Overview: The Chariot & The Sevens

The first step towards gaining a deeper understanding of the Tarot, and something a lot of people forget to do, is to break down the 56 minor arcana cards into 14 groups - the aces, the twos, threes, and so on. So instead of having 56 cards, you only have one set of 14 cards, each with four different suits, coupled with a card from the major arcana as an influence of those cards. In a previous post we discussed the suits and the difference aspect they symbolise, now it's just a matter or leaning the 14 different groups of cards, and their relationship with their "parent" major arcana.

In this lesson, we shall be discussing  the chariot and the sevens

The Chariot & The Sevens

 

While the sixes lend themselves to passion and desire, the sevens create instability again. Are you noticing the up and down nature of the cards yet?  How much it is like life itself, where we cannot recognise the ups without experiencing the downs? The Tarot is almost like a roller coaster ride, and with the sevens, things get a little out of control. There is the power of all the cards before it, including the lowers which came before. There's momentum, but it must be harnessed. Thus, the chariot comes in - the harnessing of powerful, wild, perhaps even dangerous forces. So the sevens relate to the chariot, the sevens represent the coming together of many, often contradictory parts. The light and dark sphinxes depicted on the chariot serve as it's horses, but notice that they are poised to pull in opposing directions. The driver wears the sun on his head but also the crescent moons upon his shoulders - also depicting opposing forces. Yet the driver of the chariot and the horses must all be working in unison. Seven is about the bringing together of forces that are often contradictory to one another. They are also a symbol of victory and success, albeit hard won. Nothing can get in your way, but you may have to stand alone and you will have to take control 

The Seven of Swords

The seven of swords depicts a thief taking away five of seven swords. The thief is looking over his shoulder which suggests treachery. This is a successful raid but it also suggests something left behind. The querant should be careful of theft of loss. Being a sword card this may likely be a theft of great ideas or inspiration. Just as swords are a symbol of power, the theft may indicate the loss of that power. Bearing in mind that seven is a lucky number and one of upcoming success with the proper precautions, this card may only represent a minor setback. Another way to look at this card is that the thief could merely be a watchful eye who spots impending trouble and comes to protect what it is his. Perhaps he is not a thief but merely the protector of the swords. This duality of meaning actually reflects the same message - protect that which is yours. Do not let your plans, goals, dreams, or the items that you are depending upon to achieve those ideas or dreams be taken away from you. Annoyance, hope, wishes, quarrelling, disagreements of ideas - which may or may not become verbalised, are all encompassed in the seven of swords.

The Seven of Wands

The seven of wands depicts a man under attack. While he remains above his aggressors in an advantageous spot h is outnumbered and the outcome may be  uncertain but he stands his ground, prepared to weather the attack. Keeping with the meaning of the wands this attack could be an attack upon something that the querant has created or built for himself, such as an idea or philosophy or way of being. He must be aware of the challenges, and the others who might stand in the way, or seek to take it from him.

The Seven of Cups

The seven of cups depicts a man with options, some appear good and some still mysterious. He stands there with his arms out in awe or surprise, but he remains stationary, unable to choose. This is the torment of daydreamers, they see so many options and possibilities that it becomes nearly impossible to choose between them. This is an impulse that needs to be reigned in. It is rooted in the idea of excess - having too much time, or a lack of a need for a direction. The cups are full but cannot all be realised, and this causes stagnation, the inability to choose for fear of making the wrong choice. This card is a positive one, it means the querant has options, however opportunity may slowly be dropping out of reach if decisions are not made. It serves as a warning to the querant to focus on their desires, needs and wants, and yet to be realistic and honest with themselves; to make sound decisions; to pursue only the best; and leave the rest behind. This card can also encourage reflection whilst looking at options and possibilities. It can represent seeing the potential in oneself and realising all of the possibilities that are really out there. Why limit yourself? Remember that the cups are the suit of passion, they are meant to be explored and indulged in, just don't let it get to the point of "analysis paralysis", where nothing gets done because there are too many choices. This is the warning of the seven of cups.

The Seven of Pentacles

The seven of pentacles depicts a labourer dissatisfied over a harvest, or the yield from his endeavours. His patience may be wearing thin, he may doubt the value of his efforts, or the quality of the fruits that his effort will bare. As a seven, remember that these cards signify the harnessing of divergent or challenging conditions. Clearly the farmer faces doubts and concerns, but what can he do about it? He cannot will the plants to grow, he cannot control getting an early start for next year, he can only sit and wait - hoping and worrying. Does this make the fruit grow faster?