Seven of Wands

In general – a favorable card, although it speaks of a clash with adverse influences, for example, someone's ill will. It does not promise cloudless prosperity, but promises success in struggle achieved by boldness and determination.

On one hand, it announces 'troubles' – in the sense that there is a difficult situation, possibly someone's interference in our personal affairs, a 'campaign of counteraction,' an attempt to deprive us of something or hinder us from achieving something. Someone 'forces' us to defend our positions and our territory. Perhaps someone is envious, offended, or encroaching on something that belongs to us. It warns of a worsening situation, the presence of difficulties, opponents and competitors, but also brilliant chances for victory.

This is a card of eliminating rivals, in business and in love. Even if it seems that superior forces are attacking, the Seven of Wands clearly communicates that the advantage is on the side of the querent. This card appears when some forces appear on the horizon, seeking to throw us off course in some sense (surrounding cards may suggest which aspect of life is being discussed). It calls for defending what we believe in and consider valuable. It advises against making concessions and betraying one's principles. Sometimes its appearance informs that only by taking a truly desperate step can one win a hopeless case.

This is a card of resilience in adversity, a challenge to battle and overcoming obstacles, firmness, bravery, and victory. On the Arcana, a person holds a wand as if defending themselves; they stand on the edge of a pit from which six more wands rise towards them – it seems they are held by enemies ready to attack them. But the pit is deep, and they cannot get out of it. One way or another, they cannot harm him. This card says that danger exists in principle, and it is quite real, however, in this particular case, nothing threatens you, so act more boldly. In reversed position, the prognosis is rather negative (the enemies will climb out of the pit and beat you).

Traditional meaning: dispute, scandal, debate, discussion, gossip, rumor... in short, all sorts of altercations, but usually victory is with the querent. Their arguments are stronger and their position is more advantageous. Modern interpretations emphasize the circumstance that achieving goals and realizing plans will require considerable effort, but they themselves are quite feasible.

If there are positive cards in the spread, one can quite confidently state that the querent will benefit from the situation they find themselves in; everything will turn in their favor. If the querent has encountered some problem (and since this card has appeared, that is likely the case), the Seven of Wands says that they have the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to do everything correctly in this difficult situation. From Filadoro we read: 'Important and interesting situations are approaching! Solving these problems forces us with renewed strength to surpass ourselves.'

It is important to understand that the Seven of Wands in a spread often points not so much to a problem, but to the querent's RESOURCE. Guggenheim writes: 'The card reflects enduring determination, thanks to which a predicted defeat can turn into a brilliant triumph.' Overall (and especially in the presence of positive cards in the spread) – moving forward, success. A suitable time for risky play; one can count on luck. Overcoming doubts and obstacles, including internal ones, also cessation of competition and victory.

The Seven of Wands in a spread is a sign of upcoming difficulties, but these difficulties do not always entail any problems. Rather, these changes will bring much that is interesting into life and lead to a general improvement in position, unless other cards in the spread contradict this.

Rarely, and in the company of corresponding cards, it refers to a physical attack. If the question is not about an individual person, but about a group or community, then even the upright Seven of Wands can mean injuries and casualties, although there will not be many compared to the total number of people in that community.

'Do not retreat, do not surrender.' The Seven of Wands carries courage, determination, readiness to enter into conflict, self-confidence, and confidence in success. This card always emphasizes conviction in one's rightness. Sometimes even one warrior – it all depends on the characteristics of the field.

A person of the Seven of Wands in one form or another resists the external world. This could be defending their ideas in clashes with opponents, sports competitions, or warding off suitors. They cope with rivalry, confrontation, and other problems with persistence and self-control, although perhaps 'if only this energy could be used for peaceful purposes.'

They usually have a good sense of their superiority over other people – mental, physical, financial, professional, or some other. It happens that they intentionally surround themselves with people of a lower developmental level to feel more confident (like the well-known dictators who by definition could not tolerate close associates with more developed intellect). It happens that a person of the Seven of Wands denies spiritual values and prefers to rely entirely and completely on their own skill, ingenuity, combat skills, and other elements of lower will.

This person extremely dislikes yielding to others in anything and prefers under all circumstances to have the last word (recalling Watson's phrase from the series 'Sherlock': 'He will outlive God, just so the last word remains with him!'). The Seven of Wands is stubborn and not inclined to give up their positions. 'No pasarán.' 'They shall not pass.'

This is a master of 'putting out fires' caused by their own lack of foresight. The piling up of life problems due to a lack of systematicity in actions is a familiar situation for them. Usually, they masterfully 'clear away the rubble' and 'resolve problems,' the trouble only being that they themselves created all this! However, this can also simply be a person for whom competitions, risk, encountering difficulties, and the need to 'rush into battle' (sometimes literally) are common occurrences. Their huge plus is courage. This person will not be confused in the face of danger. They are also not afraid to object and express their own opinion. This does not make them convenient, but valuable – yes, and sometimes gives them a special attractiveness.

Sometimes a person of the Seven of Wands resembles a bulldozer – they sweep away everything in their path and involuntarily bring to mind various proverbs ('Strength is there – no need for intelligence' and 'If only this energy could be used for peaceful purposes'). At the same time, they are capable of self-overcoming, self-sacrifice, and heroism, and do not succumb to any pressure. They are practically impossible to intimidate. Such a person is a nightmare for any dictator or leader.

Key words of the card – CONVICTIONS, VALOR.

On a deep level, it describes the difficult solitary path of ascent, undertaken with enormous confidence and strength. The one who makes it is a pioneer, not an exile, and climbs to the summit by their own calling. They rise above what remains below. This is a struggle with the dominance of lower aspirations (spirit with matter), which are so great that there is no time to study a tactics textbook – simply quick actions and courage are needed, and the person boldly turns to face the challenge thrown at them.

They have the courage to follow their impulse and act, giving it their all, they will reach and know where. This person has nowhere to retreat, there is no way back, and if they slip, death awaits them. A slight hesitation, a small betrayal of oneself and one's convictions – certain defeat. This is a battle, a true bellum sacrum, and the enemy's strength may be superior. 'Symbol of treasure' – the inner strength of a person's thought is such that it revives them.

The third decan of Leo symbolizes courage, responsibility, and the ability to work hard for a chosen goal. Achieving energy balance gives the necessary amount of strength so that any, the most complex individual goal of a person can be realized. The ruler of this decan – the planet Mars (or according to new interpretations, Pluto) speaks of a person's internal leadership qualities and the ability to mobilize others to work for common goals, which prompted them to go into the unknown.

The negative quality of Pluto is exactingness. A leader whose task is not easy is sometimes prone to making excessive demands on people, on the 'mass,' which they view as part of themselves. The ability to manage oneself and others is achieved by relying on knowledge of natural laws – understanding life as it is, and the ability to coordinate one's activity with the simple requirements of comfort and beauty of existence ensures the victory of a reasonable design. Mars in Leo symbolizes the courage of a warrior in the face of superior forces. On a subtle level, this card is a symbol of prayerful endeavor, 'prayerful warfare,' and all kinds of astral battles with demons (an example can be exorcism).

Light and shadow (advice and warning)

Advice: fight and do not give up. Stand up for yourself. Cast aside doubts and hesitations. Bravely, brothers, to the task, even if it seems almost hopeless. Do not retreat from your position on matters of principle, wage righteous struggle. Work persistently towards achieving set goals, despite fears, disappointments, and obstacles. Adhere to the chosen strategy and maintain conviction in your rightness, even if the majority does not support you. If one believes old interpretations, the card may indicate a suitable time for risky play (including for money). It advises to gather strength and uncompromisingly go through all the trials fate has prepared until the end.

Warning: it is clearly not the time for heroism, quarrels, attempts to 'stand on principle,' and reclaiming one's share. Now, more than ever, a wrong choice of priorities and an incorrect sequence of actions, where strength is wasted, is dangerous. A feeling of superiority in the situation or dominance over some group of people may prove deceptive. Perhaps it makes sense to yield to others in something. The time and energy spent on confrontation and struggle could be spent on much more productive things.

The Seven of Wands patronizes mainly individual projects, or those where a relatively small group of people has to solve all problems on their own. This Arcana signifies the resolute defense of one's own plans and interests (for example, when faced with criticism or a lack of funds for business development).

Systematicity in activity, absence of doubt in the correctness of one's actions, readiness to overcome obstacles, realization of planned plans, faith in oneself. This is a card of victory, social success, moving forward despite obstacles. Energy, enterprise are directed at all sorts of projects related to creativity, organizing spectacles, show business. This is a card of creativity, inspiration. At the same time, this card can signal the development of professional skills in one or another form of arts, for example, music; it can also serve as an indication of the evaluation to which skills are subjected.

Under the Seven of Wands, one can participate in competitions or defend one's point of view during public debates. It generally corresponds to the situation of negotiations, conferences, academic defenses, meetings, and symposiums. In the case of an exam or defense of a work for a scientific degree, it is a good sign for the querent.

This is a card of a 'transitional period,' when one must be ready to hastily change many plans, and some to discard altogether as unnecessary. At the same time, the card foretells success in business. Efforts to hold one's positions will be successful (if other cards in the spread do not strongly contradict this). Victory in competitive struggle. Completion of some important part of the work. Intensive, strenuous labor, solving complex tasks. Moving beyond previous limitations. Risk, performing difficult assignments. Success achieved through boldness.

This card symbolizes choosing one's own sphere of life and activity and leadership in an area not mastered by others (especially if it is the study of something transcendent, some secret invisible connections, other worlds, searching for answers to very important questions). A person selflessly devotes themselves to labor in an uncultivated field and can count on success.

This card promises a promotion, successful advancement up the career ladder.

Under it, various confrontations are possible, but the querent has an excellent opportunity to emerge victorious from them. Sometimes – the need to defend one's reputation, resist speculation and gossip in the team, fight against being undermined. Under this card, a person has every chance to defend themselves, their cause, and their place in the sun.

Interestingly, in some interpretations, this card is associated with an active fascination with esotericism and an indication of professional activity related to the occult.

This is a card of profit and benefit, traditionally corresponding to trade, commerce. In some old interpretations, this card is called 'symbol of treasures.' Modern interpretations, however, boil down to the fact that to get profit, one will have to make considerable efforts. But with careful planning of one's actions, everything will work out, although the income is likely not to be particularly large.

Often this card indicates a difficult period of desperate struggle for a relationship that is threatened by something and needs to be 'saved.' A kind of duel is evident (though most likely not an explicit one). The person described by this card feels in trouble but knows they have chances to win and does everything to avert the threat of a breakup. Usually, possessive feelings are heightened along with a clear understanding of the advantages of their position, be it the position of an official partner, 'sponsor,' 'night cuckoo,' or another.

The character on the card has mobilized all their strength to defend a love that is under clear threat. They intend to decisively and persistently defend their positions, protect their rights and their interests, and are in high tension. They feel challenged to battle, anxiously sense the 'transitional' nature of the stage (and when co-existence will take definitive forms is unknown).

The Seven of Wands can mean that the relationship has been 'attacked' in one form or another (this could be envious people, parents, rivals, etc.), nevertheless, this card shows good chances for their preservation and 'repelling the attack.' This is an attack from a defensive position.

A person described by the Seven of Wands is unyielding and stubborn; compromise is not their element; they want to insist on their own in literally everything. Surrounding cards may suggest how appropriate this is and where it will lead, but generally this is not the best mindset for harmonious relationships. This person can be irascible, authoritarian, and recklessly pushy. This card is certainly not safe for their rivals – it will pluck a few feathers. Sometimes the Seven of Wands describes strong pressure from a partner (or upon a partner).

When falling for a single person, the Seven of Wands can inform that they themselves are the 'smith of their own happiness' – diligently defending against any potential partners and on principle refusing to enter into close relationships, remaining in voluntary isolation. How good this position is for the general flow of their life can be suggested by other cards, but usually under it, any attempts to pull the person out of their self-sufficiency are 'not considered at all.' This is a solitary individual, accustomed to always and in everything relying only on their own strength and consciously 'cleansing' their living space from intrusions.

This specialist says 'no' and sits in deep defense. The position of the character on the card elevates them above everyone and helps them remain separate from the surrounding world. Partners are viewed either as unworthy or as potentially threatening life safety. What is the cause can be suggested by other cards. If a person was once attacked and badly burned, it is not surprising that they are defending themselves and being overly cautious. This card of fighting for oneself, protecting one's boundaries, and resisting external influences falls to people resisting marriage (the Four of Pentacles in this case will be particularly indicative).

A person in marriage, under this card, can show resilience, fending off temptations (the presence of the Devil in the spread will be indicative). If no such influences are traced, then this is a card of the absence of love and harmony in the couple.

The body undergoes some test of strength but successfully resists pathogenic factors. This is a card of good immunity. But in reversed position, the meaning, alas, changes to the exact opposite. This can be excessive production of some substance in the body, hormonal and endocrine disorders. Mary Greer points to obsessive-compulsive behavior, neurosis of obsessive states.

Different interpretations of the reversed Seven of Wands are encountered. Some claim that it is not a time to philosophize; one must act, casting aside hesitation, and better badly than not at all. The situation is such that even incorrect actions are better than their absence. Uncertainty, incompetence, doubts, suspicion, and hesitation (as well as frivolity and carelessness) become the cause of losses (including monetary). Confusion, chaos, turmoil – including in love affairs. Loss of chances due to hesitation and indecisiveness. Lack of faith in oneself. In fact, this card means that courage has failed the person. Under the reversed Seven of Wands, we are unable to resist the pressure of other people.

Others say that in reversed position, the card symbolizes carefreeness, unwillingness to excessively concentrate on a particular problem, avoidance of everything gloomy, dreary, excessive (Libra). The appearance of the card in a spread can mean 'the unbearable lightness of being.' Or it will be a period of hesitation, reflection, or conversely – 'super-intensive' activity. At the same time, there is an opinion that under this card, no efforts yield the desired result.

Most accurately, it indicates uncertainty, an unstable position. Dispersion of forces, inability to choose the correct strategy and set priorities – that too. Lack of penetrating force. This is the card of a person who is confused, has lost the right direction, the ground under their feet. They no longer believe in what they are doing. They feel they have no basis to behave firmly and confidently. The card can also symbolize a lack of inspiration, energy wasted in vain, talents used improperly, and simply failures.

The simplest practical interpretation of this card – a conflict of interests is fading, confrontation is weakening.

An interesting old meaning of the card – an awkward situation, an undesirable encounter, forced contacts. Passive-aggressive behavior. The position of a victim, fright, confusion. Encounter with slander, harassment, or betrayal.

In Pollak, there is a remark that the reversed Seven of Wands in a spread is advice to moderate aggression, especially concerning relationships.

With the High Priestess – concealed aggressiveness

With the Hierophant - traditionally considered to indicate matchmaking and marriage

With the Hanged Man – provocative behavior, the role of an oppositionist in society

With the Moon – concealment of intentions

With the Five of Wands – intensification of the meaning of battle, confrontation

With the Nine of Wands – also intensification of meaning; defense of one's position, standing up for one's opinion

With the Five of Swords – opposing oneself to everyone

With the Two of Pentacles – inciting discord

With the Three of Pentacles – major disagreements

Reversed to the right of the Three of Cups – fire (from an old interpretation book).

Archangels

300 Spartans

'Sturm und Drang'