Suit: Suit of Swords
Card Type: Minor Arcana
Tarot Element: Air
Star Sign: Aquarius
Planet: Moon
Angel: Archangel Michael
Key Meaning: Secrets and Lies
The Seven of Swords indicates that someone is behaving sneakily behind your back.
Number 7 Meaning In Tarot
All sevens, including the Seven of Cups, Seven of Pentacles and Seven of Wands indicate an opportunity for personal growth. As Swords relate to mind and communication – it means personal growth comes at this time by being ethical with your actions and words.
A to Z: List of Tarot Cards
Seven of Swords Keywords
😒 Upright: Lying, gossip, unexpected twist, being clever
😒 Reversed: Lies revealed, being honest, good advice
Seven of Swords Description
This description is based on the Rider Waite Tarot Deck. A warrior has entered an encampment by stealth and is making off with five enemy swords. This is a man with a plan. He leaves two swords behind, because he can only carry so many. Traditionally this card represents lies, fraud and sneaky behavior. However, it can also have a positive twist. If you are dealing with a tricky or competitive situation, it can guide you to be clever, quick and smart. In other words, make sure you have a plan and take no chances.
LOVE: What does The Seven of Swords Mean when You Ask About Love?
When this card turns up in a love reading, the meaning will depend on whether or not you are in a relationship.
❤️ If you asked will I find love? – this card means that you are looking for love in the wrong places. Perhaps you have dated married people, or you yourself are married.
❤️ If you have just met someone, be aware. They may not really be single, or they could be faking their identity.
❤️ If you suspect your partner is lying or having an affair, this card means you should trust your intuition.
❤️ Your Other Relationships: If you asked is my friend/colleague/family member trustworthy or telling the truth? The answer is, probably not.
CAREER: What does This Card Signify when You Ask About Work?
If your question relates to work, business or study and you receive the 7 of Swords, then here is your guidance:
⭕ In work, this card can have a positive message. It encourages you to set your goal and make a plan. If you want to achieve something specific, such as a promotion or win an award, you will need to use your wits, make your own rules and don’t play the same game as everyone else.
⭕ Stay alert to back-stabbing in work, someone may be trying to undermine you behind your back or steal your ideas.
⭕ If you asked, is this business partnership or collaboration a good idea? This card cautions you to be wary. Everything is not as it seems.
MONEY: What is the Meaning of The Seven of Swords in a Money Reading?
💲 If you asked the Tarot about money and you receive the 7 of Swords, it cautions you not to fall for scams or get-rich-quick schemes. At the very least, do not risk more than you can afford to lose.
💲 There may be a need to make your home more secure against danger from fire or theft. It wouldn’t be a bad time to save up some money, either. Look at the Tarot cards surrounding the seven of Swords in your spread for a specific indication of where you need to apply extra caution.
Tarot Card Combination Meanings
“7 of Swords combined with The Devil” – Don’t trust them, when they say things will improve.
“Combined with The Star” – Do trust them, when they say things will improve.
“7 of Swords combined with The Empress” – Successful pregnancy after miscarriage.
HEALTH: What does The Seven of Swords Mean when You Ask About Health?
In a health reading this card means, put a little more effort into simple precautionary measures which may prevent a problem sneaking up on you later. For example, keep your weight at a healthy level and exercise to keep your joints flexible. Are you taking vitamins? Are you practising safe sex? Maybe book yourself a general health checkup.
YES/NO: Does The Seven of Swords Mean Yes or No in a Reading?
❓ When you ask a Yes or No question and the 7 of Swords turns up, then the answer is NO.
TIMING: Does The Seven of Swords Predict any Particular Timeframe?
🕔 This card is only a timing indication when you specifically asked a timeframe question. For example, if you want to know if something will happen, and when, then you need to draw two separate cards. These are in fact, two separate questions. This is a fundamental principle to understand if you want an accurate tarot reading – and it is core to my teaching in my book Tarot in 5 Minutes.
🕔 Using my timing method, the 7 of Swords is about 7 days. If the card is reversed, timing will be slightly longer – so up to 10 days.
Karina’s Timing Method:
Swords are days. Wands are weeks. Cups are months and Pentacles are years. Please note this is my personal timing method. Feel free to adopt it (or not).
What is the Meaning of The Seven of Swords Reversed?
When the 7 of Swords is upside down then the swords drop out of the thief’s arms, and the noise wakes up the sleeping guards.
✔️ Lies are revealed. Now at least everyone knows the truth. Sometimes this card literally means, being caught in the act.
✔️You lay your cards on the table and admit what you really feel.
✔️ Someone offers you sensible advice.
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Seven of Swords Symbolism
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Complete List: Tarot Card Meanings
Karina, author of Tarot in 5 Minutes.
