The Seven of Wands represents a hard fight against oppression to protect what is yours. This card describes the unlikely winner. You may feel unprepared for combat, but hold your ground, for you have great fortitude. You can persevere against all odds.
FIGHT WITH FORTITUDE
SONG RELEASE STORY
September 8, 2023
Some songs change. In the same way that life experiences can cause us to re-frame our very existence, a song's meaning can migrate. From the moment of inception to the day of release, I don't always know where my songs will end up. I start out with a subject, heading one particular way. But then something happens, and some songs change.
I initially thought of Warrior as "the bullying" song. I wrote it from the point of view of a protagonist - "Penny," a girl who was picked on but transcends her trauma to make something of herself. I shared a demo of the song with a friend who was undergoing breast cancer treatment at the time. She appreciated the gesture - to hear a song about resilience and faith. Little did I know then, but two years later, I would also be diagnosed with breast cancer.
On the day of my second diagnostic biopsy at the Breast Clinic, my friend serendipitously had her annual follow-up appointment. After checking in at reception, she saw me sitting in the waiting room. I was looking down at my lap when a soft voice greeted me, "Lorie?" My husband and I were astonished. We desperately needed reassurance, and she was suddenly standing before us. Our roles reversed, and now she was offering me compassion. My friend's pseudonym became "Warrior S," as I described her kindness that day in My Healing Journey blog. Since then, Warrior / Seven of Wands has become linked, in my mind, to the fight against breast cancer.
My recovery was difficult, and I could not find my way back to any sense of normalcy. In May 2023, I became disabled. I was severely traumatized and unable to work. As I underwent trauma treatment, I sought additional resources, and I found one - a Wisconsin-based breast cancer support group on Facebook. I posted about my struggle with breast cancer-triggered PTSD and replied to other women's posts to support them. On May 9th, I replied to one woman, "Tomorrow I will go to my piano and play my song 'Warrior / Seven of Wands' for you. I know you won't hear it, but I hope the energy reaches you."
The following day, I was thinking about which song to record next and decided to document the process in a TikTok video. I had 15 unreleased songs to choose from. My higher power said, "Lorie, use the cards," so I shuffled and drew from those 15 tarot cards. And I pulled Warrior / Seven of Wands! Later that same evening, I also made an Instagram Reel describing my belief that I had drawn that card due to my breast cancer support group.
I spent the summer at my computer, at my piano, and at my microphone. I connected with these women I had only met online and let their stories inspire and encourage me. I thought about our collective trauma. I thought about hope, faith, and the unpredictable challenges that we must face. I infused every note with those thoughts.
The second Friday in September is known as National Stand Up to Cancer Day. It is a holiday upon which people spread awareness concerning cancer. It is also a call-to-action day. On this year's SU2C Day, I release Warrior / Seven of Wands.
Cancer is an oppressive, low-vibration energy. But now, with the recording and release of my song, I have raised that vibration. "Look what cancer did TO me" has become "Look what cancer did FOR me." I am a warrior and I have found a way to make something meaningful out of my fight. I dedicate my performance on this sound recording to all breast cancer warriors and survivors, especially those in my home state of Wisconsin, USA.