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Seven of Wands

Defending Your Position, Perseverance and Facing Challenges

Seven of Wands Tarot card

Symbolism and Meaning

After the triumph of the Six, the Seven of Wands reminds us that keeping success can be harder than winning it. The card shows a man standing on high ground, defending himself with one wand against six others attacking him from below. His stance is defensive but determined. It is the picture of someone who has reached "the top" and now has to fight to stay there.

A key element is the high ground (the hill) on which the hero stands. It symbolises a position won, a moral or strategic advantage. Although he is outnumbered (one against six), his higher position gives him a chance of defending himself successfully. People often notice that he is wearing mismatched shoes, which may suggest that he went into battle suddenly, not fully prepared, but makes up for it with courage and improvisation.

The Seven of Wands is a card of a test of character and resilience. It speaks of a situation in which your achievements, views or position are questioned by others. You feel under pressure, "under fire" from criticism or competition. The card encourages you not to give in, to defend your position and to show civil courage, even if you feel alone in your struggle.

Interpretation of the Card

In a spread, the Seven of Wands shows that a challenge awaits you. You will have to prove your worth or defend what is important to you. Although the situation may seem overwhelming and your opponents many, the card carries the message that you have the strength and the advantage (symbolised by the high ground) to come out of this skirmish victorious. The key is persistence and self-belief.

Light (Upright)
  • Defending your opinions and beliefs
  • Courage, determination and persistence under pressure
  • Successfully standing up to competition or criticism
  • Keeping your position despite attacks
  • Resilience - the ability to cope with adversity
  • Fighting for your boundaries and territory
  • Having a strategic advantage
  • Perseverance despite feeling alone
Shadow (Reversed)
  • Giving up, abandoning the fight before it is over
  • Feeling overwhelmed by adversity
  • Giving in to pressure from others, conformism
  • Lack of self-confidence and belief in your own strength
  • Avoiding confrontation at all costs
  • Loss of position or authority
  • Excessive defensiveness born of fear rather than strength
  • Feeling like a victim of the situation

Card Attributes

Element: Fire (combative, defensive, determined)
Keywords: Defence, challenge, perseverance, courage, pressure, resistance.
Action: Resisting, defending your boundaries, standing your ground.
Astrology: Mars in Leo (assertive energy and the will to fight (Mars) in defence of your own pride, position or territory (Leo)).
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