Seven of Wands Tarot Card Meaning

psychological energy

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Tarot Alley uses the Rider Waite type of deck for our meanings, symbols, interpretations, etc.

When determining the Seven of Wands tarot card meaning, you should consider that it’s a Wands card and a Seven. The Suit of Wands represents energy and inspiration. Sevens represent imagination, inner work, and psychology.

In this way, we can determine that the Seven of Wands represents psychological energy. This is typically some form of crisis (like a fight or conflict). It’s not all negative because a crisis often has the power to reveal what we really value.

Take a look at the Rider-Waite Seven of Wands displayed to the left (or above).

What is your first impression?

Is the figure attacking? Being attacked? Doing something else?

There’s no right or wrong answer here, just your interpretation.

Astrology: Mars in Leo
Element: Fire
Numerology: 7

Common Symbols

Six Wands: commonly, six of the seven wands are grouped together in some way separate from the seventh wand. Six represents collaboration. Is this a coordinated or imagined attack?
Raised Figure: it’s common to see the figure on a high or cliff (raised above the landscape) to represent guardianship.

Keywords & Concepts

Bravery
Determination
Resolve

The Seven of Wands for Personal Growth

Affirmation: I am willing to take a stand for what I believe in.

It is perfectly reasonable to stand up for yourself. You do not have to be a doormat, ever. It’s healthy to insist on respect.

This applies not only to how you allow yourself to be treated, but also to how you treat others.

Ask Yourself:

When do you feel the most threatened?
When do you get defensive?
How capable are you of defending yourself?
What kinds of beliefs are worth defending?

Interpreting the Seven of Wands

Generally, the Seven of Wands represents psychological energy. This is a card about your inner self and what you value.

Often, the Seven of Wands occurs as:

A refusal to be silenced (ignoring intimidation and fear)
Continuing to fight, even when the odds are strongly against you
Defending yourself against attacks (physical or emotional)
Refusing to tolerate abuse (physical or emotional)
Maintaining your values despite pressure to abandon them

The Reversed Seven of Wands

How you read reversals is a personal choice. You can ignore reversals and read them as if the card is upright (this is what I often choose to do) or you can interpret reversals as variations of what they would mean upright. There are 3 common ways to read reversals: as a negative interpretation, as an opposite interpretation, or as a block on the upright interpretation. Check out How to Read Reversals for more information.

Typically, a reversed Seven of Wands represents negative psychological energy. Often this means you’re looking for negatives even where they may not exist. Examples include:

Having a “chip on your shoulder”
Trying to “prove” your fearlessness by taking unnecessary risks
Looking for opportunities to take offense
Being defensive instead of receptive to constructive criticism
Refusing to stand up for your values and beliefs

Examples of the Seven of Wands

Specific Interpretations

Specific situations are the general interpretation (from above) used for a specific situation (love, career, etc). There is no need to memorize these (or even look them up) if you understand the general interpretation. However, here are some basic interpretations for some specific situations:

Romantically

Being in a relationship does not mean you have toss aside your unique insights into the world. A healthy relationship is a secure one, free of abuse (physical or emotional).

Professionally

Most workplaces reward those who act aggressively. This isn’t to say you should be out attacking others (you should not). It means you need to stand up for yourself and your ideas. You have to make the first move. You must be bold.

Spiritually

Allow your spirituality to guide you through difficult times. Know that it’s (whatever it may be) generally not personal and you don’t need to act defensively. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stand up for your beliefs but do so in a positive non-confrontational manner.

the Seven of Wands Tarot Card Meaning

The Seven of Wands tarot card meaning is all about psychological energy. Having the confidence to stand up for yourself is important; do you?

Once you feel comfortable with the Seven of Wands tarot card meaning, check out the next card in the tarot deck: the Eight of Wands Tarot Card Meaning.