Twinn Swan

A lone figure has no choice but to face and confront his adversaries. At least, that’s how it appears on the surface. But is that how it really is? It may not be. There may be forces and factors at work that you are unaware of. Think about it: why did you make the decision that you did when so many other options were available to you? Why did you choose to fight for this particular cause when so many other choices are available to you?

Perhaps, when you first started, you did not realise that this would be the outcome at this particular point in time. However, remember that if you hang in there or if you decide to change course, you can change the future for the better. It is all a matter of making the best possible decision given the ambiguity which you currently have in your life.

In either case, if you are waiting on a 100% guarantee, you are unlikely to get it. So make the most and the best of what you have and… move forward with your life.

The Sevens

The Sevens, in general, indicate that our choices, at this stage, will be critical in setting the course for future events. When the Sevens appear in a reading, the advice is not as straightforward as one would like. There is ambiguity involved as the option that is presented to us is less than ideal and yet it is this very decision that we must make if we want to move forward. You probably did see some red flags walking in and you had your hesitations and doubts.

But for some reason, this is exactly the decision that you need to make at that point in time. When hindsight makes you wise, you may wonder why you did what you did. When the Seven of Wands appears, it reminds us that in life, our priorities may, indeed, change. What was important to us in the 2s, will no longer be important to us by the time the 7s arrive. The truth is that once we have knowledge and experience, many of us will make entirely different decisions.

Why? The reason is simple. We know better. We have lived and we have learnt… And probably the hard way, too.

When the Sevens appear, it comes to remind us to choose our commitments wisely. This is not the time to think short-term anymore. Know that the decisions you make–the temporary choices that you make–will have repercussions on future events. If you see things moving in a direction that you do not want, make sure that you pivot and change direction. While it is never ‘too late’, it is better to make these changes sooner rather than later.

The Opposition

The Seven of Wands, in particular, appears to encourage us to defend what we believe in, even when we are faced with opposition. The staffs held high represent our values, our dreams and our convictions; all of which will be tested. During certain cross junctions in our lives, we are in need of opposition from those around us. This may seem counterintuitive, but it is not. When we find ourselves coming face-to-face with our adversaries, we may wonder, why isn’t anyone supporting me? Why is everyone against me?

The truth is: facing opposition forces us to define what we stand for and what matters to us. It is when we have to face our critics and naysayers that we either strengthen our resolve or give up. If we give up, perhaps we weren’t that interested or determined to be there for the long haul. On the other hand, if we hang in there, knowing that this period of opposition will pass, we would have discovered the strength of our convictions.

What and who are you willing to fight for? What principles or beliefs would you never compromise on? By seeing your reaction to your opposition, you can refine your understanding of your values. The Seven of Wands is not so much a test, but a testing period. In a way, then, there is no opposition to overcome. All one has to do is not give up.

Victory

The victory in the Seven of Wands might seem insignificant for all one sees is a lone figure standing strong against a crowd that could quite easily overpower it. But for some reason, the crowd has chosen not to overpower the victor. They’re not supporting the hero, but neither are they tearing him down. There is a distance between the victor and the opposition indicating that the conflict (see Five of Wands) has its roots in mob mentality. It is nothing personal.

Mob mentality and the treatment of people who are different are deeply intertwined. Societies that value independent thought and celebrate diversity are less susceptible to mob mentality. Encouraging critical thinking helps people question groupthink and make their own judgments about others. Building empathy and understanding for different cultures and beliefs can help break down the “us vs. them” mentality.

The Seven of Wands appears to remind us that we cannot overcome mob mentality. Therefore, even if we are facing a lot of opposition, we must remind ourselves that small wins, can, indeed, lead to big gains in the future. The important thing here is to be clear about what our primary goals are and make choices and decisions accordingly. If we are clear about where we are headed–and if we know that the mob isn’t going to support us–it is best we steer clear of the mob.

By overcoming the challenge of non-conformity, we build confidence and this, in turn, prepares us for the bigger challenges which await us down the road. Mob mentality thrives on creating a clear distinction between the “in-group” (the mob itself) and the “out-group” (anyone different). People who are seen as different in terms of race, religion, beliefs, or even clothing style can become targets. The desire to fit in is a powerful force. Even people who wouldn’t normally discriminate might feel pressured to go along with the crowd’s negative treatment of outsiders.

The Sevens also come to remind us that the goal is… PROGRESS. Do not take on adversaries that you know will never change. There is no point in fighting a battle where you know you will lose. Rather, go after the small victory instead of taking on the mob. You do know that it will take generations to change them, right?

If you draw the Seven of Wands, know that you are already a victor. Take the time to relish the small victories, for they are still victories. At the end of the day, you never know what is waiting for you around the corner… For all you know, you may find a mob out there that loves you instead of loathes you…