Seven of Swords
Seven of Swords
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 colorful pavilions). He's taken some swords and seems rather pleased with his successful heist. He gives the impression of having secret, solitary plans.
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.
This card sometimes represents the lone-wolf style - the desire to run lone and free. In films, the lone-wolf hero always acts totally on his own. He discovers, investigates and solves every problem using only his own wits and resources. He's successful because he ignores the fumbling efforts of ordinary people. At times you feel that you will be more effective and comfortable on your own. This approach is useful when you need to bypass an ineffectual group or assert your independence, but it can also be troubling. We cannot be happy and productive for long without some commitment to others. If you feel inclined to act alone, be sure this isolation is really working for you. Take a good look at what you're doing today, because it may show you in what way a false sense of self-assurance, self-conceit, even high handedness might be detrimental to the relationship(s) you have.
The Seven of Swords is a new beginning. You will have confidence in yourself and your abilities. This will permit you to advance your interests without being afraid of failure.
You will want to get away from your work but it will keep pulling you back. You may struggle, argue or sometimes be at odds with your family; but deep down, you love them very much and will have their welfare at heart.
The Seven of Swords can also indicate a hidden dishonor - a choice you or another has made that does not do justice to the highest. We all make wrong choices that we want to hide. Some of these are minor, some serious. Your inner voice will tell you when this is happening. When you see the Seven of Swords, take a good look at what you're doing because hidden dishonors will eat away at your happiness and self-respect.
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. Favorable 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 behavior patterns.
The querent brings more to the situation than is required. A thief will return what was stolen from you. Possible wish fulfilled.
To release patterns of your behavior that are working against your greater good and highest joy, you must first accept the fact that these patterns in fact do exist. Then realize that as their creator, you can also destroy them. Identify them honestly and, without judgement or self-recrimination, write them down on a piece of paper. Each day for seven days study this paper. Make a plan to eliminate these patterns and chant these lines. "Blow wind blow. Blow a path for me. Make it clear and straight so the future I can see."