Category - Tarot Card Meanings

Two of Pentacles

Two of Pentacles:

Suit: Pentacles
Element: Earth
Function: Possessions, riches, material things, practicality

Let’s not beat around the bush: this man clearly looks like an erect penis. He’s wearing a big red, tall hat, symbolizing passion and magic, and he has two pentacles in either hand, balanced in an infinity loop. This is no mistake.

He’s wearing orange and red, the colors of life, passion, enthusiasm, youth, and magic. The pentacles are in a green loop, the color of life. He balances on one foot, keeping his pentacles from falling even though there appears to be chaos behind him.

In the distance is an ocean with ships riding dangerously high waves, and they go up and down, jostled and turned, but the man doesn’t worry about them. After all, what can he do about it? The tides of life go in and out, the waves go up and down, and everyone has their own journey, including the ships.

And the man in the tall red hat doesn’t care. His back is turned to that big ocean of uncertainty. He’s worried about his own two pentacles and that’s it. He’s not adventurous and isn’t worried. If we consider that fact that the pentacles look like testicles, it makes sense: when all is said and done, what is actually the most precious thing in the world to this man? It’s the thing that helps him support and create life.

He’s keeping it together, and he’s worried about himself and what he has to do. This is all he can do, and all he can control. He has his things in balance, and he’s having a good time with them. Life is simple. He has focus. He keeps his pentacles up in the air.

It’s impossible to tell if he’s moving with the pentacles, or if the pentacles are moving with him. Perhaps they’re just both in harmony. In a way, he’s like the ships that tide the waves, in that it doesn’t matter who moves what, so long as things stay going perpetually.

He’s not struggling. He may even be playing. Perhaps he finds his task enjoyable and doesn’t mind having to keep his pentacles up off the ground. That’s good news, because his task will never end.

When the two of pentacles is Reversed:

When the Two of Pentacles is reversed, life is out of balance. The querent can’t juggle everything, and they’re either dropping the ball or they need to figure out what’s important and stop worrying about the things that don’t matter, or the things that are out of their control.

The querent may need to balance their budget, or their work and home life better, which may require focusing only on the tasks at hand.

The querent may also have an internal imbalance. They may be too mentally focused on one thing as opposed to another. They may be more concerned with what others think about them than what they think about themselves. They may also be clinging to outdated or ill-fitting notions or ideas and not balancing them with new ones that fit better.

In a three-card reading, this card means…

Past: In the past, the querent was able to juggle all of their demands and responsibilities such that they didn’t feel burdened. This is the attitude they bring with them in the present.

Present: Currently, the querent is keeping all things in balance and doing so with deft and ease.

Future:
In the future, things will come together for this querent so they’ll be able to at least handle everything on their plate.

Ace of Pentacles

Ace of Pentacles

Suit: Pentacles
Element: Earth
Function: Possessions, riches, material things, practicality

The Ace of Pentacles welcomes the querent to paradise and security. They still have to get there, but there is a way if they’re willing to walk it. The hand from Heaven isn’t going to carry them, but it offers the gift of the way.

A hand comes out of the heavens and offers a single, giant gold coin with a pentacle on it. It’s like the sun, shining in the sky. The pentacle is a five-pointed star, with all lines connected. It symbolizes the balance of the elements with the spirit.

The hand is not grasping the pentacle, but rather, cradling it. It’s not going to use the pentacle to do something. It doesn’t guide, strike, or create. It simply shows the querent what it has.

The suit of pentacles represents material wealth. It represents what can be done with what is here, right now, and what can be held and given. It also represents what can be shared; the hand could clutch the pentacle selfishly, but instead, it offers it, as if giving it as alms to the poor, weary traveler.

Or perhaps it’s striking a bargain. If you walk the way, go through the garden, and get to the mountain, you will get the wisdom and benefit of the pentacles. After all, the reward for nothing is nothing, and no one gets anything for free. This isn’t cruel; it’s just the nature of living on a planet with finite resources and finite time.

There are lilies lining the way, symbolizing purity and innocence. The arch of the garden has red fruit. Green and red are the colors of life, and red is the color of magic. Beyond the green garden threshold is the mountain, a symbol of endurance, timelessness, stability, and strength.

The sky is wide open, white, and endless, like a blank canvas. Heading through the garden gate and onto the journey of the pentacles promises that the querent will get to write their story and carve their own destiny. After all, wealth is freedom, and one who prospers can do things like follow passion and enjoy beauty without interference or worry that it won’t be available tomorrow. And perhaps it won’t, but there’s nothing practical in worrying about what may never be so long as it exists right now.

Take the gift now.

When the Ace of Pentacles is Reversed:

When the Ace of Pentacles is reversed, the querent has either missed an opportunity to materially otherwise gain, either because they overlooked the obvious, or because they didn’t trust in the present. It’s also possible that their own greed made them overlook something they thought was small in hopes of getting something bigger. Lack of planning may result in future disaster.

The Ace of Pentacles reversed can also indicate someone who doesn’t know the value of a dollar or doesn’t want to earn what they have. It can also indicate someone who does work hard, but the reward is delayed or on the other side of yet another obstacle.

In a three-card reading, this card means…

Past: In the past, the querent embarked on a quest for worldly gain or was given an opportunity for worldly gain that brought them to the present.

Present: Currently, the querent is presented with an opportunity to earn rewards or riches, and must carefully walk a path to get it.

Future: In the future, the querent will have an opportunity to create their own prosperity if they stay on the course they’re on.

King of Wands

King of Wands

Suit: Wands
Element: Fire
Function: The Will, Action, Creativity, and Initiation

The King of Wands looks as if he’s ready to jump off his throne and go sprinting toward whatever it is that has his eye. He wears a robe of red and green, the colors of life and magic. He is full of life and vitality. He is fire personified.

His yellow cloak has salamanders on it, symbolizing mental passion. He’s not just a doer, but a thinker and a pioneer. His head is protected by a red leather shield. He doesn’t care what anyone else thinks, and he certainly can’t hear them.

Both his green shoes can be seen, indicating that he knows how to work in the real world, and that he gets things done. The salamander at his foot is a reminder that he’s both walking the walk and talking the talk. His mind and his reality are one. He isn’t a mere dreamer.

His throne has pictures of salamanders and lions, symbolizing fire, leadership, and fearlessness. Even his golden crown looks like flames rising from his head.

The King of Wands holds his staff in his right and hand and balls his left hand into a fist. Whatever action needs to be taken, he’ll do it, and he’s not afraid to get dirty or get rough. Nothing will get in his way, and he’ll let nothing stop him.

In a sense, he’s dominant masculine energy personified. He’s fearless, aggressive, confident, bold, pioneering, and ready to do what it takes and do what he wants when he wants to do it. Nothing will stop him, and he bows to no one.

Who would dare get in his way, anyway? He might use that staff to lead, he might use it to fight, or he might use it to hold naysayers back. In fact, that’s probably what he’s seeing in the distance, and he’s shoring up for a fight now.

The King of Wands has a vision and he’s going to meet it. He has a goal, and that’s the most important thing. He has the heart, the mind, the body, the power, and the endurance to do it. Woe be to anyone who gets in his way or tries to engage him in a power struggle. This man is a juggernaut about to blast off.

When The king of Wands is Reversed:

When the King of Wands is reversed, there’s too much confidence. The querent is not putting his money where his mouth is. He may be a braggart and overly aggressive. Bullying and being the victim of a bully is possible when the King of Wands is reversed, since ultimately this card reversed means deep insecurity.

This can also mean someone who doesn’t have the talent to match their ambition and still goes ahead and tries to get what they can’t really earn. There’s an inherent selfishness in this card, that when reversed, turns into narcissism.

When the King of Wands is reversed, nothing is ever his fault. He never fails. He blames others for his mistakes, setbacks, and shortcomings.

In a three-card reading, this card means…

Past: In the past, the querent was bold, action driven, self-made, and possibly going at it alone, which has brought them to the present.

Present: Right now, the querent is actually doing what they dare and what they dream, and this is their singular focus.

Future: In the future, the querent is going to shore up their courage and strength and make the bold move they’ve only been dreaming of so far.

Queen of Wands

Queen of Wands

Suit: Wands
Element: Fire
Function: The Will, Action, Creativity, and Initiation

The Queen of Wands is someone you want on your side. A majestic, handsome woman cloaked in yellow and white, she sits on her throne holding a wand in her right hand and a sunflower in her left hand. Yellow is the color of intellect and the higher mind, and white is the color of purity. Her crown is gold, symbolizing success, alchemy, and royalty.

The sunflower symbolizes the proliferation of life. Her wand itself is starting to grow a bud or two. The Queen of Wand has sunflowers on each side of her head, symbolizing that her thoughts proliferate. She’s creative.

Behind her embroidered on her thrown are two red lions, symbolizing passion and power. At her legs are two lions, symbolizing passion and power…but especially of her open legs. Her power is of the mind and the body, and particularly the sexual, yet she doesn’t try to seduce the viewer. She is perfectly comfortable with her own sexuality. One foot shows, showing that she’s grounded.

There’s a black cat at her feet. Now, the cat looks out at the reader, but the queen doesn’t. She looks off into the distance and up, presumably into the future and to the heavens. The cat, however, is keeping an eye on the reader and acting as a guard. Perhaps there is a euphemism there, that the cat stands guard between her open legs.

Black cats are symbols of darker magic, sexier magic, and the kind of magic that is powerful and intimidating. Yes, she is cloaked in brightness and sunshine, but she’s no stranger to the dark side. The black cat is female sexuality in a repressive society, and it’s also representative of the one’s dark side. The Queen of Wands accepts her dark side and brings it to the light of the sun.

The Queen of Wands has it all: looks and brains, charm and talent, daring and caution. She has her toe in everything and she’s staying afloat. In a sense, she’s living the dream, because she’s living life to the fullest. Whatever you need or want, she’s got it.

The Queen of Wands is winning at life. In fact, it’s as if she’s earned her throne for being awesome and was elected Queen of Wands by her peers. She’s an alpha female and the pinnacle of female power.

When the Queen of Wands is Reversed:

When The Queen of Wands is reversed, it indicates a loss of confidence in who one is. It can also mean that a querent is uncomfortable with their feminine side and with female energy.

It may also mean that the querent doesn’t have confidence in their ability to take care of business, whatever it is, or that they feel that others don’t approve of them or actively get in their way.

The querent may not feel confident that they can handle everything they have on their plates or everything that could come their way. They may be afraid to use their creativity, cunning, or charm, to get things done.

In a three-card reading, this card means…

Past: In the past, the querent was thriving, crafting a great reputation, and using their talents to get what they want.

Present: In the present, the querent is winning at life, and is everything anyone could want in a man or woman. They’re a natural.

Future: In the future, the querent is going to be a personal success, in that they’re be able to handle whatever comes their way with flourish and without breaking a sweat.

Knight of Wands

Knight of Wands

Suit: Wands
Element: Fire
Function: The Will, Action, Creativity, and Initiation

The Page of Wands grows up, gets some armor and horse, and boldly ventures forth. He still wears his tunic with the salamanders, symbolizing fire: passion, the alchemy of thought into reality. In fact, it’s ripped, as if it’s just clinging to his body but about to come off. Or perhaps he’s torn because he tried to fit it over his armor.

He now wears white armor, symbolizing his youthfulness and naiveté and rides an orange horse, symbolizing enthusiasm and exuberance. He has the armor, he has the horse, and he seems to have the chutzpah…but does he have what it takes to make the Page’s dreams into realities? Because it certainly seems as if he’s ready to go.

But where is he going? Does he know? Does he even care? Does he even know what’s ahead of him? What will happen when he gets there? He’s in the desert now. There are three pyramids or mountains behind him, but he’s heading in a different direction. Those obstacles will have to wait for another day.

The Knight of Wands is action about to be taken. The time to contemplate and dream is over. It’s not necessarily careful planning or deliberation, but simply the very first moment of intentional action toward fulfilling a desire. The action is thus almost entirely fueled by the initial desire, confident that success will be had.

The Knight of Wands is also foolhardy, overconfident, and brash. This isn’t the card for strategic moves or even making a move with someone else. This is entirely self-focused, even self-absorbed. The Knight of Wands is still a boy, though an attractive one, and is still filled with the exuberance, daring, and charm of a young man who is invested fully in his youth and thinks that that alone will carry him through life.

The Knight of Wands isn’t worried about anyone else, what happens to them, or how the Knight of Wands affects them. There are no people or structures or even other wands in the card for a reason. The Knight of Wands is all about advancing the wants and needs of the Knight of Wands. Without having to worry about anyone else, he doesn’t need to second guess. In fact, the Knight of Wands doesn’t think before it acts.

When Knight of Wands is Reversed:

The Knight of Wands reversed is indicative of hubris. When the Knight of Wands is reversed, forward movement is frustrated or denied. Or, the querent makes a move, doesn’t look, and falls flat on their face. They may be overconfident and completely unrealistic in their beliefs about their abilities and talents.

They may also severely underestimate themselves and be terrified of change or action. The reversed Knight of Wands can show someone who is so wrapped up in anxiety that they’re paralyzed.

On the hand, The Knight of Wands reversed can indicate someone impulsive and reckless, who is going to do what they want to do when they want to do it because they do.

In a three-card reading, this card means…

Past: In the past, the querent took bold action, moving forward and in possibly a new direction, which has brought them to the present.

Present: Currently, the querent is at a critical stage where they want to make a big change or pursue their heart’s desire, even if it means going at it alone.

Future: In the future, the querent is going to have the confidence and courage to follow their dreams and actually take the first bold moves to do so.

Page of Wands

Page of Wands:

Suit: Wands
Element: Fire
Function: The Will, Action, Creativity, and Initiation

The page of wands stands with confidence and spirit, admiring or gazing at the potential of his wand. Yes, perhaps there is something phallic there, as procreation is too, a creative activity. He wears yellow, the color of the higher mind, and red, the color of passion and magic. His tunic has salamanders on it, which symbolize the magic and power of fire. His hat is white, symbolizing innocence and purity. Though he stands in what appears to be a desert, he isn’t worried or afraid.

The page is going to make his way, and swimming in his head are a million ideas of what to do and what he could do. Of course, he doesn’t quite have anything underway yet. He probably has no idea how he’s going to materialize any of ideas, or how to even start making them come to fruition. This isn’t where he is yet. He’s young, he’s vital, he’s energetic and full of the kind of courage that only the young and naïve have. In a way, he’s like the Fool from the Major Arcana.

He’s alone, which means that he has no one to impress, no one to obey, and no one to make comfortable, no one whose approval can be sought or will be sought. He doesn’t need them. He’s enamored with his own ability to think and to churn ideas. Anyone else would be an annoyance, a distraction, and a wet blanket.

Thus, the Page of Wands is creativity, and the power to be creative and to do new things. The Page of Wands suggests that one must be creative and original in order to get what they want, even if this means going at things alone.

The Page of Wands isn’t worried about anyone else or anything else. The Page of Wands tells that one should just jump in and do it. In essence, he really does tell the querent to follow their bliss.

This card may also be telling the querent that in order to do what they want, they’re going to have to go at it alone and not worry about whether or not anyone else wants to help them. They probably don’t need anyone’s help, or at least not now. They can always find the appropriate people on the way.

When Reversed:

When reversed, the Page of Wands indicated a stifling of creativity out of fear of being alone or fear of anger others, or simply fears of having to deal with an uncertain future. This card reversed can also tell the querent that the problems they’re currently facing is because they’re trying to do the same thing over and over again and are expecting different results.

The Page of Wands reversed can also indicate stifled creativity, in which the querent absolutely wants to do something creative but sabotages their own efforts through self-criticism. They need to learn to ignore the little voice telling them that they can’t do it, and go ahead and do it anyway.

In a three-card reading, this card means…

Past:In the past, the querent was inspired to do something creative and planned to do it, separating them from everything they knew or had before, and this has brought them to this moment.

Present: Right now, the querent is embarking on a creative journey and is thinking about and planning the next bold step with pure enthusiasm.

Future: In the future, the querent is going to be free to follow their bliss wherever it leads, even if they go at it alone. They won’t care.

Ten of Wands

Ten of Wands:

Suit: Wands
Element: Fire
Function: The Will, Action, Creativity, and Initiation

The ten of wands is the natural progression of the Nine of Wands. Here, the man in the card has picked up all of the nine wands from the last card, added another, and is walking steadfast to the town. We can’t see his face because he’s buried it in his bundle of wands, but he doesn’t look like he’s going to give up, or that he’s upset or regretful. After all, he’s near the village or town. He’s going to be able to set down his burden soon.

The man wears an orange tunic, symbolizing enthusiasm, and brown leggings and shoes, symbolizing practicality and strength. He appears to be walking on a paved road, such that he’s not just close to the town, but he’s within the area of the town. He’s made it, and he just has to go a little further.

He will do it though. This is a moment that begs the reader to cheer the man on and tell him to keep going and not give up, and not as an admonition but as sheer encouragement and shared enthusiasm. This invokes the same feeling one gets watching the very end of a race, or the very end of a ball game, when’s team is about to make the winning score.

The Ten of Wands symbolizes not just the very last leg to victory, but the excitement and determination to make those very last, critical steps, toward victory. This card shows where someone is very near the end of some very hard work.

This is the end of the numbered deck and therefore the end of the narrative. The wands have gone from the spark of life to a destination, through strife, and now through that strife a little wiser and a little stronger because it willed it that way. This card indicates that through the querent’s own blood, sweat, and tears, they will see victory.

The Ten of Wands can also mean that the querent is doing much more than expected or more than what others have to do in order to get things done. They will have to work harder and longer, but they can’t pity themselves. They haven’t the time when the end is so close.

When Reversed:

When the Ten of Wands is reversed, the querent is shouldering an unnecessary burden, playing the martyr, or refusing to take their burden and move with it, rather wallowing and pitying him or herself. In any event, self-pity and seeking attention or approval for it likely.
The Ten of Wands reversed can also mean that the querent is shouldering a burden that isn’t theirs to bear and that they either pick up or have placed on them involuntarily. Someone in their lives may be projecting emotional garbage. They may feel responsible for someone else’s success or someone else’s emotional well-being. It drags them down and they can’t seem to get rid of it.

This card reversed may simply indicate a hoarder who needs to do spring cleaning.

In a three-card reading, this card means…

Past: In the past, the querent shouldered a great responsibility and carried it through to the end, which has brought them to this point today.

Present: The querent is currently carrying a heavy burden, but the end is in sight and they will soon see relief and victory if they keep going.

Future: In the future, the querent will have to carry a heavy weight, but it’s simply what they have to do to meet their goals, and since the end is in sight, they understand that it needs to be done.

Nine of Wands

Nine of Wands:

Suit: Wands
Element: Fire
Function: The Will, Action, Creativity, and Initiation

A man who is both weary and wary leans on a wand, looking to his right. Eight other wands stand upright behind him, like a gate or an army in formation. Perhaps that is where the wands from the previous card, the Eight of Wands, landed. Did they hurt the man, or are they there are reinforcements? His head is bandaged, but physically, he’s otherwise okay. Perhaps he’s just worried about future attacks, or perhaps he was just attacked, and he’s worried than an attack could happen again.

After all, there are no actual enemies in sight.

Or perhaps there was no attack at all, and he’s just paranoid and babying himself. Or maybe his wound has healed and now it’s just his pride that’s smarting. Either way, he’s standing his ground. He’s holding onto his wand defensively, and by the look on his face, he’s not afraid to use it. He wears an orange tunic, the color of passion and enthusiasm, and gold pants and shoes, the color of victory and riches. His shirt and bandage are white, the colors of purity and life. This man will keep going, despite the dangers he perceives, real or not.

The Nine of Wands shows where one is faced with either real or imaginary foes, but continues on. This is determination, facing obstacles with bravery, and perhaps putting in an exaggerated effort to handle a relatively small problem. It can also mean that one expects the worst and is therefore preparing for the worst, often over-preparing in the long run. Perhaps it is really through the strength of will, and not reason, that they keep going.

The Nine of Wands was hurt in the past and still remembers it. The thing that actually hurts now is not the bodily wound, but the wounded pride and the wounded ego. The Nine of Wands tells of someone who has a wounded ego because of past hurts but carries on bravely, even though they need not go forward carrying the baggage of their hurtful memories.

Either way — and no matter what his reason — he will keep going, come Hell or high water.

When Reversed:

When the Nine of Wands is reversed, it can mean cowardice and retreat, but it can also mean that the querent is still trying to decide whether to give up or keep going, and aren’t feeling particularly strong enough to overcome setbacks or obstacles.

Nine of Wands reversed can also mean that the biggest problem is a lack of courage in general, and that the querent must address this before they can address any of the other problems. Of course, the querent probably doesn’t see it that way; it’s some other thing or more often, some other person, or what someone did to them. There’s a lot of deflection and projection going on. The querent is going to have to come to their own conclusion that it’s their cowardice making the decisions, and letting it do that won’t work.

In a three-card reading, this card means…

Past: In the past, the querent got hurt or was thwarted, but they saw their way through it and this perseverance has brought them to this moment.

Present: Currently, the querent is dealing with some setbacks, delays, or obstacles, but they still have their eye on the prize and keep going despite these problems.

Future: The querent is going to face some obstacles, largely in their own head, and will have to shore up their courage to face what is coming, but they’ll do it.

Eight of Wands

Eight of Wands:

Suit: Wands
Element: Fire
Function: The Will, Action, Creativity, and Initiation

Eight wands appear to be pointing to the lower right. They may be in the sky over a river near a green mountain. The scene is full of life and serenity. There is peace in the world around the wands, whatever they’re doing.

The wands may be flying upward to the left. They may be falling downward to the right. Either way, they travel together, in formation, with force. Nothing is in their way, and nothing controls them or stops them.

The eight wands are free and clear to move as they please, and they do so with great force. The Eight of Wands thus represents the moving forward of energy, ideas, and plans, when there’s nothing to stop you.

The Eight of Wands has gotten through the impasse that the Seven of Wands was in when it was fighting to hold its ground. The Eight of Wands, however, holds no ground, but needs none either, as the wands are taking flight. It’s given up holding the land, in exchange for something better: freedom.

The Eight of Wands shows the letting go of the things one used to think was important frees one to find what it is they truly want. The querent doesn’t need to hold onto the past or even the present, because there’s a bright future somewhere in the distance, and to get there, the querent has to travel light.

The Eight of Wands can also indicate that the querent is following a new, innovative idea, something that no one else has come up with. They’re free to do as they want, but they may not have the ground beneath them, as in they may not have proof or evidence that it will work. The Eight of Wands only concerns itself with the beginning, the spark, the initial motivation.

The Eight of Wands also represents self-promotion, in that the eight wants are self-propelling, moving themselves forward through space. The querent may be in a position to sell themselves to someone or to the public at large and generate enthusiasm for a product, idea, or work of art.

When Reversed:

When the Eight of Wands is reversed, the querent may be stagnating. They’re not motivated or inspired. The querent may feel that life is a treadmill moving at one speed. They may also feel as if life is actually slowing down and that they can’t find a way to speed up.

The Eight of Wands reversed could also mean that the querent is moving too fast, too soon. They’re liable to crash and burn if they don’t slow down and take heed of the pace. After all, there is some wide, picturesque country to see, so why not enjoy the ride while it lasts?

The Eight of Wands reversed could also mean obstacles that stop movement dead in its tracks. The obstacle may not have been foreseen but is formidable, and it needs to either be taken down or worked around. Trying to fly through it won’t work.

In a three-card reading, this card means…

Past: In the past, the querent was motivated, energetic, and moving forward. They probably accomplished a lot, and this is the basis for the life they lead today.

Present: In the present, the querent is motivated and inspired. They’re probably chomping at the bit to get out of the gate and get racing. They may not have a lot of patience when it comes to doing what they envision.

Future: In the future, obstacles and delays will be cleared, and the querent will be free to chase their dreams and focus solely on wish fulfillment.

Seven of Wands

Seven of Wands:

Suit: Wands
Element: Fire
Function: The Will, Action, Creativity, and Initiation

A young man in a green tunic and orange pants is moving and placing wands. It looks as if he’s putting in a lot of effort to do so. Either that, or he’s defending his position at the top of a cliff where he stands on either side of the river. This man is going to have to maintain his position through force or intimidation.

Notice that he’s got on one short shoe and one long shoe. On one hand, he’s quick to move and take action. On the other hand, he’s slow, deliberate, cautious, and protective. Either he got dressed in hurry, or he’s showing that he’s got a balanced perspective.

The Seven of Wands does what it has to do to get by. This is the strength of conviction, the will to stand one’s ground and do what it takes to keep it. The man here is alone, fighting off unknown others, who may or may not be present. He could be preparing for war. He could be in war right now. Perhaps it doesn’t matter if his goal is defense and fortification.

The Seven of Wands is defending what one has and using the resources one has to the best of one’s ability. This man has seven wands to protect the patch of land he straddles. This card is about using what one has creatively to hold onto to whatever one has.

The Seven of Wands can’t move back any more or he’ll fall off the cliff. This card represents a crisis moment, do-or-die, where one has been backed into a corner and has no choice but to defend themselves.

The Sixth of Wands is man receiving praise for a job well done. He now has to defend his position as top dog. The Seven of Wands is also the maintenance of a professional or personal reputation against attacks or rumors. However, it’s also a declaration of one’s ego, even if others challenge that ego perception. The Seven of Wands has to put his money where his mouth is. If he can do that, then he deserves to remain where he is.

When Reversed:

When the Seven of Wands is reversed, the querent usually lacks the fortitude to fight for themselves or is too willing to compromise and give in to others. They may have a history of not standing their ground. It’s also possible that in order to stay safe, they gave up what was rightfully theirs instead of defending it.

The Seven of Wands can also indicate that the querent is too touchy and too defensive. The querent may find insult and offensive where none would normally be taken. It can indicate a person looking for a fight and looking for someone else to blame for their predicament.

The querent may be in a place where they can’t live on their own terms because they rely on the opinions and esteem of others, and rebelling is impossible, even if they bitterly want to do it.

In a three-card reading, this card means…

Past: In the past, the querent struggled with how others perceived them and with possible attacks on their reputation and social status. They come to this point weary of being at war with the world.

Present: Currently, the querent is battling others, and perhaps the entire world, to maintain its turf. It’s not advancing or retreating, but standing its ground, defiantly.

Future: In the future, the querent is going to be put in a position to defend themselves or maintain themselves in some way. Whatever they have today may be the thing in jeopardy.