When this card appears you can expect some difficulties, but this card also brings a strength to endure. The wands in the background are set as a defense wall, suggesting that the person on the card, though visibly worried and even wounded is protected. This card speaks about our opposition and how to overcome it. This card has some similarites with the Seven of Wands but is not entirely the same. While the Seven of the Wands speaks about holding one's ground in some specific situation, this card speaks about our attitude in everyday situations. This is the last card before the Ten of Wands, the final manifestation of the Wand suit so it is reasonable to conclude that this is the last step, the last trial before total acomplishment. The last step is usually the most challenging one. It is important to know your strength and opponent's weaknesses and to choose your battles wisely. Sometimes you must find a balance between waiting and acting, especially when you are going against all odds. The orderly set of wands also implies the need to maintain control and discipline in order to overcome all ordeals.

Positive: victory against the enemies, end of opposition, order, control, hidden reserves, perseverance, discipline, self-assurance.

Negative: obstinacy, suspicion, delays, adversity, unproductive.

  A man oppressed by the weight of the ten staves which he is carrying. Divinatory Meanings: A card of many significances, and some of the readings cannot be harmonized. I set aside that which connects it with honour and good faith. The chief meaning is oppression simply, but it is also fortune, gain, any kind of success, and then it is the oppression of these things. It is also a card of false-seeming, disguise, perfidy. The place which the figure is approaching may suffer from the rods that he carries. Success is stultified if the Nine of Swords follows, and if it is a question of a lawsuit, there will be certain loss. Reversed: Contrarieties, difficulties, intrigues, and their analogies.

— The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, by A.E. Waite