Seven of Wands

Meanings according to Rider-Waite:

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Mercury/Mars in aspect with Saturn as the embodiment of dexterity overcoming strength.

SEVEN OF WANDS The Seven of Wands signifies that we have come under attack, that competitors, envious rivals, or other opponents have risen against us, and that they are stronger than we are or greater in number. Nevertheless, this card shows that our chances of victory are good, because we occupy the more favourable position. It should therefore be taken as a warning: be skilful and vigilant, so as not to lose your positional advantage. It goes without saying that an actual, physical attack is rarely meant here; far more often it is a matter of someone interfering in our private or even personal affairs, an attempt to deprive us of something or to prevent us from achieving something.

From the book: Hajo Banzhaf. THE TAROT HANDBOOK. Translated from the German by E. Kolesov. Published by: Centre for Astrological Research, 1999.

SEVEN OF WANDS Valour. The third decan of Leo, from 13 to 23 August. Astrological equivalents: Sun in the Tenth House, Sun in Libra. The third decan of Leo symbolises courage, responsibility, and the capacity for intense work in pursuit of a chosen goal. The attainment of an energetic balance provides the requisite measure of strength so that any individual goal of a person, however complex, may be brought to fruition. The ruler of this decan — the planet Mars (or, according to newer interpretations, Pluto) — speaks of a person's inner qualities of leadership and the ability to mobilise others to labour for the sake of common aims that have impelled him to set out into virgin territory. The negative quality of Pluto is exactingness. A leader, whose task is no easy one, is sometimes inclined to make excessive demands of people, of "the masses," whom he regards as part of himself. The art of governing oneself and others is achieved through reliance upon knowledge of the natural laws — an understanding of life as it is, and the ability to align one's activity with the simple requirements of the comfort and beauty of existence, ensuring the victory of a reasoned design. The SEVEN OF STAVES is the struggle against the dominance of the lower strivings (of the spirit with matter), which are so great that there is no time to study the manual of tactics — what is needed is simply swift action and courage. And the person turns boldly to face the challenge thrown down to him. He strives to surpass the perfection of the SIX OF STAVES. He has the courage to follow his impulse and to act, giving his all to "one hundred percent." The trap. A small wavering, a slight betrayal of oneself and one's convictions — and defeat is certain. Sometimes the SIX OF SWORDS is also interpreted as the transition of consciousness to a new level: where the child is the symbol of its potential possibilities.

UPRIGHT POSITION In the upright position the SEVEN OF SCEPTRES symbolises creativity, inspiration, art, attractiveness, the attainment of personal goals. This is a card of victory, symbolising forward movement. This card is, as it were, the green light of a traffic signal. The influence of Libra is strong in it. Energy and enterprise are directed towards all manner of projects connected with creativity, with the organisation of spectacles, with show business. At the same time, this card may signal the development of professional skills in one or another of the arts, for instance music; it may serve as an indication of the assessment to which your skill and your art may be subjected. The card may also signify success, and social success at that — recognition by those around you, income (though limited, for the influence of Venus makes itself felt, and Venus never bestows great incomes). In addition, this is a card of overcoming obstacles, of the call to combat, but all on a very limited, local scale. In general, the SEVEN OF SCEPTRES is not the strongest of cards, but on the whole it symbolises forward movement, victory, attainment.

REVERSED POSITION In the reversed position the card symbolises lightheartedness, a disinclination to concentrate unduly on this or that problem, the avoidance of all that is gloomy, dreary, or excessive (Libra). The appearance of the card in a spread may signify for you also "the unbearable lightness of being." Or else it will be a period of vacillations, of musings, or, on the contrary, of "over-strained" commercial activity. All will depend upon the accompanying cards and upon how strongly the sign of Libra is expressed, directly or indirectly, in your horoscope. One should also look at the position of Venus in the horoscope and her aspects with the other planets. The card may also symbolise an absence of inspiration, and energy squandered to no purpose, and talents that are used improperly, and simply failures. Anxiety, embarrassment, indecision, vacillations leading to monetary losses. Doubts.