Seven of Wands Keywords
Defensive, challenge, perseverance, confrontation, competition, overwhelm, determination, persistence, self-belief
Seven of Wands Numerology
7
Seven of Wands Astrology Zodiac
Fire: Leo
Seven of Wands Tarot Suit
Minor Arcana, Suit of Wands
Journal Prompts for Seven of Wands Tarot Card
– What am I currently defending in my life (and is it worth the effort)?
– Where am I feeling challenged, under attack and/or scrutinized?
– Am I feeling defensive? If so, why?
Seven of Wands Card Meaning
The Seven of Wands depicts a male figure standing on uneven, higher ground. He is holding a wand (or a staff), with both hands, defensively against six others below; symbolizing the need to protect and defend his position. The six wands below are held by unseen opponents, creating a sense of invisible competition or confrontation. It is not necessarily clear as to who or what he is fighting against.
His elevated stance suggests that he is at an advantage, but is also isolated. His body leans slightly forward, showing that he is engaged, alert and prepared to fight. His facial expression shows determination and/or strain, suggesting tension and putting forth the effort to stand firm.
*Card description based on the Rider Waite Tarot Deck
Seven of Wands Upright
When the Seven of Wands appears in your tarot reading, it typically means that you are in a position where you need to defend your position, yourself, your beliefs and/or something you’ve earned. It is a card that symbolizes resilience, determination and sometimes healthy confrontation.
You may feel as though you’re being challenged; whether by others, external pressures, circumstances and/or even by your own doubts. There may be competition, criticism, or even pressure, but this card is here to remind you that you are capable of holding your own.
If this card has appeared in your tarot spread it may signify that while you are in a strong position, you can’t just take it easy; you may need to stand your ground. You could be in a position where you have already achieved something (personally, professionally, emotionally), but now you have to fight to hold onto and/or maintain it.
When the 7 of Wands shows up in a love reading, it often points to challenges, defenses, or power dynamics in a relationship. However, it also indicates that you have the strength to stand up for what you believe in. While this card is not always a red flag, it does highlight areas where courage, boundaries and/or honesty are being tested. That being said, the Seven of Wands meaning can be an indication of setting healthy boundaries.
If you are currently in a relationship you and/or your partner might feel the need to defend yourself–your beliefs, values or emotional needs. There could be outside pressure influencing your situation. For example there may be friends, family or past baggage challenging the relationship. You may be fighting to keep your relationship strong and/or together. You may even be struggling to be heard, seen and/or understood by your partner.
If you are single, this card could imply that you might be guarded and/or defensive because of past heartbreak or emotional wounds. The upright Seven of Wands encourages you to stand firm in your values, beliefs and/or standards. Do not settle just to avoid being alone. It could also mean that potential suitors are approaching you, but you are being cautious about who you let in.
When the Seven of Wands appears in a career or work-related reading, it’s upright meaning usually signals that you are in a competitive, high-pressure and/or defensive position. However, it also means that you have the upper hand in the situation. This card may show up when you’re being challenged, tested and/or need to prove your worth, defend your ideas, or stand your ground. For example, your coworkers may be competitive and/or trying to undermine you.
If your inquiry is about money or finances, this minor arcana card suggests you may be in a position where you need to defend your financial choices, deal with pressure and/or protect your assets—especially if you’ve recently made progress or improved your situation.
After the Six of Wands, you may have recently gained some financial stability or success, and now with the Seven of Wands, you’re being challenged to maintain it. You could be dealing with financial competition, pressure or criticism. For example, people could be questioning your spending, investments and/or how you manage money. Additionally, you may say “no” to lending money, sticking to a budget and/or resisting peer pressure.
Seven of Wands Reversed
The reversed Seven of Wands is often related to feeling overwhelmed, vulnerable, unsure of how to stand up for yourself. It could suggest a situation where the pressure is getting to you. You could be losing your confidence, avoiding confrontation and/or starting to doubt whether or not the struggle is worth it.
Seeing this card reversed may indicate that you are feeling outnumbered or unsupported, as though the odds are stacked against you. It could also mean that you are losing ground after a period of success. For example, maybe you’re not keeping up with expectations whereas others are starting to exceed or surpass your efforts.
Ask yourself if you are avoiding conflict instead of facing it. Perhaps you are not standing up for yourself or you are backing down too quickly. The reversed Seven of Wands may indicate that you could be acting defensively and without clarity. You might be reacting to pressure emotionally rather than strategically. You may be struggling with burnout, imposter syndrome and/or fear of criticism.
When the Seven of Wands appears reversed regarding matters of love, it can signal a time of emotional vulnerability, feeling overwhelmed and/or letting down your defenses–maybe even too much. Ask yourself: Am I protecting my heart in a healthy way or am I giving up your power entirely?
If you are in a relationship, the reversed card could mean that you are avoiding conflict, even if something important needs to be said. One partner could be dominating the dynamic, while the other may not push back. There might be a sense of emotional defeat or burnout. Alternatively, someone may be overly defensive, interpreting everything as an attack and/or pushing love away because of fear.
If you are single, you might be giving up on love and/or feeling like it is “not worth the fight”. The reversed meaning of the Seven of Wands may reveal past wounds that may have left you too guarded. However, the opposite could be the case–maybe you are lowering your standards just to avoid being alone. It could also reflect fear of rejection, making you hesitant to put yourself out there again.
When it comes to your work and/or career the reversed Seven of Wands often points to a time when you are feeling overwhelmed, rushed and/or unprepared. It can reflect pressure, self-doubt and/or burnout. You may feel that no matter how hard you try, you’re constantly having to defend your role, your ideas and/or your value.
Additionally, you might be dealing with excessive pressure, competition or expectations. While you may feel like you are constantly on the defensive, you’re starting to lose motivation and/or confidence. If you see this reversed card, it could mean that it is time to reclaim your energy, assess your priorities and either reinforce your boundaries or change your strategy.
If your inquiry is about money or finances, you might be feeling financially vulnerable, overwhelmed and/or unprepared. It Is a sign that you could be struggling to maintain a budget, protect your resources and/or stand firm in your financial decisions. You might be giving in to financial pressure from others.
For example, you could be lending money when you can’t afford to. You may be overspending to please people and/or not saying “no” when you should. You could be ignoring a financial problem and/or putting off important decisions, hoping it will fix itself. This is a sign to face the issue, even if it’s uncomfortable.
