Seven of Swords: modern RWS Tarot Card Meanings
‘The 7 of Swords’, Rider Waite Smith tarot deck.
Upright Seven of Swords Meanings
Keywords
Deception, Theft, Strategy, Betrayal, Cunning, Getting Away with It
Generally
The Seven of Swords is a card of cunning, strategy, and often, deception. It depicts a figure sneaking away from a camp with five swords, leaving two behind. This suggests a partial victory or an act that is not fully complete. This card often points to a situation involving betrayal, theft, or using one's wits to get out of a difficult situation. It is about acting alone, sometimes with stealth and secrecy. It serves as a warning to be wary of those around you, but it can also represent a need for a strategic, if unorthodox, approach to a problem.
In a Love Context
In a love reading, this card is a strong indicator of deception, infidelity, or a lack of honesty. One partner may be keeping secrets, sneaking around, or not being entirely truthful. It represents a betrayal of trust. For someone who is single, it can warn against potential partners who are not what they seem, or it can reflect your own reluctance to be fully open and vulnerable in a new relationship.
In a Money/Career Context
This card can point to unethical behavior in the workplace, such as stealing ideas, taking shortcuts, or "corporate espionage." Someone may be acting in their own self-interest at the expense of the team. On another level, it can advise a strategic, solo approach. You may need to act independently and use your cunning to navigate a difficult professional situation, but the card warns that this path is risky and may have consequences.
In a Spiritual Context
Spiritually, the Seven of Swords often points to self-deception. It is about avoiding difficult truths or lying to yourself about your motivations or spiritual progress. It warns against taking intellectual shortcuts on your spiritual path, as true understanding cannot be stolen or cheated into existence. It is a call to be rigorously honest with yourself.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
Be strategic and think for yourself. You may need to act alone and keep your plans to yourself for now. However, be mindful of the ethical line you are walking.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
A situation involving deception or a strategic maneuver. Someone will get away with something, but it may not be a total victory.
As Obstacles
Deception, betrayal, and a lack of trust are blocking progress. Someone is acting dishonestly, or you are being encouraged to do so.
As Hidden Energy
A secret plot or betrayal is happening behind the scenes. Someone is not being upfront about their intentions.
As Resources/Alliances
Your own sharp mind, cunning, and ability to think strategically. The capacity to act independently.
‘The Seven of Swords’ Reversed
Keywords
Confession, Honesty, Getting Caught, Conscience, Facing the Truth
Generally
Reversed, the Seven of Swords signifies an unburdening of secrets or the consequences of deception coming to light. The thief is having a crisis of conscience and may want to return what was stolen. This card represents a desire to come clean, a confession, or being caught in a lie. It is about facing the music, clearing the air, and dealing with the aftermath of dishonest actions. The period of deception is ending, and the truth is emerging.
In a Love Context
In a love reading, this card reversed often indicates a confession. Secrets are revealed, and the truth comes out. This could be an admission of infidelity or other betrayals. While the revelation may be painful, it clears the air and allows for the possibility of genuine healing, or a clean break. It represents a move towards honesty within the relationship.
In a Money/Career Context
This can signify a dishonest scheme being exposed at work. Someone who has been cutting corners or stealing ideas may be caught. Alternatively, it can represent a personal choice to act with more integrity, abandoning a plan that felt unethical. It's about a desire to do things the right way and clear your conscience.
In a Spiritual Context
Spiritually, this card reversed represents the end of self-deception. It is a powerful moment of clarity where you are finally ready to face your own inner truths, no matter how uncomfortable they may be. It is a time of spiritual confession, of unburdening yourself from guilt or illusion, and moving forward with a newfound sense of integrity.
In Common Spread Positions
As Advice
It is time to be honest with yourself and others. Come clean and face the consequences of your actions. Clear your conscience.
As (Ultimate) Outcome
The truth will be revealed. A confession will be made, leading to a resolution of the deception.
As Obstacles
Your own guilt or fear of getting caught is preventing you from moving forward. You are struggling to face the truth of a situation.
As Hidden Energy
A deep desire to confess and unburden yourself. A guilty conscience is working behind the scenes.
As Resources/Alliances
The liberating power of the truth. Your own conscience guiding you towards acting with integrity.
Additional Notes on The RWS ‘Seven of Swords’
Waite’s Divinatory Meanings of The Seven of Swords
"Design, attempt, wish, hope, confidence; also quarrelling, a plan that may fail, annoyance. Reversed: Good advice, counsel, instruction, slander, babbling." (The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, 1911)
RWS Seven of Swords Symbolism
A.E. Waite’s Seven of Swords depicts a man sneaking away from a group of tents, which symbolize a community or organization. He carries five swords in his arms, but he looks back over his shoulder at the two swords he has left behind, stuck in the ground. His expression is one of cunning and confidence, as if he is getting away with his heist. The scene represents strategy, stealth, and a partial victory achieved through unorthodox means.
Meditations On The Seven of Swords
In what area of my life am I not being completely honest?
Is it necessary for me to act alone right now, or am I unnecessarily isolating myself?
What does "getting away with it" truly mean for me, and what is the potential cost?
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