Seeing the Signs Series - The Seven of Wands
Each month I choose one tarot card and take a closer look at its imagery and how the visual cues and symbols help us understand the card’s meaning. I focus first on the Rider Waite Smith version of the card; the traditional and classic image that many are familiar with. Then I explore the Forager’s Daughter version. The full write-up is available on my Patreon page, if you’re interested in learning more about the cards please consider joining me there! Below is a condensed version with some general meanings and ways to read the card. This month we’re looking at the Seven of Wands.
Traditional RWS Imagery: A young man stands in a battle-ready stance on a craggy cliff. He is holding a staff out in front of him defensively. The ground under him is uneven. From below, six other staves are raised. The sky is cloudless and clear.
Some general meanings and ways to view this card:
Representing our fight or flight response – feeling as though there is a threat and needing to decide how to react.
Standing your ground/defending yourself and your work or your values.
Having a strong sense of purpose or reason that is driving your actions, such as in the case of activism.
Acting with confidence, defending yourself with assuredness.
Feeling the need to prove yourself to others.
Being outnumbered, but deciding to fight anyway. Achieving a sense of valor.
Having the high ground, sticking to your ethics and doing what is right/just.
The Seven of Wands is a card of action and defense. There may be a perceived threat and the need to fight for control or to protect something valuable. At its best, the Seven of Wands shows us at our strongest. We are sure of our stance and beliefs, and are willing and able to voice those confidently to others. If you’ve been feeling detached or aimless the Seven of Wands can be a call to look closely at your non-negotiables and re-discover what you are most passionate about and willing to fight for.
Potential Reversed Readings
Being non-confrontational
Blindly following a cause or belief
Choosing your battles
Reevaluating values/morals
Feeling indecisive or on the fence
Apathy or listlessness
Feeling unconfident or unsure of yourself and your skills/work
Challenging someone else/being the adversary