Seven of Staves: Having grown up with four stepbrothers and stepsisters, I understand the desire to protect what is rightfully yours. I can just imagine a boy lining up the seven soldiers on his toy box while warning a younger sibling not to touch what's inside "or else." The toy box represents our creative ideas and projects that need to be protected from others who might try to represent them as their own. Or, they may need to remain hidden from people who constantly rip our dreams apart, telling us they are impractical or impossible. The circus elephants on the toy box imply another group - people who want us to "perform" in traditional ways instead of following our own path. Sevens represent a choice, and here in this card we are encouraged to stand and defend/protect our ideas instead of giving in to outside pressure.

 

 

 

The soldiers are standing their ground aren't they? This was tested today, as I was leaving work. It wasn't exactly "pressure," but I was asked a few times to stay over for another shift, and I quietly (and firmly) stood my ground and said "no." Today is a much need day off. This card's decan Mars in Leo does as much to mediate as to wage. War isn't all conflict; it's also negotiation. The soldiers standing shoulder-to-shoulder can also represent boundaries, discipline, sticking to a plan, taking the high road. This card can mean choose your battles wisely. As a card leading up to the hectic Eight of Staves, it can represent a cooling off period, reminding us that self-care is the prudent choice, hold your chin up.