Tarot cards are used for self-reflection and can offer insights into different areas of your life, or even what the future might hold. The images and symbols are meant to represent the journey of being human.
One of the more complicated cards in the deck is the Seven of Swords. The meanings associated with this card are often linked to deception and planning. It can represent betrayal, stealth, and even getting away with something you shouldn’t have.
The Seven of Swords reminds us to consider honesty, trust, and the importance of a good plan. This article will help you understand the Seven of Swords, both when it appears upright and when it’s reversed.
Seven of Swords Keywords and Symbolism
Every tarot card has different meanings depending on whether it appears upright or reversed in a reading. Here’s a quick guide to interpreting the Seven of Swords.
Keywords Associated with the Seven of Swords
- Upright: Deception, betrayal, trickery, cunning, strategy, theft, escape, avoidance. If the Seven of Swords shows up upright in your reading, it may be a sign that you need to tackle a situation head-on rather than trying to avoid it.
- Reversed: Honesty, transparency, confession, taking responsibility, facing consequences. A reversed Seven of Swords may mean that you need to be more honest and transparent in your dealings.
Visual Symbolism of the Card
The Seven of Swords usually pictures someone sneaking away with a handful of swords while leaving others behind.
In tarot, swords often represent thoughts, words, and actions. The image of someone grabbing a few swords but leaving the others behind can be interpreted as incomplete plans or even stolen ideas.
What does the upright Seven of Swords mean?
In general, the upright Seven of Swords shows up when someone is trying to get away with something. They’re dodging responsibility, acting shady, and trying to trick people.
But here’s the thing about tarot: context matters. The Seven of Swords doesn’t exist in a vacuum. The surrounding cards in the reading will help you figure out what area of your life is affected and who, exactly, is being sneaky.
Regardless of the specifics, seeing this card is usually a sign that you need to stop running from your problems and face them head-on. It’s time to be strategic, think things through, and make a careful plan.
What the upright Seven of Swords means in specific contexts
The Seven of Swords can have a different meaning depending on the question you’ve asked the tarot. Here are a few possible interpretations.
Love
In a reading about love, the upright Seven of Swords can mean that there’s a chance of infidelity, dishonesty, or secrets in your relationship. One of you may be trying to pull the wool over the other’s eyes. This is a good time to have honest and open communication with your partner.
Career
If you’re doing a reading about your career, the Seven of Swords suggests there’s a competitive vibe at work and someone may be trying to undermine you. You may want to be cautious about who you trust at work. It’s possible a co-worker isn’t being truthful.
Finances
When the Seven of Swords appears in a reading about finances, it can mean that you could be vulnerable to financial scams, or that you might experience losses due to dishonest people. Exercise caution with investments and financial decisions, and don’t be afraid to ask for a second opinion before you commit to a major purchase.
The Seven of Swords: Feelings and Actions
The Seven of Swords speaks to both our internal emotions and our external behaviors. Here’s how this card might manifest:
The Seven of Swords as Feelings
When the Seven of Swords appears, it might signal feelings of:
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Distrust
You may also feel a strong need to keep secrets or be overly guarded in your interactions with others.
The Seven of Swords as Actions
The Seven of Swords can also represent specific actions, such as:
- Taking shortcuts or engaging in questionable behavior to achieve your goals.
- Avoiding confrontation and responsibility whenever possible.
What does the Seven of Swords mean when reversed?
Generally, the reversed Seven of Swords suggests a need for honesty. If you’ve been less than truthful, it can indicate that your lies will be exposed, and you’ll face the consequences.
But it’s not all bad news. A reversed Seven of Swords can also point to a potential reconciliation after a period of deception. Maybe you were dishonest, but you’re now willing to make amends.
This card often represents a willingness to take responsibility for your actions, even if it’s difficult. It’s about owning up to your mistakes and trying to do better.
Ultimately, the reversed Seven of Swords is a card about exposure. Secrets come to light, and while that can be painful, it also creates an opportunity for healing and growth.
The Seven of Swords reversed in specific contexts
When the Seven of Swords appears upside down, its meaning shifts slightly. Here’s how the card might be interpreted in different areas of your life:
Love
If you’re asking about love, the reversed Seven of Swords suggests that honesty and open communication are making a comeback in your relationship. Any secrets that were lurking in the shadows are now being revealed, which could lead to healing or, possibly, separation.
Career
In a career reading, the reversed Seven of Swords may indicate that dishonest behavior is being exposed at work. There’s also a chance for you to make amends for past mistakes and rebuild trust with your colleagues and superiors.
Finances
When it comes to finances, the reversed Seven of Swords implies that financial scams or dishonest dealings are coming to light. It’s a reminder to be honest and transparent in all your financial matters.
Seven of Swords Reversed: Feelings and Actions
When the Seven of Swords appears in reverse, it carries a different weight. It often speaks to inner feelings and outward actions related to honesty and accountability.
Reversed Seven of Swords as Feelings
This card in reverse can signify a wave of guilt or remorse washing over you. You might feel a strong urge to make amends for past mistakes.
On the other hand, it can also represent a sense of relief after finally being honest and transparent, like a weight has been lifted.
Reversed Seven of Swords as Actions
The actions associated with the reversed Seven of Swords involve facing up to your past. This could mean confessing to past wrongdoings and taking responsibility for your actions.
It’s also a card that signals efforts to rebuild trust and repair relationships that may have been damaged by dishonesty or deception.
Summary
The Seven of Swords in the Tarot is a complex card, full of warnings about deception, betrayal, and getting away with something. It points to the need for strategic thinking but, more importantly, highlights the vital role of honesty and trust in our dealings with others.
When this card appears, it’s time to really look at your motivations and consider the potential consequences of your actions. Are you being completely honest with yourself and others? Are you taking the easy way out, even if it means compromising your integrity?
The Seven of Swords encourages you to embrace honesty and transparency in all you do. Use your strategic thinking skills to navigate challenging situations with integrity and foresight, not to manipulate or deceive.
Remember, the Tarot is a tool for personal growth. Each card offers valuable insights, and the Seven of Swords is no exception. Let its lessons guide you towards making ethical choices and building relationships based on trust and mutual respect.