The 7 of Wands - triumphantly defending yourself; holding off all attackers; confronting your problems; facing adversity; dealing with challenges. All of these terms can be applied to the 7 of Wands. It is a card of triumph over adversity, or at least being willing to attempt to triumph over adversity.  Wands are usually associated with the element of fire, inspiration, energy, passion, feeling, enterprise, ambition, matters pertaining to the "spark of life", and action.  The number 7 in many cultures is a sacred number (think of the 7 chakras) and is the number of divine and earthly harmony, of fate and transformation.  The 7 of Wands often symbolizes standing up for what you believe in and defending your principles. 

"The treetop provides a strong defensive position for the courageous warrior and her companions.  The tiny, long-eared creature growls protectively.  Successful advancement, determination, courage in the fact of hardship, success obtained through effort." - Paulina LWB

"The obstacles of metamorphosis.  Conflicts and disputes hinder certain changes but lead to others that are more suitable." - Metamorphosis LWB

Something about both these cards gave me a sense of fighting to fend off the inevitable.  The figures on both cards seem engaged in a struggle of some sort.  The figure on the Paulina card seems more at ease and secure in her position.  The figure on the Metamorphosis card looks almost in pain - as though whatever changes are going on are hurting him.  The changes might ultimately prove to be for the best but that doesn't mean they won't lead to a painful period of growth and modification. 

Dealing with any kind of change is always a challenge for me.  I have always resisted, complained about and tried to stave off change.  Even when it ultimately proved beneficial - I tend to cling to my old ways like a burr clinging to a dog's fur.  Maybe the lesson of this card for me is that I need to learn to be selective and choose my battles.  Not every change needs to be resisted; not every change has to be fought against.  I need to learn to be more discerning and assess which changes might prove beneficial to me and how to successfully navigate them. 

It's very interesting because I've been thinking a lot lately about figuring out how to pursue an advanced degree in change management.  It has occurred to me that by learning how to deal with the thing I avoid and fear the most, I might be able to get a handle on it and help others deal with it too.  Or I at least need to develop my own strategies for dealing with it in the future.  I really want to reach a place where instead of cowering in the corner and dreading each change that comes my way - I learn to embrace it as a chance for me to experience new things and face new challenges.  Instead of being forced into it, I want to reach a place where I plan for it and work with it.  That may be further down the road but if I start working towards it now at least I'll have taken the first steps. 

And once I have learned to deal with change in my own life, then perhaps I can help others deal with it too.  That might be a long-term goal but it gives me something to work towards.