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The Seven of Wands means someone is attacking us and we have to face our competitors, those who envy us or other opponents who are often stronger than us or in the majority. At the same time, the card also shows that we still have good prospects for success because we are fighting for our fight from a favorable position. It also warns us to be clever and alert, and not to play our position advantageously. Of course, this is the rarest case of implicit attacks, it is more about interfering in our personal world, or threatening something that we have achieved or want to achieve.

SEVEN OF WANDS : VALOUR

These cards are attributed to Netzach. The position is doubly unbalanced; off the middle pillar, and very low down on the Tree. It is taking a very great risk to descend so far into illusion, and, above all, to do it by frantic struggle. Netzach pertains to Venus; Netzach pertains to Earth; and the greatest catastrophe that can befall Venus is to lose her Heavenly origin. The four Sevens are not capable of bringing any comfort; each one represents the degeneration of the element. Its utmost weakness is exposed in every case.

The Seven of Wands is called Valour. Energy feels itself at its last gasp; it struggles desperately, and may be overcome. This card brings out the defect inherent in the idea of Mars. Patriotism, so to speak, is not enough.

This card derives from Netzach (Victory) in the suit of Fire. But the Seven is a weak, earthy, feminine number as regards the Tree of Life, and represents a departure from the balance so low down on the Tree that this implies a loss of confidence.

Fortunately, the card is also attributed to Mars in Leo. Leo is still the Sun in his full strength, but the marks of decadence are already to be seen. It is as if the wavering fire summoned the brutal energy of Mars to its support. But this is not enough to counter- act fully the degeneration of the initial energy, and the departure from equilibrium.

The army has been thrown into disorder; if victory is to be won, it will be by dint of individual valour-a “soldiers’ battle”.

The pictorial representation shows the fixed and balanced wands of the last card relegated to the background, diminished, and become commonplace.

In front is a large crude uneven club, the first weapon to hand; evidently unsatisfactory in ordered combat.

The flames are dispersed, and seem to attack in all directions without systematic purpose.

THE SEVEN OF WANDS - VALOUR

Astrology: Mars in the 3. decan of Leo Tree of Life: Netzach through Fire

The Seven of Wands is entering Netzach - the depths of creativity and anarchy standing under the number of destiny. And like for all the Seven's, the leaving of the beautiful Tiphareth comes like the fall from paradise. But Fire is a fighter, and though the element seems to be burning down, it will struggle to survive. 

So the Seven of Wands talks of a situation where we have to face up forces stronger than ourself, situations that at first sight seem hopeless, yet we'll have to use all that we've learned and fight.

Drive: Courage, fighting spirit, overcoming opposition 

Light: Initiation, rebirth 

Shadow: Getting attacked, facing hardships

THE SEVEN OF WANDS - Courage - Mercury / Mars - Saturn - Resistance

Keywords: Mars in Lion, courage, boldness, effect, risk-taking, no compromise

Advice: Being loyal to yourself also means you stand up for your own righteousness, even if you face tremendous resistance. Trust the fort. In this situation, you have to prevail at all costs.

Questions: Are you ready to accept any consequences. Be aware of the fears that have stood in the way of your case so far.

Suggestion: Make yourself aware of the warrior! What positive qualities this aspect of your being embodies.

Revelation: I openly and honestly express my own reality.

Analogies:

Ji-Ching: 33. Tun (The Retreat)

Mythology: The Resistant (David and Goliath)

Keywords: attack, rival, envy, enemy, combat, ingenious defense

Fear of others 'self-confidence, agonize over others' abilities.

SEVEN OF WANDS

General Meaning

This suit, most often called "Wands" and sometimes called "Rods" or "Staves," represents initiative, ambition, drive and desire. This is the suit of enterprise and risk-taking.

The Seven of this suit generally shows a person who is nearly always successful in working his or her will in the world. This is a person who is truly gifted, standing head and shoulders above the rest. This person is sets standards and sets examples that exceed previous conceptions of what is possible.

In historical Tarot, this person would most likely be portrayed as an admired and feared warrior who has vanquished his adversaries against all odds. Such an outstanding feat could just as easily apply to the world of the media, politics or business.

Beware of conceitedness that can be hinted at by this card. Being successful does not make you invincible, and it does not protect you against errors! Enjoy your "fifteen minutes of fame" and then get back to your tasks, or your head will swell, to the detriment of your ability to succeed again.

In the Reversed Position

Coming to terms with lack of motivation could boost your self-esteem. When the Seven of Wands is reversed you may be actively resisting the expenditure of time and energy required to make yourself useful. You are capable of being a role model but are having trouble accepting the challenge. Until you come to terms with your lack of motivation, you are letting yourself down by allowing your self-esteem to shrink.

In the Advice Positon

The Seven of Wands in this position tells you that the time for peak performance is now. Even if slightly unprepared, you may want to push yourself beyond your usual limits, thinking in larger terms and tweaking your competitive nature. Time and effort spent in preparation could pay off handsomely. You might be the one who vaults right over the heads of those who thought they could outdo you.

Move beyond rhetoric and verbal challenges. Now could be the moment to prove what puts you head and shoulders above the rest by demonstrating it in action.

Read more:

• » The Book of Thoth - A Short Essay on the Tarot of the Egyptians by Aleister Crowley.
• » Liber LXXVIII - On the Tarot - A complete treatise on the Tarot giving the correct designs of the cards with their attributions and symbolic meanings on all planes. - A description of the Cards of the Tarot, with their attributions, including a method of divination by their use.
• » Manuscript N - The Tarot - A Golden Dawn Manuscript - A Theoricus Adeptus Minor Paper.