Seven of Wands Tarot Meaning: Upright and Reversed

Seven of Wands Keywords

• Upright: conviction, boundaries, resilience, assertion, defending position, stamina, speaking up
• Reversed: exhaustion, self-doubt, overwhelm, admitting defeat, yielding, giving up, fear of failure

Seven of Wands: Description and Symbolism

As a card within the wands suit, the Seven of Wands corresponds with the element of fire. A wooden wand with leaves represents the fiery principles of manifestation and inspired action throughout the tarot. Within the card, the man’s wand symbolizes his willpower and drive to succeed. Six wands are held up to the man, representing the challenges and opposing forces he must persevere through. 

Numerologically, the number ‘7’ presents themes of inner wisdom and self-discovery. When combined with the principles of fire, the Seven of Wands emphasizes the need to defend your position with a strong character. The blue sky symbolizes the motivation to restore peace, as well as the man’s secure trust in himself. His green tunic signifies the desire for personal development through new endeavors. 

The scene represents the man in a time of conflict, yet elevated and willing to protect himself. He stands on the edge of a cliff to symbolize the convictions that give him a higher ground. While under pressure, his fierce expression represents the courage and determination that drive his actions. The Seven of Wands speaks to the boundaries and resilience that are necessary to defend your position when met with opposition.

Seven of Wands – Upright Meaning

When the Seven of Wands appears in a reading, it suggests you may need to defend your values or ideals. Perhaps you are setting boundaries at home to be more conscious of how you spend your downtime, or you may have to speak up for your ideas in the workplace. This card offers an empowering opportunity to stand your ground about your deepest needs and desires.

The Seven of Wands could also serve as a reminder to be courageous and persistent. It may be time to be assertive to achieve your goals. So long as you are resilient in your efforts, you are likely to succeed.

Love Meaning – Upright Seven of Wands 

When the Seven of Wands appears upright in a love context, it suggests you may feel the need for stronger boundaries in your relationship. Your raw feelings could require alone time to process them, so it would not hurt to prioritize self-care before initiating deep conversations. 

The Seven of Wands could also indicate a feeling of defensiveness within your relationships. Perhaps you and your partner have been met with resistance, requiring you to protect the connection with strong boundaries. You could also feel more sensitive to criticism within the relationship itself due to personal challenges. To move through these tense feelings, you are encouraged to advocate for your needs unapologetically.

If you are single, this card suggests you may be grappling with the idea of love and relationships at this time. A past separation or heartbreak could have influenced you to feel guarded when making new connections, suggesting the need to focus your attention inward. You are gently reminded to trust your judgment and open up to new beginnings that feel aligned with your authentic needs.

When reading for how someone feels, the Seven of Wands represents a romantic interest who is willing to assert their desires and intentions within the connection. This person is likely to set clear boundaries, ensuring you will stay on the same wavelength.

Career Meaning – Upright Seven of Wands 

In a career context, the Seven of Wands suggests you may need to defend your ideals and position in the workplace. Whether you are working hard to have your ideas acknowledged by your boss or asking for a deserved promotion, it is a good time to be assertive about your goals. You have worked hard to earn your place, so do not settle for less than you are worth.

The Seven of Wands could also be encouraging you to set more boundaries around your spending and work schedule. Perhaps your finances have been strained by unexpected expenses, or your work may be demanding more of you lately. This card reminds you to advocate for your needs unapologetically, especially to stay on an aligned path.

Health Meaning – Upright Seven of Wands 

The Seven of Wands suggests you may have to work harder to stay on track with your mental and physical health goals at this time. New distractions and demands could be prying you away from your desired regimens, so it would not hurt to reflect on the boundaries you could need. 

Spirituality Meaning – Upright Seven of Wands 

In a spiritual context, the Seven of Wands encourages you to stand up for your deepest desires and intentions. Opposing ideals and expectations could challenge you to stray from your spiritual path, so it would benefit you to solidify your long-term goals. 

Seven of Wands As Feelings Meaning – Upright

The Seven of Wands represents feelings of courage and eagerness to move forward. When presented with challenges or conflicts, this card suggests that you are confident in your position.

Seven of Wands As Actions Meaning – Upright

When the Seven of Wands appears, it suggests that you are persevering through challenges with grit and self-confidence. You may feel drawn to set boundaries or assert yourself to move forward at this time.

Seven of Wands – Reversed Meaning

When the Seven of Wands appears reversed in a reading, you may be going through a period where it feels nerve-wracking to speak your mind. Perhaps constructive criticism has you backing down from your ideas at work, or you may question whether to set new boundaries within your relationships. If opposing forces tempt you to push your values aside, it may be time to reconsider your approach.

The reversed Seven of Wands could also suggest feelings of self-doubt. You may have overcome obstacles just to be met with more challenges. Consider what areas of life you are beginning to question your abilities in. Even when you are growing tired or overwhelmed, it is worth persevering. This card reminds you to see your vision through with courage and resilience.

Love Meaning – Reversed Seven of Wands 

When the Seven of Wands appears reversed in a love context, you may be growing tired or defeated in your efforts. Perhaps it has taken excess energy to resolve a concern with your partner, or recent dates could be leaving you depleted. If you are feeling exhausted or unsure of your next steps in your connections, it would be a good time to reconnect with your needs. Consider taking yourself out on a date or pouring your energy into self-care activities.

Another interpretation of the reversed Seven of Wands is that you are hesitant about the prospects of your connections. Whether you are having recurring conflicts within your relationship or a past heartbreak has you guarded towards new love, this card gently reminds you not to jump to conclusions. The feedback within your relationships could offer some insights on how to move forward constructively. 

Alternatively, you may be tempted to prioritize a counterpart’s needs when this card appears. It would benefit you to separate others’ desires from your own to prioritize your satisfaction.

When reading for how someone feels, the reversed Seven of Wands signifies someone who is unsure of the boundaries they need within a relationship. It would benefit you to give this romantic interest time to solidify their needs and priorities before pursuing the connection.

Career Meaning – Reversed Seven of Wands 

When the Seven of Wands appears reversed in a career context, you may be growing tired or overwhelmed by demands at work. It may be time to reflect on the adjustments you need for a more defined work-life balance. Boundaries could feel difficult to set at this time, but this card nudges you to prioritize your needs nonetheless. 

Another interpretation of the reversed Seven of Wands is that you are tempted to give up on a work or financial goal. Perhaps unexpected expenses have made it difficult to save for exciting investments, or you could be too busy to prioritize a passion project. Rather than giving in to factors beyond your control, it is a crucial time to empower yourself about the factors you can change in your situation.

Health Meaning – Reversed Seven of Wands 

The reversed Seven of Wands suggests you may be going through a time where it is more difficult to prioritize your health goals. It would be a great time to reflect on the self-care practices and environments that support you in staying on track. 

Spirituality Meaning – Reversed Seven of Wands 

When the Seven of Wands appears reversed, you may feel hesitant or exhausted by the schedule you have been sticking to. This card gently reminds you to realign with your spiritual path by setting clear intentions and boundaries throughout your commitments.

Seven of Wands As Feelings Meaning – Reversed

The reversed Seven of Wands symbolizes feelings of overwhelm and self-doubt. You may feel tired of the trials and tribulations you have had to endure, leading you to reassess your mentality towards the situation.

Seven of Wands As Actions Meaning – Reversed

When the Seven of Wands appears reversed, it suggests you may feel tempted to give in to others’ opinions or admit defeat. Your situation may be exhausting you at this time, causing you to withdraw or hold off on making new decisions. 

Past, Present, and Future Positions

Past Position

When the Seven of Wands appears in the ‘past’ position, it refers to a previous period where you had to defend your beliefs or position. This past situation taught you the importance of strong values and resilient efforts, which are now informing your present circumstances.

Present Position

In the ‘present’ position, the Seven of Wands encourages you to stand up for what you believe in. Your circumstances could require you to be more assertive with your opinions and boundaries to get ahead. 

Future Position

The Seven of Wands in the ‘future’ position predicts a future confrontation. Your current efforts could require you to defend your hard-earned position down the line, but do not let opposing forces deter you. So long as you stay consistent, you are likely to find higher ground.

Yes or No Meaning of The Seven of Wands 

• Seven of Wands Upright & Reversed: No

When the Seven of Wands appears in any position, it gives you a ‘no’. If the card is upright, your current situation may require you to set boundaries and hold your ground before you can accept new opportunities. When reversed, the Seven of Wands suggests the need to solidify your values to cultivate desirable outcomes confidently.

Advice and Message of The Seven of Wands 

The Seven of Wands appears as a reminder to stand firm in your beliefs. You have worked hard to attain your current position, giving you a solid ground to withstand challenges. This card encourages you to remain confident in your strong convictions, setting boundaries to protect them when necessary.

Summary of The Seven of Wands Tarot Meaning

When the Seven of Wands appears in a reading, you may be pushing through challenges that require you to protect the position you have earned. It is time to be determined in your goals and values, regardless of opposing forces that tempt you to retreat. When reversed, this card suggests you could be going through circumstances that are complicating your ability to persevere. To realign with the advice of this card, you are encouraged to prioritize self-validation and unwavering decision-making.