Seven of Swords
Words describing Seven of Swords: Deceit, theft, trickery, dishonesty, cunning, manipulation, betrayal, sneaky, sly, deception, evasion, secrecy, subterfuge, escape.
How to interpret Seven of Swords in tarot
Past
Six of Wands (reversed)
Present
Seven of Swords (upright)
Future
Page of Cups (upright)
The basic meaning of the Seven of Swords (Rider-Waite
The basic meaning of the Seven of Swords (Rider-Waite) is that it represents deceit, trickery and secrecy. The card shows a person sneaking away with five swords in their hands while two more swords lie on the ground behind them. This card symbolizes someone acting in secret or trying to get away with something.
Seven of Swords – Upright Meaning
The Seven of Swords represents cunning, deception, and the use of stealth or strategy to achieve one’s goals. This card often signifies a situation where someone is trying to outwit others or keep certain information hidden. The Seven of Swords can also indicate the need for resourcefulness or unconventional tactics to navigate a challenging situation. Key aspects of the upright Seven of Swords include:
- Deception: Dishonesty, manipulation, or withholding information from others in order to gain an advantage.
- Stealth and Strategy: Employing tact and careful planning to navigate difficult situations or avoid confrontation.
- Resourcefulness: Using creativity, cleverness, or unconventional methods to achieve goals or solve problems.
- Independent Action: Taking matters into your own hands and pursuing your goals, sometimes without the support or knowledge of others.
- Calculating Risk: Assessing potential risks and taking calculated chances to further your objectives.
Seven of Swords – Reversed Meaning
When the Seven of Swords appears reversed, it can signify a revelation of deceit, the consequences of dishonest actions, or a change of tactics. This card often represents a situation where someone’s deception or hidden motives come to light, leading to a reckoning or resolution. The reversed Seven of Swords can also indicate the need to come clean, own up to one’s actions, or seek forgiveness. Key aspects of the reversed Seven of Swords include:
- Uncovered Deceit: Dishonest actions or hidden agendas being exposed, resulting in potential consequences or conflict.
- Change of Tactics: Recognizing that previous strategies are no longer effective or appropriate, and adapting to new circumstances.
- Taking Responsibility: Owning up to past mistakes, dishonesty, or manipulative behavior, and seeking to make amends.
- Revealing Secrets: Bringing hidden information or personal secrets to light, either willingly or through external circumstances.
- Learning from Mistakes: Reflecting on past actions and experiences, and learning valuable lessons about the importance of honesty, integrity, and transparency.
The Seven of Swords, whether upright or reversed, highlights the potential pitfalls of deception, dishonesty, and manipulation. It serves as a reminder to approach life with integrity, honesty, and openness, while also valuing resourcefulness and strategic thinking when facing challenges.
Example Interpretation
If the Seven of Swords appears in a reading about your relationships, it may be a sign that someone in your life may not be entirely honest with you, or that there are secrets impacting the relationship. It may be a reminder to be vigilant for signs of betrayal and to try to create an open and honest communication with your partner. If you yourself have been dishonest or kept something secret, the card may urge you to consider how this affects your relationship and if it’s time to come clean.
Psychological Interpretation
Archetypal Meanings
The Seven of Swords is an archetype that represents deceit, betrayal, and cunningness. It is associated with the trickster or the rogue archetype, someone who is sly and manipulative. This card also has connections to the shadow archetype, as it often deals with hidden motives and hidden actions.
Behavioral Patterns
When this card appears in a reading, it may indicate that the individual or situation is acting in a deceptive or underhanded manner. They may be trying to avoid responsibility or consequences for their actions. This card can also suggest that the individual is feeling the need to hide their true intentions or manipulate others for their own gain.
Integration and Shadow Work
Working with the energies of the Seven of Swords can involve exploring one’s own motives and actions. It may be a sign to examine any deceitful or manipulative tendencies and work towards being more honest and transparent. This card can also bring attention to any feelings of mistrust or paranoia, and the need to address and heal these issues. Shadow work with this card can involve acknowledging and integrating the shadow self, the parts of ourselves that we may try to hide or deny.