Minor Arcana · Swords

Seven of Swords

Acting by stealth.

Think carefully; a sly approach needs honesty about its cost.

strategy
secrecy
caution

Element: Air

What the card shows

A figure tiptoes away from a military camp carrying five swords and looking back, leaving two swords stuck in the ground.

Seven is the number of trials. The sneaking figure is taking a risk alone, and leaving two swords behind shows he could not carry everything. It raises the question of whether the plan is smart or only evasive.

▲Upright

Strategy, secrecy or avoiding a direct approach.

Lightcleverness, strategy, independence

Shadowdeception, dodging responsibility

LoveSomething not being said; hidden motives.

WorkTaking shortcuts or working around a rule.

Where am I avoiding being direct?

▼Reversed

Coming clean, or getting caught out.

Releasing: confession.

Excess: deceit.

Blocked: unable to act.

What would honesty cost me here, and what does avoiding it cost?

Seven of Swords in a reading

In love

Something not being said; hidden motives.

Reversed: Coming clean, or getting caught out.

At work

Taking shortcuts or working around a rule.

Its shadow side: deception, dodging responsibility.

As one of the Swords

Thought, conflict and truth. The suit's element is Air. It shows where in daily life the reading plays out.

All Swords

Related cards

The other sevens, and The Chariot, Major Arcana card 7: the same stage of a story in other parts of life.

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Elemental dignities

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Questions about Seven of Swords

What does Seven of Swords mean in tarot?

Strategy, secrecy or avoiding a direct approach. Keywords: strategy, secrecy, caution.

What does Seven of Swords mean reversed?

Coming clean, or getting caught out. Releasing: confession. Excess: deceit. Blocked: unable to act.

What does Seven of Swords mean in love?

Something not being said; hidden motives.

What does Seven of Swords mean for work?

Taking shortcuts or working around a rule.

What question does Seven of Swords ask?

Upright: Where am I avoiding being direct? Reversed: What would honesty cost me here, and what does avoiding it cost?

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