The Seven of Swords represents craftiness, daring solutions, theft, dishonesty, disarming an opponent or impulsiveness. Often this card represents a far-fetched scheme or some kind of unorthodox solution which may or may not actually address the problem it is purporting to solve or avoid. It is an approach that is not straightforward, or which involves secrecy, trickery or deceit. Often this card implies a failed or sloppy attempt, or a “band-aid” which may in the short term alleviate some tension but which may in the long term worsen or complicate the underlying condition— mostly literally suggested by the fact that the man is not looking ahead where he is walking. This contorted stance also suggests diversion, as he directs attention away from his armfuls of stolen booty with his backward-turned expression, like a magician distracting you by one hand while he steals your watch with the other. The man stealing the swords in the picture is acting alone, and sometimes this card may indicate having to carry an entire situation by yourself, or not being able to rally support or favor for your undertaking.
The card can suggest hidden motives or goals, but it can also mean, in a somewhat more innocent interpretation, hiding our true feelings and maintaining a facade on the exterior. The power to conceal, misrepresent and contrive all belong to the Swords suit, for it is through words and thoughts that we are able to weave narratives, construct perspectives and affect how others perceive us. This card may indicate that we are hiding the truth of the situation behind a story, or keeping others at a safe distance through wit, cleverness, lies or out of a resistance to being emotionally vulnerable. It may indicate outright lying, “mishandling the facts”, or simply trying to gloss over a complicated or emotional situation with empty words.
Astrological Association:
The Seven of Swords is connected to Mercury, as a symbol of cunning, deceit, dishonesty and insincerity.
Card meanings upright:
The Seven of Swords card can indicate that something in your life is moving forward in a less than honorable manner. You or someone in your life may be acting with dishonesty or trying to get out of a particular situation with lies.
Card meanings reversed:
When the Seven of Swords card is reversed, it can represent clumsiness or forgetfulness in your life, especially with regard to remembering lies that have been told, and to whom. If you are sneaking around or cheating, you may soon lose track of all your lies and be exposed. If you have been feeling paranoid or afraid, despite doing nothing wrong, then you may soon be used as a scapegoat by someone else in your life, so choose your company with care.
