Seven of Swords -
Tarot Card Meaning
Part of a full-series guide of all 78 Tarot Cards. See the full guide here.
Written by Made Musings
SEVEN OF SWORDS
At a glance:
While being cunning and deceit might seem to offer a short-term advantage, the consequences of being caught can be significant.
Upright Keywords:
Deception, trickery, non-confrontational, sneaking around
Reversed Keywords:
truth revealed, consequences
Numerology:
7 - introspection, planning, analysis, wisdom
Seven of Swords: Upright Meaning
The Seven of Swords depicts a man sneaking away from a tent, having stolen five swords and leaving two behind. This card embodies themes of dishonesty, strategy, and evasion. It serves as a warning that while cunning and deceit might seem to offer a short-term advantage, the consequences of being caught can be significant. This card encourages careful consideration of actions and the potential fallout they might bring.
Numerology and Suit Meaning:
In numerology, the number 7 embodies introspection, planning, and inner wisdom. Seven is a number linked to intuition, analysis, and a deep search for truth. It suggests that your journey to success will require careful planning and reliance on your inner compass.
The suit of swords is connected to concepts of communication, intelligence, ideas, belief, and logic. Many cards of the suit also deal with conflict, both internal and external.
Elementally, swords are associated with air. Like thoughts and spoken words, air cannot be seen. Nevertheless, it can still be felt such as when a calming breeze blows or a roaring gale strikes. Wind can also cut through the skin similar to how our words can pierce deeper than any weapon.
Love/Relationships
The Seven of Swords love meaning suggests that someone may not be entirely honest. This deceit could come from you or your partner, and even seemingly harmless white lies can have significant consequences. It’s crucial to address these issues of dishonesty before they escalate and cause more harm. For those in a relationship, fostering open and transparent communication is key to maintaining trust. If you’re single, be wary of potential partners who might not be forthcoming about their intentions.
Money/Career
Regarding money and career, the Seven of Swords advises vigilance in the workplace. Be aware of office gossip, sabotage, and deceit. It's essential to protect yourself from underhanded tactics by colleagues while maintaining professionalism.
This card also serves as a caution against falling for scams or get-rich-quick schemes. Instead of resorting to dishonest means, focus on your integrity and work ethic. Seek out legitimate opportunities for advancement and steer clear of any shortcuts that could backfire. Your reputation is a valuable asset that should be safeguarded.
Spiritual/Self
The Seven of Swords calls for an evaluation of your own honesty and integrity. Are you being true to yourself and others? This card urges you to assess your actions and motivations, ensuring that they align with your values. Deception, even in small matters, can lead to inner turmoil and a lack of peace. Reflect: are you compromising your principles for the sake of others? Has a seemingly harmless lie unfolded into something bigger? Use this opportunity to rebuild integrity in your relationships, endeavors, and yourself.
“Evasiveness will eventually lose it’s power. Addressing the truth head-on, although challenging, will ultimately lead to growth and resolution. ”
Astrology
The Suit of Swords in Tarot is intimately linked to the element of Air, representing intellect, communication, and mental clarity. This connection resonates strongly with the zodiac air signs of Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius, highlighting their analytical minds, communicative skills, and intellectual pursuits. The air signs are notorious for their curiosity, adaptability, mental agility, and mastery in diplomacy. These characteristics align with the Swords' themes of objectivity, fairness, and progressive thinking. The Swords' and the Air signs are the visionaries of the Zodiac. Together, they remind us of the power of clear thinking, effective communication, and mental agility in navigating life's challenges and achieving harmony.
Note: It's important to recognize that not everyone incorporates astrology into their Tarot readings. The extent to which astrological references are used can vary greatly among readers. Each reader has a unique approach; some may draw heavily on astrological archetypes, while others might not use them at all. This information is meant to offer an additional perspective that could be helpful in your interpretations by highlighting parallels between Tarot and Astrology.
Although some argue that astrology wasn't originally part of Tarot, more modern interpretations like the Rider Waite Smith and Thoth decks may have integrated astrological concepts to align with their modern time mystical beliefs. Many contemporary decks made in this current decade also feature astrological references. Ultimately, every individual develops their own unique relationship with both Tarot and Astrology.
Reversed Meaning
When reversed, the Seven of Swords suggests that lies and deception are no longer effective, and the truth is on the verge of being revealed. Evasiveness is losing its power, and you (or someone!) must be prepared to face the consequences of past actions. It is a call to come clean and deal with the fallout in a mature and responsible manner. Addressing the truth head-on, although challenging, will ultimately lead to growth and resolution.
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Our 78-card deck and comprehensive guidebook offer you the perfect tools for your daily readings.
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Our compact 188-page guidebook, aptly named the Little Black Book, offers the meanings behind each Tarot allowing both beginners and experts to interpret effectively.
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The Cards:
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Note: Illustrations are from the classic 1909 - 1910 deck that was hand-illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith.
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CARD SUMMARY
This card encourages careful consideration of dishonest actions and the potential fallout they might bring.
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