In the Rider-Waite Deck, The Seven of Wands depicts a young man taking stance against six unseen others. When I see this card, it reminds me of the training involved in martial arts. The six wands are practice targets with whom we build our skills. By this time, we know what it is we are fighting for and are honing the craft, mastering the grip required, the balance needed, and the various techniques involved, for a battle of wits and determination that may be on the horizon. In this way we become prepared.

It also involves repeating an activity out of necessity. Just as one must continue to practice martial arts every day to maintain the body and mind in peak condition, so do we commit to routine tasks that strengthen and maintain our external world. We take a stand, commit to action, and carry out the steps involved on a regular basis.

The Seven of Wands can also indicate strong convictions. In order to take a firm stand, you must believe in your position and yourself. You’ll need integrity and strength of character to see you through. If your cause is just, use the energy of the Seven of Wands to make a difference. ~

Just as you train against invisible opponents so too might you be fighting against a foe that is not there. In this case, the Seven of Wands reminds us to acknowledge the true battle, evaluate its worth, and consider the sacrifices involved. The Seven of Wands asks, “Is this true? Is this just?” Learn to put aside those things that are not for the greater good or for which you fail to find passion. Your time is better spent accomplishing the goals that inspire you.

Jan Shepherd of Angel Paths says, “Life is full of challenges. And sometimes we find it difficult to seize the moment, grasp our opportunities and live life to the full. The Seven of Wands comes up to indicate that you are facing one of those momentous happenings in life, and advises you to believe in yourself, grab your courage in both hands and go forward.”

Generally, Wands focus on intellectual aspects; the power of the mind and the creativity of the spirit. The Seven of Wands asks us to stand up for what we believe in. With these wands we embrace our fears and discover our courage. With this Seven of Wands we have all we need to face what is ahead of us, others may be jealous of our accomplishments, or talents, but we are able to walk our own path despite any petty attempts they make to undermine us.

The Mythic Tarot describes the Seven of Wands as “a struggle with other people’s creative ideas – stiff competition. The individual is challenged to improve upon and develop his or her project in the face of an envious and competitive world and needs to learn to value his or her ambition and competitive instinct.”

“Objectives must be defined – it is time to know exactly what they are. And then go for it. In fact, if you’ve already reached the seven (a sacred number), then you already know what they are -so the time is ripe to develop them. What is the point of having a strategy and then not following it up?” says Diana in a discussion about the Seven of wands on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum

At this time of year, the Seven of Wands reminds us that we must remain determined. We’ve set new goals for the year ahead and with commitment and dedication we will accomplish those goals. Your path is laid out ahead of you but only you can take each step along it to your destination. You are self-empowered and ready.

What does the Seven of Wands mean to you?

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