Today we’ll cover the meaning and interpretation of the Seven of Swords tarot card. This is a part of a deep dive series on the tarot.
Summary
| Category | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Upright | Deception, trickery, betrayal, stealth, sneakiness, strategy |
| Reversed | Coming clean, confession, admitting wrongdoing, being caught |
| Astrology | Moon in Aquarius |
| Love | Dishonesty, infidelity, secrets, hidden agendas, cheating |
| Career | Work-related theft, office politics, subterfuge, lack of trust |
| Finances | Financial mismanagement, theft, hidden expenses, fraud |
| Past | A time of great deception, getting away with something, cunning |
| Present | Need to be careful, watch out for deception and betrayal, and be strategic |
| Future | Potential for deception and betrayal, need to be cautious and vigilant |
The Seven of Swords tarot card description
The Seven of Swords tarot card is a complex image that typically depicts a man sneaking away with seven swords, symbolizing stealth, cunning and a sense of theft or betrayal.
The background of the card can vary, but often shows a battlefield or a moonlit sky, emphasizing the sneaking and sneaky nature of the man’s actions.
Other elements that may appear on the card include sheaths or scabbards for the stolen swords, a body of water, hills or mountains, and possibly a guard or two who have been outwitted by the thief.
In some interpretations, the Seven of Swords can represent a decision to act alone or to take risks in order to achieve one’s goals. It can also represent feelings of guilt or a sense of wrongdoing in relation to one’s actions.
Overall, the Seven of Swords is a multifaceted image that can evoke a range of emotions and interpretations, from triumph and victory to regret and guilt.
The Seven of Swords card keywords
Some keywords associated with the Seven of Swords tarot card are:
- Betrayal
- Stealth
- Cunning
- Theft
- Deception
- Risk-taking
- Solitude
- Decision making
- Guilt
- Isolation
- Victory
- Moonlit
- Battlefield
- Outwitting
- Ill-gotten gains
Astrology of the Seven of Swords card
In tarot, each card is sometimes associated with a specific astrological sign or planet.
The Seven of Swords is sometimes linked to the planet Mercury, which is associated with communication, commerce, and movement. Mercury is also associated with trickery and cunning, making it a fitting planetary influence for the Seven of Swords.
The Seven of Swords is also sometimes associated with the sign of Gemini, which is known for being adaptable, communicative, and quick-witted.
Like the planet Mercury, Gemini is associated with duality and the balancing of opposite forces, which ties in with the themes of betrayal and cunning in the Seven of Swords.
Upright Seven of Swords tarot card meaning
What is the meaning of the upright Seven of Swords card?
The upright Seven of Swords tarot card is often interpreted as a symbol of deceit and theft, depicting a figure sneaking away with seven swords. It can also represent taking risks and acting alone but also evoke feelings of guilt and a sense of wrongdoing.
The upright Seven of Swords is often interpreted as a card of deceit and theft. It depicts a figure sneaking away with seven swords, symbolizing the act of taking something that doesn’t belong to them.
The background of the card, whether a battlefield or moonlit sky, emphasizes the sneaky and secretive nature of the person’s actions. This card can suggest that the person represented in the card, or the person receiving the reading, is engaging in some form of deceitful behavior.
In some interpretations, the Seven of Swords can also represent a decision to act alone or to take risks in order to achieve one’s goals. It can indicate a willingness to cut corners and engage in unethical behavior to achieve success.
However, the Seven of Swords can also indicate feelings of guilt or a sense of wrongdoing. It may suggest that the person is aware of the unethical nature of their actions and is struggling with the consequences.
This card can also warn against the dangers of acting impulsively without considering the potential consequences.
Overall, the upright Seven of Swords is a complex card that can suggest both the potential for deceit and cunning, as well as the potential for feelings of guilt and a sense of wrongdoing. The card may prompt the reader to reflect on their own actions and motives.
Example upright Seven of Swords reading
Janice had a recent fight with her boyfriend. She turns to the tarot for help and draws the upright Seven of Swords. What does this mean?
If Janice draws the upright Seven of Swords in the context of a recent fight with her boyfriend, it may suggest that she feels as if she has been deceitful or has taken something from the relationship that doesn’t belong to her.
Alternatively, it could indicate that she has acted alone or taken risks in the relationship, which may have contributed to the recent conflict.
However, the Seven of Swords can also represent feelings of guilt or a sense of wrongdoing, so it may be indicating that Janice is aware that she has done something wrong in the relationship and is struggling with the consequences.
It’s important to remember that tarot readings are open to interpretation, and the ultimate meaning of the Seven of Swords will depend on the individual reader and their interpretation of the card.
Reversed Seven of Swords card tarot meaning
What is the meaning of the reversed Seven of Swords tarot card?
The reversed Seven of Swords in tarot can indicate a change away from deceit and unethical behavior, suggesting the person is moving towards honesty and uprightness. It can also represent overcoming feelings of guilt and a sense of wrongdoing, indicating the person is taking steps to make amends and heal relationships.
The reversed Seven of Swords can represent a change in the energies previously associated with the upright card. In a reversed position, the Seven of Swords can suggest that the deceit and theft previously depicted are no longer present.
Instead, it can indicate that the person represented in the card, or the person receiving the reading, is moving away from unethical behavior and taking steps towards a more honest and upright path.
Additionally, the reversed Seven of Swords can suggest that the person is overcoming feelings of guilt or a sense of wrongdoing. It may indicate that they are taking steps to make amends for past actions and to correct any mistakes they may have made.
The reversed Seven of Swords can also suggest that the person is learning to trust themselves and others again after experiencing betrayal.
Overall, the reversed Seven of Swords can indicate a positive change in the person’s behavior and a movement away from deceit and unethical behavior towards a more honest and trustworthy path.
The card may be seen as a positive sign, indicating that the person is taking steps to heal and improve their relationships and circumstances.
Example reversed Seven of Swords reading
Karen finds herself laying awake at night thinking about death. She does a tarot reading and draws the reversed Seven of Swords. What does this mean?
If Karen draws the reversed Seven of Swords in the context of her thoughts about death, it may suggest that she is moving away from negative or fearful thoughts about death.
The reversed Seven of Swords can indicate a change away from deceit and unethical behavior, so it may suggest that Karen is finding a more positive and honest approach to thinking about death and her own mortality.
Additionally, the reversed Seven of Swords can suggest that Karen is overcoming feelings of guilt or a sense of wrongdoing, which could relate to her thoughts about death.
It may indicate that she is taking steps to make peace with her own mortality and to find comfort in the idea of death as a natural part of life.
Overall, the reversed Seven of Swords in this context can indicate a positive change in Karen’s thoughts and attitudes towards death, suggesting that she is moving towards a more accepting and peaceful understanding of her own mortality.
The card may be seen as a positive sign, offering reassurance and comfort to Karen as she navigates her thoughts and feelings about death.
Meanings of the Seven of Swords in tarot positions
Depending on the position of the Seven of Swords card, you will need to interpret it differently.
Love Seven of Swords tarot meaning
In a love context, the Seven of Swords can indicate a situation where one person may be taking something from the relationship without the other person’s knowledge or consent. This can suggest that there may be a lack of trust in the relationship, or that one person is being deceitful.
Additionally, the Seven of Swords can represent a sense of loneliness or feeling like one is acting alone in the relationship. This can suggest that the person is feeling disconnected from their partner, or that they are struggling to find their place in the relationship.
However, the Seven of Swords can also indicate taking risks in the relationship. This can suggest that the person is willing to put themselves out there and try new things, even if there is a sense of uncertainty.
Overall, the Seven of Swords in a love context can suggest a complex and potentially challenging situation, with a mix of deceit, theft, loneliness, and risk-taking.
The card may indicate that there is a need for more honesty, trust, and connection in the relationship in order to find balance and stability.
Career Seven of Swords tarot meaning
In a career context, the Seven of Swords can indicate a situation where one is being deceitful or sneaky, potentially taking ideas or information from a colleague or company.
It can suggest that the person is feeling like they need to act alone and not rely on the support of others in order to achieve their goals.
The Seven of Swords can also indicate taking risks in one’s career, and potentially going against the norm in order to succeed. However, this risk-taking may also come with a sense of uncertainty, and the person may feel like they are acting outside of their comfort zone.
Additionally, the Seven of Swords can represent a feeling of isolation or feeling like one is not being supported in their career. This can suggest that the person is feeling disconnected from their colleagues or superiors, or that they are struggling to find their place in the work environment.
Overall, the Seven of Swords in a career context can suggest a complex and potentially challenging situation, with elements of deceit, theft, risk-taking, and isolation.
The card may indicate that the person needs to find a balance between taking risks and relying on the support of others in order to achieve success and fulfillment in their career.
Finances Seven of Swords tarot meaning
In a financial context, the Seven of Swords can indicate a situation where one may be taking shortcuts or acting deceitfully in order to acquire wealth or financial gain.
This can suggest that the person is taking risks with their finances and may be engaging in unethical behavior in order to achieve their financial goals.
Additionally, the Seven of Swords can represent a sense of isolation or feeling like one is acting alone when it comes to their finances.
This can suggest that the person is feeling disconnected from their financial advisors or support systems, or that they are struggling to find their footing in their financial situation.
The Seven of Swords can also indicate taking risks with one’s finances, and potentially going against conventional wisdom in order to achieve financial gain. However, this risk-taking may also come with a sense of uncertainty, and the person may feel like they are acting outside of their comfort zone.
Overall, the Seven of Swords in a financial context can suggest a complex and potentially challenging situation, with elements of deceit, theft, risk-taking, and isolation.
The card may indicate that the person needs to find a balance between taking financial risks and relying on support in order to achieve stability and security in their finances.
Advanced modern tarot interpretations of the Seven of Swords card
I always like to examine other, modern decks to see what can be read into their symbolism.
The reason for this is that every person will have different decks, so it’s good to learn how to go with your gut on what you see. This is the best way to have a good interpretation of the moment.
Too many people stick to a learned reading instead of going with the flow. Remember, each reading, deck, person, position, and question is different. Reading the cards is an art, not a science.
Here is a new interpretation of the Seven of Swords tarot card:
The Seven of Swords indicates a situation where one may be acting deceitfully or taking shortcuts in order to gain social media influence or popularity.
This can suggest that the person is engaging in unethical behavior, such as buying followers or likes, or spreading false information, in order to increase their online presence.
Additionally, the Seven of Swords can represent a sense of isolation or feeling like one is acting alone when it comes to social media. This can suggest that the person is feeling disconnected from their online community, or that they are struggling to find their place in the social media landscape.
The Seven of Swords can also indicate taking risks on social media, and potentially going against conventional wisdom in order to gain attention. However, this risk-taking may also come with a sense of uncertainty, and the person may feel like they are acting outside of their comfort zone.
Overall, the Seven of Swords in a social media context can suggest a complex and potentially challenging situation, with elements of deceit, theft, risk-taking, and isolation.
The card may indicate that the person needs to find a balance between taking social media risks and relying on the support of a genuine online community in order to achieve a positive and fulfilling online presence.
Back to the Minor Arcana list.
The previous card was the Six of Swords tarot card and the next card is the Eight of Swords card.
References
- Dean, L. (2018). The Tarot Companion: A Portable Guide to Reading the Cards for Yourself and Others. Fair Winds Press.
