Key Meanings

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Deception, stealth, trickery, strategy, cunning, betrayal, getting away with something, avoidance, dishonesty, shortcuts, acting alone, self-interest

Reversed

Coming clean, confession, guilty conscience, getting caught, accountability, self-deception, turning over a new leaf, returned stolen goods, clearing the air, rethinking a plan, owning up, learning from mistakes

General Interpretation

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In a general context, the Seven of Swords is not a great omen. It can represent sneakiness, deception and backstabbing. It can indicate that someone else is involved in some underhanded behaviour. However, it can also indicate that you are trying to get away with things, cutting corners or avoiding the truth. There is a strong sense of acting alone to get something you want with this card, rather than confronting things in an upfront manner. Seven of Swords can mean that you are being strategic and sharp-minded when selecting your battles, which is fine in and of itself. However, usually this card sees something amiss. There is some kind of deception involved or someone is not being completely honest with you.

Reversed

When the Seven of Swords shows up reversed, the secrecy unravels, lies are revealed and hidden agendas exposed. It can be a sign that you will be forced to face the music where dishonesty is no longer an option. It can also indicate that you are seeking a fresh start by clearing the air after running from the truth for a while. Alternatively, the Seven of Swords Tarot card reversed can indicate that you are deceiving yourself about something that you know to be true on some level. Whatever the case, this card reversed indicates that something that was being hidden is coming to light.

Love & Partnership

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In existing relationships, the Seven of Swords is a bit of a warning sign in the honesty stakes. It can signify keeping secrets in a relationship, and while this can simply be a case of being dishonest with your partner about your feelings or finances, it can indicate infidelity as well. This card does not necessarily indicate cheating, but it does indicate that one of you is not being completely candid. There are games being played even if they seem minor. The trust between two people is fragile when this card appears and it is always about what's not being said.

For single people, this card can be a warning sign to watch out for potential partners who are not what they appear to be. It represents charm masking selfish intentions. That potential love interest who is a little bit too suave or a little bit too perfect may just be a con artist. However, the Seven of Swords in a love Tarot reading for single people can simply indicate a tendency to be emotionally unavailable or to shy away from true intimacy. The deception in this case isn't necessarily coming from another person. It may be coming from you!

Reversed

In partnerships, the Seven of Swords in a reversed position can signify a turning point. A partner who was keeping something under wraps may finally come clean, or the cycle of deception may begin to break. While this revelation may be painful, it can ultimately be a healing process as the relationship is given the opportunity to start anew on a more truthful footing. It does not necessarily mean that the relationship will survive, but it does signify the end of the charade.

For the single person, the Seven of Swords reversed can signify breaking old patterns. Perhaps you have had a tendency to pursue people who were unavailable or you turned a blind eye to warning signs in past relationships. The Seven of Swords in a reversed position shows that you are becoming aware of these patterns. It can also indicate that someone who was being deceitful will reveal their true colours, allowing you to leave the situation before you become too entangled.

Social Relationships

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In the context of existing friendships or social circles, the Seven of Swords indicates that there may be gossip going around about you or someone may be attempting to manipulate you or use you. A friend may be badmouthing you behind your back. Alternatively, there may be someone in your social group who is a troublemaker or drama queen and causes rows or arguments for their own personal gain. This card signifies social situations where people are two-faced or disloyal. It is also a card of mistrust.

If you've made new social connections, the Seven of Swords tells you to be cautious. New friends might not be as genuine as you think. Someone may be nice to you simply because they want to use you and not because they like you or value the friendship. That's not to say all new people are bad, just be mindful that this card brings a sense of slippery energy or a sense that first impressions can be deceiving.

Reversed

In established social relationships, the Seven of Swords reversed can indicate that a betrayal or deception will be revealed. Perhaps you discover that a friend has been disloyal to you. Or perhaps someone close to you comes clean about actions they regret. This revelation may lead to some honest dialogue that either makes some friendships stronger or breaks others off entirely. The masks come off, for better or worse.

With new social connections, the reversal brings a healthier energy. People who weren't trustworthy tend to show their hand early. Red flags are easier to notice and harder to dismiss, which is good! Your instincts will be sharper and your tolerance for fake people will be lower with the Seven of Swords Tarot card in a reversed position. New connections made during this time will tend to be more genuine for this reason.

Work & Career

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In a career context, the Seven of Swords can signify office politics, backstabbing or someone stealing credit for work. It can simply represent a colleague who has ulterior motives or a work environment where everyone is out for themselves. On a lighter note, it can sometimes simply indicate being strategic - holding your cards close to your chest because it's a competitive environment. However, the shadow meaning is still present. Cutting corners or underhanded tactics or deals in a work setting are associated with this card.

Reversed

In a career reading, the Seven of Swords reversed can indicate deception in the workplace being exposed. Someone who was stealing your ideas or playing dirty may be exposed. However, it can also be an indication that you have made a conscious choice to cease and desist with the questionable tactics in your work life. You may suffer the repercussions of any shortcuts you've taken or any underhanded tactics you've employed previously. The positive is that things will become more transparent and above board. You can have a fresh start, but usually that fresh start follows a period of being made to account for your actions, which is not going to be pleasant.

Money & Finance

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In a financial context, the Seven of Swords warns you to be on the lookout for money-related dishonesty. This can cover the gamut from financial fraud and dodgy deals to a partner or flatmate failing to be honest about their contribution to bills. It also signifies risky financial shortcuts which you may think you have smartly gotten away with, but which will bite you in the backside eventually. Theft, scams or concealed debts could be involved when this card appears. Even if there is no criminal activity, this card indicates that financial gambles are being taken without full disclosure or with a risky get-rich-quick attitude.

Reversed

In a financial context, the Seven of Swords reversed can indicate financial dishonesty being exposed or rectified. Stolen money may be returned. A fraud is uncovered. Concealed debts are revealed. It can also signify someone opting to manage their finances in an honest manner after previously engaging in financial foolishness or deception. Old financial habits begin to change. The truth of a financial situation is revealed and although it may be painful initially, it will be better for you in the long run.

Spirituality

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Spiritually, the Seven of Swords indicates that you are being intellectually dishonest with yourself. It can also be an indication of spiritual bypassing, i.e. using the language of spirituality or spiritual practices as a way of avoiding real issues. There is a gap between what you say you believe and how you are behaving. It can also signify that you are relying too much on mind games rather than doing the proper inner work. Your ego is in control and telling you that your cleverness can substitute for actually growing up!

Reversed

When reversed, the Seven of Swords in a spiritual context indicates that you are finally being honest with yourself. The lies you tell yourself lose their grip. You drop your guard. There is now room for authentic spiritual growth because you are willing to confront the truth even if it's uncomfortable. It can signify the end of a period of going through the motions in terms of your spirituality and beginning to actually make a genuine change.