By Katrina Rasbold
In the world of Tarot, few decks are as iconic as the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith under the guidance of Arthur Edward Waite. Among its striking imagery, the Seven of Wands stands out as a card of resilience, challenge, and personal fortitude. But beyond its surface meaning, the artwork carries deep symbolic layers that speak to themes of conflict, personal power, and perseverance.
A Closer Look at the Imagery
The Seven of Wands features a lone figure standing atop a hill, wielding a staff to defend against six others rising from below.
Dressed in a tunic and boots, the character appears to be in a defensive stance, battling unseen challengers.
The terrain beneath his feet is uneven, suggesting an unstable foundation.
The sky is a clear blue, but the scene carries a palpable tension—this is not a moment of peace, but one of necessary struggle.
The Hilltop Position
The protagonist’s elevated stance suggests an advantage. He is higher up, implying he holds the upper hand in the battle, but it also indicates isolation. This reflects a position of leadership, success, or moral authority that attracts opposition. Symbolically, it represents the struggles of those who achieve something significant—once at the top, they must defend their position.
The Wands as Opponents
The six wands rising from below are wielded by unseen challengers. Their facelessness is significant; the threats could be external—rivals, competitors, or adversaries—or internal—doubts, fears, or personal struggles. The ambiguity allows the card to be interpreted in various ways depending on the context of a reading.
The Man’s Stance
His wide stance and firm grip suggest determination and the willingness to stand his ground. However, there’s also a feeling of strain—defending oneself against multiple attacks is exhausting. The card captures the essence of endurance and resistance, reinforcing the theme of fighting to maintain one’s position.
Symbolic Interpretations
The Seven of Wands is rich with symbolic meaning that shifts depending on its placement in a reading. Here are some key interpretations:
1. Defending Success
This card often appears when someone has recently achieved something significant but must now fight to keep their place. It’s the classic “rising to the top is hard, but staying there is harder” scenario. Whether it’s a job promotion, a creative breakthrough, or personal growth, challenges inevitably follow.
2. Standing Up for Beliefs
In readings that deal with moral or ethical dilemmas, the Seven of Wands can symbolize standing firm in one’s convictions, even when facing opposition. It’s a card of courage—urging the querent to hold their ground and not back down under pressure.
3. Overcoming Obstacles
Since the card suggests multiple forces working against the individual, it can indicate a period of struggle. However, it reassures that victory is possible with effort and persistence. The querent may feel outnumbered, but their advantage (the high ground) suggests they have the resources or skills to prevail.
4. Feeling Overwhelmed
The card can also carry a warning. If the querent is constantly in a defensive position, it may indicate burnout, paranoia, or an unsustainable struggle. Sometimes, the battle isn’t worth fighting, and the card asks whether defending one’s position is necessary or if it’s time to strategize differently.
5. Competition and Rivalry
In career or creative contexts, this card often points to professional rivalry. It suggests a competitive environment where one must continually prove themselves. It can also serve as motivation, pushing the querent to rise to the challenge and assert their strengths.
Reversed Meaning: Losing Ground or Avoiding Conflict
When drawn in reverse, the Seven of Wands takes on a different tone. It may indicate:
- Feeling overwhelmed and unable to keep up with challenges
- Losing a position of authority or influence
- Choosing to step away from conflict instead of fighting
- A lack of confidence or inability to assert oneself
In this position, the card asks the querent to examine whether their defensive stance is sustainable or if it’s time to seek alternative strategies. It can also suggest self-doubt or an unwillingness to face challenges head-on.
Pamela Colman Smith’s Artistic Influence
Pamela Colman Smith’s intuitive and visionary style brought Waite’s interpretations to life, and her work on the Seven of Wands is a testament to her ability to convey movement, tension, and emotion in a simple yet powerful scene. Unlike earlier tarot decks, where the Minor Arcana were often depicted as mere pips, Smith gave each card a dynamic, narrative-driven composition, making it easier for readers to connect with the symbolism.
Her use of body language and perspective in this card is particularly striking. The protagonist’s slight tilt suggests motion, as if caught mid-action, reinforcing the idea that life’s challenges require constant effort. The rough terrain and absence of a defined background leave the focus entirely on the struggle itself—an artistic choice that heightens the sense of immediacy and urgency.
The Fight Is Worth It
The Seven of Wands is a card of defiance, strength, and resilience. It reminds us that success often comes with its own set of challenges, but with determination and perseverance, we can hold our ground. Pamela Colman Smith’s vivid illustration captures the universal experience of struggle—whether against external forces or inner doubts—making this one of the most relatable cards in the tarot deck.
Ultimately, the Seven of Wands teaches that while the fight may be difficult, standing up for what we’ve earned, what we believe in, or who we are is always worth it.
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Katrina Rasbold is a professional Witch, published author, priestess, and editor of Green Egg Magazine. She and her husband, Eric, are the creators of the CUSP spiritual path and owners of Crossroads Occult. You can reach her through www.katrinarasbold.com.