Future Tarot

“The Seven of Wands is all about taking a stand.”*

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?

“The Knight of Wands is full of energy and life.” * An adventurous risk-taker, he is eager to get out into the world, to begin a new quest, and to leave behind old ways of doing things. He is vibrant and generous, willing to leap into new opportunities with abandon, and thinks creatively.

“He’s a boisterous, confident card that’s going on a great journey. He may step on some toes, but it’s a wild ride!” ~ Kimberlee Ferrell

This guy has an abundance of confidence and is fearless in the face of adversity. His passionate energy is fantastic when you want to generate momentum and enthusiasm. When he appears he is also a reminder to be aware of details because this fellow is so rambunctious and eager that he hasn’t paused to consider the consequences.

Stacey Graham says, “When I get this card in a spread, I know I’m taking a new turn in my career. He comes in all enthusiasm and excitement so I follow his lead and see where it takes me.”

When the Knight of Wands appears in your life it is the perfect opportunity to do some public speaking, approach investors, share your ideas, embrace social networks, and talk with others. The spark and light you feel toward your project will shine through your voice and demeanor, drawing listeners to you and inspiring them to take action.

As elements go, this knight is “fire of fire.” He is the energy you need to begin a project, or charge forward through an endeavor, but beware because the flame of action he creates burns swiftly. When you’re riding with the Knight of Wands you might only get halfway to your destination. He is easily distracted and sidetracked onto other paths so it is important to use his energy wisely.

This Knight is hasty in all he does and takes action where others would not. He is sudden and impatient, but he is strong and always enthusiastic. He doesn’t like dilly-dallying! ~

The Knight of Wands asks you to leap into adventure. He’s that wild risk-taker who lives on adrenaline but isn’t particularly reliable. When he appears in your spread he often heralds a time of charged action, energy is at its peek, but it is important to temper the flame of this knight to avoid the pitfalls that he commonly stumbles into.

When the Knight of Wands shows up in your reading, it’s time to ask yourself these questions: How am I growing? How much energy am I putting into my own self-growth? Who is radiating creative or sexual energy in my life? How am I changing? What opportunities are entering my life right now that I feel passionate about? *

Jen Nipps says, “I like it when he pops up in a reading because he generally has good news to share.”

Isabel Kliegman’s, “Tarot and the Tree of Life: Finding Everyday Wisdom in the Minor Arcana“, tells us that this Knight knows he is not his choices. When he stumbles along his path, makes a mistake, or goes in the wrong direction he takes it in stride and continues moving onward.

When the Knight of Wands appears he may be asking you to stand up for something that matters, and which is unable to defend itself. He is a compassionate soul, deeply engaged and giving, particularly to his family.

What new adventure are you beginning this week? Where can you feel this Knight’s influence in your life? What else do you know about the Knight of Wands?