Rev. Colleen Irwin

Tarot Sevens: Reflection, Evaluation, and Strategy

After the harmony and balance of the sixes, the sevens often introduce a period of reflection, assessment, and potential challenges to that equilibrium. They represent a need to evaluate progress, discern what is truly valuable, and sometimes face internal or external obstacles that test our resolve. Think of the plant needing to deepen its roots and protect itself as it continues to grow.

The Major Arcana’s Sevens

The Chariot – Major Arcana VII

The Chariot embodies the focused will and determination needed to overcome challenges and maintain direction. While representing forward movement and control, the Chariot also suggests the need to harness conflicting forces and maintain a strong sense of purpose to stay on course. The “assessment” here involves understanding and directing your energies effectively.

Upright Meaning: determination, control, triumph, willpower, forward momentum
Reversed Meaning: lack of control, scattered energy, failure to move forward, obstacles

Ask yourself:

• What internal conflicts am I facing, and how can I reconcile them?
• What are you moving towards/away from?
• Are you feeling impatient with your spiritual evolution?
• How can I harness my energy to move toward my goals with greater determination?

 

The Tower – Major Arcana XVI (1 + 6 = 7)

While The Chariot shows the strength to stay on course, The Tower delivers a necessary shake-up when the foundation is false. This card brings sudden upheaval and often painful truth—but it ultimately clears the way for deeper clarity and transformation. The Tower expresses Seven’s reflective energy through radical awakening and forced realignment.

Upright Meaning: upheaval, sudden change, revelation, collapse of illusion
Reversed Meaning: delayed disaster, avoidance, fear of change, personal transformation

Ask yourself:

• What false structures in my life need to fall for something true to emerge?
• How are you handling anger?  Your own or others?
• What explosive situation are you dealing with?
• Am I resisting necessary change because of fear or comfort?

The Sevens of the Minor Arcana

The sevens in each suit illustrate the need for evaluation and potential challenges within the suit’s core energy:

Seven of Wands

Following the victory of the Six of Wands, the Seven of Wands depicts a need to defend one’s position or beliefs against opposition. It signifies standing your ground, facing challenges to your authority or progress, and asserting your individuality. The “assessment” here involves evaluating your strengths and preparing to defend what you’ve achieved.

Upright Meaning: defense, perseverance, standing your ground, competition, resilience
Reversed Meaning: giving up, withdrawing, feeling overwhelmed, lack of defense

Ask yourself:

• What strengths do I need to defend in my life right now?
• Are you all talk no action? Or is someone else?
• What has the potential to overwhelm you?
• How can I assert my position while remaining open to other perspectives?

Seven of Cups

After the pleasant connections of the Six of Cups, the Seven of Cups presents a multitude of choices, fantasies, and illusions. It signifies a need for discernment, to evaluate what is real and valuable versus what is merely wishful thinking. The “reflection” here involves sifting through possibilities and making conscious choices.

Upright Meaning: choices, illusion, temptation, fantasy, wishful thinking
Reversed Meaning: clarity, making decisions, realism, focus

Ask yourself:

• What options am I facing, and how can I discern what is truly valuable?
• Are you being asked to make a difficult decision?
• Could you be on sensory overload?
• What fantasies do I need to release in order to see clearly?

Seven of Swords

Following the transition of the Six of Swords, the Seven of Swords often represents deception, theft, or a need for cunning. It signifies a situation where one might be tempted to take shortcuts or act dishonestly, or where one might be the victim of such actions. The “assessment” here involves evaluating the ethical implications of a situation and the potential consequences of one’s actions or the actions of others.

Upright Meaning: deception, secrecy, theft, dishonesty, strategy
Reversed Meaning: transparency, confession, regret, being caught

Ask yourself:

• Am I being honest in my dealings, or am I tempted to take shortcuts?
• What are you leaving behind or giving up?
• Are you on sensory overload?
• How can I approach a difficult situation with greater integrity?

Seven of Pentacles

After the balanced exchange of the Six of Pentacles, the Seven of Pentacles depicts a period of waiting, patience, and evaluating the return on investment. It signifies a time to assess the progress of your efforts and decide whether to continue on the current path or adjust your strategy. The “reflection” here involves considering the long-term outcomes of your endeavors.

Upright Meaning: evaluation, patience, investment, assessment, growth
Reversed Meaning: impatience, lack of results, poor investment, reevaluation

Ask yourself:

• What progress have I made, and is it time to adjust my approach?
• Are you realizing that you can’t do anything but wait?
• Are you feeling bored?
• Am I investing my energy wisely, or do I need to redirect it?

Summing up the Sevens

The number seven in Tarot signifies a crucial stage of evaluation, reflection, and often facing challenges that test the stability achieved in the previous stage. It’s a time to discern what is truly important, to defend your ground when necessary, and to carefully consider the path forward. The sevens encourage us to be thoughtful and strategic in our approach to life’s journey.

Up next: The Eights—What happens when we move beyond reflection and begin to take action?