Seven of Swords

Seven of Swords - Tarot Card Description

The Seven of Swords depicts a man escaping from a military camp with a bundle of five swords in his arms. Two other swords remain planted in the ground just behind him. His expression exhibits a sense of over-confidence and mocking, as though he felt absolutely sure of his success. In the distance a small group of soldiers can be seen to the left of the thief, one of them holds a sword upraised.

The Seven of Swords is tied to the Five of Swords because both cards involve separation from others. On the seven a man is tiptoeing away from society (the colourful pavilions). He's taken some swords and seems rather pleased with his successful heist. He gives the impression of having secret, solitary plans.

Seven of Swords - Tarot Card Meanings

This card is a card of deception and betrayal. The thief is insolent in the confidence of his success, yet the soldiers in the distance may be well aware of his actions. In his overbearing self-assurance the thief may be caught simply because he was not careful enough. This card indicates the difficulty in life of trying to "get away with something." Often when we do something in secret, thinking we are safe and undiscovered, something goes awry and our secret is revealed to our embarrassment. The card therefore augurs caution and circumspection when attempting to use cunning to gain an advantage. There is no question that there are times in life when it is necessary to act shrewdly or do something in secret, yet it is these times when our conscience must be particularly active. In the long run, deception does not produce the reward we desired and may in fact cause much damage to our relationships and reputation.

If you encounter the Seven of Swords in a reading, it is an indication that caution and wisdom are necessary in the face of a temptation to achieve gain by dubious means.

Sometimes the Seven of Swords means that you are running from something - commitment, responsibility, hard work, love. You may be procrastinating, letting problems slip because you don't want to deal with them. Sometimes we just have to face what has to be faced. The Seven of Swords lets you know when you might be making things worse by running away.

An unwise attempt to take what is not yours. Betrayal of confidence. Plan might fail. Fleeing from your wrongs.

Possibilities, still work to be done, you may feel on verge of defeat, correct any mistakes (past) and continue. Favourable outcomes still possible. Otherwise, cut losses, leave situation for new possibilities. Avoiding confrontation, sneaking around, preparation, collecting knowledge. An unreliable person involved. Self-reliance. Steeling the enemy's weapons. See other cards to assess whether this should be a job to be accomplished alone, or with aid of other people. Hiding ones plans or intentions. Dishonesty. Direction confrontation will not work. Be cunning. Sacrifice in order to succeed. Efforts may not be whole-hearted. Escaping undetected. An impulsive act, when a careful plan is required. taking the sting out of the opponent's tail. Debating whether or not interference is needed, from an outside source, or from yourself.

Opposition. You need to evaluate the opposition you are offering or encountering. Be logical, persistent and try not to resort to deceit and trickery. See if any of your troubles are self-created. Eliminate your most negative behaviour patterns.

Seven of Swords - Reversed Tarot Card Meanings

The Seven of Swords reversed suggests that you need to break free from old habits and ways of thinking. You need to accept what is happening to you and act on it. You may need to leave behind unworkable beliefs so that you can move forward in your life. Don't become trapped into thinking that you can only do certain things that you are familiar with - expand your consideration set to broader horizons.