network of people, so the querent must take in suggestions out of respect. There is encouragement in the Seven of Wands that confirms that the decisions and plans of the querent are what is best for the venture, and he should stand fast to his decision. If he is an effective leader, he will be able to demonstrate this through taking the right action without pause.
The meaning of all Minor Arcana cards can be modified by the cards that surround it. Court cards from the Minor Arcana (Pages, Knights, Queens, and Kings) all represent people. They have corresponding physical characteristics as well as their own astrological correspondences. The Seven of Wands represents fighting for what one knows is right in terms of their career and talents. The querent needs to stand up for what he knows is the right thing to do. If court cards fall in the same general area of the tarot layout, these will represent the querent’s allies as well as the opposition in the situation before him. There are also modifications to be made to the interpretation of the Seven of Wands card when specific Major Arcana cards are nearby. The Hanged Man will caution the querent to change his position on an issue because he may be making a judgement in error. Another is the Death card, which is a warning to ease up on work commitments in order to recuperate because the stress is getting to be too much.
The Seven of Wands in a Reversed Position
The reversed position of each card of the Minor Arcana is really as it states: an inversion of the card’s meaning. The reversed position of Seven of Wands reveals a scenario where the querent will be forced to back down with his decisions or demands due to peer pressure or intimidation from superiors. In this situation, the cards show that it is best to take the high road, and perhaps, wait until another day when the odds are more favourable. This is an extremely important message for the querent because it may prevent him from being phased out due to his unpopular opinions and a perceived lack of decision making skills. The Seven of Wands warns that others may feel that the ideas being shared signify someone who is detached from their work or even incompetent. Worse, the querent’s co-workers may be pitted against him, and he may lose the respect of his peers and superiors by coming across as domineering.
Any of the cards surrounding the reversed Seven of Wands will show the nature of the directions. If there are positive cards in its vicinity, the querent may be encouraged to tuck their thoughts away for another time when they will be better received. If there are swords or other unfavourable trumps around, it is a clear warning to put those things one wishes to share away for good. The querent is undoubtedly experienced and knowledgeable, but this is not the time to share that knowledge with the rest of the company or the world. The reversal of the Seven of Wands clearly shows this and cautions the querent about the possible consequences of doing so when it isn’t suitable.
Key Terms
- Standing up for what one believes in
- Fighting the opposition
- Going against the grain
- Hold back some ideas
- Save your breath
- Genius falling off deaf ears