(i) Seven of Wands Thoth Tarot Tutorial
My new YouTube channel is: Thoth Tarot Videos. The video presentation for the Seven of Wands can be accessed by clicking on the image below:
(ii) Thoth Seven of Wands
Valour Definition: great courage in the face of adversity.
In the Seven we have the six balanced and harmonious wands from the previous card now pushed to the background in the Seven of Wands. A distorted looking club is in the foreground with flames directed randomly without focus. The astrological glyphs are off centre in this card, with Leo to the bottom right and Mars to the top left.
(iii) Rider Waite Seven of Wands
In the Rider Waite Seven of Wands, a man stands on higher ground and is attacked below by several people. The man appears to be in a defensive position. He is also wearing two different shoes, suggesting that he may be unclear of his own position in the face of opposition.
(iv) Numerology of the Seven of Wands
The number 7 forms the Heptad for example:
As 7 is a prime number it is usually broken down into a three and four. The Major Arcana Tarot card that is associated with number 7 is The Chariot. When The Chariot appears in a Tarot reading it usually is read to indicate a victory of some kind. He wears the armour of battle:
The number three is associated with creativity and spirit (The Holy Trinity). The number 4 is associated with pragmatism and practicality, especially in regard to completing work and getting things done in the material world.
The number seven can be thought of as a combination of those two attitudes. People who are aligned with the 7 energy are hard workers like fours, not necessarily in the world of business and material things, but of a spiritual nature:
However we will see in the section below, that with respect to the Tarot, the Sevens prove a difficult step and so there must be additional forces causing an im balance.
(v) Difficulties in the Thoth Sevens
As we can see from the titles in the sevens through the suits of the minor arcana, they are somewhat challenging, with the most hopeful card being the Seven of Wands. Despite positivity in the numerology, the position of these cards on the Tree of Life plays a vital part in their difficult energies and this is now explained.
(vi) Seven of Wands, the Tree of Life & Four Worlds
The Seven of Wands is found in the seventh sphere Netzach, the Path of Occult Intelligence’.
The Occult is awash with glamour and misunderstanding as well as universal truths, and Netzach represents the former. When the mind comes up against that which is hidden (occult) or which it does not understand, it can project all kinds of creative imagination and misplaced desires and conclusions. This is therefore a difficult position on the Tree of life for the minor arcana cards to be placed.
The Tree of Life
The Seven of Wands is found in Netzach (Victory) which is the seventh sephiroth on the Tree of Life, on the right hand Pillar of Mercy. Netzach is a dynamic energy or force that inspires and drives us expressing through our desires and emotions.
Netzach is the first feminine sephiroth on the right hand masculine pillar as shown in the diagram below. It also represents the feminine principle of the Astral Triangle, with masculine Hod counterbalancing:
In order to understand why the sevens are all unstable, Netzach is also closely related to the other feminine sphere Geburah, with Tiphareth counterbalancing between them, but since Geburah (ruled by Mars) is also feminine and destructive, this is passed on in part to Netzach which relates to our desires, instincts, emotions and forces of nature making for potential instability as destructive Mars flows through them both from Geburah and the Mars in Leo astrological association of the card:
Further instability is caused by the fact that Netzach is getting further away from Kether (source) and not on the balancing middle pillar, so the energy is somewhat distorted in such a passionate sphere so low down on the Tree of Life.
The Four Worlds
The Seven of Wands is found in Netzach in Atziluth (the fiery world of inspiration).The energy of the suit of fire is weakened this far down the tree of life, and away from the equilibrium of the middle pillar. The feminine energy of the seventh sephiroth ruled by Venus further dilutes with strength of fire in the suit of wands and so it is left to the energy of Mars which rules the decan to give a final burst and keep this person going even though they have to fight hard to defend their values and what lies close to their heart.
(vii) Astrology of the Seven of Wands
Mars in Leo
Decan: The Seven of Wands is found in the 3rd Decan (21 – 30 degrees) of Leo.
Mars gives a final input of that warrior like energy to the natural courage of the sign of Leo in the last decan (21-30 degrees). Leo rules the heart and so Mars gives this person the courage to fight for the hearts desires. Mars encourages the person to stand their ground and fight for what they believe in.
Mars normally likes Leo but in this case, being so low down on the tree of life harmony does not exist (hence the glyphs are off centre in the card). Also the feminine energy of Venus (which rules the sephiroth) does not sit well with either.
Our mars energy is pretty much all that is keeping us going in this situation but it can feel like we are fighting a losing battle.
Mars in Leo usually indicates someone acting with authority and power, but in this card, they are having to use all their resources in a very difficult situation and there could now be a lack of focus and some desperation in the way in which they are behaving.
(viii) Symbolism of the Seven of Wands
Central Wand: More like a club and has 10 segments, suggesting a disruption of the balanced energy of the 6 of wands. Disorganised force in dealing with adversity. Its colour is amber giving way to red of Mars.
Lotus Blossoms on Wands: blue supporting Venus but they begin to turn red under the influence of Mars. Gentle Venus does not thrive with Mars hence the lotus are closed.
Phoenix Wands: showing red of Mars at their ends. Renewal and progress/ transformation is halted due to our difficult circumstances.
Caduceus Wands: showing the red of Mars and winged eye of Horus. These are pushed to the background in chaotic energy so our clear vision through the eye of Horus is disrupted.
(ix) Six to Seven of Wands Transition
The harmony of the six has been disrupted. After a period of success and things going our way, we learn now that life is constantly changing and therefore we have to adapt to our changing circumstances. This is a period of time when our beliefs are being challenged and we need to hold firm in the face of opposition from others. We have to have the courage of our convictions.
(x) Shemhamphorasch Angels of the Seven of Wands
Mahasiah: When negative, difficulty in learning, ignorance. Poor character, denial of one’s errors. Precarious well-being. Resentment and revenge.
Lelahel: Negatively aspected – ambition, thinking oneself as indispensable. Caring for only material aspect of things. Instability. Feeling of superiority.
(xi) Divinatory Meanings of the Seven of Wands
Seven of Wands Upright
Because Wands are a suit also with the ethics of right living (Three of Wands, Virtue) this card might show in a reading when you find yourself in a position where you are forced to fight for what you firmly believe in. Whilst sometimes reluctant to take up the fight, you will feel compelled to stand up and be counted. If you don’t stand for anything you stand for nothing.
A situation where you are being tested to your limits but your courage and strength will show through and help you make a success out of your challenges. Showing courage when our subconscious (unseen people holding wands in Rider Waite Card) wants to hold us back.
A situation whereby instead of getting support we are getting competition and so we have to use a lot of our energy to maintain our stance.
There needs to be acceptance with this card that you are not always going to be able to please everyone. There will always be those that challenge your point of view and you must defend what you believe in.
Seven of Wands Reversed
We seem to be fighting a losing battle at the moment and only our courage is keeping us going. We may be feeling that we are on a sinking ship in our present situation with no outcome insight.
Giving in to the demands of others against our better judgement.
Defending our position (or someone close to us at all costs) despite not being on the moral higher ground.
Stubbornness in seeing the viewpoint of others.
Depending on the subject of the reading, this can relate to relationship problems where we are now running out of energy and ideas as to how to keep sustaining it, or this can relate to a friendship or work situation, where our spirit is being tested to the limit and we are getting to the end of what we can give.
Lacking courage or energy to face our current challenges or too many other tasks sapping our energy for our most important challenges.
Battling our subconscious thoughts and being overcome by them for much of the time.
(xii) Seven of Wands & The Celtic Cross Spread
Card 1: (Heart of Your Situation) – A difficult situation which is taking up most of your time and energy but you have the strength and courage to get through this period in your life.
Card 2: (Obstacles/Challenges) – feeling overwhelmed and intimidated by those around you. Are you being bullied?
Card 3: (Subconscious Influences) – you are battling with feelings that you are not good enough and these make life hard for you to achieve things without a real effort and drain on your energy. Someone with low self-esteem for instance.
Card 4: (Your Recent Past Affecting Situation) – You have used your strengh of character to good effect in the past and it can be called upon to give you confidence to move forward in your present circumstances.
Card 5: (Your Hopes & Goals) – to be able to see yourself as someone who can have the resolve and self belief to stand up for yourself no matter what the opposition. Having the courage to face your inner demons as well challenging situations in your daily life.
Card 6: (Your Immediate Future) – A situation will test your resolve. You need to be able to listen to others but not get overrun by their demands on your resources.
Card 7: (How you are Handling the Situation) – (Reversed) Tendency to please others for fear of conflict.
Card 8: (Your External Environment) – challenging rather than supportive. Contesting rather than cooperative, perhaps in the work environment.
Card 9: (Guidance and Warning) – You will not always please everyone with your actions but you must stand up for your highest virtues and not be intimidated into leading a life others want you to live.
Card 10: (Your Overall Outcome) – overcoming great challenges in your life and coming out the other side with increased self-belief and strength of purpose.
(xiii) Recommended Video Links
(xiv) Meditation Links
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