Rider-Waite

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Strange chalices of vision, but the images are more especially those of the fantastic spirit.

Fairy favours, images of reflection, sentiment, imagination, things seen in the glass of contemplation; some attainment in these degrees, but nothing permanent or substantial is suggested.

Divinatory meanings

Additional Meanings: Fair child; idea, design, resolve, movement.

Reversed

Desire, will, determination, project.

Additional Meanings: Success, if accompanied by the Three of Cups.

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Thierens

7 of Cups

TRADITION

Thought, soul, spirit, intelligence, idea, memory, imagination, conception, meditation, contemplation, reflexion, deliberation, views, opinion. Reversed: Project, intention, desire, wish, resolution, premeditation. Another version has: “Fairy favours … things seen in the glass of contemplation; some attainment in these degrees but nothing permanent or substantial is suggested.” (W.)

THEORY

If we eliminate ‘soul … spirit … and desire,’ words too far apart from the original meaning, we find in tradition a very pure rendering of the effects of the Water of the soul on the house of Gemini, the Third, the house of the changeful concrete mind and thought in which indeed nothing is permanent, and everything is passing, ephemeral. These effects must be very varied, including the most fantastic plans and conceptions, and ‘fancy’ is the most fitting word for this card. It will denote many intellectual proceedings and has to do with travelling for short distances, sight-seeing, considering, gathering impressions, etc. The word ‘reflexion’ is really quite appropriate in its place here, because the card represents the conditions of mind in which the surroundings are simply reflected in the soul. There may be seductive and suggestive images, some of which may be realised, but others will remain just fancy. The description which is given by W. is very accurate and points to the fact, that under the third house are nature-spirits and genii, who will eventually help, guide or mislead man.

CONCLUSION

Thoughts, intelligence, ideas, imagination, plans, suggestions, fancy, fantasy; reflexions and opinions, deliberations and intentions. Much in this card will not come into physical reality. Short travels, sight-seeing, impressions, views. Changefulness, unstable conditions. Promise and surprise, but always much more promise than fulfilment. ‘Fairy favours.’

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Paul Foster-Case

Seven of Cups – Illusion

The firmly-grasped battle-axe suggests adequate power. Here it may be noted that one of the ideas associated with 7 in Qabalah is that of the armed hosts of heaven.

Time period

Third decanate of Scorpio, November 12 to 22, under the rulership of the Moon.

Meanings

Possible victory, but the person to whom the card applies may be too indolent to take advantage of his opportunities for commanding circumstance (Note that the battle- axe is held in a left hand); success may be gained, but not followed up; necessity for choosing the highest possible objectives.

Ill-dignified

If definitely Ill-dignified, illusionary success; lying and deceit; drunkenness, violence, even lust.