October 2024 Tarot Insights: Seven of Wands + Nine of Wands
October’s energy centers around resilience, perseverance, and standing your ground. The Seven of Wands and Nine of Wands together encourages us to reflect on how we handle the challenges that arise—whether in our careers, personal lives, or even within ourselves—and how we stay true to our vision while navigating life’s demands. These opposing energies for October are interesting, especially because we’re starting the month with an eclipse. October seems challenging, so here are some things to keep in mind:
September may have felt like a time to regroup, with energy focused on re-centering, perhaps after feeling pulled in many directions. As we move into October, we’re asked to defend our progress and remain alert to the pressures around us. The key theme? Persistence and determination in overcoming obstacles, no matter how overwhelming they seem.
The Seven of Wands symbolizes that moment when you realize your hard-earned success can attract competition, comparison, or challenges—whether at work, in relationships, or even as part of a personal growth journey. It calls on you to stand firm in your values and protect the ground you’ve gained. But it also prompts a deeper question: Are your boundaries helping you grow, or keeping you too closed off? Sometimes, holding firm is necessary, but true strength may come from knowing when to soften to let new opportunities in instead of blindly keeping everything at bay.
By the time we reach the Nine of Wands, you might feel like you’ve been in the trenches for a while—balancing career, relationships, self-care, and everything in between. It’s natural to feel tired, yet this card reminds you of the resilience that comes from experience. Even when you’re exhausted, you have the strength to push through. But here’s the catch: pushing forward isn’t always about doing more. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is pause. Rest. Reflect. True perseverance is about recognizing when to conserve energy, and allowing yourself to recharge so you can finish strong.
In between these two cards is the missing Eight of Wands, representing momentum and progress. This card reminds you that things are moving faster than they appear—whether you’re climbing the career ladder, navigating relationships, or working on personal goals. The Eight of Wands works behind the scenes, nudging you to ask: What are the things moving you forward that you may not be able to see or quantify? It’s a reminder that life doesn’t stay stagnant, and even when you feel stuck, progress is unfolding in ways you can’t always see.
Together, the Seven and Nine of Wands paint a picture of holding on and pushing through, but the missing Eight asks you to trust in the process. October encourages reflection not only on the effort you’re putting in, but on how you balance persistence with rest and how your boundaries might evolve as you grow.
So, ask yourself:
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What challenges are you facing that require both defense and perseverance?
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How can you stay energized and focused when life feels overwhelming?
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Where do you need to trust the process and allow things to flow naturally?
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Are the boundaries you’ve set still serving you, or are they holding you back?
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Are some of the things you think are working against you truly working for you?
October reminds us that progress isn’t always a straight line, and setbacks are part of the journey. But with strength, flexibility, and trust in yourself, you’re more than capable of overcoming or enduring any obstacle. Trust that you’re moving forward, even when it feels like you’re standing still.
