By Katrina Rasbold
The 7 of Swords from Pamela Colman Smith’s iconic Rider-Waite Tarot deck is a card that captures intrigue, strategy, and ethical ambiguity. Its vivid imagery and layered symbolism invite rich interpretation. In this blog post, we will delve into the meaning, symbolism, and potential messages of this enigmatic card.
Visual Description
In the Rider-Waite depiction, the 7 of Swords shows a man sneaking away from a military encampment at dusk. He clutches five swords in his arms while two remain standing upright in the ground behind him. His expression is sly, and his body language suggests stealth and a desire to avoid detection. The background features tents, hinting at a temporary setting such as a battlefield or camp. The sky’s golden hue evokes the transition from day to night, symbolizing liminal spaces or moments of change.
Core Symbolism
The visual elements of the 7 of Swords offer several layers of symbolic meaning:
1. The Swords
Swords in the Tarot represent intellect, communication, and conflict. In this card, the man’s act of taking the swords suggests a calculated, mental strategy rather than brute force. It raises questions about the ethics of his actions—is he acting out of necessity or selfishness? The two swords left behind may symbolize incomplete plans, oversight, or a deliberate decision to leave something unresolved.
2. The Sneaking Figure
The central figure’s sneaky posture is a clear nod to deception or secrecy. This could be interpreted as theft, subterfuge, or a strategic retreat. His actions might indicate clever problem-solving or a need to outwit opponents, but they also point to dishonesty and lack of transparency.
3. The Military Encampment
The tents suggest a temporary state of affairs, emphasizing the transient nature of the situation. They may symbolize the impermanence of plans, alliances, or even the man’s own strategy. The camp’s association with conflict hints that the stakes are high.
4. The Golden Sky
The twilight setting reflects duality and transition. It’s a time when clarity dims, mirroring the murky ethics of the situation. This also indicates an opportunity to act before full darkness or total light, a metaphor for seizing the moment.
Keywords
- Strategy
- Deception
- Cunning
- Escape
- Ethical Ambiguity
- Problem-solving
Upright Interpretation
When the 7 of Swords appears upright in a reading, it often signifies the need for strategy and careful planning. It may indicate a situation requiring discretion, whether to avoid conflict or to protect oneself. While the card suggests cleverness, it also warns of the potential consequences of dishonesty.
Themes for upright readings include:
- Acting strategically rather than impulsively
- Avoiding direct confrontation
- Being mindful of hidden agendas, either yours or others’
- Managing resources and priorities wisely
Reversed Interpretation
When reversed, the 7 of Swords may indicate exposure of deceit or failed strategies. It can represent self-deception, guilt, or the inability to “get away with it.” On the positive side, the reversal can suggest a return to honesty or abandoning underhanded tactics in favor of straightforward approaches.
Themes for reversed readings include:
- Facing the consequences of one’s actions
- Owning up to mistakes
- Learning to operate transparently
- Misjudging a situation or plan
Contextual Meanings in Readings
The 7 of Swords’ meaning shifts depending on the context of the reading:
1. Love and Relationships
In relationships, this card may signal secrecy, lack of trust, or one partner feeling the need to “escape.” Alternatively, it could suggest clever ways to navigate challenges in the relationship.
2. Career and Finances
This card often indicates workplace politics, strategic moves to outmaneuver competitors, or the need to guard intellectual property. It could also warn against unethical behavior.
3. Personal Growth
On a personal level, the 7 of Swords might encourage you to outthink obstacles, but it also prompts reflection on the ethics of your strategies. Are you acting in alignment with your values?
Archetypal Connections
The 7 of Swords aligns with archetypes of the trickster or strategist. Figures like Hermes, Loki, or Odysseus embody similar qualities of cunning and adaptability, often blurring the line between hero and antihero. These archetypes remind us that intelligence and strategy are double-edged swords, capable of both harm and benefit.
Shadow and Light
Every Tarot card contains dualities. The 7 of Swords’ shadow side warns against dishonesty, betrayal, and cutting corners. However, its light side celebrates resourcefulness, wit, and the ability to find unconventional solutions to problems.
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The 7 of Swords is a card of nuance, demanding a closer look at motives, methods, and consequences. Whether it’s encouraging you to think outside the box or warning you about deceit, its message is one of awareness and strategy. When it appears, take time to assess your current situation—are you being clever, or are you being cunning? Are your actions aligned with your values, or are they driven by desperation? The answers to these questions can guide you toward a more informed and ethical path forward.
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Katrina Rasbold is a professional Witch, published author, priestess, and editor of Green Egg Magazine. She and her husband, Eric, are the creators of the CUSP spiritual path and owners of Crossroads Occult. She is the author of Tarot For Real People. You can reach her through www.katrinarasbold.com.