(The above image is a copy of The Seven of Wands card in a standard Rider-Waite Tarot deck. The 3 symbols pointed out above are explained below.)
Card Description
The Seven of Wands illustrates the unfortunate result from gaining the success found in the Six of Wands: criticism. While the illustration contains some ambiguities, it appears that a man is defending his position against the crowd. It is a card that suggests self-confidence and resolve in the face of criticism.
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For more information about The Seven of Wands card, check out A. E. Waite’s description here.
Point 1 – FIGURE’S POSE
The Seven of Wands depicts a lone figure on top of a hill, guarding himself against the other wands. Based on the figure’s pose, it is unclear if the man is playfully fighting with the other wands, like it was with the Five of Wands, or if the figure is in real danger. Some scholars have argued that the man is simply pulling up a wand offered to him while others have claimed that the man unjustly goes against the community established in the previous cards.
Point 2 – HILL
The hill the man stands upon can symbolize a number of things. Practically, the hill gives the man the advantage of higher ground, revealing his wit. The hill could also represent the man’s higher moral ground, suggesting the importance of standing up for what you believe in.
Point 3 – DIFFERENT SHOES
The different shoes that the man wears are an oddly specific detail. With much of Tarot being about inhabiting different, paradoxical spaces, it seems likely that the two shoes are a further example of that. Stipulations could be made between the conscious/subconscious and tamed/untamed dichotomies.
Tarot Reading
Upright
An Upright Seven of Wands suggests that you have had success and that others are criticizing you for it. This can be a very difficult position because you have to parse out the constructive criticism among the deconstructive rabble in an environment where they sound the same. An Upright Seven of Wands requires a great deal of self-confidence in the face of a demanding audience.
Reverse
A Reverse Seven of Wands reveals that the outside criticism you are experiencing is taking a toll on your psyche. You might be grappling with the unattainable goal of pleasing everybody. While this is noble, it is unrealistic. In a Reverse Seven of Wands world, you must look for the support of your core community and be self-confident in your own desires. Brace through the mud throwing and take pride in your project.
For more Tarot Card Meanings, check out our blog here.
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About the author: John Taylor is a content writer and freelancer through the company Upwork.com. You may view his freelancing profile here. He has a B. A. in English, with a specialty in technical writing, from Texas A&M University and a M. A. in English from the University of Glasgow. You may view his previous articles about Tarot here and his LinkedIn profile here.
