Seven of Swords

Seven of Swords

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:

  1. Deception: Dishonesty, manipulation, or withholding information from others in order to gain an advantage.
  2. Stealth and Strategy: Employing tact and careful planning to navigate difficult situations or avoid confrontation.
  3. Resourcefulness: Using creativity, cleverness, or unconventional methods to achieve goals or solve problems.
  4. Independent Action: Taking matters into your own hands and pursuing your goals, sometimes without the support or knowledge of others.
  5. 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:

  1. Uncovered Deceit: Dishonest actions or hidden agendas being exposed, resulting in potential consequences or conflict.
  2. Change of Tactics: Recognizing that previous strategies are no longer effective or appropriate, and adapting to new circumstances.
  3. Taking Responsibility: Owning up to past mistakes, dishonesty, or manipulative behavior, and seeking to make amends.
  4. Revealing Secrets: Bringing hidden information or personal secrets to light, either willingly or through external circumstances.
  5. 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.


More Tarot Cards In "Swords"

Queen of Swords

The Queen of Swords is a tarot card that symbolizes a woman who is wise, powerful and objective. She has the ability to see both the good and the bad in a situation and can handle a problem with sharp intelligence. She stands for wisdom, justice and the ability to make rational decisions.

Queen of Swords

Six of Swords

The Six of Swords tarot card symbolizes a journey that involves leaving the past behind and offers a hope of reaching a better future. It also represents a feeling of relief and resolution to problems and anxiety.

Six of Swords

Ten of Swords

The Tarot card Ten of Swords symbolizes the end of a difficult period and implies that there is light at the end of the tunnel. It also represents that there is hope after difficult times. It stands for overcoming, strength and power through accepting changes and taking responsibility for one's actions.

Ten of Swords

Three of Swords

The Three of Swords is a tarot card that symbolizes sorrow, pain, and heartbreak. It also symbolizes the inability to get over what has happened and feeling paralyzed by it. It is a sign that one must take action to address what has happened in order to move forward.

Three of Swords

Two of Swords

The Two of Swords tarot card symbolizes a state of mental blocking and inner conflict. It suggests that you are facing a difficult decision-making situation where you must choose between two options that both have their advantages and disadvantages. It also emphasizes the importance of making a conscious choice that is in line with your values and needs.

Two of Swords

Ace of Swords

The Ace of Swords tarot card symbolizes clarity, power, and understanding. It is a sign that one has the mental strength to tackle problems and see them from a new perspective. It can also represent a new beginning and newfound insight that provides the opportunity to move forward.

Ace of Swords

Eight of Swords

The Eight of Swords tarot card symbolizes imprisonment and restrictions. It shows a person bound by eight swords standing around them. It symbolizes that the person is stuck in a situation that they cannot get out of. The card stands for taking responsibility for one's actions and overcoming their limitations.

Eight of Swords

Five of Swords

The Five of Swords tarot card often symbolizes a feeling of loss or defeat. It can also represent strife, failure, and one's own ambitions having hurt others. It is a sign that one must learn to accept loss and move on.

Five of Swords

Four of Swords

The Four of Swords tarot card represents a person recovering from a stressful period and taking a break to focus on healing and recovery. It is a sign that it is time to take a break to focus on recovering and regaining strength.

Four of Swords

King of Swords

The Tarot card King of Swords is a card that represents a strong, intelligent and logical leader. It also symbolizes justice, objectivity and wisdom. It indicates that the one who reads the card should be careful in making decisions based on reason and not just on emotions.

King of Swords

Knight of Swords

The Tarot card Knight of Swords symbolizes a person who is determined, powerful, and honest. It also represents someone who is very intelligent and willing to take initiative. It can also symbolize a need to take leadership and focus on achieving their goals.

Knight of Swords

Nine of Swords

The Nine of Swords is a tarot card that symbolizes sorrow, anxiety and despair. It represents a state of fear and anxiety, and it may also mean that you are worried about something that you cannot control. The card can also serve as a warning to learn to let go of what makes you sad.

Nine of Swords

Page of Swords

The Page of Swords is a tarot card that symbolizes a person who is intelligent, observant, and knowledgeable. It stands for someone who is cautious, analytical, and critical while also being loyal and sticking to the truth. It also represents someone who is focused on solving problems and seeking solutions.

Page of Swords