After the crisis point embodied by Five, Six provides a turning point. The balance is restored, and calamity becomes harmony and progress once again. After that, Seven is your opportunity to shine.
It’s time to put all of the lessons you’ve absorbed to good use as you enter the home stretch. You’re getting closer to the ultimate conclusion of a cycle, and the Seven cards are part of the final push.
With the Seven of Wands, this means protecting yourself and standing up for what you believe in.
About Seven of Wands
- Keywords: Standing your ground, protecting, holding strong, defending your beliefs
- Keywords (Reversed): Defeat, giving up, surrender
- Yes or No: Yes
- Yes or No (Reversed): No
- Element: Fire
- Zodiac Sign: Leo
The Seven of Wands is a card of strength under duress. In the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck, artist Pamela Colman Smith drew this card as a young man standing firm against six unseen assailants.
He’s wearing a green tunic and red hose and stands with his legs apart and a long staff grasped in his hands, in a combat stance. His expression appears strained, but unafraid.
There’s nothing behind him, and only the ground beneath his feet — he may even be backed up to a cliff, with no choice but to fight. There’s no real way of knowing. All he has is himself, his staff, and the ground beneath his feet.
In the foreground, we can see six more staves. We don’t get to see who’s holding them, but they all appear to be upraised against the young man. From his expression, they seem to pose a threat.
Even though we can’t tell exactly who’s threatening him (or why), it’s obvious that he’s chosen to stand strong and defend himself. If he doesn’t try to protect the patch of ground he stands on, all will be lost.
See also: Check out Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot decks here.
Seven of Wands Meaning (Upright)
As a rule, the Seven of Wands represents defending oneself. It often appears when you’re in a situation that demands that you remain steadfast. Things may feel like you’re being attacked from all corners, but you’re holding strong!
Most of the time, this card is a warning of tough times ahead, and a recommendation to stick to your guns. People might be trying to get something from you, attack your character, or get you to act without integrity. Stand firm.
Seven of Wands Meaning (Reversed)
When reversed, the Seven of Wands becomes the opposite of its upright orientation. The anonymous staves are now above the central figure, and he appears to be on his back. He’s folded, and his will is broken.
When this card appears, it can represent compromising, giving up, or losing control over a situation. Often times, this is a result of being exhausted by a long struggle. Sometimes, it’s being convinced that it’s best to surrender your ideals.
See also: Check out alternate Tarot decks here.
Seven of Wands Meaning – Love & Relationships (Upright)
The Seven of Wands isn’t usually a very good omen for relationships. Either you’re feeling like you need to defend yourself within your partnership, or defense against people attacking you and your partner.
In either case, the best course here is to stand firm. Defend what you believe in.
If you’re single, it can represent competing for someone else’s affection. This person might be very popular, with lots of potential suitors to demand their attention. You have to decide if you’re willing to do this — competing for their time might not end once you start dating!
Seven of Wands Meaning – Love & Relationships (Reversed)
Unfortunately for couples, the Seven of Wands reversed isn’t a good sign either. If the upright card represents challenges from within or outside of your relationship, then this card indicates giving up.
This can mean caving to others’ opinions or points of view, or giving up on your relationship entirely.
If you’re single, this card can indicate that you’re feeling too exhausted, disillusioned, or shy to pursue the person you desire. You may also be the aggressor here — it’s entirely possible that you’re wearing down someone with all of your attention!
In either situation, state your case, say what you mean, and step back. If someone isn’t willing to make you a priority, you don’t want to be with them.
See also: Check out the current top 100 Best-Selling Tarot books in the USA here.
Seven of Wands Meaning – As Feelings (Upright)
Upright, the Seven of Wands points to conflict. This person feels like they need to be loud to make themselves heard to you, but they also think that you’re worth the effort.
There’s a lot of room for misunderstanding here, so try to approach them with patience and honesty. It’s possible that this might still result in an argument.
Seven of Wands Meaning – As Feelings (Reversed)
Reversed, the Seven of Wands indicates defensiveness and frustration. This person is experiencing a lot of tension but isn’t ready to acknowledge their part in creating it.
They may like you, but this is obscured by their other feelings. It’s likely that they don’t feel secure or able to communicate with you.
Seven of Wands Meaning – As Reconciliation (Upright)
The Seven of Wands upright isn’t a good sign for a reconciliation. Your ex doesn’t appear to want to reconnect right now.
They’re determined to protect their peace, and it’s likely that trying to reconnect will just result in drama and fighting. Let them go for now. Their feelings might change in the future, but trying to push the issue will just cause more problems.
Seven of Wands Meaning – As Reconciliation (Reversed)
Reversed, the Seven of Wands warns that your ex is defensive. They may have washed their hands of any responsibility in this situation and are perfectly willing to blame you for all of their negative feelings.
A reconciliation is very unlikely. If you attempt one, be prepared for them to hold you responsible for every problem in your relationship.
Seven of Wands Meaning – Careers, Business & Money (Upright)
In terms of careers and business, the Seven of Wands means stiff competition. You might have other people gunning for your position, or find that you’re in a cutthroat field with a lot of competitors.
It’s time for you to defend what’s yours. You couldn’t have gotten where you are without a strong work ethic, ambition, and lots of talent. Put it to use to protect your position.
Sometimes, this card can represent standing up for your morals and ideals in an industry that’s asking you to compromise them.
In money readings, you may find yourself having to defend your nest egg. Others may try to claim what’s yours, and it’s up to you to protect it. This can also signify holding on to long-term investments.
Seven of Wands Meaning – Careers, Business & Money (Reversed)
When the Seven of Wands is reversed in a career and business spread, it can represent being knocked off of your pedestal. You may find yourself displaced by someone more ambitious and hungrier than you are.
You may also find yourself compromising your sense of ethics in order to placate your boss or succeed in your field. Is it worth it?
Financially, this card can represent frivolous spending and an overconfidence in your ability to get more money. It’s not always that easy, and you may soon find yourself coming up short.
It’s time to protect your money and stop wasting it. Look into long-term investments that can help you secure your future.
Seven of Wands: Yes or No?
In a simple “Yes or No” reading, the Seven of Wands is a surprisingly positive card. Things are difficult, but you’re persevering through your own sheer force of will. Expect your situation to turn out well for you. It’s a “Yes!”
Reversed, the Seven of Wands doesn’t look so good. This card represents defeat, giving up, and being overwhelmed. If you can’t hold out until the end, expect a “No” here.
The Seven of Wands is all about defending. Upright, it’s protecting yourself, refusing to compromise your ideals, and defending what’s important to you. When reversed, it’s a sign that you’re ceding ground.
The advice from this card is simple: Stand up for what you believe in, and don’t be afraid to protect what’s yours. If you don’t, who will?
See also: For more Tarot Card Meanings, check out our complete list of free Tarot Card Meanings here.
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